Council Wrap Up: Cherryville Addresses K-9 Surplus, Festival Changes, Speed Limits, and Museum Restoration
By: Lauren Ramsey – Wise News Network
Cherryville, NC (WNN)- The Cherryville City Council held a work session on January 28, 2025, where council members addressed several key issues, including the surplus of two police canines, approval of festival street closures, a proposed speed limit reduction, and updates regarding the Cherryville Historical Museum.
Surplus of Police Canines
Police Chief Brandon Hunsucker led the discussion on a resolution to approve two police canines as surplus property. Cherryville PD K-9 Officer Josh Colvard left the department with two dogs, one of which, named Ayko, has reached the end of its service years. Chief Hunsucker recommended retiring and transferring ownership of Ayko to its original handler, Colvard, stating that it is customary in law enforcement for retired K-9s to return to their handlers.
The second canine was donated to the Cherryville Police Department in 2023. However, due to health issues and the lack of an available handler willing to take on the role of a K-9 officer, the department opted to surplus the dog. He will return to his original handler from the Cramerton Police Department, Blake Farmer. Farmer has experience with the animal and can provide it with a suitable environment.
Chief Hunsucker explained that while the department values the role of K-9 units, maintaining one requires extensive time and resources. Given current staffing constraints and the availability of K-9 units in neighboring counties, the department determined that keeping the canines was not financially viable at this time. However, he noted that as the city grows, reintroducing a dedicated K-9 unit could become a future priority.
The council unanimously approved the resolution to surplus both canines.
Street Closures for 2025 Festivals
The council also reviewed the annual ordinance for street closures related to city-sponsored festivals. City officials detailed the proposed closures for five major events:
- Cherry Blossom Festival – Saturday, April 26, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Independence Day Celebration – Thursday, July 3, from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Scaryville Halloween Event – Friday, October 17, from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Whoville Christmas on Main Street – Friday, December 5, from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Christmas Parade – Saturday, December 13, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
A notable change this year involves relocating the Independence Day celebration back to Main Street from the stadium. Officials moved the event due to public preference and financial benefits, as beer sales at the stadium were restricted, limiting revenue for festival organizers. City Manager Brian Dalton stated that he met with the fireworks organizer, who reviewed maps and determined the safest launch site. Based on his assessment, he decided the fireworks would be launched from the Gym Parking Lot to ensure a safe viewing distance.
The council then approved the street closure ordinance unanimously.
Speed Limit Adjustment Near Ballpark
The council also considered a proposal to reduce the speed limit on South Rudisill Avenue and Pine Avenue from 35 mph to 25 mph. This change was requested by residents concerned about traffic safety near the Little League ballpark, especially during peak spring and summer months. The adjustment aims to create a safer environment for children and pedestrians in the area.
Council members discussed the impact of the proposed change and acknowledged that lowering the speed limit would help maintain consistency in the area while improving safety. The measure received strong support, and the council moved forward with approving the adjustment.
Cherryville Historical Museum Updates
Furthermore, Council Member Gary Freeman provided updates on ongoing projects at the Cherryville Historical Museum. He shared that the museum board had approached him to restore a historical painted advertisement of the Bull Durham, that had been uncovered inside the museum. Freeman then explained that the restoration would involve patching chipped brick areas and carefully matching the original paint to maintain its vintage appearance. Furthermore, to avoid concerns of a conflict of interest, he offered to complete the restoration for a modest $500 honorarium paid by the museum, not city funds. The council agreed there was no conflict.
Freeman also noted that the museum board was considering a future project to create a mural on the large wall near the landing of the stairs. Additionally, he highlighted the extensive renovation efforts undertaken by museum volunteers, including removing outdated additions, improving storage spaces, and addressing HVAC needs. The museum anticipates closing for approximately 90 days to complete as many improvements as possible, with volunteers contributing significant time and effort to preserve Cherryville’s history while saving the city money.
Conclusion
The work session underscored Cherryville’s commitment to enhancing public safety, supporting community events, and preserving local history. With the council’s decisions on police canines, festival logistics, speed limits, and museum restoration, the city continues to prioritize thoughtful growth and community engagement for the benefit of its residents.
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