http://www.mybannernews.com/ Belmont & Mount Holly BannersNews is your ultra-local source for news and information in eastern Gaston County. en-us Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST Thu, 04 Sep 2008 03:37:28 EST editor@mybannernews.com (editor) Copyright 2007-2008, Republic Newspapers Newspapers http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/09/284.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/09/284.html BELMONTóThe Rev. Edward LeRoy White denied his calling to pastor for nearly three decades but eventually reckoned with his destiny. White is the new pastor at Hood Memorial, arriving at the church in mid-June from Statesville. “I denied it; I did. I had always felt the urge but was in denial” said White, who’s now in his sixties spending the last 30 years in the ministerial profession. “I told my mama and my family that I would serve the Lord, but I wasn’t going to minister. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/09/283.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/09/283.html CHARLOTTEóEven though hotshot quarterback Braden Hansen has gone on to UNC Chapel Hill, Charlotte Latin still has one of the best football teams around. Last Friday they showed their strength by defeating East Gaston 57-0. “They’re one of the top five programs in the state,” said EG coach Eric Tippett. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/09/282.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/09/282.html CHARLOTTEóAfter failing to tackle anybody in Clover, South Point defenders tackled everybody at home against Lincolnton. The Raiders beat the reigning 2A champs 35-21 Friday night at Lineberger Stadium. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/09/281.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/09/281.html GASTONIAóSouth Point High School SAT scores were the highest countywide and only one point below the national average, besting both the county and state scores in the process. The average SAT score at SPHS is 1510, while the national average is 1511. East Gaston High School students earned an average of1403 on the exam. SAT test scores were released last Monday. The SAT is one of the major college entrance exams and the one most often taken in N.C. The highest SAT score possible is a 2400 earned from 3 areas of testingómath, verbal and a writing section. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/09/280.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/09/280.html ïI believe the land over there on Park Drive in Belmont that Belmont Parks and Rec has allotted for a skate park is a bad idea. I don’t think the Belmont community in general will benefit from thisóother than just a handful of kids that are skateboarding which for the most part is just a few of them that we have to kick off of sidewalks and in the parks. If they could use this land for something that would be useful for the entire community that would be safe, that would be a great idea. Obviously, it didn’t work over in Lineberger Park in Gastonia nor did it work in Cherryville. I don’t see why they think it’s going to work in Belmont. It’s going to ruin property value and just cause trouble. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/09/279.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/09/279.html BELMONTóMore information has come to light in connection with a recent evident drowning near Belmont. Ronald Ernest Butler, 52, of Charlotte, was identified Tuesday as the victim, according to Sgt. Chris Reynolds of the Gaston County Police Department. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/09/278.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/09/278.html BELMONTóThe new Chili’s restaurant coming to the Montcross shopping complex is drawing nearer. According to Belmont Senior Planner Adrian Miller and Planning Director Elson Baldwin, the 5,898-square-foot restaurant should be here by spring, 2009. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/09/277.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/09/277.html The Gaston County Board of Commissioners has approved matching funds to bring a local railroad back to life. By a unanimous vote at its Thursday meeting, the board approved a county match of $500,000 to help bring back the old Piedmont & Northern Railroad, according to Commissioner Joe Carpenter. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/09/276.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/09/276.html MOUNT HOLLYóDrinks will now flow at the Mount Holly Citizens Center. By a vote of four to three at its marathon Aug. 25 work session, which lasted five hours and five minutes and ended at 12:05 a.m., Aug. 26, the Mount Holly City Council voted to approve the consumption of alcoholic beverages (except on Sundays) as part of the new rental policy for the center’s grand hall, effectively changing a city ordinance. The policy took effect on Labor Day. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/275.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/275.html BELMONTóAn unidentified male was found apparently drowned in Lake Wylie on Saturday. According to Gaston County Police Department Sgt. Chris Reynolds, GCPD personnel responded at about 7 a.m. at the Seven Oaks Bridge on South New Hope Road at the Gaston County line, just south of Belmont and the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Reynolds said the unidentified male was floating in the water. The GCPD was notified by a boater on Lake Wylie. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/274.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/274.html North Carolina is my home. But I am appalled that our state’s two senators, Richard Burr and Elizabeth Dole, have said that they once again will vote against citizens’ health and for Big Tobacco. Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death in America. Tobacco use claims the lives of thousands of North Carolinians. More and more children try their first cigarettes and become addicted each day. Every day, another 1,000 kids become regular, daily smokers. One-third of them will die prematurely as a result. Joe Camel might be a scheme of the past, but the tobacco industry continues to find ways to appeal to children through product design and advertising. This year, the Unites States Senate has an opportunity to stop the tobacco industry’s harmful practices and protect the public health. The U.S. House has already passed S. 625, which is the bipartisan legislation that would give the Food and Drug Administration regulatory authority over the tobacco industry. I urge Burr and Dole to do their part in Washington, D.C., and work to pass this legislation this year. We need to stop protecting Big Tobacco and start protecting our kids! Stuart M. Caudill, Gastonia N.C. lead ambassador for the American Cancer Society Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/273.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/273.html CLOVER, S.C.óIt was a night of fun for those who like offense, and before the evening was over, Clover’s Blue Eagles had more fun than the South Point Red Raiders, besting the visiting Belmont team 48-42. A game such as that one makes fans wonder whether the defenses are all that bad, or the offenses all that good. The Red Raiders won the toss and received the opening kickoff. They had to give it up after just seven plays. Surprisingly, two of those plays were passes, both overthrown. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/272.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/272.html Superintendent Reeves McGlohon stopped by South Point High School Monday visiting students and staff on the opening day of school. Not only was it the first day for students but it was also foremost for new principal Gary Ford. He’s replaced longtime SPHS Principal Sheri Little who retired at the end of last school year with over 35 years in Gaston schools, 12 at South Point’s helm. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/271.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/271.html BELMONTóHistory says that Pope Julius II repeatedly asked Michelangelo when the Sistine Chapel would be completed. “When will you make an end?” the pontiff demanded. “When it is finished!” the great artist famously replied. To finish the frescoes would take Michelangelo four years. But at Belmont City Hall, it would seem that a mere five or so working days would do the trick. Last week, artist Peter DeAnna’s 68-year-old mural, “Maj. William Chronicle’s South Fork Boys,” received a meticulous restoration, thanks to Crawford Conservation, Inc. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/270.