Regional News

Alexander County

A lighting ceremony for the 11th annual Trail of Lights will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Trail of Faith, 401 Church St. in Valdese. The Chamber Singers from East Burke High School will perform.

Gaston County

Calvary Church

Mental Health Partners recently received a $1 million grant through the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program to help prevent homelessness in Burke and Catawba counties. The organization will receive the money during the next three years.

The Arc of Gaston County and Special Olympics Gaston County will have a gift-wrapping booth Dec. 12-24 at Westfield Eastridge Mall. Proceeds will benefit citizens with developmental disabilities throughout Gaston County.

The Newcomers Club of Catawba Valley held a special event for fun and fundraising this month. A casino night raised money for three area charities selected by the membership.

Caldwell County

Salvation Army bells are ringing again.

In 2008, the East Lincoln boys' cross country team posted a respectable 10th-place finish in the N.C. 2A state championships.