Shelby Shopper Shelby NC
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Page 4 - shelby shopper & info - 704/484-1047 www.shelbyinfo.com Thursday, April 14-April 20, 2016 NEED BUSINESS CARDS TO PROMOTE YOURSELF & YOUR BUSINESS? 1000 raised print business cards starting at $35 + tax. Shelby Shopper & Info, 503 N. Lafayette St, Shel- by, NC 704-484-1047 or Ruth- erford Weekly, 369 Butler Rd, Forest City, NC 828-248-1408. 3500 RED BRICK PAVERS, FREE! Must pick up. Call Ran- dy, 252-675-9278. Rutherford County. NEED BUSINESS CARDS ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS For Up To The Minute Cleveland County Weather Go To shelbyinfo.com 2221 S. Post Road • Shelby 704-481-1788 "Settle In With Comfort" David Settle This Week's Weather Brought To You By: Meteorologist Robert Gamble Email: carolinaweather @yahoo.com High 64 Low 44 High 65 Low 45 High 69 Low 45 High 73 Low 48 High 78 Low 49 High 79 Low 50 BOB'S CAROLINA WEATHER BOB'S CAROLINA WEATHER There's not a lot of rain in the forecast, but I think it's safe to plant your garden now. We most likely had our last freeze last week, now we could use some rain as we're actually below normal for most of this region so far this year. There could be a few showers Thursday or Friday, but hardly worth a mention. Then it's looking like a long dry sunny spell before our next chance of showers returns late next week. High 80 Low 52 April 14 April 15 April 16 April 18 April 19 April 20 April 17 Oliver's Hardware Oliver's Hardware and GARDEN CENTER NEW OWNERS! It's Garden Time It's Garden Time (Formerly Lail Hardware) (Formerly Lail Hardware) HWY. 18 N. • BETWEEN SHELBY & FALLSTON HWY. 18 N. • BETWEEN SHELBY & FALLSTON 704-480-0830 704-480-0830 "We Have Plants, "We Have Plants, Seeds and Fertilizer Seeds and Fertilizer for any size Garden" for any size Garden" Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:30-6:00pm Sat. 7:30 - 4:00pm • Closed Sunday HERE FOR OUR COMMUNITY JOIN US ON THE COURSE FOR THE RUBY C. HUNT YMCA CAPTAIN'S CHOICE GOLF TOURNAMENT FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY April 28, 2016 1:00 pm Tee Off River Bend YMCA Golf Course •$60 per person or $240 /team of 4 •Includes lunch!! •All participants will receive a "goody bag"of golf supplies •Super Mulligan —$10 •Prizes will be given for: •Low Gross •Low Net—1st and 2nd •Longest Drive • Closest to the Pin All proceeds benefi t the We Build People Scholarship Fund This fund helps our community participate in YMCA programs and activities throughout the year. www.RubyCHuntYMCA.org 704.434.0441 Mountain Village Mountain Village Chalets & Cabins Chalets & Cabins ~FOR RENT~ ~FOR RENT~ 1 to 5 Bedrooms All Have Hot Tubs & Fireplaces 950 Main St. Chimney Rock, NC 704-472-3100 704-482-4888 704-472-5219 L o V E y o u r d ay s at s e a $"3*##&"/t4065)1"$*'*$t&6301&t.&9*$0 "6453"-*"t/&8;&"-"/%t"-"4,"t4065)".&3*$" '454539068 / C45034468-50 -PSFO$PMCVSO$BTTFZ3FDPSF 877-270-7260 Cassey.Recore@cruiseplanners.com /$1USBWFMDPN Our 32nd Year • Issue No. 34 • August 27, 2015 704-484-1047 "Cleveland County's Favorite Community Newspaper" Free Free Chocolaty caramel ROLO Minis blended with our creamy vanilla soft serve. BLIZZARD MONTH! By APRIL HOYLE SHAUF Special to Shelby Shopper It may come as a surprise to many, but contrary to its seemingly descriptive name, a "hamfest" has nothing to do with ham, pigs or livestock or food of any kind. Instead it is a "convention of amateur radio enthusiasts, often combining a trade show, flea market, and various other activities of inter- est to amateur radio operators" according to a Wikipedia article on the topic. According to the same article, "'ham' is the slang word often used to refer to ama- teur radio operators who are tested and licensed … to operate their personal two-way radio sets and do non-commercial (amateur) communication with their fellow hobbyists around the globe." And just in case you weren't aware, Shelby, N.C., is home to one of the biggest (and longest- running) hamfests in the United States, with an annual atten- dance of 5,000-7,000 people, according to Ben Melvin, chair- man of the Shelby Hamfest. This year's 59th annual Shelby Hamfest will be held Sept. 5-6 at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds. According to Melvin, most of the Shelby Hamfest attend- ees are locals folks or from the Southeastern United States. "But, in the past, we have had some come from as far away as Australia and New Zealand," Melvin said. Most come for just an after- noon or a day, but many will actually arrive on the Sunday before the event to camp and meet other attendees. "Some people make it into a vacation," said Melvin. Festival goers attend for many reasons, Melvin said, but most are amateur radio operators who relish the chance to visit with folks they talk with on the radio during the rest of the year. Amateur radio operators trace their history back many years, often