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Obituaries ................. 5 Police Report ............ 7 School News .......... 10 Classified Ads ........... 7 Sports ..................... 8

Serving Belmont, Mount Holly, Stanley, Cramerton and McAdenville

Volume 79 • Issue 45 • Wednesday, November 5, 2014

75¢

Belmont WWII veteran’s story one of war, love, and friendship

By Alan Hodge

alan.bannernwews@gmail.com

“I just wanted to do my job and save my hide so I could go home and get married.”

Those humble words by 90-year-old Robert Doby of Belmont don’t even begin to describe the things that happened to him in combat during WWII, but they do point to the love he felt for his girl Gladys and

This picture of Robert Doby was taken by a street photographer in Rome shortly after his unit, the 36th Inf. Div., entered the city on June 5, 1944.

Contributed Photo

their marriage that’s still going strong after 70 years.

The story begins with the couple growing up in the early 1940s on farms near one another on S. New Hope Rd. “I was riding a tractor down the road and saw her playing ball with some friends,” Robert recalled.

One thing led to another and they were soon engaged- but WWII reared its ugly head and they had to postpone the nuptials.

“I was drafted in May, 1943 when I was 18 years old,” said Robert. “I was sent to Camp Croft near Spartanburg, and went from there to Africa.”

Doby was a member of the 36th Infantry Division, a unit that took part in heavy fighting in the so-called “soft underbelly” of Europe including Italy and Southern France. He served in a machine gun squad.

“I was in Italy for seven months,” Doby said. “The terrain was bad. It was up one mountain and down the other.”

Doby’s unit saw serious struggle against the Germans.

“I saw the attacks trying to cross the Rapido River,” he said. “We lost 2,700 men before they were called off.”

He was also involved in fighting near Casino. The monastery there sat atop a mountain and was used by the Germans as a lookout post. It was bombed to rubble by the air force.

“We could see the planes come over and drop their bombs,” Doby said.

The weather turned nasty.

WWII veteran Robert Doby and his wife Gladys of Belmont were married nearly 70 years ago when he was recovering from wounds received in France.

Photo by Alan Hodge

“The weather was like an enemy too,” Doby said. “The mud was a foot deep so mules had to bring supplies. We had no winter clothes. All we got was ammunition and rations.”

While near Casino, Doby had a close call.

“An 88mm German shell hit our position,” he said. “It was a dud. Divine intervention kept us from being killed.”

The 36th Div. entered Rome on June 5,

1944 and Doby was there.

“Rome was the cleanest place I had seen in ten months,” he said. “The Germans pulled out and we went in.”

After leaving Rome, Doby and his unit went to Naples for amphibious training. On August 15, 1944 they assaulted the beach near Marseilles, France for real.

“I had my 20th birthday on board the See WWII VETERAN, page 2

Civil War Remembering a hometown hero

By Alan Hodge and Brian Duckworth alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Bobby and Melanie Black look over plans for the Mount Holly community garden they and others hope will be built on this vacant lot next to First United Methodist Church.

Photo By Alan Hodge

Community Garden could sprout in Mount Holly

By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

A number of highly successful community gardens, including one in Belmont, sprang up this past growing season and a group of folks in Mount Holly hope to add one to the list next spring.

Former Mount Holly mayor Bobby Black and his wife Melanie were recently approached by the Mount Holly Farmer’s Market leaders, including market director Scott Griffin, about heading up a committee to look into the possibility of creating a community garden.

Melanie, a former special education teacher who used gardening as a classroom tool at North Gaston High, was eager.

“I’ve always loved gardening,” she said. “We had a large garden at North Gaston in the late 70s and early 80s as well as a greenhouse.”

One of the first challenges the idea of a Mount Holly garden faced was location, location, location.

“Scott’s wife Suzanne spotted the vacant lot at First United Methodist Church,” Bobby said. “We asked the church if we could use it and they were gracious enough to agree.”

The lot has a history. A home once stood there.

“It was called the Farrar House,” Bobby said. “The church bought the property and cleared the house to have a paved parking lot on the front part of the lot. The back yard See GARDEN, page 2

Recently, Brian Duckworth of Stanley put on a wool uniform, grabbed a musket, made his way to Middleton, Virginia, fought in a battle, and became acquainted with descendants of a famous, local Civil War general.

It was quite a weekend.

Before he set off for Virginia, Duckworth, a Civil War reenactor with the 28th NC, took a little side trip to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in downtown Lincolnton.

“I was going to take part in the 150th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Cedar Creek which happened on October 19, 1864,” Duckworth said.

“Before I left, I wanted to pay my respects to General Stephen Dodson Ramseur, a Lincoln County native and Major General of the Confederate States Army.

I placed a battle flag at his grave and headed for my fellow reenactor David Harrill’s place.”

Harrill, a Lincoln County native and 26th North Carolina reenactor, was packed and ready to go. Once they arrived at the Cedar Creek Battlefield the pair set up dog tents and lived the lives of soldiers long ago for the weekend.

On Sunday, October 19,

Civil War reenactor Brian Duckworth of Stanley was in the thick of this action at the Battle of Cedar Creek that was held recently near Middleton, VA. Contributed Photo

Confederate and Union reenactors sparred over that same land where many brave Americans struggled and died for the causes for which they fought. One major casualty of this battle was Major General Stephen Dodson Ramseur.

“General Ramseur’s story fascinated me as a young boy growing up,” Duckworth said. “He was born in Lincoln County, NC on May 31, 1837. He was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and answered

the call to join the Confederacy in 1861. He ordered the 100-gun salute at the Raleigh State Capitol on May 20, 1861 when North Carolina seceded. He married Ellen Richmond in October of 1863 in Milton, North Carolina. Before the Battle of Cedar Creek a message was received by Ramseur that alerted him that his child had just recently been born. Wearing a flower on his lapel for his newborn child he went into the fight at Cedar Creek.

He had two horses shot out

Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park Construction To Begin

By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Work will soon begin on Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park on E. Catawba St. in Belmont.

The park, named for former Belmont mayor the late Kevin Loftin, will be located on the shores of the Catawba River near US29/74.

Belmont assistant city manager Adrian Miller outlined the progress being made on the park.

“We have received final construction plans, so we hope to put the project out for

See LOFTIN PARK, page 2

from under him during the fight and as he attempted to mount a third, he was struck by a gunshot that passed through both lungs.

Ramseur was taken to Belle Grove Plantation.

There he was visited by classmates from West Point such as General George Armstrong Custer. He lingered until the morning of October 20, 1864 where he died a Christian soldier.”

At the reenactment, Duckworth placed a second See CIVIL WAR, page 2

Belmont will have its annual Veteran's Day event on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11am in Stowe Park in front of the Spirit of the Fighting Yank WWII memorial statue.

There will be guest speakers and other patriotic activities.

The public is invited.

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Page 2

WWII VETERAN From page 1 ship,” Doby said.

The invasion saw the German 11th Army fall back rapidly, then make a stand in the mountains.

That’s where Doby got hit.

“On September 28 we were being attacked by machine gun and mortar fire and I got shot in the jaw,” he said. “The bullet went out of my neck and into my arm. The arm was hanging by the skin.”

Doby was bleeding to death in a ditch when another soldier helped him to a jeep and the hospital.

“I was in the hospital for a year,” Doby said. “I was shipped to Naples, then back to Miami, then to Tuscaloosa, Alabama.”

While he was in Alabama, Doby had a surprise visitor.

“Gladys had gotten on a bus and came to see me,” he said. “I had no idea she was coming.”

Robert quickly got a 21day convalescent leave and they raced to York, S.C. where they were married on December 22, 1944.

“We didn’t have time to wait for a North Carolina marriage license,” Doby said.

As for the soldier that saved Doby’s life– he came back in the picture in 2004 at a reunion of the 36th Div. in Charlotte. Bates Southall of Bon Aqua, Tennessee, saw Doby and the scar on his chin and started asking questions about how he got it.

“He recalled everything about that day in France,” Doby said.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

LOFTIN PARK From page 1 bid in the next several weeks,” Miller said.

“We will also seek bids for the financing of the project. We hope to award a contract very early in 2015. We anticipate the park taking roughly one year to construct, so it should be open in 2016.”

When completed, the park will offer a wide variety of attractions and amenities.

“The park will have a large playground area with equipment made of natural materials, a restroom, several covered picnic shelters, an amphitheater for outdoor concerts and other performances, a wildlife observation platform with a kayak launch, and paved walking trails,” Miller said.

Acquisition by the city earlier this year of land near US29/74 will possibly make room for more additions to the park.

