JIM
HEFFNER
: @
Columnist
A light goes out
Throughout history the Christmas stories most re-
membered are the saddest ones. This isn't a Christmas
story but part of it happened on Christmas Eve and it
ended a week ago, smack in the middle of the season.
As a teen, I was a member of an amateur boxing
club. There were six or seven of us and two of them
died last week. One of the deceased was a close boy-
hood friend. Names aren't important, and because of
unusual circumstances, I won't use real names.
Jerry and I were practically raised together. I can't
say we were inseparable, but we spent a lot of time to-
gether, running around and spending the night at one
or another of our homes.
He was a slightly built tow-head who was absolute-
ly fearless. Jerry was the team flyweight, swift and
crafty. He got it honestly, both his father and uncle
were professionals. The uncle, a classy fighter, once
fought for the N.C. middleweight championship, be-
fore he was shot to death in a barroom brawl.
Jerry was an unusual youngster. His white hair and
pale complexion made him appear almost frail, but
looks can deceive.
Once, a known bully and some of his pals ap-
proached us on the street. Frankly, we were both
scared. The bully grabbed Jerry by the collar and
ripped his shirt, a mistake he almost didn't live to re-
gret.
The frail looking, slightly built teenager was sud-
denly transformed into a churning buzz saw. He
slugged the bully some 30 times in rapid succession.
In less than 15 seconds, the attacker lay in a sobbing
heap while his friends scattered. Jerry won the fight
. but we didn't wait around for a body count.
Everybody, it seemed, wanted to baby Jerry. Maybe
. that was one of his problems. He seemed a lonely,
withdrawn kid at times. Jerry was raised by a doting
grandmother, his parents having separated years earli-
er.
After high school, Jerry joined the Airborne and
served honorably. I often wondered if he carried
weights to help bring the chute down, but I guess he
gained a few pounds in boot camp.
While stationed at Fort Bragg, Jerry came home
most weekends. He dated several girls, but during one
of those trips he met his true love. Lydia was a tall,
brown-haired beauty with big eyes and a wonderful
laugh. She was everything Jerry had ever wanted in a
woman.
They were married after his discharge and the union
soon produced a daughter. He worked several jobs,
then opened his own business which lasted a few
' 14% years, then failed. Jerry went to work for a large air-
line.
‘His dream, though, was to put together a stake and
move to Texas. Since childhood, Jerry was entranced
by the wild west. He owned a .22 pistol on a Colt
Peacemaker frame and a black leather holster, as well
as several other guns. He knew he could never be a re-
al cowboy, but, at least he could feel more western by
moving to Texas.
One of his guns caused him to lose the airline job.
Trouble brewed in the home and Jerry began to sus-
pect his beloved Lydia was seeing another man. One
fateful day he went to the guy's apartment, thinking
Lydia was there. He took along a small handgun. He
knocked on the door and yelled for the other man to
come out. When he didn't Jerry decided to shoot the
lock off the door. He had no way of knowing the door
wasn't locked and the guy was pushing against it with
all his might. The bullet severed an artery in the other
man's groin, and he almost died before he could be
treated at a local hospital. When his boss heard the sto-
ry, Jerry was fired.
I saw him just once after that. I went by his house
several days after the shooting incident, but left early
because there was a feeling of hostility in the house.
Jerry and Lydia eventually went their separate ways,
: Lydia taking the child with her.
YERI EEE Y
Jerry floundered a little after that, working several
jobs. He seemed morose and intense to me.
On Christmas Eve in 1972 he called. I hadn't seen
him since the time I'd gone by his house several years
earlier. "Turn on the porch light," he said, "I'm coming
by." He never showed up.
I called him around 1977. We made plans to get to-
gether, but didn't follow through.
Last week I opened the paper and there was the
obituary, complete with a picture of Jerry as a young
man. I traced Lydia down and she told me she hadn't
seen him for 20 years.
She is happily married, but didn't hesitate to fill me
in. Jerry had a heart attack about three months ago,
and he couldn't seem to get over it. At about the same
time he lost the job he'd held for the last 12 years. The
company was sold and he was left out in the cold, an
all too familiar story. She told me Jerry had no insur-
ance and refused to go to the doctor.
The daughter, now 33, found her Dad unconscious
at his apartment. His right side was swollen badly. An
autopsy showed pneumonia, a body full of fluid, a rup-
tured lung and very little liver. He weighed 93 pounds.
Jerry had placed scraps of paper around the apartment
denoting who was to get what when he was gone.
"He always told me he would die young," said
Lydia.
I wish I had made an effort to see Jerry after we
talked on the phone, but he could have made the same
effort.
I know it's a futile gesture, but I intend to leave my
porch light on this Christmas Eve.
