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Thursday, October 13, 2022
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Good news for great people! Volume 88 • Issue 41
• Belmont • Cramerton • Lowell • McAdenville • Mount Holly • Stanley
Thursday, October 13, 2022
Cycle North Carolina bicyclists converge on downtown Belmont By Alan Hodge alan@cfmedia.info
Crystal clear skies and crisp early autumn temperatures last week made perfect riding weather for the first -ever visit to Belmont of the Cycle North Carolina Mountains to Coast Ride. Hundreds of bicyclists rode to Stowe Park last Tuesday afternoon where a small tent city had been set up for them. The riders freshened up in two huge mobile shower tractor trailer rigs, then headed downtown to check out the restaurants and shops. About 100 of the riders decided to stay in local hotels. Belmont was just one stop on
the rider’s journey that started at the Tryon Equestrian Center in Tryon, N.C., and eventually ended up in Holden Beach, N.C. The cyclists pushed their pedals a total of 375 miles. Ride director Chip Hofler talked about the diverse nature of the riding group. “We have 650-700 riders from 39 states taking part,” he said. “They also came from as far away as France and Germany. The oldest is 85 years old and the youngest is nine years old. The average age is 61 years old.” One of the riders was Philip Carnes of Belmont.
“I’ve met more people from out of state, surprisingly, experiencing small NC towns and greenways, all the way from Tryon, NC, to the coast,” Carnes said. “All are great people, the weather was perfect, and ncsports.org did their homework in order to make it a very interactive experience throughout the whole ride. The NC Highway Patrol and local law enforcement played a big part in keeping us safe and visible from the very start.” Philip’s mom, Connie Carnes was on hand as the riders came to Belmont. See CYCLE, Page 5
Riders heading out from Tryon Equestrian Center. Destination- Belmont. Photo courtesy Cycle North Carolina
W.A. Bess Elementary chosen as a National Blue Ribbon School for the second time
Craig Austin retires after 32 years with Belmont Fire Dept. By Alan Hodge alan@cfmedia.info
When Craig Austin retired a couple of weeks ago after three decades with the Belmont Fire Dept. and the rank of division captain, not only did his own career end but it also marked the first time in three generations that a member of the Austin family has not been actively involved in Belmont as a first responder. Austin’s firefighting/lifesaving lineage goes all the way back to his grandfather Archie Austin who was one of the founders of the South Point Lifesaving squad. Next up was Craig’s father Tony who rose through the ranks to become a fire captain. Tony’s brothers Jimmy and Ronnie joined up and fought fires for many years. Jimmy took a turn at the chief job and Ronnie was assistant chief. Craig’s cousin and son of Jimmy the late Alan Austin was also a Belmont firefighter. Then along came Craig. “When I was a kid my dad was captain and I would hang out at the fire station,” Austin said. “It’s a family tradition.” Austin began volunteering at the fire department in 1987 at the tender age of 16- and never looked back. “I started in May 1987,” he said. “Then in October 1990 I went full time.” See AUSTIN, Page 7
Craig Austin recently retired after over three decades with the Belmont Fire Dept. These days, he’s spending his time relaxing and teaching firefighting skills at Gaston College part time. Photo by Alan Hodge
Gaston Schools story Gaston County Schools has another National Blue Ribbon School! The U.S. Department of Education announced today that W.A. Bess Elementary School in Gastonia is a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School. It is the second time that W.A. Bess Elementary has earned the national honor, first winning it in 2006. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel A. Cardona officially announced the winners on September 16, bestowing the recognition this year upon only 297 schools in the nation. Public and private K-12 schools receiving the honor have shown either outstanding academic performance or progress in closing the achievement gap. W.A. Bess is one of only five public schools in North Carolina to earn the coveted distinction for 2022. “This is a very significant recognition for both W.A. Bess Elementary School and Gaston County Schools, and we are very proud of this national achievement,” said principal Laura Clark. “Being chosen as a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School is one of the highest, most prestigious honors a school See BESS, Page 4
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