“Now that the city owns the boat landing adjacent to Dale’s Superette, we are asking the city council to approve a contract with WK Dickson to do the site planning and permitting for this area,” said Miller. “It was not included in the scope of the original park design since the city did not con-

trol that property at the time. We hope to rebuild the boat launch and to add a canoe/ kayak launch to this area.”

The city has already made some improvements to the lot that folks can take advantage of now.

“If you have not been to this area in a while, you will see that our public works department has cleaned it up, added gravel to the driveway and parking area, added trashcans, and added street lights to the area,” Miller said. “It is much safer and cleaner than it was prior to the city purchasing the land. Our goal is to make this area a family friendly place to launch or dock a boat or kayak or to go fishing. It will also serve as additional parking for the river park and will have a pedestrian connect to the park on the Old Highway 7 roadbed.”

The property in question near Dale’s was created in the 1970s when East Belmont Elementary was torn down and the bricks and concrete rubble dumped into the river. Sedimentation filled it in creating a man made peninsula.

CIVIL WAR From page 1

Robert Doby (right) is seen with Bates Southall, the soldier who likely saved his life in France during WWII. The pair gets together annually in Pigeon Forge to recall those days.

Contributed photo

Ironically, two days after saving Doby, Southall was captured by Germans and spent the rest of the war as a POW. Now, Southall and Doby meet each year in Pigeon Forge to recall old times.

These days, Robert and Gladys live on S. New

Hope Rd. not very far from the farms where they met, and where their story of love and war all began over seven decades ago. Overall, Doby recalls the service he and his fellow WWII veterans gave with pride.

“We had a just cause and we fought for it,” he said.

GARDEN From page 1 of the property is where the garden will be.”

“Making a community garden is my passion and has been my dream for Mount Holly since coming here,” said Rev. Pleasants “I was introduced to community gardens in 2006 when I visited Anathoth Community Garden in Cedar Grove North Carolina. It reminded me of growing up in the outskirts of Greensboro North Carolina where every other house had a garden.

Neighbors would share their produce with each home. We worshiped together and were welcome to enter any garden to gather what we needed for evening dinner. Our community was united around our faith and food. In our society we have neglected the respect of Sabbath living involving all of creation. The ground and plant life is manipulated to enhance commercialization.

We have also become isolated in our individual homes. Visiting Anathoth renewed a vision in my heart. We can once again establish the traditions of the past in a modern way. This new way is called “The Community Garden.” Before moving to Mt. Holly, I pastored Central United Methodist Church in Charlotte. Our Evangelism team met to discuss planting a community garden on the church property. We just established a food closet and wanted to give the families an opportunity to grow their own produce.

The community garden was established and was named “A Pleasant Place” my namesake. If you visit “A Pleasant Place” today you will find families of different nationalities and languages working alongside each other united in their raised beds. I am excited this same vision will come to Mt. Holly. I am thankful for the Farmer’s Market, local community organizations as well as the area churches that will make our Mt. Holly community garden a success. It is with joy we can offer space at First United Methodist Church for our neighbors. For

me a community garden is one way that can unite a community around food, faith, the land and God.” A hurdle that will have to be faced is how to get water to the garden site. The plan is to run a pipe around the church. It will cost in the neighborhood of $1,000 for that project but a recent grant from the Gaston County Community Foundation will help. Plans are to apply for other grants.

Other things on the garden to-do list include fencing, and building raised beds.

Several of the beds will be elevated, making them easier for senior citizens and handicapped folks to work.

The Blacks estimate there’s room for about 40 garden beds on the property.

Several large granite stones on site will be used for steps from the church parking lot to the garden. Plans are to have local Boy Scouts lend a hand with setting them in place. A building that was the old homestead’s garage still stands on the property and will be used for a storage shed.

Being next to the church day care classrooms means the garden can be an educational experience for the kids. “The children will have a space to grow things so they can see where food comes from,” said Melanie.

Another idea being tossed around for the garden includes using it as a springboard for healthy cooking classes.

“We talked with them and they were excited and helpful,” said Bobby.

Time flies and even though winter is approaching, the plan is to have the garden be a reality when spring comes around.

“We want to have it ready for planting by next March,” Bobby said.

In the meantime, sponsors are always welcome. Call Melanie at 704-460-0232 to find out more.

battle flag by the monument to General Ramseur at the entrance to Belle Grove Plantation. In 1920 this monument had been erected by the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the North Carolina Historical Commission. Ramseur’s daughter, Mary, unveiled the monument.

“We noticed there was a program by the National Park Service on Monday, October 20, the General Ramseur monument was to be re-dedicated,” Duckworth said.

“With my interest in Ramseur’s story and David being from Lincoln County himself, we decided to go to this service.”

A coincidence brought Duckworth and Harrill into contact with Ramseur’s Brian Duckworth of Stanley (right) and David Harrill recently took part in the Battle of Cedar Creek, VA. reendescendants. “ Once back in actment. In this photo they are seen at the monument to Winchester and Lincolnton-born Gen. Stephen Dodson Ramseur on the after speaking to the battlefield where he was killed.

Contributed Photo hotel attendant, we portion of Henry A. du a hometown hero in my learned that one of Ramseur’s descendants was Pont’s speech from the 1920 book,” he said. “It was very evident by his descendants staying in the same hotel we dedication. Amy Bracethat he passed down his were,” he said. “Later that well, Site Manager, read traits of personal courage Sunday evening we met Mr. the history of the Ramseur and his abiding faith as a Dale Ramseur and his wife Monument and the recent Christian soldier. He did and granddaughter. After preservation for the reded- his duty for his family and talking about the General ication. Duckworth and to his state during those we decided to all meet up Harrill continued through- tumultuous times in the at the Ramseur Monument out the whole service at at- War Between the States. the next day. With Mr. tention as John D. Ramseur As reenactors we honor the Ramseur’s permission we II gave a response from the memory of those who came before us and remember the came in our full Confeder- Ramseur family.

“After the service there sacrifices made by so many ate uniforms. So, 150 years during this conflict. They from the date that General were many photos made should never be forgotten.

Ramseur died in 1864, a of the Ramseur family at General Ramseur, you are large crowd gathered near the monument and as John not forgotten.” the entrance of Belle Grove Ramseur’s baby daughter Duckworth says if you Plantation by the Ramseur was placed near the mon- are interested in becoming Monument. With permis- ument for a photo, she no- a Civil War reenactor visit sion from John D. Ramseur ticed and started to play www.yadkinstars.org or II, we were positioned as with my flag that I had www.26nc.org. sentries by the podium as placed the previous day,” Duckworth said. “Noticthe service began.” ing this, I smiled and said, A Confederate Color let her have that flag. That Guard stood by the Rammoment was special to me.

Funeral Home seur monument. Kristen General Ramseur wanted & Cremation Service Laise, Executive Director of nothing more than to see Belle Grove Plantation welWe offer funeral his newborn child and I feel comed the crowd. General that he would have enjoyed packages and we honor Ramseur’s life was recited this special day in honor of existing pre-need funerals.

by Shannon Moeck, Park him.”

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Eddie Pigg, Funeral Director “General Ramseur is torical Park, recounted a

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Dominick Stringfield, left and Jimmy Inella from Mount Holly practice their skills at the 21st Annual Carolina Renaissance Festival and Artisan Marketplace in Charlotte, NC. The Festival runs until Nov. 23, 2014.

Photo Bill Ward

Page 3

Kids from Second Baptist Church in Mount Holly enjoyed a Halloween get together with folks at the East Gaston Adult Day Care Center in Catawba Heights. Party-goers enjoyed games and plenty of candy.

Photo by Alan Hodge

Wildfire safety Fall wildfire season is here; be careful when burning yard debris

The Mount Holly Parks and Rec. Sole Patrol had a nice Halloween lunch and some dressed up for the occasion. From left: Don Huffstetler, Bettie Reynolds, Bobby Brooks, director Cheri Love, B.J. Huffstetler, Kathy Holbrook, Frances Stringer, Ella Godwin.

Photo by Alan Hodge

Xaebriel Clubb had a great time looking for pumpkins recently. He and thousands of other folks felt autumn in the air.

Photo by Alan Hodge

The N.C. Forest Service is urging residents to think safety and exercise caution during the fall fire season, which typically lasts from mid-October into December.

In the fall, people do a lot of yard work that often includes burning leaves and yard debris. These fires sometimes escape and start wildfires.

The N.C. Forest Service encourages residents considering debris burning to contact their local county forest ranger. The ranger can offer technical advice and explain the best options to help maximize the safety to people, property and the forest.