providing valuable services to the community, Melvin said. During the Korean War, for example, ham radio operators worked with the military to provide phone patches allow- ing service men and women to place calls to their families in the United States. With the advent of cellu- lar phones and the internet, such services are no longer necessary, but amateur radio enthusiasts still provide an important backup com- munication system for county and emergency services. "We partner with the Emergency of vendors, a flea market and daily raffle prizes are among the offerings, and participants will also have numerous opportuni- ties to take the test to become a licenced ham operator. Vendors at the festival sell new and used radio equipment, along with electronic and computer hard- ward and software, Melton said. For more information about the Shelby Hamfest, visit the event website at shelbyhamfest. com, call 980-295-5151 or email chairman@shelbyhamfest.org. Hamfest attracts local, global radio enthusiasts Ticket Prices: Thursday $ 15 • Friday & Saturday Passes $ 25 Full Weekend, Including Camping Full Weekend, Including Camping $ 70 • Friday & Saturday Camping Included 70 • Friday & Saturday Camping Included $ $ 55 55 At Elliott Family Farms • Polkville, NC At Elliott Family Farms • Polkville, NC www.elliottfamilyfarms.com www.clearmountainviewmusicfestival.com www.elliottfamilyfarms.com www.clearmountainviewmusicfestival.com CLEAR MOUNTAIN VIEW IV M USIC F ESTIVAL AUGUST 2 7 AUGUST 27 TH TH - 29 - 29 TH TH , INC FIRST MEDIA FIRST MEDIA, INC , "Creating Business For People" ® **Greenville/Asheville DMA Reach over 100,000 readers weekly when you promote your business in our 5 community newspapers in the piedmont region of western North Carolina. www.cfmedia.info Email: ads@cfmedia.info 828-248-1408 369 Butler Rd. Forest City, NC 28043 www.rutherfordweekly.com Email: ads@cfmedia.info 704-435-6752 107 1/2 East Main St. Cherryville, NC 28021 Email: ads@cfmedia.info 704-484-1047 503 North Lafayette St. Shelby, NC 28150 www.shelbyinfo.com Email: ads@cfmedia.info 704-739-7496 700 East Gold St. Kings Mtn, NC 28086 www.kmherald.com Email: ads@cfmedia.info 704-825-0580 128-C North Main St. Belmont, NC 28012 www.banner-news.com 5-6 at Fairgrounds. According to Melvin, most of the Shelby Hamfest attend- ees are locals folks or from the people said Melvin. the provide phone patches allow- ing service men and women to place calls to their families in the United States. With the vent of cellu- es and an important back munication system for county and emergency services. "We partner with the Emergency offering , also have numerous ties to take the test to become a licenced ham operator. Vendors at the festival sell new and used radio equipment, along with electronic and computer hard- ward and software, Melton said. For more information about the Shelby Hamfest, visit the event website at shelbyhamfest. com, call 980-295-5151 or email chairman@shelbyhamfest.org. Conner Stroud of Rutherfordton was one of 34 young wheelchair athletes who recently participated in the 2015 USTA/ITF International Junior Wheelchair Tennis Camp in Mission Viejo, Calif. The camp took place at Marguerite Tennis Pavilion and was for youth who live with a permanent disabling condition and use a wheelchair when playing sports, including tennis. Stroud, 15, is ranked the number one Junior Wheelchair Tennis Player in the U.S. He was born with Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD) in both legs. PFFD is a condition where the end of the bone closest to the hip is too short, which left Stroud's feet attached to his legs without ankles, femurs or knees. Stroud had surgery to have his legs amputated when he was two. Following surgery at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Greenville, S.C., Stroud was fitted with prosthetic legs and a very short pair of legs known as stubbies, which protected the ends of his legs around the house. Stroud chose to use the stubbies Stroud learned to play tennis from his father, who along with his mother owned Peach Tree Racquet Club. "I liked the competition part of tennis. It's an individual sport and rely on yourself and not other people," As he grew older, his competitors got taller and faster, and so he began playing wheelchair tennis. Wheelchair tennis involves a special wheelchair with tilted wheels to make you go faster, Stroud explained. At first it was hard, because I not only had to be able to use my racquet but also push the chair around the court. But, once I got used to that, it came pretty easy." This year was the third year Stroud attended camp, which included players from eight different states and six different countries. Camp provided athletes an opportunity to develop their tennis skills and also get to know one another, which Stroud most enjoyed. "You get to play and then talk with everyone, who is just like you," he said. "You don't