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/270.html BELMONTóMore information has come to light in the case of an Aug. 7 hit-and-run fatality. Belmont Police Department Chief David James confirmed Friday that BPD investigators recently served a search warrant to a little-known area watering hole where Charla Dean Davis may have gone before she struck and killed trucker Ronnie Gene Eudy, 40, of Charlotte, with her SUV. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/269.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/269.html MOUNT HOLLYóTrains could roll through a new Mount Holly neighborhood as soon as next year. That’s the word from engineer Steve Head, the North Carolina Department of Transportation Rail Division’s manager of rail corridors. “Yes,” he said, “we are in the process of evaluating the reactivation of service to the Piedmont & Northern rail line. Specifically, we’re in the procurement process. Our bid solicitation package went out in 2007,” said Head. “They went out to a number of folks, and the bids came in during the fourth quarter of last year.” Bill Gray, the president of the Ohio Valley Railroad Company’s Carolina Central Division, submitted the winning proposal to the NCDOT to reactivate the 15-mile short line track, which lay dormant for the better part of 20 years, Head said. Since receiving Gray’s proposal, the DOT has been in its due diligence period. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/268.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/268.html MOUNT HOLLYóWhere some see trouble, Mayor Robert Whitt sees opportunities. Whitt spoke last week about the concerns some Rhyne’s Trace and Rhyne’s Estate neighborhood residents have for the possibility of a Piedmont & Northern railroad being brought back to life as part of a $5 million North Carolina Department of Transportation project. The railroad, owned by the NCDOT, runs right up against their neighborhoods, located near Mount Holly’s border with North Belmont. A disused rail line, greatly in need of repair, directly abuts the property lines of 10-12 lots on Moses Rhyne Drive in the Rhyne’s Estate neighborhood. The railway lies not 50 feet from the backyard decks of these new homes, which range in price from $280,000 to $425,000, according to contractor Greg Dimmer of Mount Holly. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/267.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/267.html The Gaston County and Gastonia Police Departments along with the FBI have determined that the internet posting of a threat of violence against Ashbrook High School was posted as a prank. FBI agents were able to successfully track the IP address of the computer involved in the posting to a juvenile located in New Jersey. After interviewing the suspect agents are confident this individual posted the threat as a hoax. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/266.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/266.html On Aug. 18, 2008, the Gastonia Police Department received a report of a threatening post made on an Internet bulletin board site. In the post, threats were made against Ashbrook High School by a poster, who claimed he was going to carry out acts of violence at that school on the first day of class. Several other emails were also sent to the Gastonia Police Department, Gaston County School officials, and the Silence Hurts website warning officials of the threats made in the post. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/265.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/265.html BELMONTóBelmont Abbey College and the Sisters of Mercy last week announced an alliance. The move brings full-circle the relationship of the two historic Belmont educational institutions. To meet the need for more classrooms and offices as a result of record student enrollment and staff and faculty increases, Belmont Abbey has revitalized its relationship with the Sisters of Mercy of Belmont to lease the former Sacred Heart College buildings on the Sisters of Mercy campus. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/264.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/264.html BELMONTóThings were mighty tasty at Belmont Parks and Recreation last week. Thursday afternoon at Parks and Rec’s J. Paul Ford Center, tables full of delicious food were the order of the day. The occasion was the fourth annual Belmont Parks and Recreation Kids’ Club Cook-Off, and according to Reba Matthews, the event was definitely in good taste. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/263.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/263.html The Gaston County Sports Hall of Fame will induct four new members at Cramer Mountain Country Club on Monday, Sept. 8. Speaker for the event will be former college basketball coach Lefty Driesell. Popular locally, Driesell has coached at Davidson, Maryland, James Madison and Georgia State. He also worked for a time as a basketball broadcaster. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/262.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/262.html “We have several holes on defense to fill,” South Point Coach John Devine said in a recent interview. After his team’s first scrimmage against Rock Hill South Pointe, Devine still mentioned his team defense was a little shaky. Saturday night at the FCA Football Jamboree the Red Raiders defense sparkled, blanking Vance High School, while the offense rang up three scores during the two periods allotted for the game. The offense appeared to be in mid-season form, though it’s hard to judge performance from scrimmages. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/261.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/261.html The best use for the land located one block off of Main Street (after the City of Belmont Public Works Department relocates) would be for parking in the downtown area. With the success of the many businesses and restaurants in the area in addition to the many festivals and events that take place downtown there is a tremendous need for additional parking. This would help alleviate the parking headache for the many patrons and visitors downtown. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/260.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/260.html This letter concerns the wreck on the river bridge last week. My prayers go out to the Eudy family and to all the other fine folks who were injured. Mr. Eudy is truly a hero. He was helping a person in need at the time he was killed, and I have no doubt he is with his maker this day in heaven. Remember, you are judged by your deeds and Mr. Eudy was doing what God asked him to do and he will see his reward in heaven for helping a stranger in need. I just hope I am so lucky as to have someone help me in my hour of need. Mr. Eudy’s family and the other folks are in my prayers and for the young lady who was arrested. She is in my prayers as well. She has always been in my prayers. After seeing the news tonight (Tuesday) and seeing her being put in the police car, I could clearly see someone who is screaming out for help. The system let this young lady down, and I only hope that through all that she is about to confront, I hope that she somehow finds Jesus Christ. It will change her life beyond belief. This is such a sad situation, and I hope this town never sees anything like this again. Carl J. Crook Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/259.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/259.html Gaston County Schools significantly increased the number of schools meeting their annual growth goals but for Belmont and Mount Holly it was a mixed report card. Three area elementary schoolsóBelmont Central, Catawba Heights and Rankinómade High Growth. One local school, North Belmont, did not. Principal Ron Foulk of Ida Rankin Elementary said the school’s High Growth achievement came from a combination of efforts. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/258.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/258.html MOUNT HOLLYóMelody and Danny Nivens are happy about all the rain the area has been getting. The Mount Holly couple recently completed some backyard landscaping projects, and the rain has surely come in handy. Following the midweek precipitation, Mrs. Nivens and her son, Jesse, 3, waited for the rain to dry up on their driveway before spending a cool afternoon decorating it with colorful chalk drawings. “I’m extremely happy to have received this rain,” she said. “Danny and I have worked so hard on our landscaping. That was so hard to do, so we’re grateful for the natural irrigation it’s been getting. A year ago, it would just break my heart to see the Catawba River so low. But now things are really looking green again. It’s just amazing.” Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/257.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/257.html Embezzling, fraud charges for two women BELMONTóTwo women woman face embezzling and fraud charges in connection with an incident at Fred’s Discount Store. According to the Belmont Police Department report of Officer F.C. Bollinger, Jr., Sandra Lynne Cannon, 34, of Stanley and Kelly Ann Peterson, 24, of McAdenville were arrested and charged July 25. Cannon is charged with one felony count of embezzlement. Peterson is charged with one felony count of fraudóobtaining money/property by false pretenses; and one misdemeanor count of larcenyóshoplifting. The women were charged with making a false refund for a Lexmark printer and also stealing a book bag. Beer and Wines: shoplifting at Bi-Lo A Mount Holly man faces larceny charges in connection with a Friday incident at Bi-Lo. According to the incident/investigation report of Cpl. M.R. Stroupe of the Belmont Police Department, Richard David Wines, 17, is charged with larcenyóshoplifting “by taking beer without paying for it, possessing and delaying officers’ investigation of the incident.” The report continues that “a white male subject had run out of the building with a case of beer and dropped the beer at the front of the store. The suspect then got into a vehicle and left the scene.” Wines is charged with taking a quantity of Budweiser “Select.” He was later apprehended along with two others in a vehicle. Diane Ramirez and Tyler Kirk Wright, both 17 and of Belmont, were also charged. Ramirez is charged with larcenyóshoplifting; possession of Schedule VI illegal drugs and resisting, obstructing and delaying an officer. She was also found with .03 ounces of cannabis in her possession at the time of her arrest. Wright was charged with possession of Schedule VI drugs, and he also was found with .03 ounces of cannabis. Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/256.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/256.html MOUNT HOLLYóThe second annual Gospel Explosion competition was a rousing success, according to organizers. The July 27 event, held at the Tuckaseege Center and sponsored by the Mount Holly Black History Forum, featured individuals, choirs and praise teams competing and performing in front of an enthusiastic crowd, all joined in celebration and fellowship. The event benefited the “Walk Down Memory Lane,” a brick walkway project that will commemorate A.M. Rollins Elementary School with individually inscribed pavers. Mount Holly Mayor Robert Whitt and Mount Holly City Councilman David Moore were enthusiastic. Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/255.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/255.html MOUNT HOLLYóMount Holly Middle School has been closed since June for summer renovations but is expected to be ready for the first day of classes. Principal Judy Moore and her summer staff have been working from across the street at Ida Rankin Elementary School so ceiling construction could be done. The remodeling occurred in the old building which houses the main offices and hallways of the sixth and seventh grades. Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/254.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/254.html MOUNT HOLLYóCoach Joe Garner is hopeful his Mount Holly Middle School Hawks can better their 3-3 record from last year. There are eight returnees and Garner will depend on that group for leadership. “That’s a pretty good pool of experience,” he said. Linebacker/running-back Trevaris Powe and running-back DeShante Jones both return from last year’s team, providing the Hawks with good quality on offense. Quarterback Nick Kwiatkowski has moved on to East Gaston, but Garner thinks he has a solid replacement in eighth-grader Blair Nolen. Blair displays good agility and a good arm,” Garner said. “I think he’s going to be a good one. He has a good feel for the game.” Garner said the Hawks will utilize the Power I Option offense. “We used the Maryland I last year,” he said, “but we’re just too small for that this season. The Power I is more suited for us.” Size will play a big role this season. The entire team is on the small side, but sometimes smaller teams fool everybody, especially on defense. “Our defense is small,” said Garner, “but they are fast, and sometimes speed is as good as size.” The Hawks will host a Middle School Jamboree on Saturday, Sept. 6 with York Chester, Mount Holly, Holbrook and Belmont. Their first game is on the road at Stanley on Wednesday, Sept. 10. The first home game is the following week on Wednesday, September 17, when they host the Grier Knights. All middle school games start at 4:15 p.m. Garner has accepted the post of athletic director for MHMS, replacing Mike Nixon who will devote his full time to teaching. Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/253.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/253.html ï When is the Belmont Police Department going to do something about people parking on the wrong side of the street, especially on Main Street? It is a dangerous practice and goes on all the time. One of these days somebody is going to pull out into incoming traffic and kill somebody. ï I’m always so impressed with how great the area looks following a festival or downtown event. Both Mount Hollly and Belmont city employees do such a great job of tidying up the towns following events like Alive After Five and Friday Night Live. ï Presstalk is just the venue for concerned citizens to voice their opinions on hometown issues. Simply dial (704) TALK-551 and let us hear it. You will have approximately three minutes to tell the ins and outs of the issue at hand. Our capable staff will transcribe your message and place it right here on the Opinion Page to share with other readers. Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/252.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/252.html MOUNT HOLLYóOn July 30, in less than eight hours and with no interruption of service, the Mount Holly Police Department moved its offices from the former site on NC 27 to the new large confines of the Mount Holly Citizens Center. “Our patrol officers were out performing their necessary duties,” said Capt. Jim Benfield. “And our off-duty officers came over here and volunteered their time to move things into the new offices. They did it all on-time, and things just went incredibly smooth.” “I really like it,” Chief David Belk said of the 16,000-square-foot facility. Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/251.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/251.html BELMONTóA local church has had rezoning and annexation requests approved by the Belmont City Council. At its Monday regular meeting, Councilman Charlie Martin and Ron Foulk respectively made and seconded a motion to rezone about 11 acres at 2085 South Point Roadóby Duke Energy’s Allen Plantófrom RR, or Rural Residential, to GR, or General Residential, for the pending construction of Forest Pointe Community Church. Councilman Dick Cromlish joined Martin and Foulk, and the motion passed by a unanimous vote of three. Councilman Charlie Flowers was on vacation, and Councilwoman Martha Stowe, a teacher, was busy with summer school duties, according to Mayor Dr. Richard Boyce. Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/250.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/08/250.html BELMONTóThe South Point Lifesaving Crew, Inc. is reverting to an all-volunteer basis. According to J.B. Smith of the crew’s board of directors, the reason is based on a simple matter of economics. Going back to using only volunteers is a necessity for cost-effectiveness. Speaking Thursday afternoon, Smith said the transition would be effective Saturday. Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/249.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/249.html ï I would like to make a comment about the crosswalks they put downtown in Belmont. People don’t use them. They just cross in the middle of the street. I think they should be cited because we have to stop to let people to go across the street and they’re not in the crosswalk. Why have the crosswalks if people don’t use them? Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/248.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/248.html The Gaston County MOPS (Mother’s of Preschooler) group invites interested moms and returning members to an Open House†at 7 pm on Thursday, Aug. 21 at First Presbyterian Church in Mount Holly (133 South Main Street, Fellowship Hall).† MOPS is a†program for mothers with children under school age, infants through kindergarten. The program fosters authentic community, mothering support, personal growth and spiritual hope. MOPS is a place where you can come as you are to be encouraged, equipped and developed as a mother and a leader.