Troops being deployed to the Middle East

The Army air defense units deploying to the Middle East amid the Israel-Hamas war come from Fort Bliss in Texas, Fort Liberty (formerly Ft. Bragg) in North Carolina, and Fort Sill in Oklahoma, the Pentagon said Tuesday, Oct. 24.
The units are bringing Patriot missile batteries and a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, battery to the region after more than a dozen drone and rocket attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria over the past week that the Pentagon has blamed on Iranian proxies. NBC News reported Tuesday evening that two dozen American military personnel were wounded in the attacks, but that could not be immediately confirmed by Military.com.
Although Pentagon officials didn’t name the deployed Army units, Fort Bliss is home to the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Fort Liberty hosts the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, and Fort Sill is home to the 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade.
The units are among the latest deployments to the Middle East following two aircraft carrier strike groups earlier this month; F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets this week -- adding to jets and A-10 Thunderbolt II planes already sent; and military advisers, including
 a Marine Corps general, versed in urban warfare to aid Israel as it wages war on Hamas.
Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the top Pentagon spokesman who briefed reporters Tuesday, would not say how many troops are deploying with the air defense units or give their specific destinations. He did say that a THAAD battery was coming from Fort Bliss and the Patriot battalions would come from Fort Liberty and Fort Bliss.
More than 2,000 U.S. troops were also put on ready-to-deploy orders by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as yet another show of support for Israel, which declared war against Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, after its sudden and brazen terrorist attack on Oct. 7 killed about 1,400 Israelis.
The deployment of the air defenses came as Pentagon officials disclosed new details about an uptick in drone and missile strikes on U.S. bases in the region since last week. On Monday, the Pentagon blamed the attacks on Iran and groups it supports in the region and said it expected the threat to grow as the bloody war in Israel and Gaza drags on.
Ryder said that between Oct. 17 and 24, “U.S. and coalition forces have been attacked at least ten separate times in Iraq and three separate times in Syria via a mix of one-way attack drones and rockets.”
The Pentagon had revealed some of these attacks last week as they occurred, but Ryder stressed that 13 attacks are “initial numbers.”
   Defense officials have also stepped up the rhetoric around the attacks, telling reporters Monday that they “see a prospect for much more significant escalation against U.S. forces and personnel in the near term and, let’s be clear about it, the road leads back to Iran.”
   Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith was even more direct. Defense officials said last week that the Marine Corps’ 26th Expeditionary Unit was heading “to the waters off of Israel” as a result of the crisis after it abruptly ended pre-scheduled training in Kuwait.
   A Navy spokesperson told Military.com on Monday that the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, which transports the 26th MEU, was in the Gulf of Oman area conducting freedom of navigation operations.
The Marines now deployed to the area “bring with them the weapons of war, if needed,” Smith told a crowd Monday while speaking at a memorial for the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut.
   “For those that are in the area, if that MEU has to go in, if you target them, someone else will raise your children,” Smith added.
   Meanwhile, at sea, the destroyer USS Carney shot down drones and Houthi-launched cruise missiles on Thursday. The incident has been framed as a self-defense move by the Pentagon since last week when officials wouldn’t say whether the threat they posed was to the ship or Israel.
   Ryder told reporters Tuesday that the land attack cruise missiles that the Carney shot down had a range that “was likely in excess of 2,000 kilometers,” making them quite capable of striking Israel.
Another addition to the Middle East besides the Army’s air defense missiles will be more F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets from the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. Ryder said that the unit arrived in the Middle East on Tuesday.


 
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NC House Speaker Tim Moore talks with Guardsmen at the U.S. – Mexico border. (Photo provided)

NC House Speaker visits
the southern border

The Army air defense units deploying to the Middle East amid the Israel-Hamas war come from Fort Bliss in Texas, Fort Liberty (formerly Ft. Bragg) in North Carolina, and Fort Sill in Oklahoma, the Pentagon said Tuesday, Oct. 24.
The units are bringing Patriot missile batteries and a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, battery to the region after more than a dozen drone and rocket attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria over the past week that the Pentagon has blamed on Iranian proxies. NBC News reported Tuesday evening that two dozen American military personnel were wounded in the attacks, but that could not be immediately confirmed by Military.com.
Although Pentagon officials didn’t name the deployed Army units, Fort Bliss is home to the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Fort Liberty hosts the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, and Fort Sill is home to the 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade.
The units are among the latest deployments to the Middle East following two aircraft carrier strike groups earlier this month; F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets this week -- adding to jets and A-10 Thunderbolt II planes already sent; and military advisers, including
See TROOPS, Page 2A
From Page 1A
 a Marine Corps general, versed in urban warfare to aid Israel as it wages war on Hamas.
Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the top Pentagon spokesman who briefed reporters Tuesday, would not say how many troops are deploying with the air defense units or give their specific destinations. He did say that a THAAD battery was coming from Fort Bliss and the Patriot battalions would come from Fort Liberty and Fort Bliss.
More than 2,000 U.S. troops were also put on ready-to-deploy orders by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as yet another show of support for Israel, which declared war against Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, after its sudden and brazen terrorist attack on Oct. 7 killed about 1,400 Israelis.
The deployment of the air defenses came as Pentagon officials disclosed new details about an uptick in drone and missile strikes on U.S. bases in the region since last week. On Monday, the Pentagon blamed the attacks on Iran and groups it supports in the region and said it expected the threat to grow as the bloody war in Israel and Gaza drags on.
Ryder said that between Oct. 17 and 24, “U.S. and coalition forces have been attacked at least ten separate times in Iraq and three separate times in Syria via a mix of one-way attack drones and rockets.”
The Pentagon had revealed some of these attacks last week as they occurred, but Ryder stressed that 13 attacks are “initial numbers.”
   Defense officials have also stepped up the rhetoric around the attacks, telling reporters Monday that they “see a prospect for much more significant escalation against U.S. forces and personnel in the near term and, let’s be clear about it, the road leads back to Iran.”
   Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith was even more direct. Defense officials said last week that the Marine Corps’ 26th Expeditionary Unit was heading “to the waters off of Israel” as a result of the crisis after it abruptly ended pre-scheduled training in Kuwait.
   A Navy spokesperson told Military.com on Monday that the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, which transports the 26th MEU, was in the Gulf of Oman area conducting freedom of navigation operations.
The Marines now deployed to the area “bring with them the weapons of war, if needed,” Smith told a crowd Monday while speaking at a memorial for the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut.
   “For those that are in the area, if that MEU has to go in, if you target them, someone else will raise your children,” Smith added.
   Meanwhile, at sea, the destroyer USS Carney shot down drones and Houthi-launched cruise missiles on Thursday. The incident has been framed as a self-defense move by the Pentagon since last week when officials wouldn’t say whether the threat they posed was to the ship or Israel.
   Ryder told reporters Tuesday that the land attack cruise missiles that the Carney shot down had a range that “was likely in excess of 2,000 kilometers,” making them quite capable of striking Israel.
Another addition to the Middle East besides the Army’s air defense missiles will be more F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets from the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. Ryder said that the unit arrived in the Middle East on Tuesday.
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Candidates share their thoughts on critical issues

