Bessemer City’s new Ward I representative loves people and solving problems two interests that he says will play out well in his new role William “Bill” Whitmire was sworn into the role on April 23 more than one month after Michael Brooks resigned from the position Whitmire said Brooks’ resignation was prompted by the realization that his work schedule and other obligations would leave him with little time for council duties Bessemer City officials asked Brooks who he thought would make a good replacement and that is how Whitmire’s name became part of the conversation who moved to Bessemer City in 2016 to be closer to his wife met Brooks during his time on the city’s downtown development board He joined the board in 2023 in an effort to become more acquainted with the community and quickly came to enjoy the process of analyzing strategic development plans and working with local business owners was voted in and attended his first official meeting Tuesday Both his recent experiences on the development board and his past work experiences give him some perspective for the role Whitmire said he wants to use the knowledge he gained on the development board to influence the city in a way that is most conducive to planned growth “the Charlotte effect” has reached the western end of Gaston County He also believes a long and varied career working with computers analysis and people will be useful in the position Whitmire was introduced to computer science work during his time serving in the United States Air Force from 1970-74 He started with computer analysis and worked design engineer and software jobs he realized how much he enjoyed the challenges and problem solving related to the work as the director of global applications and then as the tech director for a small manufacturing company Whitmire said he became a manager and found that people offer an endless wealth of problems to be solved and that experience helped hone his people skills “I love people … to me it is a matter of helping where you can,” he said Whitmire said he is looking forward to diving deeper into city issues Some of his top priorities going into the role include communication between the city and residents combating misinformation online and lowering the city’s tax rate By Brandy BeardPublished: Apr 2025 at 8:38 AM EDTEmail This LinkShare on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInBESSEMER CITY (WBTV) - A Gaston County woman is behind bars after allegedly trying to set a home on fire with a person still inside Gaston County Police were called out to a fire around 2:32 p.m Read also: Video shows police chase through west Charlotte neighborhood, ending in arrest Investigators determined Brittany Nicole Mims Eller had started the fire and charged her with first-degree arson and attempted first-degree murder. Police did not confirm whether any injuries were reported. Anyone with more information should call Gaston County Police at 704-866-3320 or Crimestoppers at 704-861-8000. Armstrong Williams takes on the news of the week and asks the questions you want answered. Don’t miss our weekly town hall. General AlertABC 33/40   See MoreFalling tree limbs in Birmingham kills one person (WBMA) — Michael Turner was named Bessemer City Schools interim superintendent Tuesday who accepted the superintendent position at Gonzales Independent School District March 11 Turner is currently the principal at Pinson Valley High School According to his biography on the school's website Turner is entering his 26th year as a professional educator with 18 years of experience as a school administrator He previously served as a high school teacher and coach Turner is now in his 10th year as principal at Pinson Valley High School "Untraditionally appointed to this position but I ask that each one of you give me the opportunity to prove that this is the right job for me and i'm definitely I'm gonna come to work and I'm gonna work when I get here," said Turner The district is currently under state intervention and the State Board of Education has outlined the process for appointing a new superintendent Arreola all the best but continues to move forward with the business at hand in the school system they'll continue to resolve the issues within the school system." "I know that there are challenges in all education regardless of where you are in the state of Alabama but I'm here committed that's what I'm about," said Turner Turner said he has been in education since 1995 A man accused of stabbing another man to death is standing trial for a second time six months after his first trial ended in a mistrial is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 48-year-old Donald Watts after Bessemer City police encountered Brittny Jenkins who was trying to stop cars on Edgewood Road at around 2 a.m. Assistant District Attorney Zach Holeve said speaking during his opening statements on Wednesday Jenkins told a police officer who stopped to talk to her that Mosby had attacked Watts Bessemer City Police asked Gastonia Police to perform a welfare check at Watts' Gastonia home and they found Watts curled up behind the front door in a fetal position and they also found a cell phone in a nearby bush On the phone was selfies apparently taken by Mosby at R.O.'s BBQ Police found texts on Mosby's phone that indicated that he had been recently fired from the restaurant and that he had been planning to rob it He was arrested at a motel room where he had been living It's going to be simple that justice requires a conviction," Holeve said a prosecutor handed Mosby's attorneys a seven-page document purporting to be written by Jenkins and dated about a month after the alleged homicide took place District Attorney Travis Page said that Gastonia Police gave prosecutors the statement on the fourth day of the trial and prosecutors immediately turned it over to Aaron Lee and his partner Defense attorneys are legally entitled to the information that prosecutors intend to present at trial the Gastonia Police Department cited a clerical error as the reason for the mistake Falling tree limbs in Birmingham kills one person the Bessemer Board of Education met for a brief meeting This was the first meeting