Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - The City of Cherryville held its regular city council meeting on August 10, 2026. The agenda's biggest item was the public hearing for the proposed Central Business District Ordinance for Cherryville’s downtown area. Aside from this, several updates were made by the mayor and the council.
Mayor Wade Stroupe opened the news portion of the meeting by noting that Cherryville was added to the “World Championship Club” after Cherryville’s 6U Sweetees won their world championship undefeated. He then went on to mention, with other members, the success of the Legion Tournaments held in Gaston County. Councilmember Jill Puett went on to speak about how seeing more national-level events was Jerry Hudson's dream, who had previously run the events with the Legion before passing.
The council also honored the veterans in attendance for the first pitch ceremony. Jess and Brad Halling were brought out due to their combined 49 years of service to our country. Brad served as a Delta Force sniper and, during his service, had his helicopter struck by an RPG during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu. This resulted in him requiring an above-the-knee amputation. However, this did not stop his service to the country, and he became the first above-the-knee amputee to remain on active duty and complete a full military retirement. Now he and his wife Jess own and operate Halling Whiskey, where they continue to honor veterans in their living museum.
Third Annual National Night Out in Cherryville, NC | August 3, 2026
Mason Beam (WNN)
Outside of sports, several of Cherryville’s community events were brought up. The Third Annual National Night Out, organized by Tamara Hardin and held at Cherryville’s community center, continues to grow. The past week also saw Cherryville hold its own school supply drive, organized by the Cherryville Area Ministries along with local churches, first responders, barbers, and Scout Troop 323.
Two employees were recognized at the meeting for reaching career milestones with Cherryville. The first is Garrett Burleson, who celebrated 5 years as a member of the Cherryville Police Force. Major Ren spoke on how Burleson has always shown a genuine care for the community since signing on to the force. Burleson himself wrapped up by thanking the city for all of their support to the Police Department, stating it doesn't go unnoticed.
The other employee to be recognized is one of the two Chris Kings employed by the city. King has spent 25 years working with the wastewater treatment department and currently serves as a maintenance worker there.
The meeting then moved on to the public hearing for the proposed CBD Ordinance, which you can see a full breakdown of here. The ordinance, as noted by property owner Patrick O’Leary, is meant to hold everyone within the district to a minimum standard and to ensure that historic buildings are maintained and restored. Local business owner Vickie Spurling also noted that she hopes business and property owners within the district will familiarize themselves with the document. Overall the document is not only meant to maintain a common standard but also represents a partnership by the city with the businesses located there. Along with the needed restoration, the city also outlined the grants available to these parties, hoping to see this used in the restoration of Cherryville’s downtown. The process itself will be phased into with this first year's concern being the front of buildings and year two focusing on the sides and rear-facing portions.
Two business owners came to the stand with concerns. Clay Crawley asked how the businesses would be notified, and the council stated they will receive a written notice if compliance is not met. However, the council also mentioned that Steve Panton, the City Marketing Coordinator, has already been on site to photograph any issues and would be able to discuss them with business owners.
The second concern raised by Roger Crawley was a misunderstanding about which portions of the city are within the Central Business District. He was unaware that his business, on Academy Street, was within it and was somewhat shocked to be part of these changes. The district itself spans from First Street to Academy Street and Mulberry Street to Depot Street.
The public hearing then moved on to two needed changes. The first change was that the ordinance prohibited metal and vinyl siding. The change was that no siding of any material is allowed. However, extant siding may remain until replacement is needed, at which point it must be removed. The second change was the allowance for barred windows. The item had read to completely disallow barred windows unless otherwise required by law. Several downtown businesses have these on the rear of their buildings, and instead of requiring them to be removed, the item was changed to disallow only barred windows on front facades.
The meeting was closed out by City Manager Brian Dalton, giving his report. Firstly, he complimented Cherryville and its citizens on the hard work put into hosting multiple American Legion baseball Tournaments. He then went on to mention the progress on the renovations to City Hall and the new Police Department. Construction on the two buildings is expected to be completed in October and September, respectively.
Lastly, he mentioned the accomplishment of Councilmember Jill Puett, who, early in the day, received the “American Legion Volunteer of the Year Award” for 2026. Anyone who has met Puett can confirm she is heavily involved in all things American Legion and shows profound support for veterans as part of the auxiliary unit.
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