KINGS MOUNTAIN WEATHER REPORT
Dec. 16-21 LastYear
Total precipitation 2.19 0
Maximum one day 99 (16th) 0
Year to date 58.95 45.45
Minimum temperature 35 (18th) 16 (19th)
Maximum temperature 64 (17th) 61 (21st)
Average temperature 48.1 41.3
"For unto you is born this day in the city of
David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord"
Dear Santa: :
Well, Big Guy, it's that time again: The years are re-
ally rolling by fast now.
I guess you're probably about through making toys
and packing your sleigh for the big ride Thursday
night. I know you have many, many requests because I
have read the letters written by Kings Mountain school
children but, if you will, see if you can find room for
some of these:
A positive second half of the school year for Kings
Mountain District Schools. It seems they've had more
than their share of negative news this year. Chill-Out
seems very minor when you consider that guns and
drugs are making their way onto our campuses. Help
the school leaders and law enforcement officials find a
way to prevent this from happening again.
A successful conclusion to the Kings Mountain
United Fund drive for 1993. And, Santa, thanks for the
very generous Kings Mountain people who filled the
Empty Stocking again so needy children in the Kings
Mountain area will have a happy Christmas.
Food and medical needs for the people of Somalia,
and all others in the world who are hungry and have
other serious needs during this holiday season. And,
protect our troops while they're over there creating
safe roads for the food to get through.
A healthy and happy 1993 for my niece, Meredith
Rogers, who at age 7 recently went through more surg-
eries than a person should have to face in a lifetime.
There should be a pizza party for her anytime she
wants one.
A fourth straight conference and regional champi-
onship for Kings Mountain High's wrestlers, and a
state championship for their talented 145-pound senior
Robbie Ruff who will break the school's all-time win
record early next year. :
Another state championship for Bruce Clark and his
KMHS baseball team. If everyone stays healthy this
year, the Mountaineers will not only be contenders for
the state title but will be expected to win it...And,
Santa, SWC Player of the Year honors for KM's
Stephen Fisher who was robbed of the honor last year.
A successful 1993 for David Hancock and the staff
of the Kings Mountain Parks and Recreation
Department. I've worked with all the full-time recre-
ation directors that the city has ever had and, as far as
cooperating With this paper, David Hancock is tops.
Another successful Hall of Fame banquet for the
Kings Mountain Chamber of Commerce. And, a sec-
ond term for President Ruby Alexander who has spear-
headed some very innovative programs for members
and an excellent public relations program to draw
homeowners and businesses to this area.
Continued improvement for our good buddy Allan
Sinclair, who is recuperating from a stroke from sever-
al weeks ago; and a hole-in-one for Sidney Dixon who
was so kind to fill our pulpit while Rev. Sinclair was
away.
A perfect game and a state record bass for brother-
in-law David O'Shiclds, who doesn't know it yet but is
going to have to give up bowling and fishing ‘cause
I've got some house repairs that need taken care of.
One more big rushing performance - say 200 yards -
for Kings Mountain's Kevin Mack of the Cleveland
Browns. I saw him at KMHS graduation last year and
he still looks good, but at age 30 he's getting old by
football standards...And a successful NFL career for
Kings Mountain's Calvin Stephens of the New
England Patriots who broke into the startirig lincup
this ycar after missing his rookie scason with injurics.
Santa, remember these
--L uke 2:11
pie 1
GARY
STEWART
@
Editor
A national championship for Danny Ford at
Arkansas. Does anyone know where David Hughes
and I can find two Arkansas hats? (They'll probably be
showing up around Clemson before very long).
NBA all-star honors for L.J. and Rookie of the Year
for Zo, but I figure Shaq will have a lot to say about
the latter!
A pit pass for all 1993 NASCAR races for Gail Bess
of Jones Intercable fame, who is Million Dollar Bill's
number one fan. :
_A happy retirement for Tom Tate of Home Federal
Savings Bank, who is retiring this week. He has helped
many, many young couples dream the American
Dream and he has been an outstanding community
leader in Kings Mountain.
A good non-conference football schedule for Denny
Hicks and his Mountaineers. Hicks thought he had ev-
erything worked out until a few weeks ago when the
State Association realigned some conferences. With
that, he lost Lincolnton and is now having to scramble
to find a replacement. And, while you're at it, throw in
a conference championship for the Mountaineers. If
the ball had bounced a little differently in three close
games they could have won it this year.
A crown for Bullet Bob Hayes, who embarrassed
me in picking football winners this fall. You'd better
bring it this year, ‘cause that's not likely td happen
again. (Just kidding, Bob. You can beat me anytime,
just as long as Big D runs third).
A 30-day limit for the Courts in settling an election
dispute. I've never met Harrill Jones of Gastonia, but I
think it is ridiculous when one man, who says he is
acting on behalf of 12, is successful in keeping a man
off of a City Council when he was elected by 70 per-
cent of the voters on election day.
And, speaking of limits, how about term limits for
all elected officials, from Congress rignt down to your
local officials? People who spend over 20 ‘years in
Congress now retire with pensions that will pay them
millions of dollars in their ‘golden’ years.