always get to see every single person with a disability. It's nice to talk and make friends." In addition to camp, Stroud has attended professional tournaments and had an opportunity to hit with players including Andy Roddick and John Isner. His dream is to play in the U.S. Open in New York. For now, though, the high school sophomore will continue to play for Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy's tennis team, swim, travel, listen to music and hang out with his friends. OUR 23 rd YEAR • ISSUE NO. 34 • AUGUST 27, 2015 RutherfordWeekly.com 828-248-1408 FREE FREE YOUR GOOD NEWS COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER YOUR GOOD NEWS COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER Ticket Prices: Thursday $ 15 • Friday & Saturday Passes $ 25 Full Weekend, Including Camping Full Weekend, Including Camping $ 70 • Friday & Saturday Camping Included 70 • Friday & Saturday Camping Included $ $ 55 55 At Elliott Family Farms • Polkville, NC At Elliott Family Farms • Polkville, NC www.elliottfamilyfarms.com www.clearmountainviewmusicfestival.com www.elliottfamilyfarms.com www.clearmountainviewmusicfestival.com CLEAR MOUNTAIN VIEW IV M USIC F ESTIVAL AUGUST 27 AUGUST 27 TH TH - 29 - 29 TH TH Providing basic needs to those in the community she loves came to Christi Wenger in a dream. Wenger, a native of Cliffside, created BASICS - Brothers and Sisters in Christ Serving. The ministry, which is based in Cliffside across from Broad River Area Medical, serves the communities of Cliffside, Henrietta, Avondale and Caroleen. Those communities once thrived, she said, and were hit particularly hard when the textile plants that supported them shut down. Wenger shared her dream with her parents, Barry and Judy Yelton, who contacted Janice and Marc Swing about utilizing a building they own. The Swings were on board with the ministry as well, and BASICS held a yard sale that raised $2,000. With that money the ministry started a food pantry. From there, the service to the community snowballed with 99 families being served. "There have been people who have come for help that I know," Wenger said. "I think it really shows that anyone can fall on hard times." Knowing there are children and adults in the area who are going without their basic needs being met - food and clothing - is heartbreaking to Wenger. "No one should be hungry, especially not in my hometown," she said. The ministry is about more than just giving away food and clothing, Wenger added. Each family who comes for assistance receives a Bible as well. "We really want to form relationships," she said. During the summer months the ministry hosted a weekly Bible Club for children. "Our theme was 'Super Heroes of the Bible,' and we included a snack - it was like a mini vacation Bible school," Wenger said. BASICS Thrift Store opened earlier this month with household, clothing and other items. Wenger, who is a self-professed lover of thrift stores and yard sales, said the store fits in with revitalizing the community. All aspects of the Basic needs being met Basic needs being met through new ministry P idi b i d h i h "Th h b l h h f Young tennis star Young tennis star dreams of playing in dreams of playing in the U.S. Open the U.S. Open w o his kles, femurs or . Stroud had surgery t have his legs amputated he was two. Following Shriners Hospit in Greenville fitted w ve ded unity to develop nis skills and also get to know one another, which Stroud most enjoyed. "You get to play and then talk with everyone, who is just like you," he said. "You don't always get to see every single person ith a disability. It's nice to talk d make friends." n addition to camp, Stroud attended professional ments and had an nity to hit with players Andy Roddick and John dream is to play in the n New York. though, the high more will continue Thomas Jefferson my's tennis team, en to music and riends. Bible,' was like a mini ol, Wenger said. CS Thrift Store opened earlier this month with household, clothing and other items. Wenger, who is a self-professed lover of thrift stores and yard sales, said the store fits in w revitalizing the community. All aspects Volume 109 - Issue 34 Wednesday, August 26, 2015 75 CENTS 8AM-6PM • MON-.SAT. We Accept EBT, SNAP, Food Stamps, Debit Early estimates at Cherryville's four schools at 1,500-plus and counting by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael.cherryvilleeagle@gmail.com After a great summer off, Monday, Aug. 24, 2015, was a day of back to business as usual for the more than 32,000 new and returning Gaston County School stu- dents. GSC Chief Communi- cations Officer Todd Ha- gans said in a media release that when the morning bell rang on Monday, Aug. 24, students (pre-kindergar- ten through high school) walked "through the doors of the county's 55 public schools to start the 2015- 2016 academic year." Hagans noted the 32,000 figure includes more than 