By Mari Slaughter

Mauney Memorial Library has the following events scheduled during July. The library is located at 100 S. Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC 28086. For the latest in library news and events, visit www.mauneylibrary.org.
Breast Cancer
Awareness
(Registration
Required) (Family)
Monday, August 14th 2:00-4:00 pm
Library Community Room
Levine Cancer Institute will be hosting a free educational event on breast cancer. Breast cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in women. Come learn about Levine’s Project PINK program, which helps uninsured women receive their yearly mammograms. Each participant will receive a free mini breast model to advance their knowledge on self-exams.
Lego Club (ages 6-12)
Third Thursday of every month 3:30-4:30 pm
Library Community Room
Free build and participate in group projects, snacks provided.
Great Southeast Pollinator Census
Friday, August 18th 9 am – 1 pm
Meet up at the Kings Mountain Gateway Trail, 807 S. Battleground Ave., to take part in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census!
Cricut Class:
 Beautiful Split
Monograms
(Registration
Required) (Adults)
Wednesday, August 23rd 1 pm – 4 pm
Library Community Room
Make beautiful monograms using the library’s Cricut cutting machines in this fun free class. All materials provided.
Technology Assistance
Make an appointment
704-739-2371
Library Storytime in
Person starts back August 22nd (preschoolers)
Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30-11:30 am
Mauney Library Community Room
Come to the library to enjoy a story, music, and a take-home craft with Miss. Anne.
Learn Grow Play starts back August 25th (preschoolers)
Fridays 10:00-11:30 am
Mauney Library Community Room
Play in centers, then enjoy a story, music, and a take home craft with Miss. Anne.
Zoom’N On-Line Book Group (Adults)
(Registration Required)
Read. Relish. Recap. Read a book of your choice and share with the group.
Fourth Wednesday of every month 4:00-5:00 pm
For the latest in library news and events, visit www.mauneylibrary.org. Please follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Mauney Memorial Library is located at 100 S. Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.

Last week, I became aware of a new movie called Sound of Freedom, a film about the trafficking of children as sex slaves throughout the world, and here at home. According to the producers more than two million children are being exploited daily.
I know this is not a popular topic, because dark topics are never pleasant. But after watching the movie, I am compelled to draw attention to the prevalence of such behaviors all around us, knowing that there may be children in our own community who are suffering.
In the few years I have written for the Herald, I have covered several stories about individuals in our community who take advantage of children; sometimes it is their own child, a stepchild, or a neighbor’s child, often with other’s knowledge. And yet, nothing was done to stop it. Sometimes, these children are deprived of food, left starving and unable to defend themselves. It breaks my heart.
In the 1980s and early 1990s, individuals in Kings Mountain were investigated for possession and distribution of pornographic photographic materials. One was later imprisoned, and his name was added to the sex offender registry. However, once his imprisonment and probation ended, he was no longer required to be on the sex offender registry. No community is immune, not even Kings Mountain.
Why are so many people drawn into sex trafficking? UNICEF USA reports, “Human trafficking is fueled by a high reward, low risk dynamic. This means that traffickers can expect to make a lot of money with minimal fear of punishment or legal consequences. It’s the second most profitable illegal industry, second only to the drug trade. And while drugs are sold in one transaction, human beings can be sold over, and over, and over again. The costs are low, and the profits are extremely high. The International Labor Organization estimates that profits from human trafficking and forced labor are $150 billion annually.”
Other facts about human trafficking include:
• There are 40.3 million trafficked persons globally today and 25% of them are children (Liberate Children, International Labour Organization)
• Forms of Child Trafficking include forced marriage, begging, sweatshops, pornography, migrant farming domestic labor, sextourism, armed groups (commonly known as child soldiers) (Unicef)
• Sex trafficking is the most common type of trafficking in the US. In North America 72% of detected survivors were trafficked for sexual exploitation. (UNODC, HTIP report 2020)
• 70 million Child Sexual Abuse Material files are estimated in 2019. 78% of this file are children under the age of 12(Thorn)
• The extent of family involvement in child trafficking 4x higher than in cases of adult trafficking(CTDC)
• 53% of all male victims trafficked into sexual exploitation are children. (CTDC)
• Child sex trafficking has been reported in all 50 U.S. States. (NCMEC)
• A higher percentage of identified children are trafficked for sexual exploitation than for forced labor(UNODC)
   Online Exploitation: Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) refers to any content that depicts sexually explicit activities involving a child. Visual depictions include photographs, videos, live streaming, and digital or computer-generated images indistinguishable from an actual minor. CSAM better describes the reality of this crime, rather than the legal term of child pornography. It’s important we use terminology that reflects the impact of this crime on its victims (Thorn.org). ”At any given time, there is an estimated 750,000 child predators online — and they all have a key to your house via the Internet” (FBI, nd)
Federal law now provides extraterritorial authority over certain sex offenses against children. Extraterritorial jurisdiction is the legal authority of the United States to prosecute criminal conduct that took place outside its borders.
I am not here to convince you to watch Sound of Freedom, although it inspired me to share this story. I am only one person. What can one person do to change the world? I can write, and I hope these words will inspire you to reach out to our local politicians to make changes to the law. Together our votes can affect change.
Sound of Freedom is the true story of Tim Ballard, a Homeland Security agent who arrests those who distribute child pornography. In 2012, Ballard realized he had the opportunity to save the life of one child. To do so, he would have to quit his job and go rogue.
Ballard and his wife have six children and he consulted her before deciding how to proceed. After asking her thoughts, she told him, “I will not let you jeopardize my salvation by not doing this.” The operation resulted in the rescue of 59 children.
America is the biggest consumer of Child Sexual Abuse Material. We have the capability, yet we have not been able to stop these crimes. With $150 billion fueling the fire, and smaller police departments strapped for both personnel and funds, things are not looking good for us to win this fight. But we cannot be discouraged. We must raise our voices as one, to educate and engage our communities, and to join the fight to end exploitation that threatens our children. Together, we can make a difference.
Aside from grace, I consider my children to be my greatest gift from God. When they were young, it was my job to protect them. I feel those same feelings toward my grandchildren. If anything were to happen to them, it would devastate me. And I feel the same for all children. So, I am speaking up to encourage our community to let the world know, God’s children are not for sale. And that message should begin with us right here in Kings Mountain.