“By acting safely, we can all help to protect our natural resources,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Don’t burn on dry, windy days, and maintain a careful watch over a fire until it is out.”

For people who choose to burn debris, the NCFS encourages them to follow these tips to protect property and prevent wildfires: • Consider alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass and stubble, may be of more value if they are not burned, but used for mulch instead.

• Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others for-

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• Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burning permit at any NCFS office or authorized permitting agent, or online at http://ncforestservice. gov.

• Keep an eye on the weather. Don’t burn on dry, windy days.

• Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris. Don’t pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, place it in a cleared area and contained in a screened receptacle, away from overhead branches and wires.

• Household trash should be hauled away to a trash or recycling station. It is illegal to burn anything other than yard debris.

• Be sure you are fully prepared before burning.

To control the fire, you will

need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.

• Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed burning.

• Stay with your fire until it is completely out.

• These same tips hold true for campfires and cookouts as well.

Douse burning charcoal briquettes or campfires thoroughly with water. When soaked; stir the coals and soak them again.

Be sure they are out cold and carefully feel to be sure they are extinguished.

Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area.

• Burning agricultural residue and forestland litter: In addition to the rules above, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time. Before doing any burning in a wooded area, contact your county ranger, who will weigh all factors, explain them and offer technical advice.

For more information on ways you can prevent wildfires, visit http://ncforestservice.gov.

Partnership for Children of Lincoln & Gaston Counties Family Spooktacular a success The Partnership for Children of Lincoln & Gaston Counties sixth annual Family Spooktacular was held on Saturday, Oct. 25, and had an attendance of approximately 1,500 children and family members. There were over 336 hours of volunteer time dedicated to the event. Patrons came to enjoy the day’s festivities at the WoodMill Festival Grounds in Vale, which included trunk or treat, face painting and a fitness trail. The local ambulance, fire truck and Inmate Transport Van were also at the grounds to educate children. The event was geared toward families with young children and helped raise awareness of the Partnership’s services. Parents were able to learn more about the different Smart Start funded projects which include the Lincoln County Child Advocacy Center, the Assuring Better Child Health & Development Program, the Very Important Parents Program, and the Lincoln County Child Care Health Consultant. Various activities returned this year including the Tumblebus and Seamore, a fun-tastic inflatable provided

by Twist and Tuck in Lincolnton. A free hotdog lunch was provided again this year. New activities included an exhibit from the Schiele Museum including the live Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, Chilean Rose Tarantula, a Florida Kingsnake and an African Hedgehog. The children loved the animal specimens including the polar bear claw and snake skin. There was also a new wood working area for children. Patrons were taught to make wooden stools and tool boxes. The fitness trail was back with a new reward at the end- a free book to encourage early literacy! Families were thrilled to go home with a book.

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Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Yours, Ours, Others

“

Quote of the week

A person who won’t read has no advantage over one who can’t read - Mark Twain

dust from those places off our feet and headed back home.

Oh, lest I forget. Another sight greeted our eyes on the side of US74 near Chimney Rock. No, it wasn't a bear, it was two hippies thumbing a ride. One was a mid-grade hippie with some hippie jeans and shirt, but his pal was hardcore hippie. He was wearing a long, tie-dyed, sarong-like skirt in place of britches and had on a homespun top. He had long dreadlocks and a beard. He looked like he was trying to get back home from Woodstock. I smiled, and would have picked them up but we were going in opposite directions. Literally and figuratively.

Overall the day was perfect. We spent very little money and saw autumn literally coming down the mountain in reds and yellows. The crowds for our brief window of time were elsewhere. The little truck scooted along just like the MG used to. The years rolled back and we were young again for an afternoon.

Last fling of fall Recently Sharon and I took a break. A much needed break. A fall mountain day trip getaway break. A blast from the past break.

Years and years ago when my only vehicle was the 1968 MGB roadster named “The Alan Hodge Peanut” we would make an annual pilgrimage in mid-October to Lake Lure for a picnic and stroll through the doodad stores in the town of Chimney Rock. Sharon would make sandwiches, pack them and some other goodies in a bag and we would hop in the MG and take off and just past Forest City on US74 stop at a place called the Pumpkin House.

The Pumpkin House was a farm where the owner would stack his crop, sorted and priced according to size, in the front yard and you could stroll around and make your choice and soak up the ambiance of the joint at the same time. We would get our pumpkin, taking into account how small the cockpit of the MG was, cram it behind the bucket seats, and then zoom on up to Lake Lure.

Once at the lake we would park and eat the sandwiches (generally roast beef) and gaze at the leaves and the way the autumn sunlight and shadows played on the water. Then we would take our place with the other tourists shuffling from one trinket store to the other wondering why so many “Indian” products had little “Made in China” stickers on the bottom.

Years passed and we accumulated more cars and five motorcycles and I still have the MG but don't trust it like I did when I had no other choice if you know what I mean. Over the years I earned a little extra money writing for Our State magazine and so on several occasions we spent the night at a swanky place on Lake Lure where famous folks often stayed but on our last stay there I finally figured out it was overpriced and way overrated.

So the jaunt last week saw us drive by the high priced hotel and park in the same lakeside spot we used to over 20 years ago and we sat in the little pickup truck I sort of acquired from my mom now that she's living in California, and we ate roast beef sandwiches and chips and little microwave chocolate cakes and let the warm autumn sun beat on our faces. After the lunch we drove towards Bat Cave and stopped at a ramshackle fruit stand that a little old lady has there and we bought some toe jam and apples. What, you ask is toe jam? It's jelly made from tangerines, oranges, and elderberries. She also sells frog jam- figs, raspberries, oranges, and ginger.

After loading up at the fruit stand we beat a leisurely retreat to the doodad stores at Chimney Rock. There were surprisingly few folks to be seen. One store has lots of old time candy so we got some Mallo-Cups and coconut/chocolate squares but bypassed the fudge and other such truck. Sharon got an old time bottle opener for me to put on the wall in the garage. Other stores still had the usual rubber tomahawks and whimsical signs, and Chimney Rock t-shirts so we shook the

My miracle at Talladega NASCAR race

by Tony Marciano One item I checked off my bucket list was to do infield ministry at Talladega Motor Speedway. Motor Racing Outreach (MRO) invited me to join them for the October, 2014 race.

There are several stories that converge into one.

The first story is that while I was there, I learned about a church near my home. I googled the church and discovered that the pastor was someone who had caused problems in my family. A decision he made resulted in my daughter being shunned by a college fellowship. Today, my daughter wants nothing to do with organized religion.

I lost touch with the pastor. Now, having found him, I wondered if I should write him and ask to meet to discuss what happened.

I felt my daughter needed some type of apology.

The second story was the race and heading home.

I was facing a six hour drive. Talladega is one time zone behind us. If I left Alabama at 2:30pm, I wouldn’t return until 9:30pm. I listened to the race on the radio while heading home. There were two drivers that had to win the race to continue in the NASCAR chase- Jimmie

Johnson and Brad Keselowski. If they didn’t win the race, a chance at winning the championship was over for them. The last twenty laps was a shootout between several drivers including Jimmie and Brad.

Brad won the race.

The third story was the post-race show. I never ever listen to post game “anything”. Facing hours of driving, I decided to listen. There were a lot of interviews with Brad Keselowski’s team. Of all the interviews, the one

by Joe, his spotter deeply touched me. His job was to verbalize what he was seeing at that moment. He couldn’t tell you what happened earlier in the race; he chose not to remember it. He focused on what he was seeing at that moment and communicated that to the driver because his goal was to have Brad win the race. He couldn’t be bothered with who bumped his driver in the previous lap.

He was focused on that moment – not the past.

That’s when it hit me. If I was a NASCAR driver, I’d be driving looking through the rear view mirror of the car. I tend to live in the past and lick the wounds of the hurts from yesteryear. What happened

Sidewalk Survey

between the pastor and my family occurred eight years ago. I needed to “let it go” and move on, just like the spotter focused on what he was seeing at that moment, not the past lap. So, too, I need to focus on this moment instead of rehashing the injustices of yesterday.

This reminds me of the scripture verse that says, “But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

If I focus on the past, I will miss the opportunity that is in front of me, the “prize” that lies ahead of me. For Brad, it was winning this race and moving onto the next phase of the Chase.

There was a fourth miracle. As I am driving home, the sun has gone down. I still had two hours of driving left. You can only listen to so much Barry Manilow before you get tired. The phone rang; it was my cousin. She asked if I was busy. We talked for the next two hours right up to my driveway. I was very grateful because it kept me awake and helped the time go by so quickly.

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Wednesday, November 5, 2014

■ OBITUARIES Dorothy Willis Belmont- Dorothy “Dot” Hartness Willis, 84, wife of the late Ralph Lee Willis, died Friday, October 31, 2014. She was born February 9, 1930. A native of Belmont, s h e was the daughter of James Lee and Lola Bateman Hartness. She was a member of Goshen Freewill Baptist Church and was retired from Cannon Mills.

She is survived by her sister Ruby Jenkins of Charlotte; a brother Edward Hartness of Gasto-

■ MEDITATIONS

nia; brother-in-law Benson Willis and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years Ralph Lee Willis, a sister Lottie Mae Queen and a brother John Henry Hartness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Goshen Free Will Baptist Church, 1300 West Catawba Avenue, Mount Holly, NC 28120.

A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Willis was held at 1pm Monday, November 3, at Goshen Free Will Baptist Church with Reverend Clayton Burch and Reverend Chuck Overcash officiating. Burial followed at Gaston Memorial Park in Gastonia. The

family received friends from 3-5pm Sunday at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly.

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

Fay Nell McCarn Belmont – Fay Nell McCarn, died October 30, 2014. Celebration of Life Service was Sunday, November 2 at 4 pm at Ebenezer United Methodist Church, Belmont. Interment will be private.

VA expands Fry Scholarship eligibility Washington, DC – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will begin accepting applications

by November 3, 2014, for the Fry Scholarship under newly expanded eligibility criteria to include surviving spouses of service members who died on active duty.

“We can never fully repay

the debt we owe to these families who have lost a loved one,” said VA Secretary Robert McDonald. “It is a privilege to provide educational benefits that will make a positive difference in their lives.”

All surviving spouses eligible for DEA and the Fry Scholarship must make

Christmas parades and tree lightings The holidays are fast approaching. Here's a list of area Christmas tree lightings and parades.

Belmont’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – December 1 ~ City Hall, 5:30PM Belmont Christmas Parade – December 2 at 4:005:30PM Belmont Downtown Christmas Village – December 13, Downtown from 6:00PM-9:00PM Bessemer City Christmas Parade – December 5 at 4:30PM Bessemer City ~ In the City – December 5 at 5:30 Bessemer City ~ 17th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes ~ December 6 from 3:00PM- 8:00PM Cherryville Christmas On Main Street / Christmas Lightning – December 4 from 5:00PM-9:00PM Cherryville Christmas Parade – December 13 at 10:00AM Cherryville Annual New Year’s Celebration – New

Page 5

Year’s Shooter – Downtown, December 31, from 11:45PM to 6:00PM on January 1 Cramerton Christmas Festival – December 4 at 2:00PM Cramerton Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony – December 4 at 4:00PM Dallas Christmas Parade – December 12 at 4:00PM Gastonia Christmas Parade – December 7 at 2:003:00PM Kings Mountain Christmas Parade – December 6 at 3:00PM Kings Mountain Children’s Tree Lighting – November 24 at 7:00PM Lowell Christmas Parade – December 13 at 3:00PM Lowell Light Up Lowell ~Tree Lighting – December 13 at 2:00PM Mount Holly Christmas Parade – December 3 at 4:00PM Mount Holly ~ Jolly Hollydays – December 12 from 6:30PM-9:30PM

an irrevocable election for terms beginning on or after January 1, 2015.

Information about these two programs is available on VA’s website and the GI Bill website ( www.benefits.va.gov/gibill).

I recall a time I rebelled against my mother’s command. She was baking a pound cake. After pouring all the ingredients into the cake dish my mom would leave the dish turning on the turn table while the beaters would work its magic. Before leaving the kitchen she looked at me and said, “Do not touch the dish while it is turning.” Well, my curious ten year old mind began to wonder. I looked at a wooden spoon and at those beaters turning and became fascinated. I wondered what would happen if I stuck the spoon between the beaters.

Technically, I am not touching the dish only the spoon. So, I lift the spoon and rammed it between those fast moving beaters. All I remember was the dish flew off the turn table hit the wall and shattered. Batter was everywhere and I was running as fast as I could out the door. When my mother caught me I found out what happened when I disobeyed her command. God is much more grace Rev. Angela Pleasants filled in our disobedience, but it does grieve Him First United Methodist Church, we when disobey His command. What causes us Mount Holly to disobey God? What holds us back from living completely into His divine will for our lives? After God brought Noah and his sons safely through the flood He told them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.” Genesis 9:1b NKJV. As time moved forward for the descendants of Noah they settled in the land of Shinar. They began to make bricks and mortar with the desire to build a tower. What caused God to come down and confuse the language of the people? It was their act of disobedience due to fear. “Let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.” Genesis 11:4b NKJV. Fear caused them to disobey God’s command and will for their lives. Therefore, God came down to confuse them that they may fulfill His command. “So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city.” Genesis 11:8 NKJV. What fears are you confronted with in this moment that is hindering you from living fully into your purpose. God will make something beautiful from your life, we need only pray and trust His promises.

Gaston County November 1-15 calendar of events There are plenty of entertainment options in Gaston County during Novembermany of them are free.

November 1- December 31 – “Lost Hollow: The Kimbrell Children’s Garden” 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont ~ is a magical place for the young and the young at heart. It is part new garden and part old world, but its places are there for all to explore.

Here imagination is the key to discovering all of its beauty. Guest are invited over the all seeing eye of protection to enter the kingdom of Lost Hollow. They can explore the banks of Sunken Pond, sing like a bird in the Aviary, survey the land from Moon Keep and explore the mysterious Fireplace Cave. For more details call 704-825-4490 or visit www.DSBG.org.

Free-November 6 – “Wiley Cash Author Visit” – Gaston County Public Library – 1555 E. Garrison Blvd, Gastonia ~ 6:30PM North Carolina native and New York Times

best-selling author speaks about his new book, “This Dark Road to Mercy”. For more information please contact Paul Ward – Assistant Library Director at 704868-2174 Ext. 102 or www. gastonlibrary.org.

November 8 – “Spencer Mountain 10 Mile and 5K” Both races begin at 8:00AM at Warlick School, 1316 Spencer Mtn Rd., Gastonia , Note: Some GPS devices may note this as Ranlo, NC. For more information please contact Race Director Steve D’Avria at sdavria@gastonymca.org or 704-8658551.

November 12 – “Home School Living History Day” Gaston County Museum – 131 W. Main St., Dallas ~ 9:30AM -12PM Join the staff at the Gaston County Museum of Art and History for a very special home school day! This special program will take place at the Heritage Village located at Biggerstaff Park in Dallas NC. The day’s activities will focus on learning about life in the19th century and will include fun

interactive stations, tours of the property, and engaging games. Come join us for this very unique experience. Pre-registration and pre-payment required $3 for participating child. For additional information about this program or to make a reservation, please contact Jason Luker, Programs Coordinator, at 704-922-7681 ext 105 or at Jason.Luker@ gatongov.com Free-November 14 – “Amy Clipston: Author Visit”- Gaston County Public Library – 20 N. Peterson St., Stanley – 2:00PM Meet the best-selling author of the “Kauffman Amish Bakery Series” and learn about her writing career and life. Books will be available for purchase and signing following the presentation. One one-hour event for adults. . For more information please contact Paul Ward – Assistant Library Director at 704-8682174 Ext. 102 or www. gastonlibrary.org.

November 14 – “Senior Dance” – Gaston county Senior Center- 1303 Dallas

Cherryville Hwy., Dallas.

7:00PM Senior Dance $4.00 per person. Listen and dance to the music of the “Country Bucks”. Light refreshments provided. For more information please contact the Senior Center at 704-9222170.

Free- November 15 – “Boosinger and Goforth/In Concert” – Gaston County Public Library – 1555 E. Garrison Blvd, Gastonia 2:00PM Traditional southern Appalachian music with Laura Boosinger and Josh Goforth. One 60-75 minute performance for school-age youth and adults. . For more information please contact Paul Ward – Assistant Library Director at 704868-2174 Ext. 102 or www. gastonlibrary.org.

November 15 – “Paintball Turkey Shoot” – Baseball field behind Cramerton Recreation Center, 8 Julian Street, Cramerton 10:00AM Come join the fun. Cost is $2 - $5. Please call Cristy Busler at 704-824-4231 for more information.