PART 1

By Loretta Cozart

On September 21, candidates running for office in Kings Mountain were asked to respond to questions on issues facing Kings Mountain.
Running for Mayor in this election are Scott Neisler and Rob Wagman. Keith Miller and Shearra Miller are vying for the Council Member At-Large seat. Ward 5 has the largest number of candidates: Jay Rhodes, Mark Wampler, and Woody Edwards.
Two of the Wards have already determined their representation. In Ward 1, Annie Thombs continues as its council member. Jimmy West returns as the council member from Ward 4. Nonetheless, their opinions are important and have been included in all the responses received.
In less than two weeks, voters will go to the polls to cast their votes for the leadership of Kings Mountain. The candidates were tasked with answering seven questions. Here are their thoughts on the challenges facing the city.
Question 1. What inspired you to run for political office in Kings Mountain? Please share your relevant experience and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for this position.
Scott Neisler: I came back from college in 1978 wanting to run for office and was told by a commissioner that I was too young. I held on to that desire until 1989, when I was elected to City Council in Ward 6. Two years later, I ran for Mayor and was elected as the youngest to serve at 35! If elected this year at 67, I will have served for 20 years. I still have the fire in the belly to serve and am more invigorated since growth is taking off, making sure we maintain our quality of life. Experience, along with networking with other communities, as well as my lifelong residence, I hope, makes our citizens feel comfortable that I can continue to work for them! It is an honor to serve because we live in the best place, Kings Mountain!
Rob Wagman: I was inspired to run for Mayor of Kings Mountain because I see incredible potential here regarding an enhanced way of life for our residents, growth to our amazing little city, but growth that brings with it a benefit for us as a community. Growth for growth’s sake doesn’t typically bear fruit for all.
   In media, I am known as a fix-it man. I am typically handed impossible situations, and within a few months, the people internally are feeling a real difference, and three to six months following -- the external people affected by what we do on a daily basis begin to take notice.
Keith Miller: In 2005 I saw the council doing things I thought were wrong. I kept telling the Lord, “Somebody has to do something about this.” I kept hearing, “How about you?” That started it.
 My education and experience are very well matched for the job of a councilmember. My bachelor’s degree is in political science. My master’s degree is in public administration, the same degree city managers get. My master’s focus was on housing and economic development. I am a series 50 registered municipal advisor. I am a chartered financial analyst candidate. I have spent over 25 years working with cities and city utilities on investments related to their bond financing. I have chaired, co-chaired, or vice-chaired the city finance, redistricting, and housing committees, planning board, and board of adjustments, and am a member of the Gaston Cleveland Lincoln Municipal Planning Organization. I have been the executive director of Judgment House and Crosswalk for over 10 years. Refereed church basketball and managed church softball for over 20 years. This education and background are exceptionally well suited for overseeing and guiding a small city.
Shearra Miller: My inspiration to run is because I care about Kings Mountain right now and in the future. We have a great city and I want to be a part of making it even better. I’m running to bring my experience as an advocate, public servant, and forward thinker to the City Council at a time when our community is facing exciting opportunities as well as important challenges. It’s no secret, our city is going through changes, and I can help us navigate through these changes. I’m willing to spend the time it takes to make informed decisions that will affect our city for years to come. I will actively listen and consider all sides on every topic.
I have lived in Kings Mountain for over 30 years; we have a family-owned business, I am the Executive Director of a non-profit organization, and I have served on the Board of Education. While on the School Board, I worked to bring diverse voices and beliefs together to work towards a common good. I will bring that same experience to the City Council at a time when we need some new and different perspectives to make important decisions about the future of Kings Mountain and not be influenced by personal agendas. I share the concerns of others about the direction that our City is going and some of the decisions that have been made. Utility prices, zoning decisions, and the lack of a clear vision worry me and a lot of others. I am honest, I have integrity and I will keep the best interests of the citizens at the forefront of my decisions.
Annie Thombs: Carefully making a personal evaluation of progress verses no progress, very little population growth, no median income growth but a decline in growth, and lack of quality of life for all citizens regardless of income status, an appreciation for all citizens regardless of race, creed, color, or religion. I knew I had to be a voice for change, to be the difference, because I do have something to offer to make those things become a reality. Having spent forty years of public service in local government, and I am a retired Community Development Administrator; I know how government basically functions on the Local, State, and Federal levels. I am familiar with the intricacies and statutory rules and regulations we are governed by as a City. Recognizing that Cities and Towns do not have carte blanche to do as they please, even if the citizens feel we can. Public perception IS NOT the reality of governing.
Jimmy West: I first got involved with the city council to hopefully make a change in how the city was being run. During my first term I ran in an effort to try and implement a positive change for the city. I do feel that during my tenure on the city council, we are on the brink of seeing some exciting things as it correlates to economic growth and prosperity.
Jay Rhodes: Eight years ago, the late Tommy Hall and former Mayor Kyle Smith came to me and asked me to run for City Council. I had never really given much thought to serving our community in that way, but then others encouraged me, and I filed. I have a background in Banking and Administration, as well as being a head basketball coach for 11 years, 8 at the college level, and served as an athletic director for 6 of the 11 years. Plus, now I have 8 years of City Council experience representing Ward 5.
Mark Wampler: I am running because Kings Mountain is growing too fast. We have too many Mega-Neighborhoods popping up. With all this growth, our infrastructure needs help – roads need paving, utilities too high, and water system. I believe in growth; it needs to be slow and controlled. Need to focus on our Downtown and Local Businesses to make Kings Mountain an exciting and fun place to visit, shop, and eat. I have been a Shelby Police Officer since 2006, a public servant, where I have used common sense and unique solutions to fix many problems while following the law. I have to research, investigate these problems, and handle them correctly. I will do the same for Kings Mountain, by putting Kings Mountain Residents First.
Woody Edwards: The city needs new faces and fresh ideas to help with our growth that’s coming. if we like it or not. The best thing to do is make smart decisions about our future now. I am a local business owner and always willing to give a helping hand to my community when and where it’s needed.
Question 2. How have you been involved in community activities or organizations in Kings Mountain before running for office?
Scott Neisler: Having a young family, I basically attended church and raised a family. I was very involved with the High School Baseball program that won 2 State Championships since my degree was in Physical Education.
Rob Wagman: I am grateful to Jim Champion, Bridget Allen, Greg Dixon, Joanna Brown and Mary Grace Keller; pillars of our theater community, who helped me overcome a 50-year old diagnosis of stage fright. I was cast in a play alongside them, and they can tell you, they watched my struggles in real-time, and in the end, we presented a wildly comical and successful production.
   The Joy Theater holds a warm place in my heart as it was back in 2005 when I began attending Sunday church service there. That’s where Apostle Theron and Kathy Feemster and the congregation of Miracle Tabernacle called home before moving up on Gold Street. To this day, my family is blessed by the Feemster family and this entire church body.
Keith Miller: I taught Sunday School (still do, over 30 years), Rotary, PTO, and youth sports.
Shearra Miller: I am a member of Central Methodist Church and the Executive Director/President of the Cleveland County Arts Council. Community service is important to me and over the years, I have served on many boards and committees. I served on the Kings Mountain and Cleveland County Boards of Education, serving as chair of both boards. Currently, I am on the Board of Directors of the Education Foundation, Friends of the Library, Neal Senior Center, and a member of the Rotary Club. Serving on a variety of boards and working with different groups of people has given me experience in building bridges and communicating with many different people. I am a recipient of the Commission for Women’s Distinguished Woman Award. I have built relationships with leaders across our city and county that will help Kings Mountain be a part of discussions regarding our city. My work across a broad range of groups within the city and county makes my perspective and experience an important addition to the city council.
Annie Thombs: I have always served others, especially in the community. I am a community activist and advocate. Nothing gives me greater joy than empowering others to fulfill their purpose in life. Capacity-building neighborhood groups and organizations and one-on-one mentoring of families and individuals. Helping others to find and recognize their voice, but being that voice while they discover their own. Looking ahead to unlimited possibilities.
Jimmy West: Until I ran for office, I wasn’t really involved in things per se, but I have always been very supportive of our city and always felt like we could do better, to quote David Stone “sometimes good is not good enough.”
Jay Rhodes: I served on the capital campaign for the Patrick Senior Center, chaired the campaign for the Testa Hospice House, served and now serving on our local hospital board, served on two capital campaigns for the Kings Mountain Neisler Life Enrichment Center, assisted the Touchdown Club with their fundraising projects, currently serving on the Life Enrichment Advisory Board, serving on the Cleveland County Schools Foundation Board, serving as Treasurer of the Kings Mountain Sports Hall of Fame and I initiated the discussion for the YMCA and City recreational partnership. There are multiple “I”s there, but I have been privileged and it has been a joy to have had those opportunities to serve our community.
Mark Wampler: I have volunteered as a coach for Upwards Basketball and Soccer at two Kings Mountain churches for nearly ten years. My neighborhood had a lot of crime at one point in 2018, and everyone was talking about it. I went door to door, dropping off flyers to start a Neighborhood Watch, and I had the first meeting at my house. We have used phone calls, e-mails, and social media to contact each other. Now, we have 102 members watching our areas. It is about seeing a need, getting involved, and finding a solution. That is what I did. Our Neighborhood Watch is very active. Communication!
Woody Edwards: I have attended every city council meeting, minus a handful, for about a year now. Also, I have been
 a member of the Moss Lake Commission Board since June of 2023.
Question 3. What are your plans to promote economic growth and job creation in Kings Mountain? And how would you work with local businesses to support their growth and sustainability?
Scott Neisler: Scott Neisler: Economic growth will not be a problem as we have location, location, location! And we are lucky because of Lithium and that good-paying jobs are coming our way. Housing is the next thing that we need badly. Economic growth is a 2-way street. In my first tenure as Mayor, we were successful in economic development, but it was slow. Now, we are very attractive to the point that we can be choosy about what we want as a community. Planned Development agreements are a must to hold developers to what their agreement of what will be built so that it satisfies the market but at the same time maintains a quality of construction for our community. So, we are all winners!
Rob Wagman: Economic growth in Kings Mountain has been a trouble spot for longer than a decade, with many scratching their heads as to the ‘Why.’ The key to economic growth is to ensure our neighborhoods are being kept up, and that residents with  needs have a way to get those needs answered and dealt with. To believe we can grow economically but allow deterioration in our homes and on our streets is a plan that is dead on arrival.
   Our local businesses were promised an influx of customers with the building of the casino, and the traffic it would bring to our outskirts. The reason that hasn’t happened is because we simply expected the visitors to be curious enough to drive our streets to see what we offer. We have never created a specific plan to bring a percentage of that traffic to our downtown. It isn’t too late to put a real plan in place to draw more visitors from the casino; however, if the residents of our own city aren’t taken care of in the areas in which they live, we lose the most important customers for any of our businesses, our own folks.
Keith Miller: I have more than plans, I have a 15-year track record. To attract employers, industrial taxpayers, shops, and restaurants, we work to keep utilities, taxes, services, and quality of life competitive and efficient. We maintain strong working relationships with the government, chamber, and political entities around and above us to maintain local synergistic advantages versus other communities. We continue to hire consultants to continually improve our efforts.
Small businesses live or die based on the amount of disposable household income the households in the area can spend in local shops and restaurants. We use housing policies to try to expand the stock of quality housing targeted to the starter–mid-market, as well as our professionals, downtown, second home, and active retiree housing stock. This upwardly drives the local household income and retail spending demographics.
   We ask the marketing manager to work with KM Forward and the business community to plan events and parade routes that will help business, not interfere with business. I have recently asked that our forthcoming Purchase Power Adjustment Policy defer surcharges during the peak months. We have put in place several policies to push deadbeat landlords to fix their dilapidated buildings or sell them to someone who will.
Shearra Miller: The City needs to listen to local business owners and citizens who are working to grow our economy and create local jobs. Small, locally owned businesses are the lifeblood of our community, and the city council must ensure that our regulations and our expectations for new and existing businesses are streamlined, easy to access, understand, and utilize so that businesses are not being held back. Streetscape was a disappointment on the part of the City to involve and engage business owners, and that hurt many of those businesses. Although that part of Mountain Street looks good, we don’t need to make that mistake again. Communication is so important.
   We have to ensure that our City Council does not drop the ball when it comes to big projects that will impact our town. I believe that the council needs to work with the casino to make sure that their plans for expansion help Kings Mountain and allow other businesses to benefit from the visitors and dollars to our city. The City secured very little from the Casino in the way of economic impact guarantees and we could be in the same position with the lithium mine if we’re not careful.
   Finally, we must do a better job of defining what we, as a community, want the future of our city to look like. I feel like we’re at a crossroads, and as your Councilmember, I will ensure that we not only have that vision but that it is also communicated to the public. Another important component of economic growth is our position and regulation of housing and planning. New and creative ideas for zoning and other housing regulations need to be explored so that KM has the right mix of housing for current and future residents.
Annie Thombs: In our current and future digital and e-commerce climate, we must be forward thinkers and seek out those opportunities that promote growth and job creation. Our Local Businesses are key to our city’s growth and job creation. We must find creative ways to empower and advocate for our local business city-wide and not be afraid to do what has never been done before, and carefully consider how opportunities will impact our citizens. Public/Private Partnerships are a win/win for our economic future. The City Manager presented a “But For” Economic Development Policy adopted by the Council that is a great tool for economic development outreach. We are on the precipice of change in a very exciting time for growth with the capacity and resources to meet the challenges ahead.
Jimmy West: Right now, we find ourselves at the forefront of growth regardless due to the development of the casino and Albemarle coming into the area. Neither of which were solicited by us; however, this will force growth within our community. We are working closely with the downtown business owners and together, we have been able to collaborate on a system that allows the business owners more autonomy to decide what they do with their businesses, and hopefully this will result in a ripple effect that will spread throughout the rest of the community.
Jay Rhodes: For the downtown, I would like to see the Streetscape project move forward to completion, the vacant buildings rehabbed, shops filled, and upstairs apartments developed. I am thankful that we have put the downtown back in the hands of the stakeholders. We have approved several industrial and commercial projects that are operational (Ferguson, Utz). The others I would like to see move forward to completion (Pinnacle Park, Mauney Distillery). As far as helping local businesses, raising our economic demographics is the best thing that I know we can do for business. That means we need some of these market-rate housing projects that have been approved to come into being.
Mark Wampler: Short-term Goal – highlight and promote our downtown so that it is enticing to lure new businesses. We must focus on and support our current local businesses because one building was recently condemned, and two businesses were forced to move out. We, as a town, need to support our local businesses.
   Long-term Goal – Focus on the four exits along Route 74 in Kings Mountain. The Bypass around Shelby will be completed in the future. We can market and cater these areas to encourage shops, housing, and gas stations for businesses and residents. It is easy access around Shelby and to I-85.
Woody Edwards: My plan is to get as many local businesses thriving to keep our residents employed in Kings Mountain instead of having to go out of town to work. Plan on talking to the local businesses seeing what their needs are, and see what the City can do to help out.

SEE PART 2 NEXT WEEK
IN NOVEMBER 1 ISSUE OF KM HERALD
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Chad Gunter and Katie Reese were last year’s costume contest winners with the best overall costume. Photo by Damien O’Brien

Ghosts, Witches, and Zombies, Oh My!
Halloween costume
contest Sat., Oct. 28

Dress up in your Halloween best and join us for a howling Halloween Costume Contest. This kooky contest occurs during The Wonderful Adventure to Oz event at Patriots Park on Saturday, October 28th. Want to participate? Registration will take place Oct 28th between 4:45-5:15 pm. The contest starts at 5:20 p.m. Categories: Most Unique, Oziest, Judge’s Choice, and Best Overall Group.
The Wonderful Adventure to Oz takes you through an immersive journey through the classic story of the Wizard of Oz while meeting your favorite Oz characters along the way.
The costume contest will begin at 5:20 p.m. The Wonderful Adventure to Oz will open at 6:00 p.m. Prizes await. Don’t be late!
 For more information, call the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department at 704-730-2101 or visit their website at www.KingsMountainEvents.Com/adventure-to-oz. 
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Dorothy will be at Patriots Park on Saturday, October 28th at 6:00 p.m. as the City of Kings Mountain turns the park into the merry ole Land of Oz.

