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Volume 117 • Issue 52
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
75¢
Looking back at 2021 – Part 1: The first six months Some headlines that got our attention as we navigated the year (Ed. Note: This is Part One of a two-part series looking back on the first six months of 2021 and how the Eagle brought your hometown, community news and local issues to you, our faithful readers. We here at Community Media wish you a Happy New Year 2022!) by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
JANUARY • FOLLOWING THE BOOM! – Shooting in New Year 2021 in Cherryville. Spirits in Cherryville, as far away as Lincoln County, and in Waco scared away so we can have a better new year! • COVID-19 Relief Bill
passed on Dec. 21, by Congress. Second round of economic impact payments due soon. • CHS coaches’ commitment to professional development results in spot on national honor roll. • Council hears from County regarding support for long-term vision plan. Approves proposed ‘P-Card’ policy plan for department heads; key City staff • Chef Rebecca Goins’ “Butter Me Up Cakes and Catering” opens for business. Ribbon cutting well attended by family, friends, and City, Chamber, Council and Main Street officials. • Vandals hit City Cemetery, damaging headstones and statue of Christ. City says gates to be locked again; warning signage placed; monitoring of Cemetery to begin. See LOOKING BACK, Page 2
A quick blast of fire off to the right of the photo flares as one member of the Cherryville New Year’s Shooter’s, Inc. group welcomes in the New Year 2021 as their fellow members at the line at one of the hosts’ yards finish their shot and move away so the next line can come up and fire their muskets. (Eagle/CF Media file photo by MEP, Susan L. Powell, or provided)
Get ready! It’s that New Year’s Shooting time of year again! Both groups glad to be out again, continuing their time-honored tradition of shooting in the New Year Joy Anderson, who was enslaved for seven years, before Lanie George, the founder of a Charlotte-area home for trafficking victims, rescued her during an FBI bust. (photo from Carolina Journal)
Cleveland Co. senator touts NC budget’s measures to attack human trafficking by MITCH KOKAI Carolina Journal
A state senator is drawing attention to the new N.C. state budget’s measures to fight human trafficking. The budget “provides a lifeline to victims” of trafficking, according to a news release from Sen. Ted Alexander, R-Cleveland. “Human trafficking is all too prevalent in North Carolina,” Alexander said. “We have the means to both combat this criminal behavior and to help victims caught up in the vicious cycle of exploitation and coercion. Our budget provides millions of dollars to organizations that help human trafficking victims transition to a better life.” The budget includes $4.4 million for the state’s Human Trafficking Commission. The money will help the commission “develop and implement
a grant program for economic assistance and other services to human trafficking victims,” according to Alexander’s news release. Another $4.8 million is slated for capital improvements at agencies that assist victims of sexual assault. Eight sworn law enforcement officers within the State Bureau of Investigation will focus on human trafficking enforcement, thanks to a budget provision. The budget dedicates $3.2 million for nonprofit organizations that help trafficking survivors “with services like case management, education, and employment assistance,” according to the release. Another $1.1 million boosts existing services “to help victims of human trafficking recover and transition to a better life.” The budget waives expunction costs for human trafficking victims. This “allows survivors of human trafficking who were cited for See TRAFFICKING, Page 6
by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
If you are new to the area you are in for a tried and true, traditional treat as both Cherryville New Year’s shooters groups prepare to start their 24-hour long welcome for the New Year 2022. The two groups carry on a centuries-old tradition brought over by their ancestors who arrived from Germany and other places in Europe back when this country was in its infancy. See NEW YEAR’S, Page 3
After the chanter’s cry ends, “And for good luck, we’ll fire our guns,” this Traditional New Year’s Shooter member greets the New Year with a blast from his musket at the 2020/2021 event. (Eagle/CF Media file photo by Michael E. and Susan L. Powell)
Cherryville’s Somerset Court celebrates Christmas with a “Tour of Cheer” Two other local assisted living communities held a similar tour as well Staff and residents of Cherryville’s Somerset Court assisted living center noted in a recent media release their halls were filled twinkling lights, the smell of hot cocoa, and plenty of cheer on Thursday evening, Dec. 16., as they welcomed families, friends, and guests for a special holiday event. Spokesperson Cigi Sparks noted Somerset Court of Cherryville, in partnership See SOMERSET Page 10
Cherryville’s Somerset Court entrance all decorated for Christmas. See more photos of their Tour of Cheer holiday event on page 10. (Photo provided)
COMMUNITY FIRST MEDIA
Blessings of Peace, Joy & Health in the New Year!
2022