 

Group plans second
induction ceremony
for November 2023

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
CF Media
michael@cfmedia.info


Music aficionado Phil Weathers said the Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame (CCMHOF) is undergoing some rehab work and its new home will soon be at 1511 West Dixon Blvd., Shelby.
Weathers noted the building opened in 1946 as Radio Station WOHS.
“Later, another radio station (WXIK) was housed here,” he said. “Most recently it was also home to KTC Broadcasting. There is quite a bit of local and national musical history within the walls of the building from performances and interviews with Earl Scruggs, Don Gibson, and broadcasters like Hugh Dover.”
The building was donated to the Hall of Fame by the Hastings family (Calvin and Theresa).
Weathers said the CCMHOF got its start in 2019 when “…a small group began meeting at the Shelby Library and the HoF was born.” The group then consisted of Weathers, his wife, Patti, Ronnie Whisnant, Angela Patterson Padgett, Tommy Ellis, and Mary Fox.
For his part, Weathers said his involvement stems from the fact that he has, “…always enjoyed music and I have been fortunate to attend numerous concerts. In doing so, I have also had the opportunity to meet several artists, such as Beatle, Ringo Starr. My family also enjoys music, thus the family connection to the Hall of Fame.”
He continued, “Having known there is a lot of musical history in Cleveland County, I thought we should try to recognize it and keep the history alive for future generations. Therefore, we decided to start the CCMHOF.”
The organization’s first induction ceremony was September 2022, he said, adding, “The first class of inductees included Earl Scruggs, Don Gibson, Ron Feemster, Bobby Rogers, Hugh Dover, JB and Kathleen Lewis, and Herman and Jean Dawson. The Hastings Award went to Calvin and Teresa Hastings. We also inducted two songs, ‘I Love the Nightlife,’ by Alicia Bridges, and ‘Timber, I’m Falling in Love,’ by Patty Loveless.”
Weathers also noted they have had individuals donate various musical instruments; some which are autographed, and concert posters,as well as albums.
Weathers continued, “Our second induction ceremony is being planned for November 2023. We will be announcing our new inductees in September.”
He said if someone is interested in nominating an individual or group, they can send their nomination to CCMHOF’s address or message them on the CCMHOF Facebook page.
The CCMHOF Board consists of Weathers (President), Angela Patterson Padgett (Vice President), Mary Fox (Treasurer), Patti Weathers (Treasurer), Ronnie Whisnant, Jeff Champion, Drew Fulton, Tommy Burns, Danny Shull, Vickie Shull, and Ryan Fox.
“Our Board members are representative of various parts of Cleveland County,” noted Mr. Weathers.
As for helping the group/organization out, Weathers said, “We would LOVE donations! Anyone can donate
on our website,
ccmusichalloffame@gmail.com, or mail a check to our physical address at 1511 West Dixon Blvd., Shelby, NC 28152. We are presently applying for some grants. We are a 501 (C) non-profit organization.”
Regarding the on-going work at the radio station, Weathers said, “Most recently we have pretty much gutted our building. Our Board members and other volunteers have been painting, cleaning, and tearing out old carpet.”
Phil did want to note one other thing – “We are presently planning a fundraiser with Dragonfly  Wine Market in Uptown Shelby. It will be in September. We are lining up bands to play, etc. More information on that will be forthcoming.”