Meet Dorothy Gale
at KM’s Land of Oz

She survived a tornado and escaped from a witch’s castle. Now, Dorothy Gale is on her way to Kings Mountain in a new Wonderful Adventure to Oz.
Who is this, Dorothy Gale?
Raised by her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em, Dorothy lives on a farm in Kansas. Her best friend is a terrier named Toto, who loves to get into mischief. He especially likes to aggravate a mean lady named Elmira Gulch.
Dorothy’s other friends include farmhands Zeke, Hunk, and Hickory. She helps them around the farm as much as she can. She tries to stay away from the pigs.
Dorothy loves to sing. “Over the Rainbow” is her favorite song.
Want to meet Dorothy and Toto? Take a journey to Patriots Park on Saturday, October 28th at 6:00 p.m. as the City of Kings Mountain turns the park into the merry ole Land of Oz. Walk down the Yellow Brick Road and visit with Dorothy, Toto, and other favorite characters from the classic story while trick or treating along the way. The Wonderful Adventure to Oz begins each night at 6:00 p.m.
Plan your experience to Oz at  www.kingsmountainevents.com/adventure-to-oz. There is no place like Kings Mountain.
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City of KM responds to questions on water issues

By Loretta Cozart

Citizens have reported that the water in town has a bad odor and taste, so the Herald reached out to Rick Duncan, Public Infrastructure Director for the City of Kings Mountain. He quickly responded sharing, “The city monitors algae growth in Moss Lake and has done so for several years. This year, algae doubled over last year’s numbers. Algae growth is the driving force behind our odor and taste problems.”
“We have instituted a robust flushing program throughout our system along with the addition of activated carbon into our treatment process to aid in the removal of bad taste and odor. The city will begin cleaning our finished water tanks in the next few weeks as well,” he added.
“Cooler temperatures, along with increased flushing and cleaning of our systems tanks, will remove remaining taste/odor issues in our system. Water quality is monitored throughout the day to ensure we meet DEQ and EPA standards.”
While he can’t predict how quickly improvement will be realized, he added, “We expect positive results will be seen in the next days and weeks to come.”
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In-Person Early
Voting has begun

By Loretta Cozart

The early voting period for the municipal elections in November 2023 has commenced. It started on Thursday, October 19, and will end at 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 4.
During this period, voters can cast their ballots in person at the Cleveland County Board of Elections located at 215 Patton Drive in Shelby. The voting site will remain open from October 19 to November 3, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturday, November 4, it will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
It is mandatory to carry a valid ID to vote in this election. Eligible individuals can register and vote on-site. For more information, please contact the Cleveland County Board of Elections at 704-484-4858.

KM Baptist hosts FREE Fall Festival

Kings Mountain Baptist Church announces its Fall Festival on Tuesday, October 31, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., weather permitting, at 101 West Mountain Street in Kings Mountain. Best of all, everything at the festival is free, so you can enjoy all the fun activities without spending a dime.
The Fall Festival is a fun and exciting event perfect for families. Hosted by the Kings Mountain Baptist Church, this festival offers an array of activities everyone can enjoy. Whether you're a fan of bouncy houses, hot dogs, games, or candy, you'll find something to love at this festival.
One of the highlights of the festival is the costume contest. This is a great opportunity to show off your creativity and create a unique and fun costume. There will also be plenty of other activities to participate in, including crafts and games. And, of course, there will be plenty of candy to go around.
The festival will occur at the Kings Mountain Baptist Church, 101 West Mountain Street in Kings Mountain, NC. It will run from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Best of all, everything at the festival is free, so you can enjoy all the fun activities without spending a dime. Don't miss out on this completely FREE and exciting event that includes a Bouncy House (weather permitting), Hot dogs, Games, Costume contest, Crafts, and lots of Candy!

Central Methodist annual
Fall Festival October 29

By Loretta Cozart

Central Methodist Church at 113 South Piedmont Ave. in Kings Mountain announced its Annual Fall Festival on Sunday, October 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
   The festival features various activities such as bounce houses, face painting, Trunk or Treat, food, candy, and more. This is a free community event; everyone is invited to join the fun!
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Carve out time to save lives
community blood drive Oct. 28

By Loretta Cozart

The Davidson Association and Mt. Zion Church, in association with The Blood Connection, are holding a blood drive on Saturday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 220 N. Cansler Street in Kings Mountain.
With all the fall festivities and Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, now is a good time to carve out a little time to donate blood.
To register, visit https://thebloodconnection.org/ and look in the top right corner to click the red locations button. Type in zip code "28086" and fill in the Start Date as "10/28/23" and the End Date as "11/7/23." Then click the red "Search" button. Scroll down, and The Davidson Association and Mt. Zion Baptist Church should be the first on the list. Scroll over to the right, click "Schedule," choose your time, and then create an account so they'll have your email and phone #.
Blood or the components of blood are used to treat patients with medical conditions, such as anemia, cancer, and blood disorders, as well as those having surgery. It can be vital for people with medical conditions or having surgery, and improving the quality of life for those whose illness has no cure, like sickle cell disease.
If you have any questions or need help with registration, please get in touch with Coordinator Norma Black at normablack16@yahoo.com, 704-418-4432, or Katherine Pendergrass at khpendergrass@bellsouth.net, 864-680-0555.
Whole blood can be donated every 56 days. Donors must be 16 or older to donate.

 
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City of KM Special Events’ final concert a huge hit

By Loretta Cozart

The City of Kings Mountain’s final concert for the season was held on Saturday, October 14, when Dirty Grass Soul took the stage in Patriots Park at 6 p.m. for a beautiful evening celebrating Fall downtown.
The Main Event Band, along with DJ Drew Fulton, opened the show cruise-in and pre-show at 5:00 p.m., and all makes and models of cruisers were welcome. Fans poured in and stayed late to enjoy a beautiful evening celebrating Fall downtown.
Activities included fun for the whole family, including live music, cool rides, and great food.
 

KM’s Patriots Park turning
into the merry ole Land of Oz

Lions! Tigers! Bears! Oh my!

In celebration of the 84th anniversary of the theatrical release of The Wizard of Oz, the City of Kings Mountain will transform Patriots Park, in downtown Kings Mountain into the magical Land of Oz as the City hosts The Wonderful Adventure to Oz on Saturday, October 28, from 6 – 9 p.m.
Journey down the Yellow Brick Road while meeting your favorite Oz characters. An old-fashioned Hayride awaits, taking you to find the Wicked Witch of the West. Liberty Falls Amphitheatre will turn into the Emerald City as the City hosts costume contests, photo opportunities, trunk or treat, food vendors, and so much more. There is no place like Halloween in Kings Mountain.
Patriots Park is located at 220 South Railroad Avenue. For more information, call the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department at 704-730-2101 or visit their website at www.KingsMountainEvents.Com/adventure-to-oz. 
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Hayrides make for a great time this time of year. Photos by City of KM Special Events
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This young fellow pauses for a photo with the Cowardly Lion.
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The Tim Man asks for a little oil during last year’s event.
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The Scarecrow has a great time at Patriots Park.
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Alexis (Lexi) Jackson was crowned KMHS Homecoming Queen on Thursday, October 12. She is the daughter of Jay and Amanda Jackson and the twin sister of brother Alex Jackson. (Photo by TPS Photography)

Alexis (Lexi) Jackson crowned
2023 KMHS Homecoming Queen

Alexis (Lexi) Jackson was crowned KMHS Homecoming Queen on Thursday, October 12. She is the daughter of Jay and Amanda Jackson asnd the twin sister of brother Alex Jackson. (Photo by TPS Photography)
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YMCA helping those with food insecurity in our area

By Loretta Cozart

The Cleveland County Family YMCA started the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and fed the afterschool children in September 2023.
The CACFP is a nutrition education and meal reimbursement program helping childcare providers serve nutritious and safely prepared meals and snacks to children and adults in daycare settings.
The program currently serves over 275 children in Cleveland and Rutherford counties.
Ruby C Hunt YMCA (Boling Springs) serves 110 children, Kings Mountain Family YMCA serves 75 children, and Jefferson Elementary in Shelby serves 34 children.
In Rutherfordton County the Forrest Hunt program serves 19 children, Harris Elementary serves three children, MVR serves 9 children, and Rutherfordton Elementary serves 24 children.
The YMCA is currently waiting for approval for Pinnacle, Spindale, and Thomas Jefferson Academy too.  They hope the Dover Foundation YMCA location will be on board soon, bringing the number of people served to almost 400 by the end of October.
Food insecurities are a huge problem in our communities and your local YMCA is here for our kids.

City’s meter audit finds issues

By Loretta Cozart

The City of Kings Mountain launched an extensive meter audit in March to verify that every meter in the city was 100% accurate. The audit was performed to cross-check internal operations, field operations, record keeping, billing, and contractors that perform work for the city. Issues were found in both electric and gas billing.
The audit determined that six electric meters were found to have been installed in the field, and a wrong multiplier was applied, causing the affected City to overbill the customers by $62,619.38. The overbilled $62,619.38 was credited to each business customer in October 2023.
The customers overbilled include Battleground Church of God, $8,667.77; Blackwoods Drive-in, $23,852.55; David Brinkley – Warehouse, $1,461.76; Grace Christian Academy, $10,172.43; Harris Funeral Home, $10, 912.59; O & W Surplus, $7,552.28.
The report states that no water meters were found to have any discrepancies, other than minor issues, relating directly to the current AMI program the city uses, and those issues were non-reads for meters up to 2 months. Those meters have been reprogrammed and the bills have been averaged and are now back operating normally.
  During the gas meter audit, it was discovered that 19 meters were recording incorrect consumption. The meters measured in CCF, which stands for 100 cubic feet of natural gas, but they should have measured consumption in MCF, which stands for 1,000 cubic feet of natural gas.
    Both AMI and Honeywell spent a week reviewing the system and found that the programming was incorrect and that the dials used were installed incorrectly from the first day the AMI program was installed, roughly 9 years ago, This resulted in the City underbilling 19 customers.
    According to the report submitted, “These programs have been cut down from 37 to 7, and the correct registers have been applied. Since these changes were made in July 2023, readings and consumption are now correct as we move forward and have been verified with billing, as well as cross-checks with our AMI portal page.”

 
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Catawba Nation and Developer at odds over casino deal

By Loretta Cozart
Developer SkyBoat Gaming is demanding the Catawba Nation pay an exorbitant price to gain control of its trust lands to satisfy National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) casino ownership requirements so it can proceed with its planned $700 million casino resort project, new Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris said. 
SkyBoat, headed by businessman Wallace Cheves, was to have developed the casino resort for the Catawba. But in December SkyBoat and the Catawba were issued Notices of Violation (NOVs) by the NIGC regarding contracts for the casino development.
The NIGC cited the ground lease for the trust lands and other agreements that gave SkyBoat too much ownership control and management authority over the casino project. The NIGC threatened fines and said the permanent casino could not be developed until the NOVs were resolved. The Catawba Nation was allowed to continue operating its temporary casino housed in modular structures featuring 1,000 gaming machines.
The Catawba have since attempted to cut ties with SkyBoat and Cheves by negotiating to regain control over the trust lands for the casino development. Harris met with Cheves in early October but said the current offer from Cheves calls for exorbitant payouts to SkyBoat – a one-time $125 million payment and then $6 million annual payments for access to adjacent non-trust land currently housing the temporary casino’s parking lot.
The adjacent non-trust land was acquired by SkyBoat at the same time SkyBoat was working to secure the trust lands for the Catawba, an acquisition that Harris characterized as trying to advantage SkyBoat at the expense of the Catawba.
“SkyBoat is holding hostage this casino resort project and all of the economic and quality-of-life benefits for our people and residents of the area,” Harris said. “We need a fair deal so we can realize the full financial benefits of the project, create 2,600 permanent jobs and hundreds of construction jobs, and provide local governments and the state of North Carolina with tax revenue and other investments under our compact.”
   Harris noted the NIGC has not approved the planned settlement but certified it was not a management contract as the previous agreement with SkyBoat was deemed to be.
   The Catawba Nation’s gaming operations are also now fully compliant with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). The Catawba Nation’s gaming machine lease is now with an NIGC-approved company that supplies gaming machines to many Native American casinos, ending the previous connection to a company that had political ownership ties.
   Planning for the permanent facility has continued, with construction and design plans being finalized in the coming months.
   “Not long after we reach a fair settlement with SkyBoat we will be ready to put shovels in the ground and begin this long-awaited and vital project,” Harris said.
   The Charlotte Business Journal interviewed Wally Fayssoux, an attorney representing SkyBoat, who responded to Chief Harris’ statement saying it is “‘profoundly untrue’ that the developer is the impediment to closing the deal. He said the developer and the previous Catawba Nation leadership agreed to a deal earlier this year. However, the new Catawba Chief Harris is opposed to it.
   “Fayssoux said the Catawbas’ previous leadership ‘begged’ the developers to accept those terms and that the National Indian Gaming Commission was on board with the deal,” the article continued.
   “Fayssoux said Cheves is still planning to be involved in development surrounding the casino site. He noted the developer would be happy to plan the projects in coordination with the Catawbas’ vision for the area.
   “SkyBoat worked with the Catawbas for well over a decade to try to win approval for the casino project. The U.S. Department of the Interior placed the casino site into a trust for the Catawbas in 2020 after years of debate surrounding the project. The pre-launch facility opened in July 2021, was expanded later that year, and added a sportsbook last year. The full casino’s construction has been held up by the NIGC for well over a year.
   “’SkyBoat is ready to close immediately and honor its word and proceed with the deal the Tribe pleaded for it to accept in January,’ Fayssoux said. ‘We sincerely hope the current leadership will honor that agreement and recognize the tremendous benefits of moving forward today. We certainly understand their need as new leaders to carefully analyze the history of the deal so that they can move forward in the best interests of the Tribe and so we will remain patient while they do so.’”

