Gaston County Schools

Belmont’s train got an locomotive yesterday, replacing the engine that was removed a couple of years ago.

The placement of the engine drew a crowd to an already vibrant downtown, right at the same time as the middle school dismissal.

Dozens of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders already regularly mingle in the downtown area at the Belmont General Store and Caravan Coffee, waiting for their parents to pick them up.

This event, however, brought out city staffers, employees of the busy downtown merchants, and the chamber of commerce. Train enthusiasts, passersby, and curiousity seekers all stopped to watch the placement

Everyone was busily snapping pictures of the two large cranes that lifted the axles onto the track next to the already placed caboose and dining car. Shortly thereafter, the body of the locomotive was raised and set into place.

This should complete the little train, bringing back some interest in the train-related heritage that Garibaldi Station/Belmont holds within its history. The train station was a museum until just a few years ago. It sat empty until the upscale clothing store, Jolie, began operating.  The volunteers who ran the Train Museum had decided to close because they struggled getting volunteers to staff the facility on a regular basis.

According to the now local entreprenuer, Richard LaVecchia  — owner of several downtown properties, including Piccolo, OldStone Steakhouse, and the old Leader building (now being called, “the Rose Building” — ’cause it was owned and sold by Art Rose) — “…several projects…” are planned, “…where people can get into the locomotive and take pictures”.  

Does the completion of the little train mean the return of a destination place in downtown Belmont?

In a closely contested competition, the Red Raiders fell short at home tonight 62-58 to the Forestview Jaguars.

South Point kept the more talented Jags close in each of the quarters, even holding a slight edge during the first quarter. Forestview held a halftime lead of 30-27.

There was good energy in the gym during the second half. Spectators on both sides getting hoarse over the sheer wall of noise of the hundreds of cheerleaders.

Des Lowery had a good game. Don’t know how many points he scored but he had a sick blocked shot late in the 4th quarter. He had to jump at least 4 feet above everyone to block the Forestview player’s shot from the perimeter.

South Point was fired up during the last two minutes of play, briefly pulling within 2 points, until #10 from Forestview put a couple sweet layups, and finished at the free throw line.

Forestview swept all four games tonight winning the girls jv and varsity games as well as the boys jv and varsity.

South Point looked much better tonight than they did against Ashbrook a few days ago. They hustled more and fought for the ball, earning several fast  breaks, but not able to finish.

Gazette Account:

 Forestview 62, South Point 58 — Trey Whitworth had 28 points and the Jags put together a strong defensive effort to pick up their second league win Tuesday. Jack Sumner added 14 points for Forestview (7-7, 2-1 Big South), which plays Friday at Ashbrook. Dan Alliss scored 20 and Christian Lawrence poured in 13 for South Point (2-12, 0-4).

Friday night’s American Legion annual Christmas celebration awarded its Community Service Award to two very deserving men, Bob Brown and Jack Page.

(Gazette Photo-Benjamin Patton)

 The award was given for their long community service records and especially for their leadership in the establishment of the Belmont Historical Society.

Both men were invited to the celebration to introduce the other as the Community Service award recipients. Mayor Richard Boyce and long time legionaire, Art Shoemaker, turned the tables on both by having Mayor Boyce introduce them to the assembly.

The annual Christmas celebration at the Legion Post on Park Drive was attended by current Mayor Boyce, and past mayors, Billy Joye and Kevin Loftin. Newly elected city council member, Ron Foulk was in attendance as well as the re-elected Charlie Flowers and former council members Becky Burch and Arlene Flowers. County Commissioner Mickey Price was present as well.

Joye served as emcee in his own inimitable way introducing honored guests and community stalwarts. Coaches John Devine and Mickey Lineberger were recognized as well as former Belmont Banner editor, Dwight Frady. 

Art Shumaker announced that Mickey Lineberger would be the Belmont Braves Legion baseball coach for this upcoming season.

Shannon Angel, a 1991 Red Raider graduate entertained the crowd with several Christmas songs and carols.

Youth leaders from the community were introduced and each spoke briefly about their experiences of the Legion-sponsored event that they had been selected to attend.

Legion baseball player-representative Nick DeMarsico thanked the Legion Post 144 for sponsoring the baseball team each year and how he enjoyed playing through the summer to keep his skills sharp.

Girls State representatives Lindsey Hawkins, Caitlyn Reese, Katie Dare Payseur, Emily Scruggs, and Ashley Baker. The young women had attended the Girls State program at Catawba College this past summer, and each expressed their gratitude for the leadership development opportunity. Boys State Representatives for the summer program were, Trevor Reeves, Matt Crane, Cameron Matthews, Andrew Pierce, and Omar Baroudi.