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Volume 117 • Issue 50
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Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Self-taught artist Don Harris’s art skills bring joy to others Former military veteran has created over 300 works, mostly from memory by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
Somerset Court resident Harold Donald “Don” Harris is what you might call a “selftaught” artist. By his own admission the U.S. Army veteran (1971-1972) started painting when he was in the sixth grade and has had no art classes. Harris, 68, really doesn’t know exactly what style his paintings are, though they are a bit similar to the New Yorkborn American folk artist Grandma Moses, whose real name was Anna Mary Robertson Moses (1860-1961). Harris favors using acrylic paints and paints in his room at Somerset Court, doing so from his wheelchair as various health issues related to diabetes don’t allow him to stand and paint using an easel. Harris is also quick to let anyone know he is a conservative Republican and adds he is also a “Biblical person.”
Then-City Councilman for Ward 2, Brian Dalton (second from left) speaking at a City Council meeting. (Eagle file photo)
Brian Dalton voted on to be Cherryville’s City Manager Somerset Court resident and self-taught artist Harold “Don” Harris with a couple of his acrylic paintings. (photo by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media) Don’s step-dad was a 30-year Army man, and Don noted he was born in Germany, where his stepdad was stationed with the family. They later moved to Texas before coming to Valdese, N.C., to live in his stepfather’s parent’s house. Harris has three brothers, one of whom is deceased. He is also the father of two girls, both of whom live in Burke County. “I have to say, the past 20 years have been very traumatic for me because of
health issues. I have diabetes and bad neuropathy and am paralyzed from my left hip down,” he said. Harris said he did attend college at the age of 57, going to Western Piedmont Community College for two years, majoring in U.S. Government and Political Debate. “I have had two writing classes but no art classes,” he said. Harris noted he has probably painted “…over 300 paintings” while living both See HARRIS, Page 6
Will begin his tenure on Monday, Dec. 20 by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
The City of Cherryville announced last week via a media release they have a new City Manager. Cherryville native Brian Dalton, currently a detective with the Gaston County Police Department, was unanimously voted on by the City Council as the person for the position which came open due to the retirement of Mr. Jeff Cash. Mayor H.L. Beam, III, who signed the media release, noted therein that, “Mr. Dalton will begin his position
MR. BRIAN DALTON on Monday, Dec. 20.” He further stated, “Mr. Dalton has a strong interest in finance and his skills and ethics promote the Council’s desire to continue public trust in our City. Having served as a former Planning and Zoning Director for the City of Cherryville, and a former City Council
member, Mr. Dalton is excited about working back in his hometown and continuing to work with staff, moving the City of Cherryville forward.” Dalton, 45, who is a lifelong resident of Cherryville, is married to Emily Dalton and they have one daughter, Miley. “I graduated from Cherryville High School in 1994 and Appalachian State University in 1999,” he said, adding he has “…always been involved with public service” from his first job as age 16 with the Cherryville Recreation Dept. Said Mr. Dalton, “After college I worked as the Planning and Zoning Director for approximately one year (2000-01) before becoming See DALTON, Page 6
NC Supreme Court puts NC primaries CFD Chief Cash receives on hold until May 17 Order of the Long Leaf Pine at 2021 CFD Banquet
Justices push primary elections back, halts candidate filing to let courts hear lawsuits on gerrymandering.
Patrick O’Leary receives CFD Chief’s Citizen Advocate Award
by JORDAN WILKIE Carolina Public Press
The N.C. Supreme Court halted the gears of the state’s election apparatus until it can decide a question key to its constitution and democracy: Can one party draw political maps that lock it into power for at least a decade? The order from the state’s highest court pushed the primary elections back from March 8 to May 17, halted candidate filing for all political offices and told the trial court to consider the merits of the case and rule by Jan. 11, 2022. The decision comes after a turbulent week of reversals at lower courts where two groups alleged the political maps the Republican-led legislature passed into law are unconstitutional gerrymanders, meaning that they favor one political party more than the other. On Friday, Dec. 3, a three-
by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
Laura Young filled out her ballot alongside her daughter Emma-June, 3 1/2, at Upward Elementary School in Henderson County on Election Day. (photo by Colby Rabon/Carolina Public Press) judge panel of Superior Court judges heard the lawsuits, which asked for a preliminary injunction that would stop candidate filings and push elections back to May. That court, with two Republicans and one Democrat, unanimously denied the request. The plaintiffs appealed. One group, the N.C. League of Conservation Voters, asked the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court to intervene. The other group, the National Redistricting Foundation, an affiliate of the National Democratic Redistricting Commit-
tee, went straight to the N.C. Supreme Court. Under the current maps, political scientists project that in a state with near 50-50 voting between the major parties, Republicans would still win 10 of 14 seats for U.S. Congress, and a majority if not a veto-proof supermajority of state legislative seats. If allowed, the maps would likely bake in Republican control of the state’s politics at least until maps are redrawn again after the 2030 cbensus, when they would presumably still be in power. See PRIMARIES, Page 3
Always a greatly anticipated event every year, the 2021 Cherryville Fire Department Banquet did not disappoint this year. Members of the department and their families, along with a citizen chosen to be the recipient of the CFD Chief’s Citizen Advocate Award received those awards and recognition for their service to the City of Cherryville and its citizens. The event was held again this year on Friday, Dec. 10, at the Cherryville Golf and Country Club, and was – as always – well attended. Fire Chief Wofford opened the event, followed by the invocation by Chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Vince Hefner, of First Baptist Church of Cherryville. Chief Wofford asked of everyone present, “Let’s all take time to make room for
Retired CFD Chief Jeff Cash proudly holds his Order of the Long Leaf Pine, presented to him at the 2021 CFD Awards Banquet last Friday night. (photo by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media) Christ in our hearts tonight.” Chaplain Hefner said to all it was an honor to serve as the department’s chaplain.
Chief Wofford then handed out the following service pins to his personnel: 5 years – Drew Hughes See CASH, Page 10
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