 

Kings Mountain Family YMCA’s reply to the question, “When is Hardee’s opening?”

By Loretta Cozart

Hardee’s, at 509 E King Street in Kings Mountain, closed on July 17 after a driver lost control of their vehicle and slammed into the southwest corner of the restaurant, smashing glass, injuring customers, and making a general mess of things.
Three months have passed since the accident, and citizens have asked, “When is
Hardee’s reopening?”
Kings Mountain Family YMCA addressed the question using the sign in front of their building, just a block away. The sign drew comments on their Facebook page, and a few chuckles from passersby on Cleveland Avenue.
The Herald also asked the same question of Morningstar, LLC, the parent company of Hardees based in Charlotte, with no reply.
Driving through Kings Mountain on Saturday, the company finally replied with a sign of their own that read, “Open Oct. 23.”
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Kings Mountain Family YMCA’s reply to the question, “When is Hardee’s opening?”
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And the reply, “October 23
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KM Homecoming
Game Changed

Due to chance of rain on Friday, the Kings Mountain High School Homecoming parade will be held on Thursday afternoon and the football game will be played on Thursday, October 12 at 7:30 p.m at KM High.
 

Public Hearings for the City of KM

Public Hearings are scheduled for Thursday, October 12, at 6 pm, in the Council Chambers at City Hall to consider rezoning requests from the following applicants:
• Kiamesha Young/Owner Youngco, Inc., located on Margrace Road and consisting of approximately .86 acres, being further known as Cleveland County Parcel No. 11887 from Suburban Residential (SR) to Semi-Urban Residential (SU) – Case No. Z-23-8.
• Christina Hutchins, located at 808 Piedmont Avenue and consisting of approximately 1.4 acres, being further known as Cleveland County Parcel No. 8351 from Semi-Urban Residential (SU) to Auto-Urban Commercial (AU) – Case No. Z-23-9.
• Crystal Matre/Owner RE-DO-IT, LLC, located at 301 Cherokee Street and consisting of approximately .34 acres, being further known as Cleveland County Parcel No. 8061 from Central Business (CB) to Semi-Urban Residential (SU) – Case No. Z-23-10.
• Thomas Fletcher/Owner Lawndale Sand, LLC, located at 450 Countryside Road and consisting of approximately 41.18 acres, being further known as Cleveland County Parcel No. 10748 from Auto-Urban Commercial (AU) to Light Industrial (LI) – Case No. Z-23-11.
• Matthew Carpenter/Owners IPKMCC 2022, LLC and WHC Humphries, LLC, located on the southeast side of Dixon School Road and west of Kings Mountain Lake 2, known as Dixon Ridge, consisting of approximately 384.745 acres, being further known as Cleveland County Parcel Nos. 11599, 65944, 11598, 12880, and 12879 from Special Use Conditional District (SU-CD) and Suburban Residential (SR) to Planned Development District (PD) – Case No. Z-23-12.
In addition, a Public Hearing was scheduled at the same date and time to consider an amendment to the Table of Permitted Uses (for Resource Extraction in Heavy Industrial) to the City of Kings Mountain UDO.
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Candidates for the City of Kings Mountain municipal races and Cleveland County Water Board Commissioner shared their platforms with attendees. (Photo by GFWC NC Kings Mountain Woman's Club)

Women’s Club Candidate Forum

By Loretta Cozart

GFWC NC Kings Mountain Woman's Club hosted the annual candidate forum on Monday evening, September 25, at 6 p.m. at the clubhouse for local candidates to be on the November 7, Cleveland County ballot. Ten of the fifteen invited candidates came and gave a three-minute platform for the office they seek.
Deputy Director of the Cleveland County Board of Elections Renee Bost updated the attendees on the changes in the N.C. Voter ID laws. She also gave the dates for Early Voting to begin on October 19 through November 4, to be held in the basement of Cleveland County Board of Election's Office, 215 Patton Drive, Shelby, N.C.
Attending candidates running for the City of Kings Mountain Mayor were George Scott Neisler and Robert Charles Wagman. Running for the office of City of Kings Mountain City Council At-Large were Keith Edward Miller and Shearra Beachum Miller.
Candidates running for City of Kings Mountain City Council Ward 1 was Annie Cole Thombs; running for City of Kings Mountain Ward 5 were Merrill Jones Rhodes, Jr., and Mark Andrew Wampler; running for Cleveland County Water Board Commissioner were William Ralph Cameron, Jr., Pamela Parker Maddox, and Kenneth Bruce Martin.
A time of Meet and Greet the Candidates was held after the forum.
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2023 Municipal Election voter registration
deadline approaching

Voter registration deadlines are approaching for eligible individuals who wish to vote on Election Day for municipal elections on November 7 in North Carolina.
• The regular registration deadline for the November 7 municipal elections is 5 p.m. Friday, October 13.
Under state law, the regular voter registration deadline is 25 days before an election.
To be eligible to vote in a municipal election, you must be a municipality resident. Working at a place of employment within city, town, or village limits does not make a voter eligible to vote in municipal elections. Similarly, while a voter’s postal address may indicate a municipality, that does not always mean their residence is within the incorporated boundaries of the municipality.
If you are seeking to register to vote in time for the municipal elections, you can contact your county board of elections to determine whether your residential address is within the incorporated boundaries of a municipality.
“Elections officials encourage all eligible individuals to register to vote and cast ballots in this year’s municipal elections,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections. “Those elected in 2023 will serve in the government closest to you – your city, town, or village governing board. Their decisions about local matters like sidewalks, zoning, water, sewer, and police and fire services directly affect your community”
   Eligible individuals who miss the regular registration deadlines may register and vote simultaneously during the in-person early voting period at any early voting site in their county if early voting is available in their municipality. County-by-county early voting sites and schedules can be found at the State Board of Elections’ One-Stop Early Voting Site Search at ncsbe.gov, once they are available for each election.
   Eligible individuals have many options to register to vote, including the following:
• If the individual has a North Carolina’s driver’s license or other NCDMV identification, they may submit a voter registration application online. Learn more at Complete Your Registration Online Through the DMV. Eligible individuals may also register in person at DMV offices.
• IEligible individuals may also register to vote when applying for services at a number of state agencies. Learn more at National Voter Registration Act (NVRA).
• Any eligible resident can complete a Voter Registration Application in English or Spanish on paper and return it to their county board of elections office by 5 p.m. the day of the deadline and those returns are available at ncsbe.gov. 
If an application is received after the deadline, it will be timely if it is postmarked on or before the deadline date. If the postmark is missing or unclear, the application will be processed if received in the mail no later than 20 days before the election. Otherwise, the application will not be processed until after the election. If submitted by fax or e-mail, the application must be received by 5 p.m. on the deadline date, and a hard copy of the document must be delivered to the county board office by 20 days before the election.
North Carolina residents may not register to vote on Election Day, unless they become eligible after the registration deadline due to becoming a U.S. citizen or having their rights restored following a felony conviction.
Voters who need to update their existing voter registration may use the DMV website or a regular voter registration application.
   Those with a North Carolina driver’s license or other DMV identification may update their residential or mailing address and party affiliation through the DMV online service but may not change their name through that service.
   If using the paper application to update a registration, it must be signed and mailed to the voter’s county board of elections by the registration deadline. Updates to name, address (if within the county), and party affiliation must be signed but can be provided by fax or email to your county board of elections. If a voter is using the paper form to update their residential address to a new county, they must return the paper form by mail or in person.
   Registered voters may also update an existing registration at an early voting site during the early voting period.

 
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Robert Hoenes shakes the hand of Anita Natesh after both company representatives sign the contract between Albemarle and Caterpillar. Pictured L-R: Rob Hoenes, Caterpillar senior vice president of Resource Industries Operations and Products; Rod Shurmwan, senior vice president of Electrification and Energy Solutions at Caterpillar; Eric Norris, Albemarle’s Energy Storage President; and Anita Natesh, Albemarle’s Commercial VP for North America, Europe, and India for Energy Storage. (Photo by Loretta Cozart)

Albemarle and Caterpillar join
efforts to establish first-ever
zero-emissions lithium mine site

Albemarle Corporation signed agreements on Wednesday, September 27, with Caterpillar Inc. to collaborate on solutions to support the full circular battery value chain and sustainable mining operations.
The collaboration aims to support Albemarle’s efforts to establish Kings Mountain, N.C. as North America’s first-ever zero-emissions lithium mine site. These efforts include the utilization of next-generation, battery-powered mining equipment. Caterpillar and Albemarle signed an agreementto make  Albemarle’s  North American-produced lithium available in Caterpillar battery production. The two companies will also explore opportunities to collaborate on research and development of battery cell technology and recycling techniques.
“At Albemarle, we are committed to building a more resilient world. Our partners are critical to achieving that impact, and this collaboration with Caterpillar exhibits how we ‘walk the talk’ to pioneer what’s next. It’s a win-win-win scenario, in which we are both customers and suppliers of each other, and the innovation we pursue together benefits the world,” said Eric Norris, Albemarle’s Energy Storage President.
“Beyond supplying infrastructure and materials, battery-powered Caterpillar machinery and potential improvements to cell technology will open up new possibilities for the future of sustainable mining,” said Norris. “We look forward to replicating at Kings Mountain the same progress that we have made toward social and environmental responsibility at our Salar de Atacama operation, where we became the first lithium producer in the world to complete a third-party audit and publish our report through the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance’s (IRMA) stringent standard.”
   “Caterpillar is developing lithium-ion batteries and battery-electric products today for our customers around the world who, like Albemarle, are driving toward net zero carbon emissions goals,” said Rod Shurman, senior vice president of Electrification and Energy Solutions at Caterpillar. “The agreements for lithium offtake and potential collaboration on R&D signed today will help to advance this work and further build out a secure, resilient, and sustainable value chain for electrified equipment across the Caterpillar portfolio while also supporting Albemarle’s journey to more sustainable operations.”
   “Through this collaboration with Caterpillar, Albemarle is creating a new pathway where we can make a global impact – outside of the leadership we’re known for with EVs,” said Anita Natesh, Albemarle’s Commercial VP for North America, Europe, and India for Energy Storage. “Together with Caterpillar, we will  bring more sustainable mining equipment to market… and, in the process, demonstrate that our commitment to powering the clean energy transition extends beyond our collaborations with auto OEMs.”
   “By working together, we have the opportunity to support Albemarle’s goal of becoming the first zero-emissions lithium producer in North America while contributing to a more sustainable future for the mining industry,” said Rob Hoenes, senior vice president of Resource Industries Operations and Products at Caterpillar.
   The announcement comes on the heels of Albemarle’s recent award of $90 million from the Department of Defense to help support domestic mining and lithium production expansion for the nation’s battery supply chain.