Fellowship & Faith

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

Goshen Free Will Baptist Church 1300 W. Catawba Ave. 704-827-3076 Grace Baptist Church 300 Westland Farm Rd. 704-827-8600 Harvest Time Church of God 707 Westland Farm Rd. 704-822-8033 Hickory Grove Baptist Church 3717 Hickory Grove Rd. 704-827-3939 Jehovah’s Witnesses 1736 Kelly Rd. 704-263-0199

Community Christian Fellow-

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

ship 2560 Stanley Lucia Rd. 704-827-5881

Living Witness Ministries 541 Costner St. 704-827-0004

Covenant United Methodist 110 Underwood Dr. 704-820-0603

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 110 S. Main St. 704-827-4751

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

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

Mt. Sinai Baptist Church 339 S. Hawthorne St. 704-827-4320 New Covenant United Methodist 14514 Lucian Riverbend Hwy. 704-827-4468 New Providence Baptist Church 1104 Old NC 27 Hwy. 704-827-0822 North Main Baptist Church 1304 N. Main St. 704-827-6141

Featured Church of the Week Tuckaseegee Baptist Church

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

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

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

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

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 Tradi-

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

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

tional Catholic Church 108 Horseshoe Bend Beach Rd. 704-827-8676 St. Paul FHB Church 1529 Old Hwy 27 Rd. 704-827-5851

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

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Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Gaston College 50th anniversary King and Queen

Lost Hollow opening at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden opened Lost Hollow: The Kimbrell Children’s Garden on Oct. 17 with a celebration for the donors who made it possible. The $4.4 million expansion includes 3.5 acres and a series of destinations based on a medieval theme. Duke and Dot Kimbrell were the lead donors for the project, giving a $2 million challenge gift. In less than two years the Garden was able to raise the matching funds and complete the project. Duke Kimbrell was able to attend the opening event prior to his death last Tuesday at the age of 89. The Kimbrell family at the Grand Opening Event for Lost Hollow, pictured left to right are Davis Warlick, Annie Warlick, Pam Warlick, Dot and Duke Kimbrell, George Barnett, Andy Warlick, Collins Warlick Byers with Everett and Fred Byers.

Contributed Photo

Gamma Beta Phi Society recently announced that Mr. Darren Stewart and Ms. Tanisha Williams were selected as the Gaston College 50th Anniversary King and Queen.

Gamma Beta Phi is a national Darren Stewart and Tanisha Williams honor and service organization for two- and four-year colleges. The Gaston College chapter ran the 50th Anniversary King and Queen Challenge to raise awareness and boost involvement among students, faculty and staff and as a fundraiser with proceeds used to support Gamma Beta Phi events throughout the year.

The 50th Anniversary Court was made up of Gaston College faculty and staff who volunteered to participate in the King and Queen activity.

Gamma Beta Phi asked for donations on behalf of each member of the court. The man and woman who received the most donations were named the King and Queen. As King, Darren Stewart received a crown and as Queen, Tanisha Williams received a tiara. Each was presented with a gift basket. A total of $376.87 in donations was collected.

Old graveyards galore in our area The air is cool and the local leaves are at their peak of color, what better time of year than now to stroll through old graveyards. So, put on your jacket and boots and get going.

The oldest graveyard in the BannerNews region is Goshen Cemetery on Woodlawn St. in North Belmont.

This plot dates back to the early part of the 19th century and was the burying ground for Goshen Presbyterian Church that was founded in 1764. It is said to be the oldest graveyard west of the Catawba River. Buried in Goshen are about a dozen men who fought in the American Revolution. A plaque naming them was at one time affixed to the cemetery gate, but it is now gone. Most of the old tombstones in Goshen Cemetery have survived, including some going back nearly 200 years, but vandals have also desecrated several others.

Local legend has it that there were once Indian burial mounds and a village near where Goshen Cemetery is located.

The Abernethy clan has a small and very old cemetery at the end of Turner Rd. off Hickory Grove Rd. not far from Goshen Cemetery.

The Smith name appears on an old graveyard on Belwood Dr. off South Point Rd. This graveyard has dozens of graves going back to the early 19th century. It was neglected and had fallen prey to vandals, nature, and time.

Last year, an effort led by Leigh Ford of Charlotte saw most of the broken tombstones repaired. Ford and other volunteers also cleaned up the overgrown grounds and formed an organization dedicated to preserving the site.

In East Belmont there’s a tiny old graveyard on Old NC7 near the Catawba River known as the Abee Cemetery. The cemetery is surrounded by a stone wall. Names that appear on some of the tombstones go back to the early 1800s and include Fite, Smith, Abee, Ewing, and Wells.

Machpelah Presbyterian Church’s rock-walled cemetery off Old Plank Rd. near Stanley was established in 1801 as a family graveyard located halfway between Joseph Graham’s Vesuvius Furnace and Alexander Brevard’s Mt. Tirzah Forge.

In 1848, the quaint church was built beside the cemetery.

The first pastor of the church was Dr. Robert Hall Morrison, president of Davidson College and father- in-law of Confederate General “Stonewall” Jackson. Members of the

East Gaston Warriors

Goshen Cemetery in North Belmont has graves going back 200 years. It is the final resting place of a dozen Revolutionary War veterans.

Photo by Alan Hodge Graham, Brevard, and Morrison families are buried in the cemetery.

Flat Rock Cemetery on Flat Rock Rd. near Mount Holly holds the graves of several Civil War veterans.

This graveyard is maintained by the Flat Rock Cemetery Association and Confederate History and Monument Preservation Society. Among the markers is one dedicated to seven Confederate soldiers who drowned in the Catawba River as they were returning home after the end of the Civil War. The backyard of a school might seem an odd mix, but that’s the case with the Pinhook Cemetery and Lowell Elementary. The graveyard is on a gravel path in the woods

behind the school and has an association with the 19th century Pinhook textile mill that once stood nearby on the banks of the South Fork River. Among the graves is Nathan Ford who died in 1824. Each year, the kids from Lowell Elementary as well as other volunteers tidy the little graveyard up.

A fascinating roster of Gaston County cemeteries and information about them can be found at http://www.usgwarchives.org/nc/gaston/gastoncems.html.

Old graveyards are not only interesting to visit during Halloween, they are a year-round reminder of our area’s historic past.

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Page 7

Accused killer captured in Belmont arraigned in Winchester, MA Story courtesy Winchester Star

By Abby Spegman aspegman@wickedlocal.com

Law enforcement officials walk Matthew McAveeney, 43, into the Winchester police station Tuesday night.

Photo courtesy Winchester Star

As he was led into the Winchester, MA. police station last Tuesday evening (Oct 28), accused murderer Matthew McAveeney admitted to reporters he killed his mother.

“To my mother, Barbara McAveeney, and to her cat Pumpkin, I apologize. Sometimes I get out of control,” he told reporters as he was ushered to a back door of the station.

The body of Barbara McAveeney, 70, was found Oct. 14 at her home at the Parkview condominiums at 200 Swanton St. in Winchester. Police immediately began searching for Matthew McAveeney, who a neighbor said was living with his mother in her studio condo.

McAveeney was arrested Oct. 21 in Belmont, North Carolina. Police returned McAveeney to Winchester on Tuesday shortly before 8:30 p.m.

On his way into the station, McAveeney told reporters he killed his mother.

And then, this exchange: “Did you do it?”

“Yes.”

■ POLICE Oct. 27: Mark Anthony Benson, Jr., obtain property by false pretense, arrested by Officer B. Pickert, WalMart.

Oct. 27: Jack Wesley Wright, simple physical assault, arrested by Officer B. Pickert, 219 Church St. Oct. 27: Anthony Dale Sanders II, simple physical assault, arrested by Officer F. Bollinger, 6802 Wilkinson Blvd.

Oct. 27: Jennifer Lee Morgan, simple physical assault, arrested by Officer F. Bollinger, 6802 Wilkinson Blvd.

Oct. 28: Mark Alan Fisher, assault on female, arrested by Officer F. Bollinger, 108 Knolls Ct. Oct. 28: Veronica Quartilla Crawford, obtain by false pretense, larceny, uttering forged instrument, shoplifting, arrested by Officer B. Pickert, 635 Park St. Oct. 28: Rhonda Byrd Pearson, larceny using price tag valued lower to obtain higher priced merchandise, arrested

by Officer Officer J. Barnes, 701 Hawley Ave. Oct. 28: Allison Faye Miller, poss. less than ½ oz. marijuana, arrested by Officer A. Anderson, Keener Blvd.

Oct. 30: Brianna Danielle Hurley, larceny shoplifting,

poss. Sch. IV controlled substance, arrested by Officer M. Stroupe, 701 Hawley Ave. Oct. 30: David Lawrence Duran, DWLR, larceny remove anti-theft device, arrested by Officer K. Wingate, 29/74 at N. Main.