† General meetings for the Gaston MOPS group are held every other Friday from 9:00 - 11:30 and include loving childcare for children. Monthly play dates and Mom’s Night Out activities are also organized by the group. MOPS International’s primary tools for encouragement are regular local meetings where moms of all ages and from all backgrounds gather to build friendships, share practical parenting strategies, and meet with mentors. Chartered MOPS groups meet several times a month in 4,000 churches, ministries and non-profit groups throughout the U.S. and in 29 other countries. More than 110,000 women are currently registered in MOPS groups. Best-selling author Rick Warren (The Purpose-Driven Life) has said, “There is no more significant group of cultural changers in the world than mothers.” In the U.S. alone there are 14.3 million mothers with children under the age of 6. For details, call (704)827-0521 or fpcmth@aol.com for more information. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/247.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/247.html BELMONTóThings in the Reid community just got a whole lot prettier. According to Revs. Kenneth Alexander and Charles Reid, respectively the president and vice president of Belmont Neighborhood Partners, their organization has recently created a Yard of the Month program. The Sacco Street home of Helen Grier and daughter Diane Kinlock was recognized Saturday as having the program’s first Yard of the Month, the pastors said. Reid explained that Grier’s yard was also recognized last year as one of the Belmont Yards of the Month, so it’s fitting to see a good thing ongoing. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/246.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/246.html East Gaston’s superlative point guard Cameron Sealey scored 15 points and came up with four steals and three rebounds as she and Trumae Lucas led the West to a 78-73 win in the East-West All-Star Game at the Greensboro Coliseum last Monday night. It was a sweet win for Lucas as the Greensboro Grimsley star had to get permission from her Florida coaches to participate in the game played in her hometown. “They were very supportive and I didn’t want to let them down,” said Lucas. The Florida-bound Lucas scored 21 points and was named MVP of the game. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/245.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/245.html BELMONTóCoach Danny Green begins his second season at the helm of the Belmont Middle School football team with high expectations. Last year, Belmont lost to Cramerton 18-0 in the divisional finals in a driving rain that persisted throughout the game. “It was a miserable night,” he said. “That game should have been postponed, but other games had been scheduled and it just wasn’t possible.” Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/244.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/244.html GASTONIAóOverall as a district, Gaston’s math scores on end-of-grade tests improved again this year, and in Belmont and Mount Holly some schools earned impressive scores. And seemingly is always the case, some schools slid backwards, especially local elementary schools. Now ranking second in the county among elementary schools is Belmont Central with 86.5 of its students at or above proficiency, a jump of over seven percent. Proficient students are those scoring at or above grade level earning a score of 3 or higher on the 4-point test. Last year BCE earned scores of 78.9 percent. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/243.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/243.html MOUNT HOLLYóThe Mount Holly Police Department wants you to slow down. A downhill stretch of NC 273, just north of the Catawba Heights area, is notorious for speeders. Drivers just coming off I-85 and the increased traffic flow of recent years make the road more than potentially dangerous, according to MHPD Capt. Jim Benfield. To that end, the MHPD last week placed a speed-monitoring device on the road in the hopes of bringing forceful awareness to motorists of the need to obey the 35 miles-per-hour speed limit. From the I-85 exit, the speed limit on NC 273 goes from 50 m.p.h. to 45 m.p.h. before slowing to a 35 zone on the descent. This section also becomes a residential area, thus definitely necessitating lowered speeds. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/242.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/242.html BELMONTóThe Belmont Public Works Department will soon have a new home. Its director, David Isenhour, said Thursday that the department is scheduled to move to a new location on Brook Street within about a year’s time. The current location, situated behind Sammy’s Neighborhood Pub on North Main Street and dating to the Great Depression, will be swapped to Pharr Yarns, Isenhour said. “Our current site is at least about 75 years old,” he said. “At one time, it housed warehouse facilities.” Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/241.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/241.html Republic Newspapers, Inc. of Knoxville, TN, parent company of the BannerNews, has announced the sale today of the newspaper to Gemini Newspapers, Inc., of Port St. Joe, FL, effective Friday, August 1. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/240.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/240.html MOUNT HOLLYóHe rides a motorcycle. He jumps out of airplanes. He races cars and climbs mountains. Belmont City Councilman Ron Foulk, 38-year veteran educator and principal for 18 years of Ida Rankin Elementary School in Mount Holly, has a wild side. Taking a break Thursday from Rankin Elementary’s summer preparations for the 2008-09 school year, Foulk (funnily enough, a native of Mount Holly, N.J.) recounted his breathtaking undertakings. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/239.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/239.html GASTONIAóSummertime may mean free time for students and teachers but for some school personnel it’s the busiest time of year. Dr. John Tuterow is the Director of Human Resources for the entire Gaston school district and his office is in full swing hiring teachers and readying them for August classes. “Yeah, we’re pretty busy over here during the summer,” laughed Tuterow, who’s daily voicemail message outlines his hefty schedule if you’re trying to catch up with him. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/238.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/238.html MOUNT HOLLYóA Thursday fire at East Gaston High School necessitated a building evacuation. About 300 summer school students had to leave the building at about 9:10 a.m., when a small fire started in an air conditioner unit on the first floor, according to Chief Jeff Hovis of the East Gaston Volunteer Fire Department. “No one was injured,” Hovis said Monday. “The fire was contained to that unit. It was actually not a big deal. In fact, somebody used a dry chemical fire extinguisher to put out the fire before we got there. There was a lot of smoke, though.” The EGVFD’s action was a routine response and included about an hour’s time on-scene, the chief added. The fire was minor and caused only minimal damage. Hovis said the AC unit’s wiring was the likely culprit. He said that he and his firefighters were very glad the fire caused no injuries. Gaston County Schools spokeswoman Bonnie Reidy shared Hovis’s assessment. “Everything went very smoothly in the evacuation,” said Reidy. “Across the county, I think our schools and our first responders all work very well together, and we’re all very grateful for their efforts.” Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/237.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/237.html The Gaston Braves got off to a running start in the Area IV playoffs last Tuesday, beating Burke County Post 21 by a score of 12-6 in the opener of the best-of-five series. Gaston jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, picked up another run on an RBI single by Trey Deason in the fifth, then scored four more in the seventh, sparked by a Jordan Edgerton 2-run double. Burke County loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh, but reliable reliever A.J. Bailey struck out the side to snuff the rally. Bailey (2-1) was the winning pitcher. Tyler Hopkins was the loser. Burke got revenge in a big way Thursday night at South Point, whipping the Braves 11-1 in seven innings. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/236.