aserviceinc.com
Volume 116 • Issue 33
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
75¢
2022 school supplies drive at First United Methodist big success Aug. 13 event saw many kids, parents, get supplies-stuffed backpacks for the new school year Alex Blackburn showing a zoning map and platte to councilwoman Jill Parker-Puett and Mayor H. L. Beam at last Monday’s regular city council session. (photo by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)
by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
Last Saturday’s collection of school supplies-filled backpacks went pretty quickly, according to the event’s organizers and they were thrilled to see so many kids, their parents, grandparents, and others come by for the backpacks, as well as the free haircuts and the Table of Grace food. And did we mention the live Christian music provided by Brian Emerson and Kelly Eaker? That was outstanding as well! Tents were set up on the front parking area of First United Methodist Church of Cherryville, the host church for this year’s giveaway, and each grade level had backpacks chock-full of the needed and grade-appropriate materials kids need to
Chrystal Harmon and son Seth, manned the kindergarten and first and grade table, along with Kathy Beam and daughter Anna Kathryn. (photo by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media) get off on the right foot their first day of school. From K through 12, every grade level was represented, with even a table full of generic backpacks there just in case more than those registered came by in need of supplies. Chrystal Harmon and son Seth, 9, manned the kindergarten and first and grade table, along with Kathy Beam and daughter Anna Kathryn (6). Chrystal said several kids had come through that morning, adding that it “…all was going
good.” Second grade teacher Kelly Brown was at the second and third grade table with Gaston School Board representative from Cherryville, Beverly “Robbie” Lovelace and Dawn Moss. They agreed with Chrystal it was all “going good”, adding also that the crowds were “steady”. Said Mrs. Brown, “Everybody has everything they need to level the playing See DRIVE, Page 6
Cherryville’s own Darin and Brooke Aldridge, on the set of the Mike Huckabee Show, broadcast on the TBN Network. (photo provided)
Bluegrass duo Darin and Brook Aldridge on Mike Huckabee’s show Segment taped on July 15; aired on July 16, on TBN network by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
Cherryville’s Darin and Brook Aldridge – called by Tom T. Hall “The Sweethearts of Bluegrass” – have been making fantastic music and writing amazing songs, and getting to perform those songs here, across the United States, and across the globe. The husband and wife duo have been touring, singing and playing bluegrass
and gospel music, according to Brooke Aldridge, “…for 15 years now.” Recently, the two appeared on former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee’s television show, where they were interviewed by him and played a couple of their songs as well. Huckabee is, according to a recent “bio”, “…an See ALDRIDGE, Page 7
Zoning and annexation issues main topics at Aug. 8 council meeting by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
At last Monday night’s, Aug. 8 city council meeting the main theme of the meeting had to do with pubic hearings on three rezoning issues and an annexation issue, all brought to council’s attention and explained by Planning and Zoning Director Alex Blackburn. After approving the night’s agenda, councilwoman Jill Parker-Puett made a motion they approve all the listed previous council regular and work sessions (from June and July). The motion was seconded by councilman Jon Abernethy and all approved the motion. Next up came Mayor H.L. Beam’s comments and he noted there has been work done to correct the volume and sound on the
city’s social media sites. He also spoke to water plant issues that had come up (dirty water, etc.), adding that said issues were why the city entered into an interconnect agreement with Lincoln County and why those interconnects are so important. Mayor Beam noted that he and some council members were present at the recent Main Street kick-off and the opening of the newly renovated Belk Building. “The work done by Mr. Patrick O’Leary and all the contractors involved on the job has made it a great asset to our downtown,” said Mayor Beam. Mayor Beam also reminded all present that the city has received the second round of ARPA money, to the tune of $967,000, adding that it will be a great help to what is needing to be done to the upcoming Westgate Park
project. There were some citizens who signed up to be heard regarding the most important sections of the Monday meeting, namely discussions on the three rezoning issues and the one annexation issue brought before the council. After going into public hearing, Planning and Zoning Director Alex Blackburn came to the lectern and addressed the first zoning issue; that of rezoning property located on Requa Road from R-40, R-15 and R-12 to R-9 cluster development. The 18 parcels of property in question are to be developed by Robert Johnson Properties, noted Mr. Blackburn. The total lots to be developed is roughly 504 lots. However, a number of citizens who live in the area came in a voiced their See COUNCIL, Page 2
It’s back to school time for Gaston County Schools Students return to class on Wednesday, Aug. 17 to begin the 2022-2023 academic year by TODD HAGANS Chief Communications Officer
It’s back-to-school time in Gaston County! On Wednesday, August 17, approximately 30,000 students (pre-kindergarten through high school) and more than 1,900 teachers in Gaston County Schools will return to class at the district’s 56 schools to begin the 2022-2023 year. Students, parents, and school employees are looking ahead to the new academic year with enthusiasm and optimism. It is the goal
704-484-1047
Every Wednesday
of all teachers and school employees to see students grow and thrive this school year, according to Superintendent of Schools W. Jeffrey Booker. “We are very excited to welcome students back to school for the 2022-2023 academic year,” stated Booker, who is this year’s Southwest Region Superintendent of the Year. “Our teachers and school employees have been working diligently to prepare for the new year, which will bring many enriching and wonderful opportunities for our students. While we realize that COVID-19 is still a part of our day-to-day life, we are hopeful that this year will be as close to normal as possible. We also look forward to this year being
a time when we can celebrate everything about our schools and take pride in all that our students and teachers will accomplish to make this year one of our best.” Five back-to-school highlights (for students, parents, and school employees) • The first day is Wednesday, Aug. 17 – The first day of school for students is Wednesday, Aug. 17. In March, the Board of Education adopted the 2022-2023 school calendar with an earlier start date to allow students to complete mid-year exams prior to the winter break. The Board’s decision is in response to a school calendar survey that indicates approximately 70 See SCHOOL, Page 4