 
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Leslie Plonk Tomasovich claims her prize of $10,000. Photos by January Costa

Leslie Plonk Tomasovich wins museum raffle

By January Costa,
Museum Director

Kings Mountain Historical Museum’s 20th Annual Reverse Raffle & Auctions occurred on September 16th at the Patrick Senior Center. The Museum Board Members and staff are proud of the success of the event and appreciate the support of the Kings Mountain community. The event was themed around the beautiful rolling hills of nature in our community in the fall and resulted in a beautiful environment for the evening, The proceeds from this annual event go to support the funding needed for the museum to provide educational exhibits, events, and outreach programs free of charge to the public.
The Museum thanks our event sponsors and in-kind donors for their generous contributions and those who purchased tickets and auction items. With tremendous community support, we had a successful fundraiser and gave away a Grand Prize of $10,000, which went to Leslie Plonk Tomasovich. The Kings Mountain Historical Museum looks forward to continuing to provide a home for the artifacts of Kings Mountain, interpreting our local history, and seeing you all soon for future exhibits and programs!
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Mountaineers for a
Better Community
to host candidate forum

By Loretta Cozart

On Monday, October 9, at 6 p.m., Mountaineers for a Better Community (KM Better) will host a candidate forum at Central United Methodist Church’s Christian Activity Center at 113 S. Piedmont Avenue in Kings Mountain.
KM Better is a non-profit and nonpartisan organization encouraging community education and transparency to promote a forward-thinking vision for the future of Kings Mountain.
The forum will include mayoral and city council candidates, providing an excellent opportunity for citizens to learn more about the city's issues and how each candidate plans to address those challenges while keeping the growth of the local economy at the forefront.
The forum will also allow candidates to share their vision for Kings Mountain and why they are running for office. This free event is open to the public. 
   During the forum, candidates will answer questions critical to the community. The event will be recorded during the forum and later air on Cleveland Community College’s C19.
   Early voting will occur from October 19 through November 4; election day is Tuesday, November 7. Kings Mountain Polling locations are Patrick Senior Center, 909 E King Street, Kings Mountain, and Mauney Memorial Library, 100 S. Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain. It is important to note that photo IDs are now required for all municipal elections.
   If you do not know your Polling Place, visit the Cleveland County Board of Elections at 15 Patton Dr. in Shelby or call (704) 484-4858.
   KM Better has three main goals:
    •    To foster conversations with the community about our collective future – what it holds and how we get there. We will always prioritize transparency, accountability, and engagement when it comes to City Government.
    •    To add knowledgeable voices to important conversations – to ensure that ALL citizens are involved and educated when it comes to important issues facing our city.
    •    To create change – for the better. This comes from engagement and education, but also collective action towards a forward-looking vision for Kings Mountain.
   For more information about Mountaineers for a Better Community, please visit https://www.betterkm.com.
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Pictured, not in order: Katherine Pendergrass, Karl Pendergrass, Valerie Boyd, Geraldine Dye, Randy Miller, Betty Jordan, Deborah Morgan, Melba Clinton, and Tabitha Thomas. Photo by Patrick Senior Center

The Davidson Association donates to Patrick Sr. Center 

The Davidson Association in Kings Mountain recently donated a month’s supply of reusable grocery bags to the Patrick Senior Center to fill with food for the monthly food distribution to local seniors in need.
“The Patrick Center appreciates the generous donation made by the Davidson Association. It welcomes other community partners who would also like to donate bags or give monetary donations toward food purchases,” Senior Services Manager Tabitha Thomas said.
The center gives away
100 or more bags of food each month, and funding is limited. If you would like to contribute toward feeding local seniors, please call Tabitha Thomas at 704-734-0447.
   Davidson Alumni Resource Center, Inc. is a nonpartisan 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
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Voters can now get Free photo ID cards from County Boards of Elections

  Registered voters who do not have an acceptable identification card for voting in North Carolina can now go to their county board of elections office to get a free ID.
   Most voters have a North Carolina driver’s license, an acceptable form of photo ID for voting. Those voters do not need to obtain a separate ID from their county board. Other common forms of acceptable ID include military or veterans ID cards issued by the federal government and college student and public employer ID cards that the State Board approved for use in voting. For a full list of acceptable forms of photo ID for voting, see the State Board’s website at Voter ID.
Registered voters who do not have an acceptable form of identification for voting purposes can now get a free photo ID from their county board of elections office. No special documents are needed. Voters will simply provide their name, date of birth, and the last four digits of their Social Security number, and have their photo taken.
   In most counties, voters can get an ID printed and given to them on the spot. A few counties may need to get the required information from the voter, take their photo, then mail the ID card to the voter or inform the voter that the ID card is ready to be picked up, whichever the voter prefers. Voters with questions about the ID process should contact their county board of elections.
A free voter photo ID will include the voter’s photo, name, and registration number. They will expire 10 years from the date of issuance. The county boards of elections can issue cards at any time during regular business hours, except for the period following the last day of early voting through Election Day.
   “Any voter who does not have an acceptable ID card for voting can now get a free ID from their county board of elections,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections. “State Board staff has worked diligently with the county boards of elections over the past couple of months to get the necessary software and hardware for ID printing.”
Voters also can get a free ID from the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). Find more information under “No-Fee ID Cards” at State IDs | NCDMV.
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John Norris

Nashville recording  artist to perform at Clev. County Fair

Nashville recording artists and songwriter John Norris is a native of Sanford, North Carolina.
John’s love of music was forged in the church and country music tradition of his home town. Singing with his family in church and picking up the guitar at age 10, he learned his craft alongside family and friends, with a healthy dose of YouTube to hone his skills.
At age 14, John turned to writing music to help deal with the hardships of circumstances in life. Then, at just 16, John hit the road playing at bars, festivals, and music venues.  Within two years he headed to Nashville to network, write and grow in knowledge of the music industry.
John recorded part of his debut Nashville record at Direct Image Recording Studio, with producer Kenny Royster. The tracks include: “God’s Up To Somethin”, “Thank God She Did”, “This Town”, “Good Jeans”, “Natural Light”, and “Lonely Don’t Last Long”.
John will be performing with his band several times daily at the Cleveland County Fair. The fair will be held September 28-October 8.
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Michelle Mack, CCS Teacher Of the Year 2023

Michelle Mack named
Clev. Co. Schools 2023
Teacher of the Year 

Meet North Elementary School Kindergarten teacher Michelle Mack, CCS Teacher of the Year 2023.   She has been working for Cleveland County Schools since 1995.  Michelle received her Child Development and Family Relations degree from UNC-Greensboro and her teaching certificate from Belmont Abbey College.
Since then, she has taught Kindergarten at North Elementary School for many years! Michelle later went on to earn her master’s degree from Appalachian State University along with her National Board certification.
Michelle had such positive, impactful school experiences that she became a teacher. She wanted to return the same kindness and passion to students. “In the classroom, I strive to be a positive role model, make learning fun, build confidence, and empower students to be successful lifelong learners,” Michelle says. “Seeing the growth in each child is rewarding and priceless! I am proud to be a North School Tiger! I am so blessed to be able to work with an amazing, awesome, and gifted staff who enjoy teaching students and helping them succeed. We are a close-knit family caring for each other and our students. We love our students!”
Michelle is married to Bruce Mack, the Vice President of Academic Programs at Cleveland Community College. They are members of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Kings Mountain. Bruce and Michelle have two wonderful children. Cameron is an engineer and lives in Greensboro, and Carmyn is a junior at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro, majoring in education.

 
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Grover Elementary School’s Savannah Ross was named CCS’ 2023 Exceptional Children Educator. Photo by CCS

Savannah Ross named EC Educator of Excellence

Cleveland County Schools is proud to announce that Savannah Ross of Grover Elementary has been named the 2023 Exceptional Children (EC) Educator of Excellence. This prestigious honor recognizes Mrs. Ross’s outstanding dedication and unwavering commitment to the success of students with special needs.
According to a nomination letter, it is said that
“Savannah Ross implements evidence-based instructional programs with the highest fidelity. Only in her eighth year as an educator, she understands the importance of making data-based instructional decisions and consistently uses a variety of progress monitoring tools to measure her students’ growth and make critical instructional adjustments.”
“Mrs. Ross exemplifies true dedication to improving the lives of children in all that she does,” said Wendy Fitch, Executive Director of Exceptional Children.  “She is passionate about teaching and seeing her students succeed, grow, and reach their highest potential in their academic, social, and behavioral skills.”
In addition to her responsibilities as an Exceptional Children’s teacher, Mrs. Ross is a crucial staff member at her school, serving on various committees, going above  and  beyond  to help
  “Savannah Ross was born to love and care for children,” said Brandy Curtis, principal at Grover Elementary. “She looks for the best ways to support and meet the needs of her students, not the easiest or quickest.”
   As the EC Educator of the Year, Ms. Ross will receive recognition at the Conference of Exceptional Children in Greensboro later this year representing Cleveland County Schools at the annual reception.
   “Oh, my goodness,” said Ross during a surprise recognition at Grover Elementary that included members of the CCS Central Services, Exceptional Children’s Department, and Grover Elementary administrators. “I was not expecting this today at all.”
   Cleveland County Schools congratulates Savannah Ross on her well-deserved recognition as the EC Educator of Excellence.

 
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Temporary site for household garbage will open at Midpines Convenience Center at 615 Margrace Road in Kings Mountain. (Photo provided)

Midpines Convenience Center Temporary Site

Starting October 2, 2023, Cleveland County Government will open a temporary site at the Midpines Convenience Center at 615 Margrace Road in Kings Mountain. Only household garbage will be permitted, and no trailers will be allowed at this location.
“The Midpines location is one of our busiest convenience sites,” said Josh Davis, Solid Waste Director. “Both staff and the County Commissioners heard concerns of those in the nearby community and believed a temporary site would be important while long-term options are considered.”
The Midpines Recycling Center was closed on August 10 due to safety concerns related to the structural integrity of the concrete driving and unloading areas. The engineered cost estimate for demolishing and rebuilding the site is approximately $1.1 million.
The Cleveland County Solid Waste Division is studying long-term options, including relocation of a convenience site that will address existing traffic queueing issues and lack of space on the existing site.
The temporary site will be open 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday, following the same hours as the other convenience sites throughout the county. The Oak Grove Recycling Center, located at 1127 Oak Grove Road in Kings Mountain, is the closest alternate site for bulk and recycling.
Any additional updates or changes to the Midpines Convenience Center will be posted on the County’s Facebook page and our website at www.clevelandcounty.com.

 
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This teenage black bear was seen on the Gateway Trail Sunday around 3 p.m. Use caution in rural or wooded areas, as six bears have been seen in KM within the last week. Photo by Jim Gibson

Six bear sightings in KM last week

By Loretta Cozart

A marked increase in bear sightings occurred in Kings Mountain last week. A black bear sighting occurred on the Gateway Trail Sunday afternoon around 3:15 p.m., but it was not an isolated event.
“Most folks are reporting a teenage bear out foraging last week. While we can’t be sure this is the same bear, we know a mother bear and several babies were seen foraging last year. It is likely those cubs are teenagers now and are out on their own,” Shirley Brutko shared.
“Bears have been seen in Hillside, Hall Crossing, Kings Mountain Blvd. near the Intermediate School, behind the Comfort Inn, and twice on the Gateway Trail. We are getting bear warning signs for the trail and urge hikers to familiarize themselves with bears.
According to the Humane Society, don’t fear the worst if you see a black bear in your yard. A youngster may simply be passing through in search of a home of  their  own. Or an  adult
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From Page 1A
may be checking out an enticing smell or interesting sound. Usually, when they find out there are people around, they’ll head for the hills, never to be seen again.
If you do encounter a bear, remain calm and remember that the bear is likely more scared of you than you are of them. Attacks by black bears on people are very rare and most black bears can be easily scared away with the following approach:
• Stand and face the bear directly. Never run away from or approach them.
• Make yourself look as big as possible by spreading your arms or, better yet, a coat.
• Make as much noise as possible by yelling, banging pots and pans, or using other noisemaking devices.
• If the bear approaches and you have bear spray, spray the bear as they approach.
• In the rare case that a black bear attacks you, fight back (don’t play dead).
• After the bear leaves, remove whatever attracted them to the location (barbecue grill, bird feeder, pet food, or garbage).
If you choose to carry bear spray with you, review these things to know:
• Bear spray is a deterrent made of red pepper oil (oleoresin of capsaicin). It inflames the eyes and upper respiratory system. If used properly, it can effectively deter an aggressive bear.
• Treat bear spray like a firearm. Contents are under pressure: Spray comes out at more than 70 mph and could cause permanent eye damage.
• Do not pre-spray objects. Bear spray does not work like an insect repellent. It may attract a bear because of the residue’s strong odor if used this way.
• When purchasing, look for canisters marked “Bear Spray” or “Bear Deterrent” with an EPA registration, 1-2% capsaicin and capsaicinoids, and a 25-foot (8 m) or more range.
• Keep the spray away from heat (120°F) and cold (-7°F). In extreme heat, pressure can build until the canister explodes; in extreme cold, pressure may decrease, so the canister may not spray properly.
• Keep in mind when traveling that safety regulations prohibit airlines from transporting bear spray. If traveling in be sure to inform the pilot of small planes or helicopters before your departure. The pilot may allow you to store bear spray in the aircraft’s float or outer compartment.
•    When camping, keep bear spray accessible at night.
•    If you have a partially used canister of bear spray or if it is beyond its expiration date, dispose of it or use it for training purposes. Do not rely on it as a deterrent. A completely emptied bear spray canister may be discarded as trash or disposed of as hazardous waste. Check with your local waste authority.