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/236.html As other communities construct faux downtowns to create a central focal point for their cities, Belmont serves as a tangible model of a vivacious Main Street. Not only can dog walkers and joggers be seen on foot day and night, families fill the park and businesses mark storefronts. This is not to say that every business that sets up shop in downtown Belmont is successful, but spaces rarely sit idle before a new entrepreneur grabs up an available spot. Most recently The Emporium on Main announced its closing. But right on the heels of that business, Chad Hutchison proclaims that he will reopen the doors as the String Bean. Likewise, when the Peppermint Shoestring made its move across Main Street, fliers were taped in the window of the old location announcing the up and coming Happy Dog Café. Greg Garrison plans to move Just Hardwoods in with the String Bean. Who knows what will take his store front? No doubt the space won’t stay idle for long. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/235.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/235.html MOUNT HOLLYóThe former Mount Holly Fitness Center was again a topic for the City Council. At its Monday regular meeting, the council heard again from Eddie Wilson of Timberlane Drive. Wilson originally addressed the group in April about this same issue. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/234.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/234.html BELMONTóWhen their neighbor was attacked in his own home, David and Wendy Hostetler wanted to fight back. The Hostetlers are now co-chairmen of the recently formed North Central Neighborhood Watch. Mr. Hostetler explained Sunday that the group was formed in part as a response to the January attack on Bobby Sanford. The neighborhood watch meets every other month at the Belmont Police Department. Hostetler added that the group’s next meeting would be Aug. 5óthe local observance of the crime prevention-themed National Night Out event. He said attendees would celebrate with a 5:30 p.m. block party centered round Emily Smallwood’s home at 219 N. Central Ave. in Belmont. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/233.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/233.html GASTONIAóFiling started this week for the four open seats on the Gaston County Board of Education. The 2008 filing period opened Monday for the nine-member board, which will be seated in the Nov. 4, election. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/232.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/232.html The Gaston Braves ended the regular season with two losses last week. Weston Lawing and Belmont Abbey recruit Nate Cudney hooked up in a pitcher’s duel last Tuesday at Myers Park Field in Charlotte and Post 262 came away with the 4-3 win over the Gaston Braves. The Braves got a homerun from Trey Deason, but three errors gave the Charlotte Post enough runs to salt the victory away. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/231.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/231.html I wonder where the Spike Lees and the Louis Farrakhans are? Why aren’t they cluttering the airwaves screaming about how the federal government sabotaged all the levees and dams in Iowa? Where is Sean Penn? Shouldn’t he be loading up his boat with food, medicine, his hairdresser and other members of his entourage to rescue people in Des Moines? Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/230.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/230.html BELMONTóIt is a hushed and peaceful place. Century-old oaks keep company with beautiful, three-storey buildings left from when it was a part of the former Sacred Heart College. It’s a quiet and contemplative oasis, right in the heart of Belmont. It is Catherine’s House, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, and for nearly 16 years, it has served more than 1,500 women and children, according to Sr. Carmelita Hagan. The facility manager and volunteer coordinator, Hagan said last week that Catherine’s House is a transitional home for women, as well as women with children, who are without homes. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/229.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/229.html BELMONTóA Gastonia man is alive today due to the efforts of emergency services workers and people out for a Friday night stroll. Brian Trotter, 34, came to Belmont Friday to go jogging with a friend when he suddenly collapsed of an apparent heart attack on Main Street near the intersection of Woodrow Ave. Police arrived on the scene around 9:30 p.m., and passersby gathered around Trotter. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/228.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/228.html BELMONTóWith escalating fuel prices showing no signs of relief, city governments everywhere are cutting costs. And Belmont is no exception, according to David Isenhour. The director of the Belmont Public Works Department, Isenhour said last week that he and City Manager Barry Webb came up with a significant cost-saving measure during the recent process to formulate the fiscal year 2008-09 budget. It means that Belmont residential customers will now have their yard debris, refuse furniture and other solid waste picked up once every other week instead of each weekday. Isenhour said the move was the only possible option. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/227.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/227.html MOUNT HOLLYóInformation from a black box has provided more clues in the murder investigation of Irina Yarmolenko. A 20-year-old student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, “Ira” Yarmolenko was found May 5, murdered along the banks of the Catawba River, her body lying beside her blue sedan. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/226.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/226.html The Braves stepped outside the division last Monday to take on Cherryville and came away with a 7-4 loss. “We killed ourselves with walks, hit batsmen and errors,” said coach Mickey Lineberger. “We had played 18 consecutive errorless innings before that game.” Cherryville got just seven hits, but Braves infielders helped them a lot by kicking the ball around. Mitch Conner started the game and was the losing pitcher. “Mitch pitched well,” said Lineberger, “but the walks and hit batters hurt him.” Drew Reynolds, Philip Russ and Aaron Hayes combined to give the Braves nine hits. Steve Mullis led the way with three safeties, including a homerun. Ryan Huneycutt chipped in with a pair of hits. Nate Wright led Cherryville with a pair of doubles and two RBIs. Wednesday night Gastonia Post 23 came to town and the Braves beat them 10-6, utilizing 13 hits and the solid relief pitching of A.J. Bailey. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/225.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/225.html Last week’s local street dance and concert events were big hits with the public. Thursday evening in Mount Holly started off with famed beach band the Catalinas playing to a large crowd at the town’s “Alive After Five” festivities. Sherry and Amy Ward of Mount Holly were among those strolling down the Main Street sidewalk to enjoy the evening, which was overcast and cool. The mother and daughter said “Alive After Five” is a great event. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/224.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/224.html MOUNT HOLLYóThere are backyards in Mount Holly which look like they’ve leapt from pages of Better Homes and Gardening magazine. Last Thursday, stopping by these Mount Holly homes were some of the most skilled gardeners in Gaston County on the annual Master Gardener tour held each June. “I could just live here,” enthused Bonnie Guglielmetti to Suzanne Griffin, whose home the tour was visiting. Griffin’s two-story brick home is adorned by 13 beds of plants, trees, and flowers and over 70 containers of varying combinations. Guglielmetti, who writes the Master Gardener tips for the quarterly Garden Path publication of Stowe Botanical Garden, said home tours lead to inspiration. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/223.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/223.html BELMONTóStudents went to Hebrew school, made Dreidels and learned about baking flat bread with sunflower seeds. At St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, a weeklong vacation bible school program called “Jerusalem Marketplace” taught students what life was like for Jesus growing up. The fellowship hall was changed into a marketplace, where potters, jewelers, weavers and bakers might have been found in those times. Adults were transformed into their parts with costumery, specially made by church memeber Pat Lucket. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/222.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/222.html BELMONTóCity workers experienced a case of déjà vu last week when a sinkhole on South Main Street reemerged. Belmont Public Works and NCDOT worked for months last summer to repair drain pipes that were determined to be at the root of the problem. The issues under the asphalt eventually caused a sinkhole around a manhole cover. Main Street was closed off for months while crews worked to resolve the problem. A year later, there is still more work to be done. “It’s a sinkhole that keeps popping up,” said David Isenhour, Public Works director. According to Isenhour, recent rains have contributed to the situation. But an additional repair was always on the books, he said. Isenhour described the repairs as a “twofold process.” Now that a major pipe has been replaced by DOT, the department will again need to partner with the City of Belmont in replacing smaller drain and sewer pipes. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/221.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/221.html BELMONTóA new Discovery Place Kids possibly coming to Catawba Street could be located with city-run centers. Belmont developer Rich La Vecchia and Belmont Parks and Recreation Director Sallie Stevenson talked about the possible future of the former Chronicle Mill building in Monday morning interviews. Both confirmed that speculative talks are ongoing to also put in city-run recreation centers for seniors and teens, plus a physical fitness center and two basketball courts. Stevenson said that she and La Vecchia have informally discussed the matter with Belmont Mayor Dr. Richard Boyce, City Manager Barry Webb and Parks and Rec Athletic Director Gil Aguirre. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/220.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/07/220.html BELMONTóThe Belmont City Council unanimously passed its fiscal year 2008-09 budget of $8.7 million during a special meeting Monday night. Councilmen Charlie Flowers and Charlie Martin made the respective motion and second. Taxes have not got up. The tax rateó47.5 cents per $100 of valuationóremains the same as last year, according to City Manager Barry Webb. Among the items in Webb’s budget are: ïa backwash water pump for the Belmont Water Treatment Plant (at $293,000, the budget’s single largest item). ïthree new totally equipped patrol cars for the Belmont Police Department ($75,000). Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/219.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/219.html BELMONTóHave you read more books than a fifth-grader? Probably not when it comes to Claire Lamadrid. It’s safe to say that 10 year-old Claire has more books under her belt than many adults. Claire broke the school record this year for number of books read in a single year at Belmont Central Elementary School. And technically, she’s not a even a fifth-grader yet. She’s just finished fourth-grade but will become an upperclassman this August. So, just how many books has Claire read? Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/218.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/218.html BELMONTóTwo area schools North Belmont Elementary and Catawba Heights Elementary will be doing without significant funding this coming school year. Both schools have been dropped from receiving Title One funds, money issued by the government to help poverty based schools. Schools can use these dollars to hire teachers or teaching assistants, buy computers and instructional material, and implement remediation programs in areas such as reading. Both schools have not had reductions in low-income students. Instead, Gaston School Board has upped the requirements as more schools are housing predominantly disadvantaged kids. Schools must now have 60 percent of students which qualify for free or reduced lunches, the measuring tool on which funding is based. The board voted to increase the percentage because the number of eligible schools was increasing but federal dollars were not. CHES Principal Pam Williams said the loss of funds will certainly impact the school but they are set to remedy the situation. “It definitely makes a difference,” said Williams, “but we have an excellent staff of devoted teachers who will go above and beyond to make sure all the needs of the children are met.” Earlier this month, Gaston board members approved a Title One grant application for 12 elementary schools and middle school. No schools in Belmont or Mount Holly were included. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/217.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/217.html MOUNT HOLLYóThe Mount Holly Police Department recently improved its fleet. Two new patrol cars will now enable the MHPD to perform even more efficiently. Both are 2008 Dodge “Chargers,” and according to Capt. James Benfield, the cars outperform the Ford “Crown Victorias” favored by most law enforcement agencies, especially where it counts. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/216.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/216.html Somewhere in Stanley there is a buried fruit jar that contains parts of two of Al “Rabbit” Homesley’s fingers. He lost the ends of two fingers while he and a brother were horsing around when they were supposed to be chopping wood. “When I got to the doctor,” he said, “he asked me where the fingers were and I told him my dad had buried them in a jar. It was too late but he may have been able to sew them back on.” That didn’t stop young Homesley from becoming a 3-sport star at Stanley High School, then known as the Stanley Bluebirds. Nor did it hinder him from becoming an outstanding athlete at Gardner-Webb and Appalachian State. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/215.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/215.html The Gaston Braves used sterling relief pitching by A.J. Bailey and timely hitting by Nic O’Brien to beat Kings Mountain 4-3 last Tuesday. Kings Mountain scored first in the leadoff inning as Andrew Harvie singled, went all the way to third on a pair of errors and scored on a wild pitch. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/214.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/214.html This is an open letter to the residents of Abbey Place: School is out and the streets are filled with very small and inattentive children. Certain residents are running the stop signs. Some slow down, others run the stop sign at full speed. Our kids expect each driver will stop as required by the law. Please do your part. Saving five seconds or so is hardly worth a child’s life. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/213.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/213.html BELMONTóDrivers through downtown Belmont are obeying the speed limit. That’s the word last week from Sam Nichols, the 12th Division’s traffic engineer for the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Nichols talked about the traffic study recently conducted from April through early June, using data gathered from the implementation of a speed sentry radar unit. The unit, about the size of a cake box, was mounted on a telephone pole on North Main Street. The average speed was 24.6 miles per hourógood in a 25-m.p.h. zone. Drivers in the 85th percentile traveled at 31 m.p.h. “The highest speed we had recorded was 62 m.p.h.,” said Nichols. “That was just incredibleóhard to believe. But you always do have a few aberrant incidents like that.” He added that most motorists slow down to 20 m.p.h. through the downtown CBD or Central Business District. “The good news is that most folks are pretty much obeying the posted speed limit,” said Nichols. As for the speed-monitoring unit, it’s now gone to Gastonia, deployed along Business 321, south of Garrison Boulevard. “We’re trying to give a greater awareness about speed,” said Nichols, “to let the traveling public know that they’re being checked and that they need to watch their speed.” Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/212.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/212.html MOUNT HOLLYóMore than 50 days later, Irina Yarmolenko’s murder remains unsolved. On May 5, the body of Irina “Ira” Sergeyezna Yarmolenko was found by jet-skiers on a steep bank of a wooded area along the Catawba River, near a Mount Holly neighborhood under construction. Yarmolenko had just turned 20 a mere 72 hours earlier. She was a student at UNC-Charlotte. On June 16, the office of Gov. Michael Easley issued a proclamation stating that a reward of $5,000 would be offered for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of Yarmolenko’s murderer or murderer. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/211.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/211.html MOUNT HOLLYóA leak in a Clariant stormwater drain could possibly be responsible for killing many fish last month. The local Clariant operation is a manufacturer of synthetic organic dye. On May 30, about 2,000 fish were found dead in the Catawba River and Lake Wylie, according to officials with Mecklenburg County Stormwater Services. Their investigation is continuing. Connie Knight, Clariant’s Charlotte-based North American director for communications and public affairs, talked Monday about the incident. June 12, said Knight, officials with the North Carolina Division of Water Quality visited industries with plants on the Catawba River, including Clariant, as a follow-up to the unexplained fish kill. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/210.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/210.html The N.C. Coaches Association chose just one sophomore for their 2008 All-State baseball team. That sophomore was Weston Lawing, a righthanded pitcher for South Point High School. The 16-year-old had a superlative season with the Red Raiders, compiling a 9-1 record and a microscopic .048 earned run average. He pitched two consecutive shutouts in the playoffs, blanking St. Stephens 10-0 on five hits, and then shutting down R-S Central 1-0 on three hits a week later. Lawing is the son of Doc and Molly Lawing. His father is from Belmont and his mother is from Wilmington. Doc Lawing played baseball at South Point High School and at UNC Wilmington, where he met his wife. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/209.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/209.html Weston Lawing did it all Monday night as the G-Braves smacked Kings Mountain 16-3 at Kings Mountain. The sophomore righthander spun a five-hitter for seven innings in the N.C. Area IV Eastern Division region game, and accounted for seven RBIs. Lawing had three hits, including two 3-run homeruns and a double. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/208.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/208.html BELMONTóSummer’s here, and the time is right for losing weight. And for losing it logically. The acronymously named TOPS, or Taking Off Pounds Sensibly, offers the overweight a chance to lose unwanted fat in a supportive, easygoing environment, according to Dorothy Taylor. A TOPS area captain, Taylor is one of 10 members meeting in the TOPS Chapter No. 827 in Belmont. Its members get together for a weigh-in at 5:45 p.m., followed by a meeting at 6:15 p.m., Mondays at St Mark’s United Methodist Church. The church’s minister, the Rev. Caren Bigelow Morgan, serves as the chapter’s leader. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/207.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/207.html MOUNT HOLLYóDwight Dellinger of Mount Holly has been volunteering for Meals on Wheels for the better part of 20 years. Why? Because he enjoys it. Dellinger says it makes him feel good to take on such a rewarding task. And when you give, you get a lot in return. “Just going in to see these people is a real joy,” he said Thursday, talking about the many beneficiaries of Meals on Wheels. “Most of these people are elderly. We’ll have a little conversation, and then I’ll take off to the next home. I know a lot of them. And I like meeting new people, too.” Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/206.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/206.html BELMONTóThe ice-cream freezer was sitting on the sidewalk. Classrooms were being emptied out. The hallways of Belmont Central Elementary are no longer adorned with worksheets and artwork. And the mixture of Lysol and Clorox made the building smell like an operating room. The school year is over for Gaston students but a handful of committed kids could still be found at schools helping their teachers close classrooms last week. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/205.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/205.html ïIs there not a city ordinance regarding foreclosed properties within the city that would enable the city to come in and be able to cut the yard? Or is this the responsibility of the bank or lending institution that owns the property? I live across the street from a property that was foreclosed on 7 months ago, and have only seen one worker come through and just clip the outside of the grass that is growing along the curb. Recently within the last month two adjoining neighbors took it upon themselves to cut some of the yard with their own mower? I live across the street from said home and would appreciate a reply. We have killed one too many snakes over across the road and do not want any of them coming into our yard. It is an eye sore to the neighborhood as well as a safety issue for those walking on the street not to mention all of the children that play in this area. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/204.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/204.html MOUNT HOLLYóMount Holly City Hall will close June 20, so staffers can move into the new Mount Holly Citizens Center. City Hall will officially re-open for service on June 23 at 8 a.m. at the Citizen’s Center, located at 400 E. Central Ave. The Mount Holly Police Department will remain in its current location until mid-summer. Citizens who need to pay water bills after June 20 should go to the customer service area on the second floor of the Citizens Center. The customer service area is accessible by stairs in the grand hall and by the elevator. And beginning June 9, the Mount Holly City Council began holding its meetings at the Citizens Center in the new council chamber. Regular meetings are on the second Monday of each month. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/203.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/203.html MOUNT HOLLYóThe Mount Holly Utility Department has of late had a new work schedule. But the scheduleófour 10-hours daysóis soon to end, according to City Manager Eric Davis. “Our utility department is experimenting with four/10 on a temporary basis,” Davis said Thursday. “That is drawing to a close.” Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/202.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/202.html BELMONTóGaston Christian School is leaving the former Sacred Heart campus and the Sisters of Mercy say the site will remain as such at least for the near future. According to Mercy spokesperson Jennifer Hardin, there are no official plans for occupancy. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/201.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/201.html BELMONTóPlans are afoot for a new Chili’s in the Montcross Shopping Center. According to Belmont Senior Planner Adrian Miller, the restaurant will be located on Caldwell Farm Road, beside the new Branch Banking and Trust. “Chili’s has submitted plans to us,” Miller said last week, “and we’re currently in the planning review stage. They’re eager to get the plans approved and get started building.” Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/200.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/200.html MOUNT HOLLYóSubmerging into the cool Catawba River offered more than relief from the heat for members of Thrift Baptist Church Sunday afternoon. The church, located on Moores Chapel Road in Charlotte, typically sees 180 people in the pews on Sundays. More than 30 of them lined up Sunday to be baptized on the riverbank. “It’s really caused a lot of great excitement,” Pastor Gene Latham said. Latham has served as leader of Thrift Baptist for more than a decade, but this was his first time baptizing in a natural body of water. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/199.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/199.html MOUNT HOLLYóConserving land for future generations is a big concern for local farmers. And this worthy idea was the focus of Farm Day, held Saturday at the Mount Holly Farmers Market. Leigh Brinkley of Mount Holly is among the chief organizers making the market possible. She said Farm Day’s purpose was to spotlight four conserved farms in the Mount Holly area: the Rhyne Farm; Richard Rankin’s Rankin Farm; Haywood Rankin’s Redlair; and lands owned by Dr. Charles Meakin and wife Lindsay. All had displays, including many maps and pictures, histories and information about their efforts. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/198.