2,100 seniors in the Class of 2016, who are already look- ing ahead to the future, and approximately 2,400 kinder- garteners, who are begin- ning their K-12 education journey. At W. Blaine Beam In- termediate, Principal Chad Hovis, in his third year at WBBI, said their first day back at school went "very smooth," adding that every- one was on time and went to where they were supposed to be. He noted he has about 190 students enrolled and will probably add a few more. He has eight teach- ers this year but no new in- structors added, he said. CHS Principal kevin Doran, in his second year at the helm of the high school, said so far, "everytthing has been excellent" for their first day back to school. He and Assistant Principal Fran Da- Canal were given the fresh- men class their orientation, and will do the same for the others later, he said. Doran said they have ex- pect to have between 530 to 540 students this year, with students in his outer office waiting to enroll. New Cherryville Ele- mentary Principal Shawn Hubers said the transition has been smooth for him and his staff. "Everyone is on point, they're in their classes, and it has all been going really smooth," he said. Hubers is in his first role as a principal, having served at CE last year in the role of Assistant Principal under Mrs. Lonnia Beam, who he said has moved to Costner Elementary. As for his numbers, Hu- bers said they have about 385 students enrolled so far, and are still enrolling. At John Chavis Middle School, new Principal Justin Beam said it "feels fantastic" to be back in Cherryville, as he is from here originally. "It feels like being back at home!" he said, smiling, and looking around at the halls of Chavis Middle, with its big orange Wolverines logo shining brightly. Beam said they've added new staff members over the Summer, and noted their first day back to school was a "smooth transition", with eager and excited staff and students ready to get at it. Chavis has 420 students enrolled with still more See FIRST DAY SCHOOL, 10A From Pag e1 Gaston County Schools August 24 first day of school off to smooth start Principal Chad Hovis with a few of his W. Blaine Beam Intermediate students. The stu- dents, all fourth graders, are (left to right): Lauren Costner, Quinnlynn Beam, Mallory Drum, Brayden Reynolds, and Caleb Hovis. The kids all said they're glad to be back at school. (photos by MEP/The Eagle) John Chavis Middle School's new Principal Justin Beam with teacher Stacie McCants. Both are eagerly anticipating a great school year for the Wolverines! A "first" for the Cherryville branch by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael.cherryvilleeagle@gmail.com The Family Literacy Night at the Cherryville Branch of the Gaston County Library was the place to be last Tuesday night! Especially if you were a youngster who loved being read to by adults, seeing cool pictures in books, and maybe even singing a silly song or three while playing a percussive instrument. What's not to love about all that? That was the question of the night, as hosts and read- ers (and instrumentalists) Sandra Love-Corum and Michelle Schultz, both em- ployees of the Cherryville Branch Library, entertained a small crowd on what was the first time for the local li- brary branch to have a pro- gram such as this. Traci Pollitt is the branch manager for the Cher- ryville and Bessemer City branches, said Love-Corum, who is the branch assistant manager at Cherryville. Love-Corum will, in two weeks, be the branch man- ager at the Bessemer City Love-Corum worked her way up the line to where she is today and greatly enjoys what she does. "With all of programs we focus on literary skills, but with this program were try- ing to reach the parents that aren't able to come during our normal business hours," she said. "It's to encour- age families to spend time reading together every day, giving them tips and tricks they can use at home that are easy to replicate using items they have at home to improve the literacy skills." Love-Corum said this particular program was set up to focus more on the 0-6 age groups, such as the use of nursery rhymes, but the entire family, including the older siblings, who are all invited to come as well. "Anyone else who wants to come is welcome as well," she added. The Aug. 18, 6: 30 p.m. event might not have been as heavily attended as Love-Corum and Schultz would have liked but that didn't stop them from in- volving their audience. Sandra said this was only the library's second pro- gram they have done in this manner. It's the first done at the Cherryville branch she said, with their first one overall done at the Bessemer City branch in the Spring. They had 25 come to that event, she noted. Branch head librarian Traci Pollitt had noted earlier that the night of fun See FAMILY LITERACY, 8A Family Literacy Night a time to read, sing, and dance! Sandy Dismukes, direc- tor of the C. Grier