 

Patriot Day Memorial observed Monday

By Loretta Cozart

On Monday, September 11th, Patriot Day was observed at 9 a.m. in Kings Mountain Fire Department Station 1, located at 106 Spruce Street. It has been 22 years since America was attacked, and nearly 3,000 people lost their lives due to acts of terrorism against the nation on that day.
The Fire Chief, Tom Harmon, welcomed everyone gathered. The Fire Chaplain, James Waseman, offered the invocation, and the Assistant Fire Chief, Josh Wall, led all in reciting The Pledge of Allegiance.
The First Baptist Church Kings Mountain Ensemble, led by Pastor Johnathan Bundon, provided Patriotic Music. Mayor Scott Neisler gave the opening remarks, and Chief Harmon introduced the Keynote Speaker, USAF Master Sgt. John Whitaker. The speech was preceded by Captain Jamie Black reading The Ringing of the Bell.
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Mayor Scott Neisler shares opening remarks. See more photos on page 8A.
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The crowd gathers for Patriots Day in Kings Mountain. (Photos by Angela Padgett)
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Overmountain men gather at Sycamore Shoals and pray before leaving for Kings Mountain. Photos by Torrence Photography.

Liberty Mountain opens Sept. 15

By Loretta Cozart

Liberty Mountain: The Revolutionary Drama opens for its eighth season this Friday, September 15. The play shares the personal trials many families faced during the period of the Battle of Kings Mountain in the South during Cornwallis’ Southern Campaign.
When the Herald visited with Bob Inman and Jim Champion last week, Bob shared a significant fact about the victory at Kings Mountain. “When the battle was won, it swayed people to the patriot cause, helping them recruit more participants. The victory turned the tide in favor of the patriot cause and swayed public sentiment,” he said.
   Nobody wants to back a losing cause, especially against the British, one of the most powerful and technologically advanced militaries in Europe and the world. To do so could mean the loss of everything a family had worked so hard to achieve or the loss of the family altogether. Many settlers were unwilling to take that risk by fighting until people saw that it was possible to defeat the British. The Battle of Kings Mountain gave them that hope.
   The battle took place eight miles south of Kings Mountain and is the pivotal historical event for which the city took its name. Many descendants of this battle remain in the community and embrace that history in name and spirit.
   When asked about this season, Jim Champion said, “I am hopeful for this year.” And Bob quickly pointed out that a sophisticated marketing effort is underway under Jim's supervision. “Thanks to our sponsors, we have funds for a robust marketing plan utilizing geotargeted marketing.” Geotargeting creates more relevant, targeted promotions to engage consumers.
   “In addition, Albemarle is a new sponsor,” Jim adds. “Thanks to them, every fourth grader in Cleveland County received tickets for them and a parent. Every fourth grader in Cleveland County can see the play this year, around 1,400 students. That is huge.”
   “Moving to the Fall allowed us to do a school drive. This year, three schools from Gaston, Cleveland, and Cherokee Counties will join us for three school-day performances. That accounts for another 750 students who will see the play,” Jim said. “The sponsorship from Albemarle helped us accomplish our goal for an educational component with the play.”
   “The Patrick family is our Founding Sponsor, and they support us in all ways, and we are very thankful for their support.” Another key sponsor this year is the City of Kings Mountain Tourism and Development Authority.
   “This year, we have included the Catawba Indians into the play, as well. Because many lived in this area and traded with the settlers,” Bob added. “We have done the research and cannot prove that the Catawba Indians participated in the battle. But we do know that they interacted with the settlers and would have traded with them. They are also very much a part of this story.”
  When asked about the cast, Bob said, “We have 26 cast members this year, and they are the most experienced theater cast, top to bottom, that we have had so far. They know what they are doing, hit their marks, and do a wonderful job.”
   In addition to the play, Jim has lots going on with the theater. And moving to the Fall put an increased workload on the Liberty Mountain committees. “I think it will be a rewarding season for us, and we will accomplish what we set out to do: Educate, entertain, and have a great show.”
   The theater remains under renovation, so Jim asks patrons to “excuse our dust.” They will have the facility ready for the performance, but due to supply and demand issues, new doors will not be installed until after the season.
   Performances are on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, September 15,16,17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, October 1, 6, and 8. Performance Times: Friday: 7:30 p.m., Saturday: 3:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., and Sunday: 3:00 p.m. Joy Performance Theater is 202 S. Railroad Ave. Kings Mountain, NC 28086.


 
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Cruise-In starts at 5 pm on Oct. 14 It coincides with the Dirty Grass Soul concert.

LIVE at Patriots Park Downtown KM
Cruise-In back October 14th

Farmall, John Deere, Cub Cadet, Lenar…….What do all these tractors have in common? They are headed to the LIVE at Patriots Park Downtown Cruise-In!
The City of Kings Mountain invites tractor enthusiasts to fill the streets of Downtown with tractors, tractors and more tractors, Saturday, October 14th.  The Cruise-In will coincide with the Dirty Grass Soul concert scheduled on the same day. All makes and models of our returning cruisers are still welcome as well. Roads impacted during the events will be Railroad Avenue, West Gold Street and a portion of West Mountain and South Cansler Streets.
The Cruise-In will start
at 5:00pm followed by the
concert at 6:00 pm.
With live music, cool rides and great food, celebrate Fall with us October 14th in Downtown Kings Mountain.
Want to participate in the Cruise-In? No registration or fee required. It’s FREE!
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GFWC Kings Mountain Woman’s Club, located at 108 E. Mountain St., Kings Mountain

“Meet the Candidates”
at KM Woman’s Club

The GFWC Kings Mountain Woman’s Club will host a “Meet the Candidates” forum on Monday. September 25 at 6:00 p.m. at their clubhouse at 108 East Mountain Street.
This is one of the last opportunities for citizens to hear candidates present their platforms and to speak with them directly before the November election.
The moderator will introduce each candidate running in the current election, and each has 3 minutes to speak.
After all presentations are completed. attendees can talk personally with candidates.
The Meet the Candidates Forum is sponsored by the Civic Engagement and Outreach Community Service Program of the GFWC NC Kings Mountain Woman’s Club, chaired by Ann Bennett.
In 1905, women in the community organized the Kings Mountain Civic League to help care for Mountain Rest Cemetery, among other needs. In 1923, the league joined the Federation of Woman’s Clubs. Ida Pauline Mauney Neisler donated the land on East Mountain Street, and in 1932, the newly completed Kings Mountain Woman’s Clubhouse opened. For the last 118 years, it has served as a hub for civic and community gatherings.
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Last weekend for the KM
Farmers’ Market Sept. 16

By Loretta Cozart

Saturday, September 16, is the last Saturday for the Kings Mountain Farmers’ Market this year. Thanks to many folks, especially The Davidson Association, the farmers’ market was a big success this year. “We’ve had a great summer, and we want to close the season on a high note,” said Tamra Moody.
Once the KM Farmer’s Market opened on June 3, more and more participants and citizens returned to support local businesses and buy fresh fruits and vegetables from the farm. In addition, meats, honey, flowers, sauces, artwork, bakery goods, and food trucks supported the market.
Corporate sponsors included Cleveland County, City of Kings Mountain, Kings Mountain Rotary Club, NC State Extension, Albemarle, and The Davidson Association.
Davidson Alumni Resource Center, Inc. is a nonpartisan 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
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City of KM to host Great Pumpkin
Halloween Parade on October 31

Trick or Treat, Bags of Sweets, Ghosts, and Goblins Will Walk Down the Street!

The City of Kings Mountain will host its annual “Great Pumpkin Halloween Parade” on Tuesday, October 31. Children 0-7 and their parents are invited to gather at the City Hall Plaza, at 101 W. Gold Street, at 9:30 a.m. to line up for this spectacular spooky parade. At 10:00 a.m., the foot parade, led by Mayor Scott Neisler, will travel to the Gazeboo at Patriots Park for a howling good time.
Kings Mountain Marketing, Tourism and Events Department, Mauney Memorial Library’s Harris Children’s Department, in cooperation with Dance Magic Studio, Cleveland County Childcare Connections, and Partnership for Children, will provide entertainment, games, Halloween stories, songs, sing-alongs, and fun for all.
Local merchants are encouraged to dress in costumes to greet the children
and hand out candy along the parade route.  Tables will be provided at Patriots Park for businesses to give away candy and treats.
Afterward, children and parents are welcome to stay and play, have a picnic lunch, take photos with the Peanuts game in Linus’ pumpkin patch or dine in one of the convenient downtown restaurants.
The parade will start at the City Hall Plaza and continue to Battleground Ave., Mountain St., and South Railroad Ave. and end at Patriots Park.
 For additional information, call 704-734-0333 or visit www.cityofkm.com.

 

KMFD hosts Patriot Day Observance

Kings Mountain Fire Department will host its annual Patriot Day service, on Monday, September 11th.
Beginning at 9:00 a.m., First Baptist Church leads the observance, presenting Patriotic music, followed by guest speaker United States Air Force Master Sergeant John Whitaker.
Patriot Day is an annual observance held across America to remember those injured or died during the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001. This year marks the 22nd anniversary of those attacks.
Kings Mountain Fire Department is located at 106 Spruce Street.
For more information on Patriot Day, contact the Kings Mountain Fire Department at 704-734-0555. 
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John Whitaker
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Liberty Mountain opens
for 8th season September 15

By Loretta Cozart

 The curtain will open on Friday, September 15, and Bob Inman’s play, Liberty Mountain: The Revolutionary Drama, will begin its eighth season. For the first time, Bob will perform the role of Reverend Samuel Doak.
“I may be a little creaky, but I’ll be up there in some regard during the battle itself. I’m the oldest cast member this year, and my eighteen-year-old grandson, who plays Caleb Martin, is the youngest,” Bob shares with a smile.
Liberty Mountain shares the personal trials many families faced during the Battle of Kings Mountain. When asked why he wrote the play, Bob replied, “When I was in school, Revolutionary War history was all about Saratoga, Brandywine, Bunker Hill, Lexington, and Concord. There was nothing taught about the Southern campaign.”
When he decided to write a play about the Battle of Kings Mountain, he, Jim Champion, and Caleb Sigmon agreed that the story
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LIBERTY