A big man - and I do mean a BIG man - in the mid-
dle for Larry Sipe. Larry's done a wonderful job with
the KMHS basketball team in his 10 years here but he
has never had a dominating player. Every coach needs
a George Adams one time during his career.
One good snow. I bought a four-wheel drive two
years ago and it hasn't snowed since. The other day af-
ter a big rain, I drove out across the pasture just to see
if I could get stuck.
A wild card berth for the Redskins. I don't know
what in the world Ed Spencer will do during the next
month if the ‘Skins don't make the playoffs. Every
piece of furniture in the house will be safe.
Well, I see I have finally succeeded in filling the
empty hole on this editorial page. If you can't grant all
of the above, just fill the real needs of everyone and
help us all keep the true meaning of Christmas in our
hearts the whole year through.
| Your Right To Say It
Tardy policy
needs review
To the editor:
In response to the article written by Jennifer Halter,
"Enough About Tardy Policy," we would like to say a
few things.
We, too, were in attendance at the Board of
Education meeting on Monday, Dec. 14. Not one time
did we hear any parent or student say that they wanted
the tardy policy done away with altogether. They just
said that parts of the policy needed to be reviewed for
possible changes. The majority of the students we
know feel the same way. Unfortunately we do have
students at our school and other schools that want to
kiss up and brown nose to try and get on the good side
of the faculty. members, but we feel we have constitu-
tional rights to protect us to say what we feel is right
without kissing up or trying to impress our teachers.
We didn't speak up at the board meeting because we
wanted to hear all sides before we voiced an opinion.
In doing this, we feel these parents made some good
points: The bell cannot be heard in all parts of our
school, things beyond our control do take place, and
all people should understand. In addition, only having
10 minutes to eat lunch (because of lunch detention)
can very well lead to serious stomach and health prob-
lems.
Last, but surely not least, Ms. Halter made the com-
ment that these parents should worry about a grade
point average, a hard class, or a favorite teacher of
their child. Did it ever cross your mind that by worry-
ing about their child being suspended that includes
them missing a day of their education, their grade
point dropping, missing work and lectures in their
hardest class, and also not seeing their favorite teacher.
One concer the students also have is faculty mem-
bers standing in front of their class and using profanity,
when we as students are punished for deing so.
Everyone deserves respect and that does not include
students who most are there for education and nothing
else (but this is, of course, another matter that needs to
be approached).
We would like to make a motion that a parent that is
not a faculty member, and also a student that is not a
faculty member's child should be put on the Tardy
Policy Committee. Maybe this way every angle can be
reviewed.
In addition, I would like to add that I, a junior at
KMHS, just as Ms. Halter, have never had a tardy
since the Tardy Policy was enforced. But I can plainly
see that changes need to be made.
Thank you for letting us express our opinions.
Mark E. Wood
Shelley Dixon
Look at all sides
To the editor: le
I am writing in regard to the articles being: written
about the tardy policy at KMHS, Now, I am not a par-
ent or teacher of any student at this school. Those
years have long passed for me, but I am a concerned
citizen.
I went to the school board meeting on Monday, Dec.
14, just to observe and to see how this situation would
be handled. What I saw were parents and students cry-
“ing out for help in issues that they were deeply con-
cerned about. Some of the complaints the parents had
were good ones. For example, suspensions and lunch
being taken away. I don't see how being in the class-
room when the tardy bell rings, and being pushed out
the door and sent to Chill Out just because you did not
get in your seat that second could be a major distur-
bance to a class.
I also read a letter from the child at the high school
who is now a senior, that was in the paper this week.
She was also at the board meeting with two of the fac-
ulty members’ daughters, speaking for the policy. One
thing she said in her article was that parents were try-
ing to do away with the tardy policy. Now I may be
old and hard of hearing, but I did not once hear a par-
ent say that they wanted rid of the policy. I did hear
them say that it should be looked at and altered. I fully
agree with them. ¢
My heart went out to the child that got up there and
asked the board to please help do something to keep
her education from being taken away from her. In re-
sponse to the other child saying parents should show
concern in other fields of their child's education in-
stead of the tardy policy, well I feel these parents are
showing concern when they are taking a stand for the
way their child is being treated. It seems to me that the
child in this case was treated unfairly and her mother
is doing the same thing I would do if it were my child.
I also stood back after the meeting and heard Joel
Rountree say that he has, and will again shut the door
in the face of a late student. I also found out that he
heads this tardy committee at the school. Well, parents,
with someone that unreasonable over this I will be
very surprised if anything will be done.
I think the school should put someone over this poli-
cy who can see things from all sides and not just one. I
feel bad that the world is unfortunately full of unrea-
sonable people, and I feel sorry for this child who was
treated unfairly and who will probably kc Gone this
way again. Parents, don't stop standing up for your
child. You're all they have. I wish my daughter was
still alive and I could stand up for her.
Katherine Hawkins
; Kings Mountain
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