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Volume 115 • Issue 29
75¢
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Cherryville officers, staff, employees receive awards at recent Council meeting by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
Monday’s July 12 regular Council session was a relatively short meeting and concerned itself primarily with recognition of City employees and staff. Before that took place though, Council voted on and approved the City Council meeting minutes of the Jun 14, regular session and the June 29, work session. Following that, Mayor H.L. Beam, III noted in his comments to the Council that he and City Manager Jeff Cash met with CaroMont officials on June 17, regarding locating a medical office in Cherryville; attended the International Express ribbon cutting (also
Cherryville Patrol Officer Jessica Richardson proudly show off her Exceptional Duty Award, given by Chief Cam Jenks, for her role in helping rescue a family’s pet during a fire at their home. last month), and commented on how spectacular the town’s 2021 Independence Day Celebration was.
Patrol Officer Skylar Sisk with his Meritorious Service Award he received from Chief Cam Jenks and the City of Cherryville for his part in helping find a non-verbal teen who had gotten lost near her home. The second officer receiving this same award was Lt. Brandon Parker, who was unable to attend the Council meeting.
CPD Patrol Officers Derek Thom and Vince Burleson with their Certificates of Recognition from CPD Chief Cam Jenks for going above and beyond the call of duty in helping a citizen suffering a health issue. (photos by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media) “City Manager Cash received a letter from an 81-year-old individual who lives out of town comment-
ing on just how awesome Cherryville’s fireworks display was. She had never seen our display before and
was very impressed with, she said. It is just one of many similar comments we have received on the celebration from those who came,” said Mayor Beam. Beam also commented on the 2021 N.C. Dixie Youth Softball Tournament Cherryville hosted this past weekend, adding, “There were over 1,000 people in attendance just for the opening ceremony (at Rudisill Stadium last week). I want to thank the Cherryville churches who took part in helping feed the many teams and their families who are attending the tournament.” The tournament ended Tuesday, July 13. Mayor Beam said he has been informed three Cherryville teams have advanced and will be going on to play See COUNCIL, Page 4
Cherryville sending three teams to play in Dixie Girls Softball World Series by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
Cherryville played host to the N.C. Dixie Girls Softball State Tournament on July 9-13, 2021, kicking things off with a rousing opening ceremony held at Rudisill Stadium, which saw a huge crowd, perhaps numbering as many as 1,000 or more, according to some DGSB and City of Cherryville officials. The welcome was a boon for the city “Where Life Blossoms” as Cherryville Dixie Girls Softball teams won State Championships in three divisions – Debs (19U), Angels (10U),
and Sweetees (6U). In Debs action, spokesperson Jamie McSwain noted that Cherryville’s Debs team defeated Brunswick North’s Debs by a score of 11-2; then defeated Columbus County 19-0. They also defeated Brunswick North 8-3. Pitchers for the 19U ladies were Gracie Elmore, Krista Davis, and Gabby Berry. The Debs are comprised of Faith Anthony, Gabrielle Berry, Gracie Curtis, Krista Davis, Laila Davis, Gracie Elmore, Lauren Gates, Morgan Maltba, Peyton Propst, Madison Sipe, Makalah Wiggins, and Sarah Word. They are
coached by Sandy Cunningham, Joe Davis, and Cheryl Word. The 6U Sweetees champs beat Central Columbus 26-25, in Game One, the beat West Lincoln 25-14, in Game Two. They then beat Central Columbus 27-26, in the Championship Game: Beat. The Sweetees are coached by Angie Anthony, Natalie Poston, Pam McSwain, and Tina Watson. The team is comprised of players Allie Anthony, Eva Boyer, Brooklynn Cunningham, Paisley Hamrick, Finleigh Herring, Lilly Jackson, Rylee Jordan, LeighAnn McSwain, See DIXIE, Page 4
The 2021 Dixie Girls Softball Champs in the 6U Division (Sweetees). They are coached by Angie Anthony, Natalie Poston, Pam McSwain, and Tina Watson. The players are: Allie Anthony, Eva Boyer, Brooklynn Cunningham, Paisley Hamrick, Finleigh Herring, Lilly Jackson, Rylee Jordan, LeighAnn McSwain, Joselyn Poston, Kodi Rikard, Raelyn Thornburg, and Savannah Woods. (photos provided)
Hooks retires after four years Hepatitis outbreak alarms NC health officials of storms, riots, and a pandemic by DONNA KING
Dramatic increase in Hepatitis A cases, some fatal, occurring in parts of the state and nationally by IMARI SCARBROUGH Carolina Public Press
Overshadowed by the novel coronavirus pandemic, North Carolina health departments struggle to combat a
smaller, yet still deadly outbreak: hepatitis A. According to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an outbreak in North Carolina began on Jan. 1, 2018, resulting in 855 cases. Nearly two-thirds of those resulted in hospitalizations, with 13 deaths reported. The viral disease affects the liver and may cause abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, and jaundice, according to the CDC. Case numbers vary wildly across the state. Cumberland County reported only one case, a rate of
0.3 per 100,000 population. At the other end of the spectrum, Burke County reported 59 cases, a rate of 65.2 cases per 100,000 population. Most cases are in the Piedmont and western part of the state. While food- and water-related outbreaks can and do occur, in the United States individuals transmit most cases to one another. In Catawba County, 67 reported cases have occurred since the outbreak started, a rate of 42 per 100,000 population. “Cases of hepatitis A See HEPATITIS, Page 2
Carolina Journal
Erik Hooks has announced his retirement from Gov. Roy Cooper’s Cabinet, ending a long career in state public safety. Hooks, secretary of the state Department of Public Safety, has served in the role since the beginning of Cooper’s first term. He helped oversee North Carolina’s response to hurricanes, violence in understaffed prisons, mob teardowns of Confederate statues on public property, last summer’s riots and protests, and the COVID pandemic.
Erik Hooks, secretary of the NC Dept of Public Safety. (photo from ncpds.gov) Hooks was appointed in January 2017, just after Cooper was sworn in for his first term. Hooks’ role includes service as the state’s Home-
land Security adviser. He spent 27 years of his 30-year career with the State Bureau of Investigation, eventually See HOOKS, Page 5
August 12: Senior Citizen Day
August 15: Atrium Health Salute to Healthy Living
August 13: Salute to Achievement Day
August 16: Youth Athletic Day
August 14: USAA Military Appreciation Day
August 17: CHAMPIONSHIP TUESDAY
Join us August 12-17 and visit www.alws.us for more information about each day