Beam Truck Museum, is getting the word out early about the upcoming Carolina Freight Reunion. "The Seventh Annual Carolina Freight Reunion is planned for Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015," Dismukes said, adding it is from 11 a.m., until 2 p.m., at the First Baptist Church Christian Outreach Center, which is located at 301 E. First St., Cherryville. Once again the event is sponsored by the C. Grier Beam Truck Museum and the Carolina Federal Credit Union of Cherryville, N.C., she said. Said Dismukes, "Former Carolina employees and their families are invited to attend this event as they mingle and share memo- ries and experiences of their years of service with the company." There is, as there has always been, an admission charge, which includes lunch. "We will hold a welcome reception at the C. Grier See CAROLINA FREIGHT, 9A Bobby Rhyne, Damon Powell, and Hillard Wise (all stand- ing, left to right) move around and among some of their old Carolina Freight friends and family at last year's CF reunion, held at First Baptist Church's Christian Outreach Center. (Eagle file photo) 7th Annual Carolina Freight Reunion Scheduled for September 26 Congressional Medal of Honor winner Michael J. Fitzmaurice, 65, of Hart- ford, S.D., appeared at the American Legion World Series as part of the Amer- ican Legion's recognition of war veterans at Keeter Stadium, the home of the World Series. Fitzmaurice stands in between Legion- (photo by MEP/The Eagle) naire and Cherryville Ro- the U.S. Army right out of high school in October of 1969, finished his training, and was sent to Vietnam in Congressional Medal of Honor winner, Fitzmaurice Cherryville branch library volunteers Guadalupe' Chavez and her daughter Irene listen as the book "You Are A Lion" is read. (photo by MEP/The Eagle) me Hubers said th John Chavis Middle School's new Principal Jus with teacher Stacie McCants. Both are eagerly anticipating a great school year for the Wolverines! A "first" for the yville n ed fun Y, 8A Family Literacy to read, sing, and dance! Sandy Dis tor of the Truck Mu the word upcomi Reunio "T Car pla 2 7th Annual Carolina Freight Reunion Schedu Page 1 The Banner News / banner-news.com Thursday, August 27, 2015 Volume 81 • Issue 34 Serving Belmont • Cramerton • Lowell • McAdenville • Mount Holly • Stanley Thursday, August 27, 2015 112 Kenwood St., Belmont • 704.829.8034 • strickerlaw.com Andrew M. Brandt Full Service Probate, Medicaid, and Estate Planning Services Larry G. Simonds, Jr. • Criminal Litigation • Civil Litigation • Divorce • DUI Stricker Law Firm, PLLC Stricker | Brandt | Simonds, Jr. ©CommunityFirstMedia Which Would Give You Greater Peace of Mind? Your current retirement plan, or having a prepared by a Certified Financial Planner professional? 32 N. Main Street, Suite 203, Belmont 704.827.9000 | www.rhinowealth.com *Investment advice offered through Rhino Wealth Management, a registered investment adviser. Todd Van Der Meid, MBA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ • Issue 34 YOU COULD WIN $ 1100 see page 7 FREE FREE Belmont, Cramerton, McAdenville receive prestigious award for Build a Better Blvd. The cities of Belmont, Cramerton, and McAdenville were informed last week that they had been selected by the NC Chapter of the American Planning Assoc. Awards Commit- tee to receive the 2015 NC Marvin Collins Planning Award in the Outstanding Planning Awards/Comprehensive Planning/ Multi-jurisdictional or Regional category for the "Build a Bet- ter Blvd." program. Build a Better Blvd. is a joint effort between the towns to beautify and make more efficient the stretch of US/29 Wilkin- son Blvd. between the Catawba River near Belmont and ex- tending to the McAdeville/Cramerton crossroads. "The Committee was very impressed with how effectively this plan incorporates the 'Complete Streets' approach while simultaneously addressing details including traffic adaptation, intersection realignment, and coordination with resurfacing projects," said Scott Shuford, AICP, APA-NC Awards Com- mittee Chair. "The plan creates valuable development sites fort the community and includes effective public involvement through diverse representation on the steering committee and creative events such as a community bike ride." The award will be presented during the NC-APA Planning Conference Awards luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 22 at the Ra- leigh Convention Center. The Build a Better Blvd. project was done by a firm named Metrocology that's headed up by Demetri Baches. The project began mid-summer 2014 and wrapped up in January 2015 at which time a public presentation was held in Cramerton that laid out all the options available for sprucing up Wilkinson. A couple of the changes Baches referenced would include major reworking of the intersection at N. Main in Belmont and the possible narrowing of current lanes so the outer two could be reconfigured