Annual
JV b-ball
tournament
set to start
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Winter
brings extra
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homeless
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Thanks for
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The Chronicle
Volume40,Number 15 WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. THURSDAY, December 5, 2013
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Photos by LayU Ganns
Winston-Salem Police Officer Tim Wilson
poses with his latest honor.
More I
love (or
hero cop
BY LAYLA GARMS
THE CHRONICLE
The Winston-Salem Police Department offi
cer who apprehended a shooter at Carver High
School this fall has again been saluted for his
bravery.
State Sen. Earline Parmon presented a
Certificate of Appreciation to Officer Tim
Wilson, a 25-year veteran of the department,
Monday at the Public Safety Center. Wilson
received the department's Medal of-Valor on
Oct. 16, joining an elite group of WSPD
employees who nave
received the honor,
which is reserved for
those who perform
"unselfishly without
regard for personal safety
in a manner that far
exceeds department stan
dards and prevent an
imminent loss of life or
serious injury." He will
be honored Dec. 11 by
the Winston
Salem/Forsyth County Fraternal Order of Police
Lodge #8.
Wilson sprung into action Aug. 30 at Carver
High School after a student discharged a firearm
during a fire drill, injuring another student.
Wilson identified and apprehended the shooter
immediately, preventing any further fallout
from the violent outburst.
"It's not often that we get the opportunity to
honor the people that protect us in our commu
nity for doing such positive things," said
Parmon, who presented the award on behalf of
the Forsyth County Legislative Delegation,
which she chairs. "...It was heroic what he did
and the way that he handled the situation and I
just felt it was important that the state recognize
him with this award."
As part of the honor, Wilson's name will
join the ranks of other Certificate of
Appreciation honorees, whose names are
enshrined in the Senate archives, Parmon said.
His appropriate and timely response in a time of
upheaval are indicative of a level of profession
alism Parmon says she has often observed
among WSPD employees.
"I think we have one of the best police
departments in the State of North Carolina," she
declared. "Officer Wilson exemplifies one of the
See Wilson on A8
Farm on
Holiday Tradition Continues
Popular Black Rep
production starts
tomorrow
BY LAYLA GARMS
THE CHRONICLE
The North Carolina Black
Repertory Company is gear
ing up to open its most popu
lar show of the season.
Langston Hughes' "Black
Nativity," which the company
has produced annually for the
past 13 years, will open
tomorrow (Friday, Dec. 6) at
the Arts Council Theatre.
"It is our most popular
show because it's fresh every
year," said Wende Walker,
audience development man
ager for the Black Rep. "The
choreography and music is
what keeps people coming
back."
The exuberant production
fuses elements of gospel and
traditional African music and
and showcases an array of
costumes and choreography,
said Artistic Director Mabel
Robinson.
"The gospel music sounds
and the African beats and the
colorful costumes and the
movement and all the voices,
all add each of their spark,"
noted Robinson, who directs
the holiday production. "All
the elements that come
together make it so exciting."
The show, which regularly
sells out, draws audiences
from across the state and
beyond. Walker said.
"It is one of the most
dynamic performances that
we do as a company," she
said. "By word of mouth, we
have people coming from
Virginia and South Carolina
See Black Rep on A3
Photo by Layla Garni*
Kennethia Mason and Wayne Jones as Mary and Joseph.
Thankful to Give
Submitted Photo
Members of the
Winston
Salem/Forsyth
County Pan
Hellenic Council
pose with some of
the items that they
placed into
Thanksgiving
care packages for
local families.
Council members
also served break
fast to those in
need on
Thanksgiving
Day. Read more
on page A3.
Fans flock to premier wrestling event
B T IUUU LU\.K
THE CHRONICLE
Wrestling fans got up close with leg
ends of the ring Saturday at the Benton
Convention Center.
The Wrestlecade Fanfest brought out
the likes of Jake "the Snake" Roberts.
Diamond Dallas Page, The Rock and
Roll Express,
Ivan "The
Russian Bear"
Karloff, Greg
"The Hammer"
Valentine and
others. The event
- which gave fans
a chance to chat
and get auto
graphs and pho
tos of their
favorites - was a
lead-in to the main Wrestlecade event
held later that day. It featured several
matches, some pitting legend against leg
end. Fanfest whetted attendees' appetites
with live wrestling that took place during
the event in a conspicuous ring.
Tracy Myers, owner of Frank Myers
Auto Maxx, founded Wrestlecade last
year. The inaugural event drew 55
wrestlers and 1,200 fans; the meet and
greet was so popular that it was extended
from one hour to four hours and dubbed
Fanfest this year.
"If you're going to do something,
don't do it small," said Myers. "Let's
don't do the little bingo show, nothing
wrong with those; let's see how big a
show we can put on."
Proceeds from the event benefitted
the Salvation Army Christmas Toy Drive,
which provides gifts to families in need.
Myers said last year's event raised
$5,000 for the charity.
Fans came from across the state and
beyond to experience one of the biggest
independent wrestling events in the
Southeast. Deidra Stewart drove from
Greensboro with her son, DeAndre
Houston.
See Wrestling on AS
Mytrs
Photos by Todd Luck
Greg "The Hammer" Valentine prepares to sign DeAndre Houston's t-shirt.
DeAndre is with his mom and sister.
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Retirement begins next chapter for Billy Rich
Photo by Layla
Garmi
Billy Rich
has served
the city for
24 years.
BY LAYLA OARMS
Tfffi CHUPNICLB
One of WSTV-13's founding fathers has left the fold.
Video Production Specialist Billy Rich retired on Nov. 30, closing out an
eventful 24-year career with the City of Winston-Salem.
"I just thought it was time to go," said Rich, 63. "It's time to let this younger
generation (take over)."
Over the last near quarter century, the grandfather of four has become syn
onymous with WSTV, which was in its infancy when he joined the city staff in
See Rich on A9
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