From Page 1A
 had to be historically accurate. So, Bob did his research and leaned heavily upon the works of three historians: UNC-Charlotte Professor Dan Morrill, USC Professor Walter Edgar, and one of Bob’s college professors at the University of Alabama, John Pancake. “These three men wrote seminal works that helped me tremendously in writing the play,” Bob said.
But the story is also personal for Bob because he descends from Col. James Williams, the highest-ranking officer at the Battle of Kings Mountain. William’s two sons were with him and participated in the battle. “Williams was shot by a Loyalist who didn’t want to surrender, and he died the next day in Rutherford County. His body was later exhumed, and he is buried on the grounds of a library in Gaffney, SC,” Bob explains.
The creative team has also been working hard to keep the story fresh for those who may have seen the play in years past, so several new scenes have been added this season. They follow two rules when adding new scenes: First, the play must be historically accurate, and second, it must entertain keeping in context with rule number one.
Bob shares his thoughts on the Revolutionary War in the South, “This area, here, Tennessee, Virginia, they were backwoodsmen. They didn’t have much, so the King could not do much to them. They just wanted to be left alone and didn’t want the King, or anyone else, telling them what to do.”
“In some respects, this was also a religious war. People immigrated from Europe and brought their faith, especially the Scots Irish, who were mistreated in Ireland. This is a story of faith in God and faith in the whole idea of a nation,” he said. “Militias were small groups of 100 to 200 men. The story is also about people who often acted independently together.”
When asked what he hopes the audience takes away from this performance, Bob replied, “I want the audience to feel like this is a modern play, that how we live as Americans today depends on the outcome of the battle. The British had been doing great: Charleston, Camden, The Waxhaws, and Charlotte, and were getting ready to go North. If they had not turned the tide of success, we might be singing God Save the King, were not for the Battle of Kings Mountain.”
   “This story impacts how Americans live today, and everyone needs to appreciate that. We feel like this country has been given to us,” Bob said. “It was not given to us; we had to fight for it. That is what the Battle of Kings Mountain is about. People were fighting for their homes, their families, and their faith, and I want people to understand that this affects all of us right now. It’s not just something that happened 200-plus years ago. Good people rose up for a common cause.”
   “America has gone through periods of difficulty, and we are in a period of difficulty right now, but somehow, we have always muddled through. Today, we have divisions over political ideology, and I’m sure people did during the Revolution, too. But they got together and got the job done. And we can do that today.”
   Performances for Liberty Mountain are each weekend beginning September 15, at the Joy Performance Center, 202 S. Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC 28086
   This year’s performances are scheduled for:
•    Friday, September 15,  at 7:30 PM
•    Saturday, September 16,  at 3:00 PM
•    Saturday, September 16,  at 7:30 PM
•    Sunday, September 17,  at 3:00 PM
•    Friday, September 22,  at 7:30 PM
•    Saturday, September 23,  at 3:00 PM
•    Saturday, September 23,  at 7:30 PM
•    Sunday, September 24,  at 3:00 PM
•    Friday, September 29,  at 7:30 PM
•    Saturday, September 30,  at 3:00 PM
•    Saturday, September 30,  at 7:30 PM
•    Sunday, October 1,  at 3:00 PM
•    Friday, October 6,  at 7:30 PM
•    Sunday, October 8,  at 3:00 PM
   Group discounts and VIP packages are available.
   Kings Mountain Little Theatre, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit, produces the play. Gilbert and Jancy Patrick are the Founding Sponsor. Albemarle is the Presenting Sponsor. Kings Mountain Tourism Development Authority is a Major Sponsor. The creative team is Sigmon Theatrical, LLC, Artistic Director Caleb Sigmon, and Bob Inman.
   For more information, visit KMLT.org or LibertyMountainDrama.com, tickets@kmlt.org, or call 704-730-9408.

 
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L-R: John and Ashley Herndon and Jan and David Stone.

Patriot Jack’s Outfitters
under new ownership

By Loretta Cozart

On Thursday, August 31, Jan and David Stone, owners of the Imperial Mercantile in downtown Kings Mountain, took ownership of Patriot Jack’s Outfitters at 832 E King St, Kings Mountain from John and Ashley Herndon.
The Stones shared that they “are thankful to John and Ashley Herndon and their contribution to keeping Patriot Jack’s a thriving business in Kings Mountain, NC, and are excited about this new venture and the changes in store!”
   Patriot Jacks Outfitters carries a variety of outdoor gear, clothing, and accessories and has been locally owned and operated at this location since opening in September 2010.

 
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The building located at 124 W. Mountain Street has been condemned by City of Kings Mountain. Photo by Loretta Cozart

City, KM Forward
responds to story
 

By Loretta Cozart

On August 30, the Gaston Gazette published a story about the condemnation of the building at 124 W. Mountain Street in Kings Mountain. The story stated, “At the July 25 meeting, Kings Mountain City Council agreed to give $2,500 to Lahti as ‘a business that had been displaced by city actions.’”
The Herald reached out to City Manager Jim Palenick for comment regarding the article and received the following statement, “Upon recognizing that the building that housed the Uncommon Artisans and Medusa Coffee Company businesses was deemed to be unsafe, no longer allowable for occupancy, and in such state of disrepair as to require City Council action to order repairs or face demolition, I personally approached KM Forward, through their Board President, David Stone, to inform him that the Businesses would have to find an alternate location because City Council action was likely imminent.
   “I felt KM Forward was best suited to assist the
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From Page 1A
to-be-displaced businesses in finding a suitable site for relocation within the Kings Mountain Downtown. Mr. Stone then immediately approached the Uncommon Artisans owner, Ms. Lahti to inform her of the likely pending Council action and to offer assistance in securing an adequate location in Kings Mountain to relocate.
   “Further discussions between the City and KM Forward resulted in the City and KM Forward agreeing, and City Council approving (on July 25th), that the City of Kings Mountain would approve an amendment to our contract with KM Forward to increase their contractual compensation by $2500, with the understanding that KM Forward would, in turn, match that amount with an additional $2500 in its own funds, to provide for up to $5,000 total in Grant assistance to aid in covering portions of expenses, including possible increases in rent, toward relocating the Uncommon Artisans and Medusa Coffee to an alternate relocation site within Downtown Kings Mountain.
   “There was to be no payments or stipends to the displaced businesses simply because of displacement, but rather the City and KM Forward came together to create, in essence, an economic development grant opportunity that would be available if and when a suitable relocation site was identified, and the business(es) moved thereto. The Grant funding rests with KM Forward and any determination of eligibility for, or distribution of said monies rests with that entity.
   The Herald also requested a statement from KM Forward’s David Stone, and received this reply, “In my capacity as President of KM Forward, I want to share that the facts the city manager outlined are consistent with how the city engaged KM Forward.
   “KM Forward immediately reached out to the business owners of Uncommon Artisan and Gold Medusa Coffee to communicate the impending condemnation. KM Forward pulled together also to try to assist by asking the city to provide the businesses with 30 days to vacate which the city granted in the July city council meeting. We also contacted other property owners to try and connect the business owners with potential leasable space in the city of Kings Mountain.  
   “Lastly, KM Forward, recognizing that this condemnation was not the first the city has initiated on a downtown property, determined the need to support businesses impacted by condemnations, and created a Condemnation Grant program.  
   “The condemnation grant is available to businesses in the Central Business District who become impacted by building condemnations when the building owners don't maintain their buildings. The guidelines for that program have been emailed to the business owner. If the business owner meets the terms of the condemnation grant which require that they relocate in the Central Business District, they can apply for the grant.
   “Please note that this is the first grant program established by KM Forward and as a new organization with the mission to  Build a community of citizens and business leaders to advocate for Kings Mountain as a place to live, play, shop, explore, and invest. Promoting the economic, social, and cultural environment throughout the city, we plan over the next year to identify other opportunities to support the economic development of our local business community.”
   If you want to watch the video, visit vimeo.com/showcase/cityofkm, click on the July 25 meeting, and click the blue “Start Watching” button.

 
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Mountaineers for a
Better Community
hosts candidate forum

By Loretta Cozart

   On Monday, October 9, at 6 p.m., Mountaineers for a Better Community (KM Better) will host a candidate forum at Central United Methodist Church’s Christian Activity Center at 113 S. Piedmont Avenue in Kings Mountain.
   KM Better is a non-profit and nonpartisan organization encouraging community education and transparency to promote a forward-thinking vision for the future of Kings Mountain.
The forum will include mayoral and city council candidates, providing an excellent opportunity for citizens to learn more about the city's issues and how each candidate plans to address those challenges while keeping the
See FORUM, Page 5A
forum growth of the local economy at the forefront.
   The forum will also allow candidates to share their vision for Kings Mountain and why they are running for office. This free event is open to the public.  
   During the forum, candidates will answer questions critical to the community. The event will be recorded during the forum and later air on Cleveland Community College’s C19.
   Early voting will occur from October 19 through November 4; election day is Tuesday, November 7. Kings Mountain Polling locations are Patrick Senior Center, 909 E King Street, Kings Mountain, and Mauney Memorial Library, 100 S. Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain. It is important to note that photo IDs are now required for all municipal elections.
   If you do not know your Polling Place, visit the Cleveland County Board of Elections at 15 Patton Dr. in Shelby or call (704) 484-4858. 
   KM Better has three main goals:
• To foster conversations with the community about our collective future – what it holds and how we get there. We will always prioritize transparency, accountability, and engage-ment when it comes to City Government.
• To add knowledgeable voices to important conversations – to ensure that ALL citizens are involved and educated when it comes to important issues facing our city.
• To create change – for the better. This comes from engagement and education, but also col-lective action towards a forward-looking vision for Kings Mountain.
   For more information about Mountaineers for a Better Community, please visit https://www.betterkm.com.

Papers filed for 384-acre mixed
use project in Dixon community

Insignis Partners, an investment and real estate development firm, filed plans Wednesday with the City of Kings Mountain to rezone a 384-acre property along a growing economic development corridor. The request would facilitate a mixed-use project with up to 5 million square feet of new buildings and is one of the largest development proposals in the city’s history.
The Dixon Ridge project envisions a vibrant mix of industrial, research and development, and residential space at a key intersection on Interstate 85 near Dixon School Road. Insignis' plans include over 57 acres of open space, pickleball and tennis courts, parks, walking trails, and a greenway trail system for pedestrians and bicyclists connecting to nearby city-owned lake properties.
The request includes an application to rezone the property to a new Planned Development District and a development agreement outlining terms between Insignis and the city. Insignis expects the project to exceed $750 million in value at full build-out. It has committed to developing the project exclusively within the City of Kings Mountain’s jurisdiction, ensuring the city will benefit from property taxes and development and utility fees to be paid by the project.
Both Insignis and Kings Mountain leaders are excited about how the project fits into the growth of Cleveland and Gaston counties. The project will help spur new economic investment and job creation, and Insignis views it as a collaborative effort with the city.
"We’re excited to introduce Dixon Ridge to the Kings Mountain, NC market," Insignis Managing Partner and Co-Founder Paul Sparks said. "Submitting our application for this project is such a significant step forward for something that’s taken us 18 months  to create and fine-tune. And now, everything becomes a lot more real, which is exciting."
Kings Mountain City Manager Jim Palenick joined the city last year after spending the past seven years in local government leadership positions in the Midwest. He's confident the proposed Dixon Ridge project will help fuel Kings Mountain's economy for years.
"We see this development as truly transformational to the community and
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From Page 1A
the region," Palenick said. "Much like Research Triangle Park has come to define the Raleigh-Durham metro, Dixon Ridge presents a similarly seminal opportunity for the future of Kings Mountain."
“Dixon Ridge is an exciting project that has been planned with the utmost care to be what the de-veloper and city desire for the future of Kings Mountain. It addresses our housing needs and pro-vides good paying jobs for our citizens,” Mayor Neisler said. “Thanks to our city manager and In-signis Partners’ Development team for working so hard on this project that took many months to hammer out. It also serves as a template for future development that will surely streamline the pro-cess of our city's economic development to keep our city moving forward ” 
The rezoning and development agreement filing begins a public process to unfold over the next several months. Both Kings Mountain staff and elected officials will review the project moving forward.
Parker Poe partner Jamie Schwedler, leader of the firm's Development Services Industry Team, and associate Matthew Carpenter serve as land use attorneys for Insignis and have worked closely with City of Kings Mountain staff.

