e m o c l e w e W
! g n i r p S See Pages 6 & 7
Volume 117 • Issue 16
75¢
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Last Monday’s reg. council session sees new CPD Chief sworn in Cherryville Realtor Vickie Spurling recognized as a NC Main Street Champion by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
On Monday night, April 10, Cherryville city council met in regular session to swear in the new Cherryville Police Chief and to recognize employees’ years of service and to talk about Mrs. Vickie Spurling, a Cherryville Main Street Champion. Mayor H.L. Beam, III gave his comments and council asked new Cherryville Police Chief Brandon Hunsucker and his family to the front for his swearing in. With him were his wife, Shelley, and son, Lane. Chief Hunsucker’s father,
Ken, pinned him as his stepmother, Jean, looked on. Ken Hunsucker, many will remember, was a former City of Cherryville police chief. City Clerk Paige Green conducted the swearing in. They are the first father and son duo who have been Chiefs of Police in this city. Chief Hunsucker recited the following oath: “I, Brandon Hunsucker, do solemnly swear that I will support and maintain the Constitution and laws of the United States; that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the City of Cherryville and the State of North Carolina not inconsistent herewith, and to the constitutional powers and authorities of which are or may be established for the government thereof; that I will endeavor to support, maintain, and defend the laws and Constitution of said State, and the Charter of the
City of Cherryville; and that I will well and truly execute the office of Chief of Police to the best of my knowledge and ability, according to law. So help me, God.” Chief Hunsucker said afterwards, “I consider it an honor to have been chosen for the position of Chief of Police for the City of Cherryville, and I appreciate the confidence that has been placed in me to lead Cherryville Police Department. I want Cherryville to be a place that citizens can and will feel safe to live, work, and play. Cherryville is a unique community with a lot of old traditions that make it such a great place to call home.” Council also recognized city employee Thomas Stinnette for his 15 years of service to the City of Cherryville. Council also recognized Realtor Vickie Spurling for
Brandon Hunsucker, with wife, Shelley, and son, Lane at his swearing in. With him is his dad and step-mom, Ken and Jean Hunsucker. her NC Main Street Champion Award, given to her at a Main Street meeting on March 16, 2023. The following was read
and presented to her: “Long time Main Street Realtor Vickie Spurling is a linchpin in the ongoing resurgence of downtown Cherryville. As a
passionate advocate for historic preservation, Vickie has long chaired the city board approving multiple See COUNCIL, Page 11
Peak Resources Administrator and Department Heads with the award. Back row are (L-R): Del Hunt, Holly Jackson, Garrett Hastings, Ashley Jefferies, Dawn Franklin, Kelly Peavy, and Keith Lewis. Front row (L-R): Cynthia Skinner, Robin Long, Maryann Smith, Sharon Moss, Mikayla Rodriguez, Kris Thompson, Jessica Sain, and Jessica Hickson. (photos by Sarah Chambers/Peak Resources)
The 1921 LaFrance fire truck that served the city for many years, finally making its last call in May of 1957. It saw much use; and was in many parades. It helped save many lives and buildings in its time. See another historical photo on page 12. (photos provided)
LaFrance fire truck at Historical Museum
Peak Resource Cherryville named among the Top 2023 5 Star-rated nursing homes Peak Resource Cherryville has recently been named among the Top 5 Star-rated Nursing Homes for 2023. According to data recorded by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Peak Resources Cherryville has received an overall rating of Much Above Average (data.cms.gov). Peak Resources Cherryville’s Administrator, Kris Thompson, said, “It is nice to be recognized for all the hard work put in. It
really is the compassion of our staff that makes a difference. You can tell our staff really loves what they do. It’s our staff, families, and volunteers that make a difference in the quality of life in the people we serve.” The annual survey, completed by the Department of Health and Human Services and The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, looks at the overall quality measures of a See PEAK, Page 12
The actual award sits in a place of honor at the care facility where all can see it.
Cherryville man arrested after citizen complaints lead to drug investigation On Saturday, April 22, ryville, will host a 100- book. They have fire hats
2023, during the Cherry Blossom Festival, the Cherryville Historical Museum, located on Main Street, in downtown Cher-
plus birthday event for the venerable 1922 LaFrance fire truck – affectionately nicknamed “Granny” – that served the City of Cherryville. The museum staff will be taking pictures of the kids as they visit and sit on the truck. This is for a proposed
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to give out to the kids as well. For a couple of years COVID had curtailed the museum being able to have the event but things have changed now and they’re looking forward to seeing everyone come by and enjoy a day at the museum!
& BROAD RIVER HAMS
Editor michael@cfmedia.info
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office narcotics investigators arrested a Cherryville man, Brandon James Clark, 35, of East Academy St., on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, on
drug charges following a six-month long investigation. Clark’s arrest was the result of Brandon citizen comJames Clark plaints con-
cerning illegal drug activity in the western Lincoln County area, stated a media release from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office spokesman, Lt. Larry Seagle. Seagle noted, “Investigators were conducting surveillance on a residence when See DRUG, Page 11 Like Us On
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