for plantings or bicycles. Details can be seen at http://www.buildabetterboulevard. see more BETTER BLVD. page 2 Gaston County Schools students head back to class When the morning bell rang on Mon- day, August 24, approximately 32,000 students (pre-kindergarten through high school) walked through the doors of the county's 55 public schools to start the 2015-2016 academic year. The 32,000 figure includes more than 2,100 seniors in the Class of 2016, who are already looking ahead to the fu- ture, and approximately 2,400 kinder- garteners, who are beginning their K-12 education journey. "We are extremely excited to wel- come our students back to school," stated Superintendent of Schools W. Jeffrey Booker. "Everyone in our school family is looking forward to the new year and the many opportunities for teaching and learning that are ahead of us. We are going to have a great school year." This year, Gaston County Schools has 1,800 classroom teachers – more than 50 of them are new, first-year teachers. The new teachers are partici- pating in the district's Teacher Induc- tion Program for Success (TIPS), which is designed to ensure teachers thrive in their new career. Back-to-school information about registration, immunization require- ments, report cards, orientation and open house programs, parent confer- ences, athletics, and more is available on the school district website, www. gaston.k12.nc.us, under Quick Links. Below is some additional informa- tion for parents and the community as students in Gaston County head back to school on Monday, August 24. Thirteen schools have new princi- pals for the 2015-2016 school year: Justin Beam, John Chavis Middle; Lon- nia Beam, Costner Elementary; Lorinda Brusie, Kiser Elementary; Bryan Den- ton, Cramerton Middle; Rebekah Duncan, Carr Elementary; Gary Ford, South Point High; Amy Holbrook, York Chester Middle; Curt Hovis, Warlick Academy; Shawn Hubers, Cherryville CORRECTION Barber Doug Brewer's friend in last week's Ban- nerNews was misidentified. His name is Ken Hightower not Ken Carpenter. Kids across Gaston County headed back to school on Monday. This photo was taken at Belmont Middle School. Left to right: Eliz- abeth Mullis, Sam Hendrix (Teacher), Chloe Walker, Susan Redmon (Principal), and Adam Hutto. Sixth grade students on the Lions Team. Gaston Schools photo A vociferous crowd of about 200 folks congregated in the Gaston County Citi- zens Resource Center last Thursday looking for answers concerning possible coal ash Crowd questions coal ash contamination in water wells By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com contamination of their water wells in the South Point penin- sula area where Duke Energy has stored ash from Allen Steam Station both now and years ago when it was used as "fill dirt" near the intersection of South Point Rd. and Arm- strong Rd. Now, homeowners in the area are highly con- cerned about possible drink- ing water dangers caused by substances such as hexavent chromium and vanadium. R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s f r o m the NC Dept. of Health and Human Services and NC Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) were on hand at the Resource Cen- ter to field questions from at- tendees on the situation and to give some insight into the situ- ation overall from a scientific standpoint. The event began with a pre- sentation by Bruce Parris, Hy- drogeologist, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Div. INC N N N N C C C C C C C N C N N I C C N N NC C C u Greater Peace of Mind? Which Would Give You G aving a Your current retirement plan, or la r ha prepared by a Certified Financial Planner d F ancia professional? 32 N. Main Street, Suite 203, Belmont N. M 32 N 704.827.9000 | www.rhinowealth.com 7.90 *Investment advice offered through Rhino Wealth Management, a registered investment adviser. Todd Van Der Meid, MBA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL P L LANNER™ de n Belmont and anes so the outer two could p ntings or bicycles. can be seen at http://www.buildabetterboulevard. see more BETTER BLVD. page 2 s. tional informa- p rents and the community as CORRECTION Barber Doug Brewer's friend in last week's Ban- nerNews was misidentified. His name is Ken Hightower not Ken Carpenter. A vociferous crowd of about 200 folks congregated in the Gaston County Citi- zens Resource Center last Thursday looking for answers concerning possible coal ash estions coal ash contamination in water wells an Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com contamination of their water wells in the South Point penin- sula area where Duke Energy has stored ash from Allen Steam Station both now and years ago when it was used as "fill dirt" near the intersection of South Point Rd. and Arm- strong Rd. Now, homeowners in the area are highly con- cerned about possible drink- ing water dangers caused by substances such as hexavent chromium and vanadium. R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s f r o m the NC Dept. of Health and Human Services and NC Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) were on hand at the Resource Cen- ter to field questions from at- tendees on the situation and to give some insight into the situ- ation overall from a scientific standpoint. The event began with a pre- sentation by Bruce Parris, Hy- drogeologist, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Div. ELIZABETH STEWART lib.kmherald@gmail.com INSIDE... Obituaries .......................... 