 

Thrive Kings Mountain opposes
Dixon Ridge development

By Loretta Cozart

Thrive Kings Mountain released a statement on Thursday, August 31, expressing their opposition to the proposed Dixon Ridge development. According to spokesperson Christina Hildebrand, the organization obtained the proposed plans and found them to be unfavorable. Specifically, Thrive Kings Mountain opposes the proposed dense residential housing on the side of Shepard Mountain with access from Alex D Owens Drive, as well as the proposed over 3 million square feet of industrial and office space.
The statement shared that the development “looks small, but these buildings will be HUGE…a football field is 57,600 sq ft.  The industrial office space covers over 50 football fields. The residential area is over 40 football fields.”
The primary concern for the Shepard Mountain community is that “the topography of this area with steep hillsides, creeks, and rock formations will require significant blasting of the hillside, which will cause severe ecological damage to the area as well as reduce property values significantly.”
In January, Thrive Kings Mountain opposed the 3.5 million square feet warehouse space proposed by development partners Insignis Partners and Panattoni Development Co. Inc. with more than 200 acres. The newly announced Dixon Ridge encompasses 300 acres.
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Swearing-in and promotions at KMPD – Pictured L-R: Chief Gerald Childress, Assistant Chief Chris Moore, Patrol Sergeant Jason Dee, Patrol Captain Buddy Black, Officer Ronald Hamrick, and Lt. Lance Hamrick. Photo by KMPD

KM Police Department Officer
swearing-in and promotions

On Wednesday, August 16, Officer Ronald Hamrick was issued his oath of office by Mayor Scott Neisler. Sergeant Buddy Black was promoted to Patrol Captain and Corporal Jason Dee was promoted to Patrol Sergeant.
“Kings Mountain Police Department is excited to welcome Officer Hamrick to our family, and we appreciate the continuous leadership and dedication of Captain Black and Sergeant Dee,” KMPD shared on their Facebook page.
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KM Crisis Ministry
needs your help

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain Crisis Ministry (KMCM), an emergency organization sponsored by the Kings Mountain Ministerial Association, helps individuals and families in need in our community. With summer requests high, and school back in session, the ministry is asking the community for help.
As of the end of July, KMCM has served as many people as they did during the entire year in 2022. And five months remain in the year.
According to Executive Director Lisa Harrison, “We are seeing record numbers of people needing food and
 as soon as we get a big food order in, it’s all gone within a day or two! We really could use anything, but here are some of the most needed items:
• Peanut Butter
• Jelly
• Spaghetti Sauce and pasta
• Canned vegetables
• Canned meat-tuna, chicken, Spam, salmon, Vienna sausages, etc.
• Cans of soup
• Canned Fruit or Fruit cups
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Rice
• Oatmeal
• Grits
• Crackers
• Boxes of Cereal
• Paper towels and toilet tissue
• Sugar
• Flour
Cooking oil
• Shampoo
• Soap
• Razors and Shaving cream
• Bibles
KMCM is a Second Harvest Food Pantry and receives donations of fresh produce, deli, and bakery items from Food Lion and Walmart. They receive can goods from many businesses, churches, and individuals that hold food drives and donate food monthly. Local realtors leave door hangers, and many individuals support the mission through them.
The ministry receives funding from local churches, individuals, United Way, the City of Kings Mountain, grants, charitable organizations, and fundraisers. The City of Kings Mountain provides office space and facilities at the YMCA free of charge.
Those applying for assistance must meet certain criteria and provide all the following items: driver’s license or picture ID of all adults in the household, Social Security CARDS of all in the household (adults & children), proof of income/money received in last 30 days, copy of DSS Food Stamp Letter, proof of residency (correct name & address), and proof showing why in crisis - any receipts, statement, etc.
Anticipating greater needs from people, and due to rising inflation, KMCM is looking for partners, both individual and corporate, to become monthly donors. For more information or to make an online donation, visit www.kmcrisisministry.org.
   The Kings Mountain Crisis Ministry is located on the back, right side, of the YMCA building. Visitors can park at the outside pool area. The ministry is open for donations, food, clothes, and financial assistance on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Call 704-739-7256 to make an appointment. Items needed are clothing and linens. No furniture or other household items are accepted.
   Board member Ricky Yow is also a member of Battleground Community Church that supports KMCM and suggests if people want to make donations outside the ministry’s hours, donors can call 704-734-5419 and schedule a time to drop-off donations at 309 S Battleground Avenue instead. They will take them to the ministry.
   “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – MATTHEW 11:28

 
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NC BeachBlast Festival
draws crowds to KM

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain’s NC BeachBlast Festival attracted large crowds downtown on August 18th and 19th. This family-friendly event offered music, food, and activities for all ages. The festival began at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 18th with CBMA Award Winners DJ Eric Bowman and Too Much Sylvia. The following day featured performances by Jim Quick and Coastline, Cat5 Band, Swinging Medallions, and Band of Oz. Children and adults alike stayed busy with various activities provided by the City of Kings Mountain Special Events.

See more photos on page 5A of the August 23, 2023 issue of KM Herald
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Cailyn Van Buren and her mother, Susie Graham, attended the administration meeting for Cleveland County Schools together for the first time in August. Photo by Loretta Cozart

A mother-daughter
defining moment

By Loretta Cozart

Susie Graham has worked in Cleveland County Schools for 33 years, but this year may be her most memorable. This year will also be special for her daughter, Cailyn Van Buren, who just moved from teaching fifth grade to becoming assistant principal at Bethware Elementary School.
As the staff returned to work this month, Susie posted on her Facebook page, “I attended my yearly beginning of school administrative meeting today—something I’ve done for many years. While I can’t recall everything about the earlier years, this is one I will never forget because today, I was blessed to attend with my daughter as she begins her administrative journey. She has worked hard to become an education leader and, this year, will serve as an assistant principal at the elementary level. Seeing her walk into the room in a leadership role made this Mama’s heart swell. Cailyn Van Buren, you make me so proud.”
Looking back, Susie says, “It was a defining moment.
I can’t explain the feeling to anybody how that felt to watch her walk in and sign in as an administrator. I would have never guessed that would happen.”
The experience was an important one for Cailyn, too. “I felt excited and nervous to attend the meeting. Excited about the new adventure that I had worked hard to achieve and to know I was attending a meeting with my mom that I had heard her talk about for years. This was a defining moment in my career, knowing the hard work is paying off.”
Susie started her career as the PE teacher at Grover and began coaching at Kings Mountain High School in 1991. She moved to the high school to teach and continued coaching. “When Cailyn and her brother Caleb were born, I started teaching,’ she said. “I had Caleb right before I started. And then her while I was at Grover and I was coaching, so they became gym rats. They were everywhere. I mean, I’ve got pictures of them sleeping on bleachers because they were with me.”
Susie became the Assistant Principal at Grover for ten years, moving on to Shelby for one year as assistant principal and then to Union as an Assistant Principal for eight years. She is the Transportation Coordinator for Cleveland County Schools and has been in that role for seven years.
So, it isn’t surprising that Cailyn, and her brother Caleb, would gravitate toward work in Cleveland County Schools because, in a way, that is where they grew up. Susie says, “My son Caleb works in maintenance. The school system means so much to him that that’s where he wanted to work because he knew that was a good place to be.” Many families work in Cleveland County Schools, according to Susie, and hers is no different. “Cailyn is an assistant principal, her husband Eric is in technology, my daughter-in-law Amber is a teacher assistant at Grover, and Caleb is the plumber for maintenance,” she said. For them, working for Cleveland County Schools is a family affair.
   The bond between Susie and Cailyn was evident as they spoke. “We know we are in our safe place with each other. She can call and tell me how she feels. And I can call to share how I feel, and we know it will be all right between us,” Cailyn said.
   “Mom coached me throughout the years, so there were times we had to put aside our mother-daughter relationship. She was the leader and told me what I needed to do to fix things. We have a relationship and can be honest with each other and don’t take it personally. She has taught me to take criticism to improve myself and use it to my advantage.”
   When asked about the transition from the classroom to administration, Cailyn said, “It’s going to be an adjustment for a while. And I have great leaders that I’m working with who are paving the way to help me lead.”
     Even though Cailyn is now a wife, mother of two, and assistant principal, she and her mom always talk on their way to work. “Every morning, we have our car conversation on the way to school, and it has always been that way,” Cailyn said. This mother and daughter, now peers in the workplace, have an unshakable bond called love and a defining moment that will last a lifetime.

 
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Valerie Boyd of The Davidson Association with members of NC State Extension. Photo by Loretta Cozart

The Davidson Association Health Fair a huge success

By Loretta Cozart

   This year’s Davidson Health Fair focused on balance, as all aspects of life impact your health. Taking care of your health is crucial for living your best life. The event was held at Mt Zion Baptist Church Life Center in Kings Mountain and featured educational resources from various organizations.
   Another key is monitoring your health through annual checkups to ensure you live your healthiest life. Learning about disease prevention and taking an active role in keeping yourself healthy impacts your longevity. As we age, it is necessary to monitor blood pressure, and cholesterol, among others, to keep your
body balanced and working efficiently.
   The Davidson Association invited Kintegra, Cleveland County Health Department, and NC Cooperative Extension, along with Atrium Care Solutions, Alzheimer’s Association, Carol Moletta w/Outreach Broker Medicaid, Cleveland County Drug Free Communities, Common Ground Café, Faith Community Health Ministry Atrium, 4-H Youth Program, Health Chiropractic, Healthy Cooking Class, Josh Shelton w/Edward Jones, Kings Mountain Farmers Market, Lupus Foundation, Master Gardeners, Meditation Class, Minority Health Council, Partners Health Management, Sarcoidosis Foundation, Sickle Cell Disease, Starr Project-Youth Suicide Prevention, and TLK Candles to participate.
   Citizens can utilize annual physicals, sick visits, and chronic disease management like diabetes and high blood pressure by visiting Cleveland County Health Department’s Primary Care Center at 200 S. Post Road in Shelby. They accept private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare. Uninsured individuals will be billed based on income and the number of people in their household. The Health Department also has a dental clinic. For more information, call 980-484-5261.
   Davidson Alumni Resource Center, Inc is a nonpartisan 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
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What is Kings Mountain Forward?

By Loretta Cozart

On Saturday, August 19, Kings Mountain Forward hosted a meet-and-greet from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Garden at Joy Performance Theater downtown during the NC BeachBlast Festival, so the community and business owners could learn more about the organization. So, what is Kings Mountain Forward, who is involved, and what do they stand for?
According to the handout shared, KM Forward’s mission is to build a community of citizens and business leaders to advocate for Kings Mountain as a place to live, play, shop, explore, and invest. They promote the economic, social, and cultural environment throughout the city. Any small business in Kings Mountain is welcome to join them to support all Kings Mountain businesses and gain networking connections and publicity for members and their local businesses.
Officers of KM Forward are President, David Stone, VP Vicki Thompson, Secretary Kiamesha Young, Treasurer Mary Grace Keller, and Past President Jimmy Magar.
Non-officer Board Members include Sandie Dee, Jim Champion, Beth Allen, Paul Ingram, City of KM Marketing, Tourism, and Events Susan Mosk, Committee Chairs Cindy Souza, and Jimbo Thompson.
Jimbo Thompson chairs the Central Business District Standards Committee and members include David Stone and Russ Putnam.
Cindy Souza chairs the KM Small Business Promotion Committee and members include Chris Gibby, Taylor Caldera, Sky Smith, Jewel Reavis, Ellis Noell, Iris Hubbard, and Vicki Thompson.
Phil Dee chairs KM Small Business Economic Development, and members are Sandie Dee and Steve Padgett.
Jim Champion chairs Build a Strong Business Community, and members include Beth Allen, Paul Ingram, Tim Miller, and Jimmy Magar.
David Stone chairs the Kings Mountain Forward RBM Program (Commercial Real Estate redevelopment, rehabilitation, and maintenance).
“We look at Kings Mountain like a wheel with spokes. We have our central business district, but we are also interested in driving business and economic development down our major thoroughfares, like Battleground Avenue, Cleveland Avenue, Highways 161 and 216, and King Street, from the Patrick Senior Center west to the by-pass. We are concerned with how we should market Kings Mountain and effectively drive people to our city,” Stone said.
If you would like to know more about KM Forward, please speak to a board member for more information. KM Forward is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.