since Gonzales Independent School District announced Superintendent Dr Dana Arreola was the lone finalist for their open position Arreola was was not present at the meeting President Terry Dawson said the board did not know about Arreola being up for another job before it was posted "We kinda discovered that when you guys did So of course we have like to have gotten advanced notice unfortunately we did not," explained Dawson Arreola for her contributions to the district." Dawson said her last day on the job would be Friday but her last day with the district is March 7th See More: Bessemer schools face potential leadership shake-up as superintendent named Texas finalist See More: Bessemer City Schools receives 'Accreditation Under Review' status due to intervention Arreola was hired in June 2023. On the 2022-2023 report card the district received a 61 The district would also go under state intervention "We are committed that we continue our gains we are confident that we have the right staff they are committed to ensure that we continue the gains that we do not lose any of the gains that we achieved so far," he said There's no set timeline for when a permanent superintendent could be in place Dawson said the state will appoint a Interim Superintendent first "We want to work very closely with Dr "We want to make sure we have the right person that we feel is the right person that is going to be a great fit for the school system Dawson said there are no concerns about recruiting a superintendent "Want to make sure we are focused on getting the Interim Superintendent again that will be appointed by the State Superintendent as we move forward we want to make sure we are at the table that hopefully we will be working with the state to get the right person for Bessemer City Schools," said Dawson While the district is under state intervention we asked the State Board of Education how the process of finding a new superintendent will work Gonzales ISD posted more information to their Facebook about the hiring of Arreola The post contains a statement from her saying "I'm excited to join a community that values education Gonzales ISD commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with my vision for student success." The next Bessemer Board of Education meeting will be March 18th about a week after Gonzales ISD anticipates hiring Arreola He will be paid $185,000 to lead the district under state intervention Turner began his career in education in 1995 as a substitute teacher at Fairfield High School He most recently spent the last decade as principal at Pinson Valley High in Jefferson County This will be his first superintendent role Watch Turner's full one-on-one interview will Megan Scarano here. Below is a copy of Turner's contract with Bessemer City Schools The next Board of Education meeting is set for April 15th A $36 million renovation has breathed new life into a historic textile mill in Bessemer City turning the once-dilapidated mill into 139 apartments The Osage Mill is now The Lofts at Osage Mill WinnCompanies' first adaptive reuse project in North Carolina The mill was built in the late 1800s by John Askew Smith Bessemer City Manager Josh Ross said in a speech Wednesday that the textile mill "has been a focal point for Bessemer City for many years."  today Osage Mill stands restored and full of promise," he said "The restoration of Osage Mill is already acting as a catalyst drawing new businesses and breathing life back into the heart of the city."  The Lofts at Osage Mill are marked as affordable housing Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,125 and rent for a three-bedroom apartment is $1,616 recently began renting a three-bedroom apartment in the mill a single mother with three children still at home said that she had been denied for other housing before she applied at the mill the first thing that popped up was The Lofts at Osage Mill and the woman who answered invited her to the office She started the application process in September she got a call: Her application was approved She said she was thrilled to find the apartments "It meant everything for me to find this place because I have a certain standard that I want to live by and show my kids," she said who has lived in Bessemer City for all of his life said that multiple generations of his family worked in the Osage Mill He himself worked in the mill for 28 years "Having been a Bessemer City resident all of my life to be able to hold on to this part of history is just invaluable," he said The Lofts at Osage Mill is expected to be 50% leased by the end of April The property is located at 15 E Alabama Ave — Bessemer City Schools could soon be on the hunt for a new superintendent as Dr has been named the lone finalist for a superintendent position with the Gonzales Independent School District in Texas The Gonzales Independent School District announced on social media that Dr Arreola was named their lone finalist for the superintendent role on Monday The district anticipates hiring her at their next board meeting on March 10 the district plans to offer a meet and greet with Dr Arreola declined to take questions but stated the Chief Administrative Officer with the state Arreola's potential departure was not discussed at a meeting held on Tuesday night She was appointed as the superintendent of Bessemer City Schools in June 2023 no official announcement has been made by Bessemer City Schools regarding a search for her replacement A Bessemer City man was killed in a wreck near Cherryville Sunday evening was driving a 1998 Chevy pickup truck east on N.C when 21-year-old Wilmer Roberto Martinez Funez tried to turn his 2020 Honda Civic left onto Tryon School Road he turned into the path of Kelly's pickup truck Funez was charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle Four teachers at Bessemer City Middle School won big at 2025 PACER National Bullying Prevention Center's Antibullying Contest Educators tell us students were guided and supported through the process by their administrators and teachers: Principal Dr Assistant Principals Sarah Person and Dominique Moore Social Studies Teacher Tiffany Wilson-Pugh and School Counselors Jennifer Veitch and Tonia Miller To see the winning video, click HERE A passenger train struck a tractor-trailer early Tuesday morning and Bessemer City-Kings Mountain Highway railway crossing There were more than 100 passengers on the Amtrak train The driver of the tractor-trailer also was uninjured The Bessemer Board of Education met on Thursday for their monthly meeting Andre Harrison from COGNIA gave a presentation to the board on the district's accreditation status Harrison explained due to the state intervention the accreditation status of the district changed from 'Accredited' to 'Accreditation Under Review.' COGNIA performed a monitoring review in late 2024 because they automatically do so when the state put the system under intervention A full report will be given to the district but Harrison did give insight to some of the keys areas the district needs to improve upon Bessemer City Schools also received a Level 2 out of 4 rating on several standards tied to leadership for learning which means 'improving practices and approaching the standard.' Harrison explained one area of concern within the district is leadership "When we talked about the improvement priorities we talked about it impacts student learning tied to impact and students looking at the culture in the building and looking at identifying good expectations and priorities for continuous improvement The leadership plays a major role in making sure that happens." He said when the report is released it will talk about making sure the Board of Education understands its role and its expectations "When you see the report it will talk about making sure that the board understands its role tied to different expectations as well as the staff What we saw sometimes were times where maybe times where that didn't happen," he said At the board meeting Harrison outlined six improvement priority areas for Bessemer City Schools to focus on They include board training to ensure meetings are managed more efficiently implement strategies to ensure the board understands its role revise district's strategic plan to include short and long term goals to include facility updates create a systemic process to manage progress and cultivate and create a process of two way communication between community and the district we do have some growth and development to do as a board some additional training that we want to do to make sure we are working together well for the best interest of our district We will do that," said Board President Terry Dawson COGNIA interviewed 72 people in the district including Superintendent Dr The number of teachers COGNIA interviews is based on the size of the school system We looked at culture we looked at leadership we looked at engagement and engagement ties a lot back to what's happening in the classroom and impacting student learning and then we looked at growth," said Harrison leadership impacts what happening in the classroom and before long you want to see growth through data." COGNIA will perform a follow up review in October 2025 There will also be a Lead Evaluator working with the district "COGNIA is not an organization that will give you a report and does not follow up and stay connected with you As they are unpacking the report with the lead evaluator if there are questions of course we will answer them but they have been assigned a lead evaluator working with them with the Superintendent and the Chief Administrative Officer tied to the state department with what we call an Institution Progress Report where the district will have to denote how they are addressing the improvement priorities and directives as a plan." There is one other school system listed as 'Accreditation Under Review' which is Sumter County Schools The district is also under state intervention some board members are still question the state's role during the intervention period Board Member Remeka Thompson pointed out there were a few items on the agenda she was not aware of until receiving the agenda "They mentioned to us when they took over our school system Now it feels like a dictatorship because it's either you gotta take it or leave it and no matter what this whole agenda is passed whether we vote on it or not," she said Board Member Renna Scott also questioned the district's attorney if the board is protected with State Superintendent Dr Eric Mackey approving items not necessarily voted on by the board following meetings The district attorney said in his opinion the board is more protected due to the state intervention said the idea is for the state and the district to work together during the intervention so one day the state will not have to intervene He assured board members they will always have the right to ask questions on items on the agenda "You still have the ability to approve every item on the agenda so the whole point is for the board to transition into a point for you all to make these decisions and the state can remove itself from that," said Boyd Boyd said a lot of good things are happening citing approvement in the school system state report card grade "I feel there is improvement that is needed but we are going to work to make those improvements We want to make sure that all aspects teaching and learning in Bessemer is as best as it can be," said Boyd The Bessemer Board of Education also approved $800,000 in renovations to Abrams Primary building The board also voted to approve a new position for the district Boyd explained this position would assist the principals He said some principals in the district have three to four years of experience and adding a Director of School Leadership would allow them to bolster their skills A house in Bessemer City was heavily damaged in a fire that caused two propane tanks on a back deck to explode Donnie Clifton said that he was asleep at his home on Maine Avenue in Bessemer City shortly after 1 a.m Thursday when he woke to his 19-year-old daughter I went to bed shortly after midnight," he said woke us up screaming that something was on fire." "and I thought that my neighbor's house was on fire the way the light was illuminating across the street," he said "And that's when I saw the flames at the back of my house," he said daughter and elderly father out of the house Surveillance footage shows that the fire appears to have started on the deck of the house had extinguished a cigarette in a pot of dirt reaching propane tanks on the back deck and causing them to explode it actually engulfed the back of my house," he said "But it's truly heartbreaking that the memories are burnt up." So I'm just so thankful for that," he added During his varsity football career, Kyle Creed handled dirty work in the trenches for the Bessemer City football program this time with a headset and more responsibility Creed was officially named Monday as the Bessemer City High’s 34th coach in program history “God has a remarkable way of guiding our journeys and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return to my alma mater and coach in the community where I was raised,” he said “The very classrooms where I learned and the hallways that shaped me and that I hold a deep significance for; making this opportunity all the more meaningful.” END OF AN ERA: Bessemer City football coach Shane Short resigns after three seasons SHAKING THINGS UP: NCHSAA's second conference realignment draft shakes up one Gastonia, Shelby league for whom he was an assistant the past three seasons (2022-24) The Yellow Jackets were 17-19 during the span in addition to a pair of NCHSAA 1A playoff wins and Short being named 2024 Southern Piedmont 1A/2A Coach of the Year The new Bessemer City head man heaped praise on Short for his work in rejuvenating a proud program “I am particularly eager to continue the legacy of success that my close friend (Short) reinvigorated in our town,” Creed said “His passion and dedication to excellence helped reignite the winning spirit in Bessemer City and I am committed to do my part in keeping that tradition alive he was an offensive and defensive lineman for the Yellow Jackets his last two seasons spent under former Bessemer City head man Larry Boone’s learning tree Creed plans to implement many of the same traditions and ideals passed down by his mentor “I am genuinely excited about the future and the privilege of coaching alongside some exceptional men as we will uphold the rich traditions that Bessemer City is known for — traditions that were instilled in me during my playing years under (former Bessemer City football coach Larry Boone),” Creed said in a Facebook post “I look forward to passing on those lessons to our players.” Creed fills one of three Gaston County football coaching vacancies this offseason East Gaston is the other to have filled their void putting its program in the hand of 22-year old Nate Medici Stuart Cramer is the only county program without a head football coach this after Ben McMillan was relieved of duties in early January A man has been charged in a stabbing that left a Bessemer City-area woman hospitalized Gary Stone, 50, is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury in the assault, which occurred at 204 Mountain Meadows Drive, police said was taken to CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia for treatment Stone remains hospitalized and will be arrested upon his release Shane Short has resigned after three years as Bessemer City football coach The Yellow Jackets' former head man announced the move Tuesday via a prepared statement on social media but after much reflection and consultation with my family and medical care team I feel it is the best choice for both my health and the future of the program,” Short said ALL-CONFERENCE HONORS: Here are the 2024 Gastonia-, Shelby-area high school football all-conference teams LIVERMUSH AND FOOTBALL: Here's how Bessemer City football picked up its first win vs. North Gaston In the three seasons prior to Short’s arrival the Yellow Jackets won six and seven games in 2022 and 2023 Bessemer City also won each of its three matchups with Cherryville under Short’s watch Short was recently named 2024 Southern Piedmont 1A/2A Coach of the Year He finishes with a 17-19 record as Bessemer City coach “When I took the role almost four years ago We inherited a program that was struggling and together we have worked tirelessly to build something special,” he added “I am incredibly proud of how far this program has come — of the victories we’ve celebrated the character we’ve instilled and the foundation we’ve laid for future successes coach and supporter has been nothing short of remarkable and I believe the program is in a stronger place than when we first arrived.” “persistent health concerns and medical procedures ahead” led him to the decision to step down “While I have tried to manage my health alongside my responsibilities it has become clear I can no longer give the team the attention and energy it deserves,” he said my health and time with my family requires my complete and full attention and to the Bessemer City community to ensure that the next coach can step in and continue building on the progress we’ve made.” The community is mourning the loss of a County Gaston man who was known for working hard and caring for others Bessemer City resident and employee Braford Heath Kelly, 40, was involved in a car accident near Cherryville on the evening of Sunday, Jan. 12.  and community members have shared condolences online since the accident said the community support has extended beyond well wishes on the internet and if Kelly were here to see it Although Kelly was originally from Gastonia the city’s operations special projects director Kelly worked with the city for roughly 10 years in part for the water and sewer department and later as a natural gas technician Ramsey said Kelly was known as a huge Clemson football fan and all around good guy Kelly was reliable and worked special events for the city when he could so we all worked pretty close together,” he said committed and caring as he was with the community at large “His passion was his kids and our family.” When he was not watching a Clemson game or hunting singing karaoke or playing games with his daughters He also enjoyed piling up on the couch with the whole family to watch his favorite Disney movies Something that made Kelly stand out in life was that he never lost his child-like spark and was always the life of the party Kelly did everything he could to support Erica including working extra hours to help her get through nursing school she said she wishes she could thank him more now If she had to summarize the core beliefs by which Kelly lived He always wanted to help others and lend a hand Erica Kelly said that kindness has been returned to their family in his absence Kelly was honored with a celebration of life service at Venture Church in Dallas and the room was so packed that they had to add extra chairs “I wish I could hug them all or give back to them what they’re giving to me.” (WBMA) — A proposed 700-acre data center in Jefferson County is facing strong opposition from local residents located near Rock Mountain Lake Road in Bessemer would require a zoning change from agricultural to industrial to accommodate the development who lives within 500 feet of the proposed site expressed his concerns about the impact on his quality of life Our quality of life would go in the toilet I don't want to live around an industrial park," said Morgan The site would be located behind the home he has lived in for more than 40 years we're talking about natural water sheds we're talking about little blue creek runs through it We're talking about a habitat for deer and other residents were planning to voice their opposition to the zoning change at a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting being held Tuesday at Bessemer City Hall with additional people standing around the room and in the hallway "Have you thought about the impact of the animals in the area you're going to damage from that," one woman said to the planning and zoning commission The applicant requesting the zoning change is Logistic Land Investments LLC who promised high paying and high quality jobs environmental and noise studies would be done to ensure no impact "What we are saying is that we have no choice but to adhere to the noise ordinance and we're here to tell you we have to do that and of course will do that and well do it in a way to ensure you see studies before we build." The planning and zoning commission voted in 4-2 to approve the recommendation Now the item will be sent to city council for the final decision ABC 33/40 reached out to Mayor Kenneth Gulley for more information his Chief of Staff stated that he and the mayor ABC 33/40 is still awaiting a response on how residents can be accurately informed about developments in their community given the city's current inability to discuss the proposal One person was stabbed and another was taken into police custody at a home near Bessemer City on Tuesday Gaston County Police would not release any information about the stabbing and would not say whether or not the person who was stabbed survived Police were called to 204 Mountain Meadows Drive shortly before 3:30 p.m said that he was pulling down his driveway when he looked to his left and saw a body on the ground and the woman on the ground rolled over on her back and they put towels over the woman's chest and applied pressure to the wound He said that he thought the woman's assailant was nearby "I knew as long as I could see him coming at me Caldwell said that the house burned in late September the inhabitants have come and gone frequently the former superintendent of Bessemer City Schools has officially accepted the role of superintendent at Gonzales Independent School District The Texas school district made the announcement Monday following a unanimous 6-0 vote by the Board of Trustees to approve her contract Gonzales ISD is proud to announce the official contract approval of our new superintendent Dana Arreola!" the district said in a statement highlighting her passion for student success and commitment to excellence Arreola is set to begin her new role on April 15 Arreola and her family to our Apache community and we look forward to her official start date as she leads us in Growing Greatness for our students Bessemer school board President Terry Dawson noted that the board was unaware of Arreola's candidacy for the Gonzales position until it was publicly posted Arreola had been appointed as the superintendent of Bessemer City Schools in June 2023 Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInBESSEMER, Ala. (WBRC) - Schools in Bessemer are hoping to inspire students with the power of science Bessemer City Schools' (BCS) annual STEAM Night happens on Thursday March 20 this year and has a super hero theme to go along with it “Our goal is to make learning fun and accessible for all students while showing how STEAM impacts their everyday lives,” said Dr we hope to empower students to see themselves as future innovators and problem-solvers.” hands-on activities aligning with Alabama’s STEAM instructional standards such as coding Attendees are encouraged to wear the favorite super hero costume or shirt located at 4950 Premiere Parkway in Bessemer Get news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here Bessemer City’s Tionna Pettus has added another accolade to the many she’s accomplished during a stellar high school basketball career The latest honor has Pettus in elite company as the Yellow Jackets’ basketball standout was selected to take part in the 2025 Carolinas Classic All-Star Game Pitting the top boys and girls basketball players from the Old North State against their peers from South Carolina this year’s game is set for March 22 at Hoggard High School in Wilmington It is the second time in three years in which Bessemer City High was represented in the all-star doubleheader played in the 2023 Carolinas Classic All-Star Game PEDIGREE: What's at the heart of the Pettus family's run on Gaston County basketball record books? LEAVING THEIR MARK: What Gastonia, Shelby area high school basketball players reached milestones this season? “This is something I don’t know if we’ll ever see again This isn't something you see at small schools like ours,” said Bessemer City girls basketball coach Danny McDowell who also coached Pettus’ brother during his time at the school do the right things and are great teammates (Tionna) doesn’t go looking for attention; you’d barely know she was a superstar.” Pettus scored her 2,000th career point during a Jan She matched a state single-game scoring record previously set by Providence Day’s Konecka Drakeford in 1991 She’s averaging a triple-double this season with better than 40 points per game Among those selected alongside the Bessemer City hoops standout include Amari Baldwin (Albemarle) Elle Stone (Mallard Creek) and Gabby White (Seaforth) AL (WBMA) — Bessemer City Schools has launched a new modern manufacturing program in its Career and Technical Education program Students can enter the program during their sophomore year of high school and leave with certifications to work within the manufacturing workforce Students will gain industry recognized certifications in areas like machine operations Iverson Dudley the CTE director for Bessemer City Schools says its all about giving students options "Its important that they know that they can do anything that they want to do," said Iverson "So we want to expose them and give them options If you want to do it we can show you how to do it." The program is made possible through a partnership with Central Six Alabama Works and Mercedes-Benz Students that are at least age 16 years old within the course can choose to work with Mercedes-Benz part time and continue their education through the company's apprenticeship program After the Alabama State Board of Education approved a recommendation for state intervention at Dallas County Schools Eric Mackey announced that the person in charge of the intervention at Bessemer City Schools would also lead the intervention in Dallas County Boyd would be able to handle the position of Chief Adminstrative Officer for both school districts "The CAO is not the day-to-day administrator As [Boyd] has been in Bessemer for now about six months he's been able to get it on the right track As soon as we get an interim superintendent in there he will be able to spend less time in Bessemer and more time in Dallas County I would say he will be close to splitting his time 50/50 but I am sure there will be some weeks he spends more time in Bessemer and some weeks more time in Dallas County," Mackey said "I have no more confidence in any human being on this Earth than I do in Daniel Boyd He is very committed to doing what's right for children He'll be the right CAO no matter where we put him." Mackey anticipated an interim superintendent would quickly be named for Bessemer after the previous superintendent accepted a superintendent role at Gonzales Independent School District in Texas The interim superintendent selected by the State will stay throughout the intervention "We have not allowed the Bessemer board to have any input in choosing the next superintendent We chose the superintendent while we are in there the board will be able to choose their own person again," Mackey said An interim superintendent will also be chosen for Dallas County as the current superintendent "I have been talking with him about the step down process and hand over process Dr.Boyd will be working on that," said Mackey There are now three ongoing state takeovers of public school districts in Alabama the State BOE approved intervention at Sumter County Schools Bessemer City Schools has been under state intervention for seven months Financial issues discovered during an audit related to federal programs and the board's handling of federal funds in Dallas County Schools led to the takeover there The audit revealed the district did not follow the correct procurement process when using federal grant money the district needed to return at least $12 million in applicable federal grant funds they can't write a check like that in one day It is a big concern for me because the way our state constitution is written county boards of education are arms of the State That would ultimately have to go back to the legislature We've got to try to do what we can to resolve this We are hoping it won't be the entire amount of money that has to be paid back We are going to continue to go through the process with the U.S There's no accusation about someone taking the money and running off It is just that the money was not spent using the proper procurement process The Dallas County Board of Education voted unanimously for state intervention Mackey said the interventions at Bessemer City Schools and Sumter County Schools are different from the intervention at Dallas County as there were serious internal board issues with Sumter and Bessemer "Sumter County is certainly working a lot better I have a lot of concerns ongoing about Bessemer's board We are going to continue to get through that they realize this is a different kind of situation with the financial problem they have," Mackey said State interventions are costly to the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) Mackey said there's no specific state budget line item or federal financial support for expensive interventions that could cost millions of dollars "Doing three at a time is pretty expensive I spend hours and hours a week on these interventions I've been working on the Sumter County intervention we've got an obligation to step in and help them," Mackey explained Mackey said there'd been ongoing issues for months and in some cases years that the State had been assisting the districts with behind the scenes "Doing what we can to try to prevent an intervention It just got to the point where we didn't see any other way forward," Mackey said "The public doesn't understand that for every system that we intervene there are probably 10 systems we are working in and we prevent intervention." The intervention at Dallas County began immediately Search autocomplete is currently not responding – An overnight vehicle fire outside an apartment complex just outside of the Town of Cramerton resulted in the loss of four vehicles – Two people were hospitalized Friday evening after a house fire in the Crowders Mountain area of Gaston County A fire was reported at 6:37 at a home in the 100 block of Twisted Oaks Lane N.C. – An 82-year-old woman died in a house fire Sunday night in a rural neighborhood in northern Gaston County Investigators from the Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services have ruled the fire ac.. the City of Mount Holly celebrates 146 years since it officially became a city on March 11 ??Mount Holly was originally known as Woodlawn which was the name of the post office long before the city was incorporated.  the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century Catawba Valley Chapter in collaboration with Gaston County Celebrate America 250 presented 175 literacy bags to the Gaston County Health Department The marker honors the "South Fork Boys," who settled in this area and were involved in the Battle of Kings Mountain The marker reads: "This marker commemorates the Lincoln County Regiment The Town of McAdenville was incorporated on February 27 McAdenville was named after Rufus Yancey McAden McAden purchased land along the South Fork of the Catawba River in 1880 and then charte.. Did you know Dallas is Gaston County's oldest town Dallas was the county seat of Gaston County for 64 years until 1911 Today marks 146 years since the City of Lowell Here are some other fun facts you may not already know: a textile manufacturing town located near Boston 1877 is the day Gastonia officially became a city things look a little different around G-Town nowadays Whether you call it the Gashouse or Spindle City we hope you'll join us in celebrating the Gaston County seat the Catawba Valley Chapter of the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century in collaboration with Gaston County (North Carolina) Celebrate America 250 presented 250 activity bags for children to the CaroMont Health Foundation for u.. The Gaston County 250 Committee was awarded a $10,000.00 grant from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources This County grant money will be spent on educational outreach The America 250 NC grants are "designed to spark progr.. America will commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the development of a new nation dedicated to “life and the pursuit of happiness.” In the years since our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past – The NCWorks Career Center-Gaston County currently located at 1391 Bessemer City Road in Gastonia The current location is scheduled to close on Wednesday N.C. – A large fire at Metal Recycling Services south of Gastonia is now under control after burning for several hours Monday NC – Gaston County was among 27 North Carolina jurisdictions to earn recognition in the North Carolina City & County Communicators (NC3C) 2025 Excellence in Communications Awards Gaston County’s Communications Office to.. – Gaston County is providing a community update following notification from the Environmental Protection Agency of water discoloration issues near the Hemphill Road TCE Superfund Site in Gastonia Gaston County is mourning the profound loss of Marshall Rauch who dedicated his life to serving the people of our county “He was deeply devoted to his family – Gaston County is excited to announce the development of a Multimodal Comprehensive Transportation Plan (MCTP) This initiative underscores our commitment to enhancing the county’s transportation infrastructure The Manager’s Office and the Board of Commissioners are already hard at work in preparation for the FY2026 budget The board has already had two planning sessions – Following a thorough review of the services offered to the Gaston County community County Manager Matt Rhoten announced today the elimination of the Community Support Services Division Eleven positions (one of which is currentl.. 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Gaston County Police Animal Care and Enforcement received a call in reference to a dog that had killed a raccoon in the 3200 block of Scott Drive Gastonia 2025):  Gaston County Police and Animal Care and Enforcement (ACE) investigated animal cruelty in the 4000 block of Greenwood Dr. The investigation involved a dog that appeared to be severely underwei.. 5:00 PM) Gaston County Police investigate an arson which leads to Attempted First Degree Murder charges Gaston County Police responded to the 100 block of Jim Clark Drive near Bessemer City.. 2025): Gaston County Police are investigating a shooting that occurred on Friday officers responded to a shooting that occurred at a residence .. 12:00 p.m.) An arrest has been made following the investigation of a domestic disturbance where a subject was shot.  Gaston County Police responded to a domestic dis.. Gaston County Police Animal Care and Enforcement received a call in reference to a dog that had killed a skunk in the 2300 block of Whitworth Road Cherryville  There was no human contact wit.. the Gaston County Police Department arrested Ivan Perez Garcia of Charlotte North Carolina during a drug trafficking investigation carried out by the Department’s Special I.. Gaston County Police responded to a domestic disturbance in the area of Joseph Antoon Circle 2:00pm) The Gaston County Police Department is investigating a classroom assault at Ashbrook High School that was depicted in a viral video on social media School administration reported the incident to the School Resource.. 2025): Additional arrests have been made in the Goble Street neighborhood murder investigation officers located a vehicle in the area of York Hwy and Hudson Blvd Join us to learn about our crime scene unit This training program designed to expose students ages 12-15 to the many aspects of law enforcement 2025): Gaston County Police have made an arrest following a domestic assault involving a stabbing.  