Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Cherryville, NC (WNN) — The Cherryville City Council met for its regular meeting on Monday, September 8. City leaders and residents talked about projects around the city, information about the Cherryville Historical Museum, and public safety. The meeting opened with a prayer from Pastor Scott Homesley of St. John's Lutheran Church, who asked for blessings on city officials, first responders, and the nation. It was then followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor H.L. Beam gave updates on the infrastructure and maintenance projects in town. "The city has put out bids for paving our streets and roads," Beam said, listing Black Street, West Ballard, Carroll Street Extension leading into Westgate Park, and West Academy Street among the projects. He added that a new water line will be installed on Maple Street. Once it is completed, the city will likely pave the road again.
The water line markings on Maple Street in Cherryville, NC. September 9th, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
Beam also discussed concerns about mowing the cemetery after the contractor mentioned fear of liability issues with visitors walking through while the grass was being cut. City Manager Brian Dalton and Public Works Director Chris King have decided to shut the gates while the contractor cuts the grass. When the contractor sets a particular day each week to do so, the city will post when the cemetery will be closed. The gates will be reopened when the cutting is complete.
Beam also confirmed that the Heavner Lift Station project is complete. The city has submitted the necessary paperwork and has received and deposited $315,403 in grant funds to cover the costs. Beam also announced that the Gaston County Tourism Development Board approved Cherryville's $227,409 request, which the city made to help purchase and install a canopy that will go over the high school baseball field.
The Heavner Lift Station in Cherryville, NC. September 9th, 2025
WNN
Beam reflected on the September 6 dedication of the Bob and Pat Barker mural in the city's gazebo mini park. He mentioned that everyone in attendance gave the Barkers a grand Cherryville welcome. After the ceremony, Beam, City Manager Brian Dalton, and Sid Stroupe gave the Barkers a tour of Cherryville's Historical Museum. "The Barkers were quite impressed with the museum, especially the downtown area," Beam added.
Mayor Beam speaking to the crowd at the dedication of the Bob and Pat Barker mural. September 6th, 2025.
Mason Beam (WNN)
Sid Stroupe spoke during "Citizens to Be Heard. He gave updates on the city's cherry tree program. "As of today, we've planted 180 Kwanzan cherry trees," Stroup said. They're all seven-gallon, and they're grown by a guy in Tennessee who ships them over."
Sid Stroupe speaking during Citizens to Be Heard at the City Council meeting. September 8th, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
He emphasized the project's importance. "Cherryville is cherry trees," he said. "We're so fortunate to have this brand built into our city's name."
Stroupe explained that the committee looked through five streets in Cherryville to plant the cherry trees. The roads are Academy Street, Main Street, First Street, Church Street, and Mountain Street. They plan to plant the trees on these roads so visitors will see them as they come into town.
Stroupe also shared updates from the Cherryville Historical Museum. Volunteers have entered the second phase of revitalizing the museum. Each exhibit that used to be there has been packed up and labeled in boxes. Volunteers are preparing new displays that Stroupe hopes will tell the story of Cherryville's history well.
The planned exhibits include a Cherryville military and veterans display, a Cherryville historical timeline beginning in 1765, an updated fire department display, a New Year's shooters display, and a Cherryville cotton mills and textile exhibit. "Without these mills, Cherryville would not exist today," Stroupe said of the textile exhibit.
He praised the volunteers driving the effort. "I'm merely the leader and the driver on this thing, but these folks are doing the work," Stroupe said, naming many helpers. "We're hoping by November 1 we have those exhibits up and going." Stroupe hopes these exhibits will be ready for the holidays this year. Work for the museum is ongoing and will move into next year, as volunteers have yet to start working on the second floor.
The Museum recently received a generous donation of $100,000 from John and Judy Talbert. They asked that the funds be used exclusively for museum operations, staffing, and exhibits.
The council unanimously approved the annexation of the Waffle House at 109 Bud Black Road. Planning and Zoning Director Richard Elam confirmed that proper procedures had been followed, and no objections were received.
Site location of the Cherryville Waffle House - corner of Bud Black Rd and Lincolnton Hwy (Hwy 150) - August 6th, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
Everyone stood as Beam read a proclamation recognizing Sept. 17–23 as Constitution Week. "It is fitting and proper to accord official recognition to this magnificent document and its memorial anniversary," the proclamation stated.
Mayor H.L. Beam standing with representatives from the Tryon Resolves: Louanna Kiser, Linda Barger, Linda Ballard, and Harriet Golden. September 8th, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
DAR representative Louanna Kiser thanked the city for its recognition. "As we enter America's 250th birthday next year, we will be seeing hopefully a lot more about our Constitution," she said.
Concerns were raised about kids and teenagers driving golf carts in the evenings and after dark. Councilman Gary Freeman spoke with a resident who lives in Dewey Beam Estates in Cherryville. The citizen told Freeman that sometimes he sees three or four hanging on the side of the golf cart around the area. This raised concerns about it being dangerous, especially after dark.
It's important to note that it is illegal for unlicensed drivers who are underage to drive golf carts on the streets in town. The ordinance states drivers must be 16 years of age and licensed to operate a golf cart; you must have liability insurance. You also have to go to the police department and get a permit.
Freeman asked for more patrol in the area. Police Chief Brandon Hunsucker noted the issue, and Major Dan Renn has emailed every town officer.
Councilwoman Janice Hovis cautioned against leasing city ballfields to outsiders. "I'm all for bringing in revenue," she said. "But we've got to make sure our own recreation department is taken care of before we get into leasing all these ball fields every weekend."
Aerial footage of Fraley Field in Cherryville, NC - July 28th, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
City Manager Brian Dalton reassured the council that local teams remain the city's priority. "Dixie Youth softball and Little League always get priority," he said. "This weekend, for example, Dixie Youth ran the concession stand and probably had an extremely profitable weekend because of the travel tournaments."
Dalton also addressed concerns from local churches about electricity demand charges based on the highest amount of electricity a building uses. "It's a lot to handle at one time for a church," he acknowledged. "We're looking at trying to come up with a way to make this a little more manageable."
St John's Lutheran Church in Cherryville, NC. September 9th, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
He explained that in 2021, the City Council voted that churches would have to pay the demand rate. It was supposed to be included on their bills back then, but it was not. Now that the charges are on the bills, Dalton noted it is a lot for a church to handle at once. City staff members are exploring ways to make the costs more manageable, including the possibility of a church rate.
The city is also working with ElectriCities auditors, who provide free energy audits to help churches reduce their electricity usage. "One of our larger churches in town isn't even pulling a demand rate," Dalton said. "Whatever they're doing, everybody else needs to copy because they're doing something right."
Lastly, Dalton addressed complaints about the cemetery maintenance. Huffstetler Landscaping took over mowing and upkeep in July, and there have been some challenges as they adjust. "It's been this way every time we have a new contractor," Dalton said. "The weed-eating part of it is always something we have to work through."
The Cherryville City Memorial Cemetery located off of Pink Street and Highway 150. September 9th,2025
WNN
Under the current contract, the cemetery is mowed 36 weeks per year, with different sections scheduled weekly. Dalton explained that staff have been dealing with employee issues and having a hard time doing things when people are in the cemetery. "By the end of this season, he should have a good handle on it," Dalton said, adding that next season is expected to run more smoothly.
Dalton noted that the contract costs $400 more per cut than before, but mentioned that maintaining the cemetery is a huge task.
Despite the challenges, Dalton and the council members mentioned progress on city projects. Mayor Beam stressed the need for patience and getting the community involved. He said, "Good things are happening; it just takes time to do it right." The meeting was then adjourned.