2 Police Log .......................... 2 Lifestyles .....................6 & 8 Latham hired as new KMHS Athletic Director See Page 1B KM Historical Museum food exhibit See Page 8A 1026 EAST MARION ST., SHELBY, NC 1026 EAST MARION ST., SHELBY, NC Like Us On Like Us On Facebook! Facebook! HOURS: 8AM-6PM • MON-.SA T. 8AM-6PM • MON-.SAT. HOURS: HOURS: Ora & BROAD RIVER HAMS & BROAD RIVER HAMS & BROAD RIVER HAMS & BROAD RIVER HAMS & BROAD RIVER HAMS SUPERMARKET VOTED BEST MEAT MARKET 4 YEARS IN A ROW! VOTED BEST MEAT MARKET 4 YEARS IN A ROW! 70 704-4 4-487-4 -4377 • 377 • WWW.ORASUPERMA RKET.COM WWW.ORASUPERMARKET.COM Bacon Wrapped Filets Limit 10 Limit 10 Approx. 8 oz. Approx. 8 oz. Each Each We Accept EBT, SNAP, Food Stamps, Debit ONE DAY ONLY! ONE DAY ONLY! FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015 ONLY ONLY $ 5 99 99 each each 75¢ kmherald.com Volume 127 • Issue 34 • Wednesday, August 26, 2015 See Page 3B "We've found nothing extraordinary,'' said Scott Dadson, Executive Director of Isothermal Planning and Development, the agency that on Sept. 1 will com- plete technical assistance in finance administration for the Town of Grover. Dadson made the report at Monday night's meeting, saying that their work took more hours than they had estimated in monthly bank statement reconciliations and preparing financial re- ports for a prior year audit and the current audit. "Everything is in order,'' he told the board. Three staffers from IPDC have updated and maintained the general led- ger and accounting system, maintained town payroll documentation including IRS forms and reports, cre- ated and maintained inter- nal control processes and procedures, and served as the point of contact for fi- nancial matters. The bills have been paid, the reve- nues received by the town have been recorded, and the required financial reports and certifications have been sent to the state and IRS, among other things. The Local Government Commission, the watch- dog of local governments in financial matters, is sug- gesting that the town board hire IPDC for another year and Dadson presented the fixed contract for services at $43,248 or $3,604 monthly. Mayor pro tem Bill Wil- lis said '' $43,000 is a big chunk of money and we need to cover all the bases, I have a lot of questions and concerns.'' "I'd rather have three people from IPDC who are knowledgeable than one person we may hire who may not be fully knowledge- able,'' said Mayor J. D. See GROVER, Page 7A Grover mulling IPDC contract The weather said sum- mer, but the calendar on Monday told public school students in Cleveland County that it was the first day of class. So under bright blue skies, they gathered up their supplies and new shoes and vacation memories and marched into the school district's 29 schoolhouses, including eight in Kings Mountain. The first day of 185. For some, though, at least one of the three R's wasn't put on hold for the summer vacation. A bright young lady ap- proached Henry Gilmore, the principal of the Kings Mountain Intermediate School, to report that she had done "a lot of reading" over the break. As her class- mates walked past her in the hall, she and Gilmore com- pared notes on the books she'd read. At East Elementary, a group of second graders were already participating in the school's Pawsitive Behavior program, which incentivizes civic respon- sibility. Shepherded by teacher Paula McDaniel, her class had quickly ridden the playground of litter in an pre-lunch outing. At the front office, prin- cipal Becky Bailey reported smooth sailing. "We're having a great day," she said, a few minutes before students reported to a lunch where chicken nug- gest, potato wedges and fruit was offered. "I'm glad to see all the familiar faces." And at the high school, seniors took the red letter as an opportunity to trumpet their top dog status with car decorations celebrating the class of 2016. C l e v e l a n d C o u n t y Schools superintendent Dr. Stephen Fisher didn't have much time to spare on Monday. By lunchtime, he was welcoming students back to school at Grover Elementary in the district's custom of having its top administrator visit all 29 schools in the county. "I have to stay on sched- ule to be able to visit all 29," said Fisher, who was accom- panied by the district's See FRESH START, Page 7A Fresh start for new school year Cleveland County Schools Superintendent Dr. Stephen Fisher gives a quick pep talk at the Kings Mountain In- termediate School Monday. From left: Kyla Hughes and Ja' Hara Wilson. Fisher visited all 29 schools in the system for the first day of school. Photos by DAVE BLANTON East Elementary students feasted on chicken nuggets, pea- nut butter and jelly sandwiches, potato wedges and fruit cups during the first lunch hour. Photos by DAVE BLANTON DAVE BLANTON dave.kmherald@gmail.com One Kings Mountain man's card reads, in part, "Do you think safe, clean, Christian small town living is wonderful and precious? Cast your vote for it Nov. 3, 2015." The vote, of course, would be Beauford Burton, who is running for mayor this fall. A frequent letter writer to the Herald and the Shelby Star, he has been an outspo- ken critic of the proposed Catawba casino that has won the approval of the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners and most of those who sit on Kings Mountain's city council, including Mayor Rick Mur- phrey. Burton has appeared be- fore both bodies to speak against the casino, which he says would be "bad for Kings Mountain and I think bad for any community." In comments in print and in public meetings, he has said that government sponsorship of a gambling enterprise sends the wrong message. Burton said that while he understands the economic development side of the argument, he would like to see his hometown work to entice other kinds of industry. "My vision for the city is that this is a small city," Burton said. "I don't think it needs to be booming me- tropolis. I think people who live here enjoy the quiet at- mosphere. Obviously they need access to jobs and amenities. I think people want it to be a clean, safe, God-loving place to live." A casino, he feels, would be of no help in the long run to local citizens. And he feels that goes against his idea of what local govern- ment should aim to do. "I think the local govern- ment should do everything it can within reason to help people," Burton said. See BURTON, Page 7A DAVIE DEMOND BOONE Candidate Profile DAVE BLANTON dave.kmherald@gmail.com (first in a series) Police have arrested a Shelby man they believe had a role in the death of a pe- destrian in a Kings Moun- tain incident that happened early Friday. Davie Demond Boone, 36, of Dakar Dr., Shelby, has been charged with one count of felony hit and run resulting in the death of a pedestrian, according to Kings Mountain Police, who say the investigation into the fatality continues. Boone is in custody in the Cleveland County Deten- tion Center with a bond of $10,000. His first court date was Monday. According to jail officials, his next court date is set for Sept. 15. Around 7 a.m. Friday, a passerby spotted what ap- peared to be a body lying near the on-ramp of the Oak Grove Rd. exit onto Hwy. 74 eastbound. Police and emer- gency personnel responding to the scene found Jose Abel Lopez Mejia, 24, an appar- ent resident of Gastonia, dead at the scene. Kings Mountain police officials, led by Sgt. Lisa Proctor, spent most of the morning Friday collecting See HIT AND RUN, Page 3A Shelby man charged in fatal KM hit and run DAVE BLANTON dave.kmherald@gmail.com City Council didn't take a ride in the new, red, fire rescue truck but they chris- tened it with high praise Fri- day afternoon at the city fire station. Fire Chief Frank Burns says the 5,200 pound rescue truck is a much needed piece of equipment for the depart- ment and that it was pur- chased for $195,000 because it was used ( but looks brand new) and a new truck would have cost the city $650,000 to $750,000. "Check out this light tower that could light up a football field,'' said Mayor Rick Murphrey. Council members took a look inside the rescue truck and saw that it was a com- mand post with all the maps of the city's gas, electric and water lines. Burns explained that the rescue truck has a 35KW Pictured from left: Ward 4 Councilman Rodney Gordon, Mayor Rick Murphrey, Ward 5 Councilman Rick Moore, Fire Chief Frank Burns, At-Large Councilman Keith Hawkins, Ward I Councilman Howard Shipp and Ward 3 Councilman Tommy Hawkins christening the city's new heavy rescue truck. Photo by Haley Wilson City Council christens new rescue truck generator, an all steel and aluminum body which won't ruts or corrode, and is twice as large as the 1977 Emer- gency Command Post that firemen have been using that was bought with a grant from the police department. "We got a real good deal on this beauty,'' said Burns. See full photo of new fire truck on page 3. BEAUFORD BURTON 704-484-1047 *Charlotte DMA *Charlotte DMA *Charlotte DMA *Charlotte DMA GOOD NEWS For GREAT PEOPLE = HUGE RESULTS Fax: 704-484-1067 *Charlotte DMA **Greenville/Asheville DMA VACATIONS VACATIONS OCEAN LAKES, 3BR 2BA HOUSE, on stilts. Sleeps 6-8, 2 queen beds, 1 full/twin bunkbed. 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