officers responded to reports of a stabbing at 204 Mountain Meadows Dr the Gaston County Police Department arrested Jorge Ednilson Saravia Flores of Charlotte North Carolina during a drug trafficking investigation carried out by the Department&rsquo.. Gaston County Police Animal Care and Enforcement received a call in reference to a dog that had killed a raccoon in the 2200 block of Robinwood Road  There was no human contact with the .. the Gaston County Police Department arrested Marciano Pina Ulloa of Statesville North Carolina during a drug trafficking investigation carried out by the Department’s Specia.. NC - A welfare check on Sunday afternoon led to the discovery of a homicide victim and the arrest of a suspect Gaston County Police officers conducted a welfare check at a residence on 108 Mist.. 2025): Following multiple tips about dogs on the property Gaston County Police and Animal Care and Enforcement conducted an investigation at a vacant lot beside 531 Queens Road in Gastonia on January 28 2024 8:45 am) -- One person is dead after a domestic incident which resulted in a house fire and resulted in murder charges for the person accused of starting the fire Phone: 704-866-3000 Monday through Friday8:30 am to 5:00 pm  You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience BESSEMER – The Pelham Panthers kept the back of the net clean through 160 minutes as the boys and girls soccer teams each secured clean sheets on the road at Bessemer City The Pelham girls overwhelmed the Bessemer City Purple Tigers en route to a bounce-back 7-0 win before the boys got out of Bessemer City High School on Monday Anna McDonald kicked off the offensive evening for the Panthers after she scored off a corner kick for the 1-0 lead Angie Lopez doubled up the lead with a long-distance strike as she chipped the ball over the Purple Tigers keeper from outside the 18-yard box McDonald then helped secure the next two goals as she was on both sides of the final pass she sent a cross to the back post for Paisley Shanahan who buried the ball for the 3-0 lead at the half McDonald won a one-on-one battle with the goalkeeper to secure her second goal of the night and a 4-0 advantage two of her teammates joined her with their second goals of the evening Lopez made the lead 5-0 with her second before Shanahan finished off her brace for the 6-0 lead The Panthers weren’t done though as Gabby Gonzalez sent a skillful shot into the back of the net for the final goal of the night to finish the 7-0 win Marley Barfield secured the clean sheet in goal as she didn’t allow any goals all night McDonald finished with two goals and an assist while Shanahan and Lopez each had two goals the boys took care of business against a former playoff team from 2024 in Bessemer City it took Pelham a while before it could crack the Purple Tigers defense Neither team scored in the first half to send them to break tied at 0-0 The Panthers then broke the deadlock with just 21 minutes left in the game he found Orlando Avalos on the end of a cross He beat the keeper by sending the ball to the far post and sneaking it inside the woodwork for the opening goal That proved to be the lone goal of the night despite a strong second half as Kevin Tena and Jeffery Palacios combined for the clean sheet in the 1-0 win The boys improved to 10-2-2 on the year while the girls are 5-8-2 Both will be back in area play action on Thursday March 20 for the first leg of the Shelby Derby against the Chelsea Hornets Just one AAC game is on Monday’s college basketball schedule That contest is the Wichita State Shockers squaring… The Memphis Grizzlies (38-22) face the Atlanta Hawks (27-33) as 8.5-point favorites on Monday take on the Brooklyn Nets (21-39).… The Wichita State Shockers versus the North Texas Mean Green is a game to catch on the Monday… The Monday college basketball slate has plenty of exciting matchups in store Our computer model has suggested picks… What would make you consider a digital subscription to Shelby County Reporter View Results it was Pettus’ turn to put a personal dent in the Gaston County hoops record book The Bessemer City senior set a new Gaston County single-game scoring record with 65 points in her team’s 77-53 win over North Gaston JUST GETTING STARTED: Gastonia, Shelby area top performers: Bessemer City's Pettus earns 40-point triple-double ROUND 2 REWIND: NCHSAA high school football playoffs Round 2 roundup in the Gastonia and Shelby area “(Pettus) was basically on an island all by herself,” said Bessemer City girls basketball coach Danny McDowell Pettus’ effort came on the heels of back-to-back 40-point performances including a triple-double in which she added 15 rebounds and 11 steals Pettus began her senior season with 1,140 career points She’s the only returning Bessemer City girls player to score in double figures who served either as a coach or assistant for the Pettus siblings’ historic efforts as well as Adams’ said he’s never seen anything quite like it “Teams are going to start to defend her differently (because of her scoring) but one thing I can depend on is her making the right play.” Bessemer City saw 11 new business open in downtown and currently has around five businesses in the process of starting up What is drawing those businesses to the area "The city has always emphasized and supported small business growth in the community," Ross said Bessemer City's strategy when it comes to generating economic development includes focusing on programs like the North Carolina Main Street Program to work on revitalization and prioritizing "catalyst projects" that naturally spur economic investment and growth Ross said the city is currently seeing a mixture of growth between single family residential The biggest catalyst and contributor to downtown growth in recent years is the completion of the Lofts at Osage Mill a mixed-use building which is bringing 139 apartments and 20,000 square feet of commercial space to the city in phase two "The Osage Mill project was a $50 million private investment that the city supported and provided technical assistance to over the last 10 years," he said Other factors Ross said have contributed to downtown development include the Southridge Business Park availability of property for development and community support Ross said the city is focused on balancing growth with the preservation of rural areas outside of city limits KEEP UP WITH THE NEWS: Accessing local journalism is even easier with The Gaston Gazette's app "The city's land use plan emphasizes infill development that matches the existing community character while also introducing density to areas within the city, and encourages walkability for residents, businesses, and services," he said. "Bessemer City strives to balance the amount of growth appropriate for the community and the type of growth needed in the community based off the desires of existing residents and businesses."