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/198.html Pitchers Weston Lawing, So., South Point Jay Puckett, So., East Gaston John White, Sr., Forestview Matt Crisp. Sr., Hunter Huss Sterling Cole, So., Crest Catchers Jason Borjas, Sr., East Gaston Kyle Kendrick, Sr. Crest Infielders Jordan Graham, Sr., East Gaston Jordan Edgerton, Fr., South Point Josh Ghorley, Sr., Ashbrook Tory Ayers, Sr., Forestview Griffin Wise, Jr., Forestview Jordan Harris, Jr., Crest Tyler Radford, Jr. Hunter Huss Henry Rundio, Fr. North Gaston Outfielders Chris Lane, Sr., South Point Stephen Butler, Jr., East Gaston Josh Wood, Sr., Forestview Adam McFarland, Sr., Crest Brandon Harris, Sr., Ashbrook Utility Trey Deason, Jr., East Gaston Thomas Rhodes, Sr., Ashbrook Jacob Tisdale, So., Crest Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/197.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/197.html The sixth annual Lady Warrior Basketball Camp will be held June 16 through June 19 from 9 a.m. until 12 Noon at East Gaston High School. Coach Ernie Bridges and his staff, along with several past and present Lady Warrior players will teach basic fundamentals in an effort to develop leadership skills and a positive attitude Improved rebounding, shooting, passing and ball handling skills are some of the areas that will be covered at the camp. Campers will be grouped by age and ability and rising 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th grade girls are eligible. The tuition is $55 per camper if you register early. A cost of $60 applies for registration at the door. Campers should dress in basketball clothes and shoes. Bridges said an ideal number of participants is around 25. “We had 23 or 24 last year,” he said. “We hope to get 20 plus this year. We’re near double digits now.” Bridges said the number picks up as the camp date gets closer. Anyone requiring further information can call East Gaston High School at 704-827-5974 or write Lady Warrior Basketball Camp, c/o Coach Ernie Bridges, East Gaston High School, 1744 Lane Road, Mount Holly 28120. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/196.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/196.html The Gaston Braves waited until the end of the week to finally manage a win. Rick Huneycutt slammed his second homerun of the week to lead his team to an 8-2 rout of Denver. Chris Harkey picked up the win. The Braves had 13 hits in the game. Nic O’Brien and Steven Mullis each went 2-for-4 Harkey, with six, and two other hurlers, combined for 16 strikeouts. Shelby used five pitchers and two homeruns to rout the Gaston Braves 9-2 last Monday at South Point. The Braves were victims of the LOB (Left On Base) bug, leaving 11 runners stranded. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/195.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/195.html ïDowntown Belmont looks gorgeous! The brick flowerboxes are filled with bright, blooming flowers, and everything looks great. But what about the Belmont sign on N.C. 74? You drive into town from Charlotte and spot this old wooden sign that looks weather beaten. It appears to be on the brink of falling down. It’s time to buck up and buy a sign that indicates how aesthetically pleasing this city is, and make sure it’s visible as soon as you get here. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/194.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/194.html BELMONTóPrincipal Sheri Little walked down the line and shook every graduate’s hand moments before they left the building to march to Lineberger stadium and receive diplomas. In many ways it was as much about graduates shaking her hand as it was about her shaking theirs. Little retires this year with over 30 years of service and her last senior class was minutes away from commencement. The graduation ceremony was held Saturday at South Point High School with over 300 graduates on the field in near 100-degree heat. But even the season’s first heatwave couldn’t oppress the day the high school seniors had been dreaming about the entire year. “I’m good right now,” said co-valedictorian Amy Cordell, “but I’m not sure how my family’s doing.” Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/193.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/193.html MOUNT HOLLYóIt was a day of recognitions and bittersweet partings. To the time-honored strains of Sir Edward Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance,” 280 graduates processed into the gymnasium of East Gaston High School on a shimmering Saturday morning. Principal Marty Starnes congratulated the class of 2008 for defying easy categorization. “There are just too many great things to say about this wonderful class,” she enthused. “You can’t encapsulate it all into one word. They’ve got character, drive and discipline. Our community and our country are depending upon them.” Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/192.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/192.html BELMONTóEmployees at Bi-Lo broke out their grills early to host cook-outs to benefit the Belmont Community Organization. For several weeks lunches have been cooked and sold to the public on Friday afternoons. Money raised helps put food on the tables of local families according to Paula Wilkerson, executive director of the BCO. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/191.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/191.html MOUNT HOLLYóTuckaseege Park was one of the areas hardest hit by May’s tornadoes. In addition to structural damage, 30 trees were lost. The city hired Crawford Tree Service and Stump Grinding Company, which has worked for the city for years, to remove the damaged trees. Company President Jon Crawford said he wanted to do something to give back to Mount Holly and to aid in the recovery effort. His plan: to replace 13 trees and dedicate them to the baseball teams that play in the park. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/190.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/190.html MOUNT HOLLYóBy a unanimous vote at its Monday regular meeting, City Council approved the 2008-09 budget of City Manager Eric Davis. Councilman Perry Toomey and Councilwoman Carolyn Breyare made the respective motion and second for the $8.6 million budget. Davis said his budget includes: ïa one-cent decrease in the tax rate per $100 of valuation to 53 cents. ï$750,000 in capital reserve. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/189.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/189.html South Point High School held its spring sports awards banquet and presentation on May 22. Athletic Director Scott Lee opened the ceremonies b y presenting a Red Raider monogrammed, black leather jacket to retiring principal Sheri Little. Lee thanked her for her many years of support for South Point’s athletic programs. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/188.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/188.html Cameron Sealey and Desman Graham were named Athletes of the year at the recent East Gaston High School Spring Athletic Awards banquet. Sealey played point guard on the girl’s basketball team and third base on the softball team. Graham was a power forward for Coach Ken Howell’s basketball team and a quarterback on the football team. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/187.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/187.html After the weekend, the Gaston Braves Post 144-266 American Legion team had evened their record at 2-2. On Friday the Braves lost to Newell 3-0, but got by Gastonia Post 23 by a score of 7-5. Newell pitcher Jace Bollinger, who just finished his freshman season at Wingate, twirled a 2-hit shutout at East Gaston Friday, allowing just a first inning double to A.J. Bailey and Jason Borjas’ eighth inning single. Bollinger struck out nine and gave up one walk. The Butler High School graduate was adept at hitting spots and changing speeds to keep Braves hitters off balance the entire game. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/186.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/186.html MOUNT HOLLYóThursday’s “Alive After Five” was a popular happening. Todd Van Der Meid of LPL Financial is among the chief organizers making the concert/street dance happen. Van Der Meid said Monday that he was pleased by the event’s popularity. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/185.html http://www.mybannernews.com/articles/2008/06/185.html BELMONTó“Our ‘Friday Night Live’s’ have been great!” That’s how Lisa B. Sisk of Just Hardwoods Flooring recently summed up the concert/street dance events held in downtown Belmont. And Friday night’s event was no exception, as another large throng of people packed Main Street. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST