
City council regular session honors Little Theatre’s 50 years; recognizes Patrol Officer Parton
by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info
The Cherryville City council held their Monday, Sept. 11, 2023 regular session council meeting last Monday night in the W.J. Allran Jr., Council Chamber of the Cherryville Community Building. After the opening prayer by Rev. G. Scott Homesley
of St. John’s Lutheran Church and the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Beam asked council members to approve the agenda, which was done. The council then unanimously approved the minutes of the following meetings: the Aug. 7, 2023 regular session meeting and the Aug. 29, 2023 work session. Mayor Beam then proceeded to the “Mayor’s Comments” section, whereupon he spoke to the small audience gathered for the council session. “I want to start things out by updating everyone on the news of the proposed gym. Recently, City Manager Dalton, Councilman Parker, and myself met with the Larry and Carolyn Summer family, and they agreed to donate the land on Academy Street, across from Dr. Tom White’s old office, for a new gym and dog park. The paperwork for it is From Page 1
being drawn up; the plans are being drawn up. This is an exciting and needed addition for our citizens.” Mayor Beam also noted a new Little League monument is in the works with Dr. White agreeing to cover the cost for it. Beam also mentioned eight (8) new basketball goals have been installed at the city’s parks. “Pete’s Fish Box opened last week, and I heard it was an overwhelming success,” said Mayor Beam. Beam also mentioned the possibility of a new Mexican restaurant coming to the site of the old Pizza Express building on Main Street; that project is expected for December of this year, he added. “Also, there is a new golf shop in the old Belk building, a new floral shop
coming to the former Bella Verde building, and the Splash Pad at the Ballard Park pool is expected to be ready by early Spring 2024.”
Beam also noted that, in his 10 years as mayor, he personally hasn’t seen so many new businesses choosing to make Cherryville their new home. As there were no citizens to be heard, next up on the agenda was the special recognition of Cherryville Police Department Patrol Officer Jason Douglas Parton for receiving his Advance Law Enforcement Certificate. Officer Parton received a letter, dated Aug. 11, 2023, along with his certificate, from NC Dept. of Justice, Criminal Justice Standards Division Director Jeffrey Smythe. The letter notified PO Parton that, “After examination of your credentials, the Commission unanimously approved issuance of the Advanced Certificate to you.” It further stated the Certificate award, “…provides recognition of the competence and achievements of eligible officers across the state. This award requires substantive professional experience, many hours of additional training, and often a higher level of formal education. To meet these requirements is a feat worthy of commendation. Your dedication to your chosen profession is evidenced in the fact that your are one of a very select group of officers to receive this honor.” Director Smythe then noted, in part, “It is with great pride that I offer you congratulations on the attainment of this most significant
award.” Chief Hunsucker thanked Officer Parton and his family, and congratulated Officer Parton, noting, “This award is the highest level of certificate an officer can receive. Officer Parton has nine and half years of service with the Cherryville Police Department and over 1,200 hours in. He is a valued officer.” With PO Parton as he accepted his award from Mayor Beam, and received his pin from Chief Brandon Hunsucker, was his family; wife, Kim, and son, James, who were both beaming with pride over Jason. Mayor Beam read a proclamation honoring the Cherryville Little Theatre’s 50th anniversary. City P&Z Director Richard Elam asked the council to consider appointing Vida Dellinger Jackson, to the Planning and Zoning Board, which they did. Other items for council’s consideration at this session were setting a date for a public hearing regarding rezoning property at 518 N. Mulberry St., from GMC to R-9, and consideration of street and alley closing application fees. Both were voted on and unanimously accepted as discussed by the council. Council then went into a closed session to discuss personnel matters concerning a new city attorney to take Palmer Huffstetler’s place as he is retiring. As there was no other business, council adjourned.
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info
The Cherryville City council held their Monday, Sept. 11, 2023 regular session council meeting last Monday night in the W.J. Allran Jr., Council Chamber of the Cherryville Community Building. After the opening prayer by Rev. G. Scott Homesley
of St. John’s Lutheran Church and the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Beam asked council members to approve the agenda, which was done. The council then unanimously approved the minutes of the following meetings: the Aug. 7, 2023 regular session meeting and the Aug. 29, 2023 work session. Mayor Beam then proceeded to the “Mayor’s Comments” section, whereupon he spoke to the small audience gathered for the council session. “I want to start things out by updating everyone on the news of the proposed gym. Recently, City Manager Dalton, Councilman Parker, and myself met with the Larry and Carolyn Summer family, and they agreed to donate the land on Academy Street, across from Dr. Tom White’s old office, for a new gym and dog park. The paperwork for it is From Page 1
being drawn up; the plans are being drawn up. This is an exciting and needed addition for our citizens.” Mayor Beam also noted a new Little League monument is in the works with Dr. White agreeing to cover the cost for it. Beam also mentioned eight (8) new basketball goals have been installed at the city’s parks. “Pete’s Fish Box opened last week, and I heard it was an overwhelming success,” said Mayor Beam. Beam also mentioned the possibility of a new Mexican restaurant coming to the site of the old Pizza Express building on Main Street; that project is expected for December of this year, he added. “Also, there is a new golf shop in the old Belk building, a new floral shop
coming to the former Bella Verde building, and the Splash Pad at the Ballard Park pool is expected to be ready by early Spring 2024.”
Beam also noted that, in his 10 years as mayor, he personally hasn’t seen so many new businesses choosing to make Cherryville their new home. As there were no citizens to be heard, next up on the agenda was the special recognition of Cherryville Police Department Patrol Officer Jason Douglas Parton for receiving his Advance Law Enforcement Certificate. Officer Parton received a letter, dated Aug. 11, 2023, along with his certificate, from NC Dept. of Justice, Criminal Justice Standards Division Director Jeffrey Smythe. The letter notified PO Parton that, “After examination of your credentials, the Commission unanimously approved issuance of the Advanced Certificate to you.” It further stated the Certificate award, “…provides recognition of the competence and achievements of eligible officers across the state. This award requires substantive professional experience, many hours of additional training, and often a higher level of formal education. To meet these requirements is a feat worthy of commendation. Your dedication to your chosen profession is evidenced in the fact that your are one of a very select group of officers to receive this honor.” Director Smythe then noted, in part, “It is with great pride that I offer you congratulations on the attainment of this most significant
award.” Chief Hunsucker thanked Officer Parton and his family, and congratulated Officer Parton, noting, “This award is the highest level of certificate an officer can receive. Officer Parton has nine and half years of service with the Cherryville Police Department and over 1,200 hours in. He is a valued officer.” With PO Parton as he accepted his award from Mayor Beam, and received his pin from Chief Brandon Hunsucker, was his family; wife, Kim, and son, James, who were both beaming with pride over Jason. Mayor Beam read a proclamation honoring the Cherryville Little Theatre’s 50th anniversary. City P&Z Director Richard Elam asked the council to consider appointing Vida Dellinger Jackson, to the Planning and Zoning Board, which they did. Other items for council’s consideration at this session were setting a date for a public hearing regarding rezoning property at 518 N. Mulberry St., from GMC to R-9, and consideration of street and alley closing application fees. Both were voted on and unanimously accepted as discussed by the council. Council then went into a closed session to discuss personnel matters concerning a new city attorney to take Palmer Huffstetler’s place as he is retiring. As there was no other business, council adjourned.