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704-466-6008 Volume 117 • Issue 20
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Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Legion Hall of Fame inducts six new members PA man Danny Eaker of Cherryville inducted by son, Allen Eaker by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
Sadie Allran Broome, the author of “Sick and Twisted in Savannah”. (photo by Sande Abledenour and Lena Clark Copeland)
At the Saturday, May 6 induction of six men into the North Carolina American Legion Hall of Fame, Cherryville native Danny Eaker, a.k.a. “The PA Man”, was inducted into the Hall of Fame by his son, Allen Eaker. Looking on was Danny’s wife of, as he put it, “…almost 59 years”, Judie. The event was held at the Christian Outreach Center of Cherryville’s First Baptist Church with the church hosting the BBQ meal for the many folks who attended. In addition to Eaker, the other inductees were:
Post 100 Legionnaire and Hall of Fame Banquet host Jerry Hudson prepares to introduce the members who were honored at the Legion’s Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, May 6. (photo by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media) Bruce Bolick, Ric Cook, Benedict Lee (posthumously – accepted by his wife, Bonnie), Phil Tate, and Gerald Young. The emcee for the event was Legionnaire, Mr. Ned Yates, Post 100’s Athletic Director. Dr. Vince Hefner, of
Cherryville first Baptist, opened the ceremony with a prayer and Post 100 Commander Mike Robinson, spoke about the significance of the POW/MIA empty chair. Hall of Fame Committee Chairman Jerry Hudson led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Hudson
also introduced the six inductees, giving a brief description of why they were being inducted. Cherryville Mayor H.L. Beam, III also welcomed everyone to the event. They were followed by keynote speaker Mr. Rusty Stroupe, retired See HALL, Page 10
Sadie Broome sells copies of her book at Cherry Blossom Festival Council hears more citizen’s concerns; Local author said she had great fun writing about her friends, family, profession by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
Cherryville author and former educator Sadie Broome had a book signing at the 2023 Cherry Blossom Festival. The event, noted Mrs. Broome, was held at Carpenter’s Gifts and Victoria Cole.
Said Mrs. Broome, “Both stores had lovely decorations and refreshments that were based on scenarios in the book.” She also noted many friends came by and talked with her about the book and how she came to write it. The information contained within, noted Broome, deals with her career as an educator and her growth in that field as well as her escapades with friends on numerous occasions while both working See BROOME, Page 2
North Carolina advocates share blueprint for a stronger democracy by DANIEL WALTON Carolina Public Press
Some blueprints outline how to build a house. But a blueprint released in February by the Institute for Southern Studies and N.C. Voters for Clean Elections described how to build a House – as well as a Senate, state Supreme Court and local governing bodies throughout North Carolina. The “Blueprint for a Stronger Democracy” report examines the proverbial studs and joists of elections in the state: elements such as voter registration, district maps and campaign finance. Its authors conclude that North Carolina’s electoral struc-
ture needs a serious renovation, and they offer many ideas for how to carry out the work. “We continue to see such rampant efforts to undermine elections and democracy across the South and across the country,” said Ben Barber, one of the blueprint’s coordinators and a research associate with the Institute for Southern Studies. “With this report, we really wanted to offer a contrast and a more positive vision for democracy in the state of North Carolina, specifically, but really as a model for across the South as well.” Barber and his fellow blueprint coordinator, Melissa Price Kromm, updated a similar document produced in 2021 that features many of the same
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See BLUEPRINT, Page 9
comments on ETJ at May 8 meeting by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
At the Monday night, May 8 city council meeting, council continued their public hearing on the property relinquishment from the ETJ to Piedmont Lithium issue, with as number of citizens to be heard coming forward and speaking about their many concerns. Before that, however, council voted to approve the agenda and the previ-
& BROAD RIVER HAMS
Cherryville’s Mayor H.L. Beam, III, with city employee Denise Boyce, who is holding her five-year certificate celebrating her employment with the city. (photo by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)
See COUNCIL, Page 6
Cherryville’s Main Street hosting food vendors, music, and shopping in summer and fall Third Thursday evenings to see food trucks; live music in the Mini-Park Cherryville’s Main Street will come alive on third Thursdays of the summer and fall months with food trucks, live music, and special shopping deals. The first event will be Thursday, May 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. That evening, in the Mini-Park, the featured food trucks will be set up, the wine and beer garden will be going on, and the music will be by Blew Money. Main Street merchants will be open and of-
fering special deals as well. “We want to make Main Street a summer evening destination for our citizens,” said David Day, Cherryville’s Downtown Director. Day said that in addition to the food, music, and shopping deals, residents can enjoy the ever-improving amenities of the MiniPark. “We’re working on new and more seating for our summer events,” said Day. “Plus, we now have free WiFi in the Mini-Park. Our new living art wall is beginning to grow and will make a beautiful natural art piece for the Mini-Park.”
Third Thursday activities in the Mini-Park. (photo provided) For more information, Day said citizens may call
the Main Street office at (704) 435-3451. Like Us On
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ous minutes from the April 10 regular session and the April 25 work session. Mayor Beam then spoke, given his comments regarding the possible sale of the museum building, which he said is still in the bid process. “No decision has been made at this time by the council until all bids are received,” he said. He spoke about his involvement and his speaking at a Cherryville Rotary meeting last week where he and City Manager Brian Dalton spoke with Gaston County’s Donnie Hicks on various issues affecting the city; he spoke about the
City also recognizes three employees; LL’s Donald Alexander
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