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Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Belmont’s MIA Bunyan Price laid to rest at Arlington By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
A long, complicated, and emotional journey came to a final conclusion recently when the remains of Belmont native and Vietnam War MIA SSgt. Bunyan Price Jr., as well as two of his US Army comrades, were finally laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on Oct. 16. The saga began on May 20, 1970 when the helicopter 20-year-old Price and seven other Americans were riding in was shot down over Cambodia. Price and two others, Maj. Dale Richardson from Illinois and Sgt. Rodney Griffin from Montana, survived the crash but were killed in a firefight later that day with Viet Cong soldiers who placed them in a common grave. Decades passed, and after much searching, the burial site was discovered last year. However, the remains were mingled together. Investigators separated them as best they could and returned them to the respective families based on what DNA evidence could be gleaned. But some of the remains could not be assigned to an individual. These were the ones that were buried together in one flag-draped casket in Arlington a few weeks ago. Price's sister, Brenda Harris of Cherryville, was at the ceremony with her siblings. “It was a beautiful service,” Harris said. “We met the other families at the hotel and it was just like we had known each other for a long time.” Other folks came to Arlington to pay their respects. “There was a big crowd of people from all over,” said Harris. One of the folks present was the helicopter pilot, Dan Escorted by the Old Guard, the casket containing remains of Vietnam MIAs Belmont native SSgt. Bunyan Price, Maj. Dale Maslowki of Charleston. Richardson, and Sgt. Rodney Griffin is seen entering Arlington National Cemetery where they were laid to rest recently. Dept. of Defense photo see more BUNYAN page 3
Mt. Holly gets good financial news By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
The Mt. Holly city council heard a presentation at its most recent meeting concerning the state of the municipality's financial situation and the results were good. The annual report is done and delivered to the city by Martin-Starnes & Assoc., CPAs, P.A. City manager Danny Jackson praised Mt. Holly staff, the council, and residents for their teamwork that led to the glowing 2015 report. “It’s another cog in the wheel of what good positive collaborative efforts will yield,” Jackson said. “More specifically, the stakeholders in the process that resulted in a very good audit report for the City of Mount Holly is the city council for their leadership and trust in staff to handle the city’s business, city staff for its hard work to be good stewards of the city’s finances via various efforts and last but certainly not least is the citizens of Mount Holly for their cooperation in paying their financial obligations to the city and their overall investment see more MT.
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Gaston County Schools names Julie Shatterly as Outstanding Educator By Alan Hodge Alan.bannernews@gmail.com
“It smells like a new car!” That was the first reaction that W.A. Bess media specialist Julie Shatterly had when she sat in the new $25,000 Kia Soul she won last week after being chosen Gaston County School's Outstanding Educator. The car was donated by Kia of Gastona.
For the third consecutive year, Kia of Gastonia partnered with Gaston County Schools to sponsor the Kia Outstanding Educator Awards program. The announcement of the winner took place at Stuart W. Cramer High School in front of a huge crowd. Each school and the central office had selected a nominee for the Kia Outstanding Educator Award. The nominees included teachers, custodians, office personnel, teacher assistants, cafeteria workers, bus drivers and support staff. During the ceremony, 56 nominees were recognized. “Again this year, we were proud to partner with Kia of Gastonia to sponsor the Kia page 2
Outstanding Educator Awards,” said Superintendent of Schools W. Jeffrey Booker. “This important recognition program has become an excellent way for Gaston County Schools and Kia of Gastonia to honor the many outstanding school employees we have in Gaston County.” Booker declared the event the “fourth most important day of the school year” behind first day, last day, and graduation. The award nominees were seen as “unsung heroes” who support the school district’s vision, demonstrate exemplary service to our schools, exhibit a teamwork attitude, and go the extra mile each day to help children. “Our nominees always exceed expectations even though they may not always get credit for their hard work and unwavering commitment to their job,” added Superintendent Booker. “They are dedicated, caring people who take great pride in Gaston County Schools.” School Board chair Kenneth Lutz declared Julie Shatterly - Gaston County’s Schools all the nominees winners. 2015 Outstanding Educator. Photo by Alan Hodge see more EDUCATOR page 2
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