Oct. 30: Mario Carvell Love, drug violations, equipment paraphernalia, arrested by Officer K. Hall, 6834 Wilkinson Blvd.

Oct. 31: Karen Stewart Seabrooke, trespass, obtain property false pretense, arrested by Officer B. Pickert, 701 Hawley Ave. Oct 31: James Travis Groner, public assist, arrested by Cpl. M. Harris, 318 S. Main St. Nov. 1: Zachary Edward Berryhill, no insurance, DWLR, fictitious registration plate, arrested by Officer F. Bollinger, 600 black Gaston Ave. Nov. 1: Jeffrey Allen Church, larceny shoplifting, trespassing, arrested by Officer F. Bollinger, 500 block N. Main St.

Spencer Wiles recently initiated into Phi Beta Kappa Hampden-Sydney College student, Spencer Wiles, was recently initiated into to the honor society Phi Beta Kappa. Membership recognizes the highest academic achievement, moral character, responsible citizenship, and broad intellectual curiosity.

A Patrick Henry Scholar, Spencer serves as Captain of the baseball team. He is also a member of the leadership society Omicron Delta Kappa, the honorary scientific fraternity Chi Beta Phi, Garnet and Grey Society, and the Society of 1791. Spencer is the son of Richard and Carol Wiles of Belmont.

A private college for men, Hampden-Sydney is ranked nationally by U.S. News & World Report. The College is known for its liberal arts curriculum, the Honor Code which stresses individual and collective responsibility, and a focus on the education of young men.

“What did you do?”

“Murdered her.”

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death to be blunt force trauma to the head and the manner of death was homicide, according to the Middlesex District Attorney’s office.

Charges filed against McAveeney include murder, armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon resulting in serious bodily injury and two counts of cruelty to animals.

However, when he was arraigned Wednesday morning at Woburn District Court, MvAveeney, on advisement of his court-appointed attorney, pleaded not guilty.

Woburn District Court Judge Michael Brooks ordered McAveeney be held without bail. A probable cause hearing is scheduled for Nov. 25. In court, McAveeney appeared in handcuffs and in the same clothes he wore Tuesday night. He scowled at the judge, then at the crowd in the courtroom.

He twice tried to speak to the judge but was told to be quiet, then sat silent. As he was led out of the courtroom, McAveeney told the judge to have a good day.

Stanley man charged with failing to deliver $67,000 Porsche A Stanley man was charged last week with Obtaining Property

by False Pretense after failing to deliver on the purchase of a 2014 Porsche Cayenne.

According to police, The victim told Lincoln County Sheriff’s Detective Lt. Tim Johnson on September 16 that he had been in negotiations with Jeffrey Phillip Maier, 44, 931 Pinkney Place, Stanley, to purchase the $67,000 vehicle. The victim, Andrew Chang, had been introduced to the suspect by a business acquaintance to buy the automobile by a third party purchaser.

On March 15 the victim met with Maier and the business acquaintance and wired $67,156 to Maier’s company, Hail Strike Restoration. Chang agreed to pay Maier and the acquaintance $5,000 and Maier would take title to the vehicle and transfer it to Chang’s company at a later date. After transferring the money the victim advised he never heard back from the suspect.

On Oct. 14, Detective Richard Calhoun obtained an arrest warrant for Maier on one felony count of Obtaining Property by False Pretenses. He was entered in NCIC on Oct. 16 as wanted. Maier was arrested on Oct. 28, and placed in the Lincoln County Detention Center under a $100,000 secured bond.

Maier is also under investigation by the Attorney General’s Office in South Dakota, the Greensboro, NC Police Department and the FBI, all on alleged fraudulent activity.

Classified Ads Homes for Sale/Rent MOBILE HOMES AND APARTMENTS FOR RENT IN KINGS M O U N TA I N - P r i c e s starting at $100/week. Call 704-739-4417 or (evening) 704-739-1425. (tfn)

Land for Sale 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 704-5679836 or www.bryantrealty.org. (11/05,12,19 & 26)

Pets FREE KITTENS - 2 beautiful, adorable, friendly and playful 4 months old male kittens are available to good homes. Call: 704-750-4153 if interested. (10/29 & 11/05)

Wanted to Buy CASH ON THE SPOT! Will buy tools, riding lawn mowers or building full of merchandise, pictures or anything of value. Will also buy musical instruments.

Call: 704-300-0827 or 704300-7676. (11/05 )

Misc/For Sale ITEMS FOR SALE – Couch, loveseat, entertainment

center and exercise bike.

For more information, please call: 704-739-5319 or 704-685-2562. (11/05) STORAGE BUILDINGS: No credit check, no security deposit. Free delivery, free set. J. Johnson Sales, Forest City. 828-245-5895. (tfn) TRAILERS: YEAR END Blow Out Sale. New 5x8, $499.

Cargo box trailer, $1395.

Fifty trailers need to go! J. Johnson Sales, 828-2455895. (tfn) WE BUY GOOD running trucks, cars, tractors, guns, trailers. 828-551-7176. (tfn) RV, CAMPER COVERS, barns, storage buildings. FREE delivery & installed. J. Johnson Sales, Forest City. 828-2455895. (tfn)

Yard Sales CHURCH WIDE yard sale, Sat. Nov. 8, 602 Slater St, KM. 7 am-noon. Inside and outside sale, rain or shine.

Great items: computer, cell phone, printers, clothes and other great stuff.

(11/05)

Help Wanted PART-TIME TEACHERS NEEDED from 1 pm – 5 pm.

Also, SUBSTITUTE HELP Needed. Apply in person at Bolin’s Daycare at 901 Ramseur St. in Kings Mountain.

(11/05 &12)

Legals

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE MOUNT HOLLY CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION The City of Mount Holly City Council will hold a public hearing on November 10, 2014, at 7:00 P.M. at the Mount Holly Municipal Complex, located at 400 East Central Avenue.

The purpose of this hearing will be a rezoning from PUD R-10 Single Family and R-12 Single Family to Conditional District, comprising single family detached, attached ad associated uses. Also, the Mount Holly Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on this matter on November 3, 2014, at 6:30 PM at the Mount Holly Municipal Complex. All interested parties are encouraged to attend both hearings where an opportunity to be heard will be given. For more information, please call the Planning Department at (704) 951-3014 or (704) 951-3009.

BN10584 (10/29 & 11/05/2014)

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Robert Bailey Suggs, III, deceased, late of Gaston County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased, to exhibit them to the undersigned at 2150 Country Club Road, Suite 160, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27104, on or before the 29th day of January, 2015, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the Estate will please make immediate payment.

This the 29th at day of October.

Robert B. Suggs, IV, Executor of the ESTATE of Robert B. Suggs, III Kangur & Porter, LLP Attorneys at Law 2150 Country Club Road Suite 160 Winston Salem, NC 27104 BN10585 (10/29, 11/05,12 &19, 2014)

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Velsa Louise Morris West, AKA Velsa Morris West, deceased, late of Gaston County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased, to exhibit them to the undersigned at 120 Midwood Lane, Belmont, NC 28012, on or before the 5th day of February, 2015, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the Estate will please make immediate payment.

This the 5th at day of November.

Barry Dalton West, Executor of the ESTATE of Velsa Louise Morris West, AKA Velsa Morris West 120 Midwood Lane Belmont, NC 28012 BN10586 (11/05,12,19&26, 2014)

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Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Girls on the Run receives grant Girls on the Run of Gaston County is pleased to announce they have received a $13,560 grant from the Community Foundation of Gaston County. With these funds Girls on the Run will conduct Girls on the Run programs at Webb Street School and the West Gastonia Boys and Girls Club, and conduct Girls on Track at the Erwin Community Center. Participants will receive full program scholarships and running shoes. It is the policy of Girls on the Run of Gaston County to offer both programs to all girls who desire to participate, regardless of their family’s financial status. This funding makes that possible. “Thanks to the Community Foundation, Girls on the Run is able to reach girls who otherwise would not be able to participate in what we believe is a life-changing program. From the Community Foundation Run to managing our Girls on the Run fund at the Foundation to this grant – the Community Foundation’s support is central to Girls on the Run’s ability to fulfill its mission. We are truly grateful� commented Council Director Kathleen Boyce.

The Community Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. Ernest Sumner, Executive Director of the Community Foundation stated, “The Girls on the Run program has the opportunity to influence girls all over the county in their formative years. We want to encourage habits that promote wellness in Gaston County.�

Girls on the Run is a transformational physical activity-based positive youth development program for girls in 3rd-8th grade, which teaches life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons and running games. The program culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5k running event. The goal of the program is to unleash confidence through accomplishment while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness.

The Community Foundation of Gaston County is the leading steward of philanthropic giving by connecting donors with community needs to enhance the lives of present and future generations. The nonprofit organization has invested more than $74 million in grants and scholarships over its 35-year history. At its core, the Community Foundation is an organization created with gifts from generous people committed to local causes. For donors, the Foundation serves as a philanthropic advisor. For the community, the Foundation serves as a grant maker and a civic leader. Through the support of its donors and fundholders, the Foundation has been able to address some of the community’s most pressing needs, including hunger, housing and education. For more information, visit Cfgaston.org.

Seen with the check are, from left: Anne Mallonee, Kathleen Boyce, Ernst W. Sumner, Janet Spencer.

Stuart Cramer JV fell to East Gaston JV last Thursday by a score of 51-6.

In this photo #85 Sam Julen is seen dragging down a Warrior.

Photo by Lydia Julen

Friday’s South Point vs North Gaston game was washed out until Monday.

In this photo South Point’s Tanner Muse is seen grinding out some yardage. The final score was South Point 47 North Gaston 10.

Photo by Lydia Julen

An East Gaston JV player is seen breaking for yardage in last Thursday’s 51-6 victory over Stuart Cramer JV. Photo by Lydia Julen

South Point quarterback Jaquan Brooks makes a dash in Monday’s game against North Gaston.

Photo by Lydia Julen

Here’s My Card A handy reference for Belmont & Mount Holly area residents Why Should You Advertise in the Newspaper?

BENSON

At a time when TV and radio audiences are fragmented and direct mail costs are rising, nothing beats your community newspaper for reach, affordability, flexibility and impact.

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Reach – Newspapers offer the broadest reach of any mass medium. • An average issue of a community newspaper reaches more adults than an average half-hour of prime-time television. • You can hit every household with direct mail, but is anyone paying attention? Research indicates anywhere from half to three-quarters of all direct mail goes straight to the trash, unopened and unread.

But newspaper ads and circulars are sought out by consumers.

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Affordability – Newspaper advertising costs less per thousand readers than TV, direct mail and radio advertising. • Newspaper campaigns require no out-of-pocket costs for creative materials. We’ll even build your ad for free. • Newspaper campaigns can be tailored to any budget. Newspaper offers a variety of ad sizes to fit

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Flexibility & timeliness – Newspapers offer enormous flexibility in content, design, placement and frequency. • Plus, newspapers are a “rapid responseâ€? medium – you can refine your message or change your whole campaign as needed. • With newspaper advertising, you can easily schedule a campaign around your key selling cycle.

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Impact and effectiveness – Readers look for and forward to ads in newspapers, whereas they often resent advertising in other media. • Readers rely on newspapers for shopping information more than other media. • Regular weekly sections offer opportunities to target like-minded readers in an environment that supports your message. Occasional special publications reach even more like-minded readers.

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Newspaper advertising is more trusted than many other forms of advertising!

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The Banner News is not responsible for errors in an advertisement if not corrected by the first week after the ad appears.

The Banner News | banner-news.com

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Page 9

Enter our 2014 Pigskin Picks Football Contest for a Chance To Win $50 Games are listed in each advertisement. Pick the winner and write that team by the corresponding number on the entry blank below.

Drop the entry blank by the office in Kings Mountain, Cherryville or Belmont or send by mail for delivery by Friday at 5pm.

Last Week’s Winner was ...

Eddie Ingram of Belmont Eddie only missed 1*.

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704-739-1043 1. Alabama vs. lsu 2. auburn vs. texas a&m

*Four of Friday’s games were postponed and were not counted.

Congratulations to Todd Brown of Mt. Holly, our 10-22 winner! Tommy chose all 14 games correctly.

Week of November 7

Name___________________________

1.______________________________ 2. _____________________________ 3.______________________________ 4.______________________________ 5.______________________________ 6.______________________________ 7.______________________________ 8.______________________________ 9.______________________________ 10._____________________________ 11._____________________________ 12._____________________________ 13._____________________________ 14._____________________________

Address_________________________ _______________________________ Phone__________________________ Tiebreaker: Shelby vs. Crest

Total number of points in the game___ Clip and Mail to: Pigskin Picks Football Contest, The Kings Mountain Herald, PO Box 769, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.

All entries must be received by mail at The Herald office no later than Friday. Or they may be taken to The Eagle office, 107 1/2 E. Main Street, Cherryville; The BannerNews office, 128-C N. Main St., Belmont; or The Kings Mountain Herald office, 700 E. Gold Street, Kings Mountain no later than 5 p.m. on Friday.

Take a step back in time to a good, old fashioned store...

Specialty Sodas ~ Glass Bottle Drinks Ice Cream ~ Greeting Cards ~ Novelty Gifts

3. Georgia vs. kentucky

7. duke vs. syracuse

12. cherryville vs. bessemer city

J&B Automotive Minor Repairs • Brake Repairs • A/C • Timing Belts

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Jamie Carrigan 704-739-5116

Open 24 Hours a Day - 7 Days a Week!

Thank you for your business

8. gardner webb vs. charleston southern 4. charlotte vs. coastal carolina

Poochie Dotson Owner

9. east burke vs. kings mountain

Scott Keuthan Manager

140 N. Main St., Belmont NC phone 704.825.1116 fax 704.825.1121 Mon-Fri 10am-6pm • Sat 10am-4pm www.belmontsurpriseme.com 5. virginia vs. florida state

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“Let our family take care of your family�

111 Harrilson Road, Cherryville 704.435.4161 Judy B. Beam, Administrator, Dr. T.R. White, Medical Director

10. hunter huss vs. ashbrook

14. cramer vs. south point

www.Banner-News.com

13. east gaston vs. forestview

Parker’s BP Amoco

Gas • Tires • Batteries • Service

Š2012 Products Products underwrit ten bbyy Na tionwide Mutual Insur ance CCompany ompany and Affilia ted CCompanies. ompanies. Home Offic e: CColumbus, olumbus, Š2012 underwritten Nationwide Insurance Affiliated Office: 43215. Subject Subject ttoo underwriting guidelines, rreview, eview, and appr oval. Products Products and disc ounts not aavailable vailable ttoo all per sons OH 43215. approval. discounts persons states. PPaid aid endor sement. AAccident ccident FForgiveness orgiveness is an optional ffeature. eature. Na tionwide, Na tionwide Insur ance, and the in all states. endorsement.

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6. georgia tech vs. nc state

11. shelby vs. crest

Contest Rules 1. The games listed by number in each advertisement correspond to the lines in the entry blank above. Some advertisements may contain more than one game. Simply write on the corresponding lines in the entry blank which team you think will win.

2. At the bottom of the entry blank is a Tiebreaker. In the space indicated, guess the total combined number of points that will be scored by both teams in that game.

3. A $50 prize will be awarded to the entrant (one winner only from combination of the Herald, Eagle, and Banner News) with the most correct predictions. In the event of ties, the tiebreaker will be used to decide the winning entrant. In the event the tiebreaker does not break the tie, the prize will be split.

4. In the event games are postponed, they will only count in that week’s contest if they are played within that week’s contest period. The contest period cover games through Friday and Saturday.

5. Entries may be mailed to The Kings Mountain Herald at PO Box 769, Kings Mountain, NC 28086

if postmarked no later than 5 p.m. on Friday or brought by The Eagle office at 107 1/2 E. Main Street, Cherryville; The Herald office at 700 E. Gold Street, Kings Mountain; or The Bannernews office at 128-C N. Main St., Belmont, no later than Friday at 5 p.m.

6. Limit one entry per person, per envelope. Must be 18 years old to enter. All entries must be on blanks clipped from The Eagle, The Banner News or The Herald. No photocopied entries will be accepted.

7. No purchase necessary. Stop by one of our offices to clip out an official entry blank.

8. All entries become the property of Community First Media 9. Winners will be contacted as soon as the contest is judged and prize money may be picked up at our Kings Mountain office located at 700 E. Gold St., Kings Mountain NC 28086.

10. Employees of Community First Media and their families are ineligible.

Page 10

The Banner News | banner-news.com

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Gasoline prices lowest in almost four years

By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Gasoline prices, nationally and locally, are dropping to their lowest levels in nearly four years and drivers are smiling.

Last week, the national average price for regular unleaded gasoline hovered around $3 a gallon, the lowest mark since December 27, 2010. Today’s price is six cents less than one week ago and twenty-five cents less than one year ago. The national average has now dropped for 32 consecutive days for a total of 30 cents per gallon.

Locally, prices fell below the three dollar mark a couple of weeks ago and are currently in the $2.85 cents a gallon range. Just across the S.C. state line on US321, stations like the Hot Spot had regular unleaded going for $2.58 a gallon.

Gas prices typically decline this time of year, but have fallen more swiftly than typical due to the sharply declining price of crude oil. The cost of crude oil accounts for approximately two-thirds of the price consumers pay for gasoline, which means, barring any other factors, gas prices continue to fall as long as crude oil prices decline.

Today’s national average price of gas represents an 18 percent savings compared to the 2014 high of $3.70 per gallon, which was reached on April 28.

Local gas station owners and drivers are warily watching the price plunge.

Kenny Rollins owns the Rollins 76 station on Hickory Grove Rd. “I hope the prices stay low,” said Rollins. “They should have dropped a long time ago.”

Motorist Gary Farmer had this to say.

“Enjoy the low prices while you can.”

Sunday evening saw a large crowd gather at Cramerton Middle School to remember student Steven Canipe, Jr. who lost his life on October 24 when he was struck by a car on his way to school.

Pastor Shannon Williams organized the event and recalled Canipe as someone who thought of others and whose faith in God was strong. “Steven was solid and consistent,” Williams said. Since the accident, more than $11,000 has been raised for the Canipe family to cover funeral costs. In addition to raising money, some are hoping Steven’s death will have officials take a hard look at where Cramerton Middle students cross the road to school. A petition has been started to lower the speed limit and add sidewalks on S. New Hope Rd., where the tragedy happened.

Photo by Bill Ward

Ricky Fullam sees the price drop as short-lived.

“They will go back up after the election.”

Jerry Hunt was also skeptical about a long term drop.

“I’m glad it’s below three dollars but it won’t stay there.”

Seventeen states currently register an average gas price below $3.00 per gallon with drivers in South Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi paying the nation’s lowest average prices at the pump. Hawaii remains the nation’s most expensive market for retail gasoline with an average above $4.00 per gallon.

Continuing unrest in Iraq and geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe have taken a backseat to an emerging belief by many market watchers that global supply – including significantly higher oil production in the United States – is outpacing global demand growth. This assessment

Gaston County Schools reports good news W.A. Bess Elementary students in Kim Crain’s and Rose Nabinett’s kindergarten class observed Breast Cancer Awareness Month by wearing pink on October 15. The students wanted to honor mothers and faculty members who are battling the disease or have survived it.

Cramerton Middle School received a $200 contribution from PSNC Energy to support the Discovery music class.

Laura Long, media specialist at Kiser Elementary, was chosen to present a session at the N.C. School Library Media Association conference in Winston-Salem. She led a workshop titled “Lights, Camera, BOOKS!” that focused on engaging students in creating book report video commercials and blogging to promote literacy and library activities.

The following students were selected for The Broadway Experience program sponsored by the N.C. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center: Wesley Billings and Brandon Miller, East Gaston; Carter Frady, Stuart W. Cramer; and Charity Warren, Hunter Huss. The Broadway Experience is an all-expense paid weekend trip to New York City for 12 students from high schools in the Charlotte region. While in New York, the students will attend Broadway shows, enjoy backstage tours, and visit various tourist attractions.

For the second consecutive year, East Gaston High School student Gabe Hutson was selected for the N.C. High School Honors Chorus, which is the most prestigious high school choir in the state. He will perform with other outstanding student vocalists at the N.C. Music Educators Convention in Winston-Salem.

The following schools were recognized by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association for having no player ejections during the 2013-2014 year: Ashbrook, East Gaston, Forestview and Stuart W. Cramer. Only 127 schools in the state were honored for outstanding sportsmanship.

The Cramerton Middle September Students of the Month were Hunter Hogue, Amelia May Tuttle, Karsyn Armstrong, Emma Brown, Kelly Inman, Adrian Mistry, Chase McCaskill, Jacob Landis, Krissy Adams and Aden Smith.

Lingerfeldt Elementary hosted its eighth annual grandparents’ luncheon with more than 100 grandparents taking time to eat with the children.

Holbrook Middle School mentor David Landrum was awarded the 2014 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service in recognition of eight faithful years as a mentor in Gaston County Schools. This is the highest award that a state employee can receive. Landrum is employed by the communication studies department at UNC-Charlotte.

Pinewood Elementary students celebrated International Dot Day on September 15 with a variety of reading activities. The observance is associated with “The Dot,” a book

by Peter Reynolds that encourages students to be creative and leave their mark on the world.

East Gaston High School adopted a new motto for the school year. “Shifting the Atmosphere” is the motto now showcased on the school sign. The students and staff are creating an atmosphere that is positive, successful, and full of school pride with increased participation in pep rallies, spirit days, and the student section at football games. The school also started a new teacher recognition program and reinstated its Warrior Pride program to honor students. The school’s new “Arrowhead of Success” logo highlights goals for this school year and the future.

Belmont Middle School hosted a community celebration on October 5 to mark the school building’s 75th anniversary.

The building opened in 1939 as Belmont High School.

Belmont Central Elementary held its annual Fall Carnival and Family Fun Night fundraiser, which was sponsored by the PTO. The Pinewood Elementary September Students of the Month were Kendall Sherrill, Myron Allen, Wisdom Kelson, Olivia Huffstetler, Hunter Valentine, Pearl Ervin, Athony Impellizeri, Olive Peterson, Gauge Kinley, Torren Mayr,

has helped sink West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices to near $80 per barrel for the first time since June 2012 and has fueled speculation of how the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will respond to the falling price of crude. OPEC is scheduled to convene on November 27 in Vienna to discuss global demand and the impact of increased production by nonOPEC countries. At the close of formal trading on Friday last week, WTI was down $1.08 at $81.01 per barrel on the NYMEX, and prices had fallen below $80 in morning trading Friday.

Gasoline price signs like this one at Dale’s Superette in Belmont have been showing less than three dollars a gallon for a couple of weeks now.

The question folks are asking is how long will it last?

Photo by Alan Hodge

Braylan Hux, Kasey Anthony, Jiya Patel, Ashley Beal, Porter Beckham, Tate Hawkins, Damazia Murphy, Noah Howard, Morgan Sherrill, Aniyah Callahan, Caleb Blackmon, Durrell Corry, Tyler Mizzell, Katelyn Walsh, Maddison York, Jacob Hunter, Will Hager and Christine Mori Cleary.

Holbrook Middle School counselors Millie Clemmons and Erin Stokes hosted a parent program titled “How to Be More Involved in Your Child’s Education.” The program provided information about helping children to study, discovering a child’s learning style, and accessing school resources such as teacher websites and calendars, the Parent Portal, and GCS mobile app. A separate session for Spanish-speaking parents was led by Maria Lopez, the school’s English as a Second Language teacher.

Students from Holbrook Middle School had an opportunity to participate in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Day at UNC-Charlotte. The students learned about STEM-related careers, college programs of study in the STEM field, and heard from college and business leaders about the importance of STEM education.

The girls’ volleyball teams from South Point High School and Stuart W. Cramer High School teamed up to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a “Pink Out” Day on October 13. Students at both schools were encouraged to wear pink, attend the volleyball game, and buy t-shirts and raffle tickets to raise money for Cancer Services of Gaston County. South Point coach Tina Dimmitt-Salinas coordinated the effort.

The Kiser Elementary September Students of the Month were Allie Cogdill, Lily Lambert, Robbie Hersey, Luke Moore, Sheldon Clark, Olivia Robinson, Alyssa Shires, Caroline Mesimer, Hailey Clark, Harrison Rowland, Amber Usery, Alex Helton, Mallory Shires, ShyAnn Hambright, Daniel Vences, Madi Moore, Jordan Bishop and Laci Hentshel.

Laura Long, media specialist at Kiser Elementary, was chosen to present a session at the N.C. School Library Media Association conference in Winston-Salem. She led a workshop titled “Lights, Camera, BOOKS!” that focused on engaging students in creating book report video commercials and blogging to promote liter3 Tab Roofing Architect Laminate acy and library activities.

Twenty students in the Shingles Shingles East Gaston High School $44.96 Square - $14.99 Bundle $54.96 Square - $18.32 Bundle Interact Club spent time cleaning up the roadside in 5V Galvanized Metal front of the school. They collected 15 bags of trash 8’ ..............................$15.49 14’ ............................$25.95 and debris.

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