New Life Family Worship Center – Kings Mtn., Pastor Dr. Robert W. Eng III, traveled to Ghana and Nigeria to feed children, preach, ordain pastors, and consecrate bishops. An example of a Biblical Bishop, as noted in the Bible, is where Paul told Timothy to make elder pastors Bishops, so they might train other pastors.
Dr. Moses Neumann, the senior Bishop of World Care Ministry International and presiding Bishop to all the countries of Africa, has ordained hundreds of pastors. Additionally, he has planted hundreds of churches, ultimately fulfilling the Lord’s Great Commission, to go into all the world and make disciples of all men (Matthew 28).
Dr. Eng was made a Bishop by consecration, by Dr. Moses Neuman, and Bishop Abraham Norte. Bishop Norte was trained as a Rabbi in Israel. He was trained in the Greek and Hebrew languages. He has since converted – and trained – hundreds of Messianic Jews. While in Ghana, Dr. Eng, and Bishop Norte, preached, and traveled to the impoverished parts of Ghana and fed many children, while sharing the love and gospel of Jesus Christ.
At that time, Bishop Dr. Eng was made a Ghana Chief. He was made a Chief in Durban, south of Accra, Ghana. Bishop Dr. Eng was made a Chief from His Royal Highness, the King Ony Asanza, Ni Anshan Sasrakui, at the royal palace.
The children were fed at “The Potters House Ministries.”
After a very successful mission trip to Ghana, the total trip being 30 days, they traveled to Lagos, Nigeria, to meet other internal country ministry team members, then flew to Enugu state, coordinating the remainder of the mission trip. The men traveled by road to Abia State, Ututu Kingdom, a very rough and remote area comprised of 16 villages.
Bishop Dr. Neumann of World Care Ministry Theological Seminary in the USA, has built a secondary school, medical clinic, and theological seminary in the remote villages where many do not have the means to travel or afford to go. Dr. Eng is the Rector of the school. Dr. Eng stated that it cost about $150,000 American dollars to train a Senior Pastor at most of the U.S. universities. The same training is given at the village at little to no cost; only a committed, sincere, heart.
“Our mission is to send the gospel of Jesus Christ teachers into the world,” stated Bishop Dr. Eng, who added, “The Kingdom of God is at hand and He said to redeem the time.”
After the graduation ceremony of pastors and celebration in Nigeria, God did very great things again. After many trips to Africa God still leaves us impacted and in awe, noted Bishop Dr. Eng.

The Cleveland County Arts Council is pleased to announce that on August 9th, the 24th Annual “Real to Reel International Film Festival” will once again open its doors to embrace filmmakers and film lovers alike. The four day event runs August 9 – 12.
The organization’s goal is to showcase thought-provoking films and offer a venue where movie lovers who appreciate independent vision can celebrate this unique art form.
“The mission of the Real to Reel International Film Festival is to offer a forum for independent filmmakers from around the world to showcase their talents and expose the works of these artists to our region,” said President Shearra Miller
Viewers can expect to find a great lineup of films from all over the world, a chance to view Q&A's with many of the filmmakers and other fun events.
For more information about this year’s festival, contact Violet Dukes at the Cleveland County Arts Council by email violet.arth@ccartscouncil.org or phone 704-484-2787. You can also visit the film festival website at http://www.realtoreelfest.com.

Cleveland County Animal Services is pleased to announce they will offer expanded weekend hours. The shelter will now be open to the public Monday through Friday, 11 am to 4 pm, and Saturdays, 11 am to 3 p.m., excluding holiday weekends.
“In order to be a better partner to the community, we are modifying our hours to reach more people interested in adopting a pet,” said Brad Gates, Animal Services Director. “We invite the community to visit us and meet those dogs ready to find their forever homes.”
Services offered during Saturday hours include adoption, lost pet reclaim, rabies vaccinations, and foster pickup. Animal intake will not be available on Saturdays.
Adoption fees are $10 for cats and $40 for dogs. This includes spay/neuter, microchip, and up-to-date vaccinations. To receive services, a valid photo ID must be shown.
In some instances, these fees are waived. Special adoption promotions occur from time to time and include a reduced fee adoption. On-going adoption promotions include:
• Pets for Patriots - Fee waived adoption for retired and active military veterans
• Special Needs Pets - Fee waived adoption for pets with special needs
• Seniors for Seniors - Fee waived adoption for residents older than 60 adopting a dog or cat eight years or older.
• Two for One - Cats prefer company. Adopt one cat and get the second at no charge.
Cleveland County Animal Services is located at 1601 Airport Road in Shelby. The   visitor parking area can be found just past the shelter building.
   In addition, the shelter will be launching new volunteer and foster programs.  These programs will give residents additional ways to support the shelter through a wide array of opportunities. This may include, but is not limited to exercising animals, assisting with off-site adoption events, caring for young or injured animals, or becoming an adoption ambassador. Interested participants can apply online through a simple application form on the Animal Services website.
Visit the Animal Services website at www.clevelandcountypets.org for information on upcoming vaccination clinics, volunteer opportunities, and special adoption events.

The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles reminds customers of changes announced in February to appointment scheduling, walk-in availability, and office hours in order to improve service at its 115 driver license offices across the state.
From Monday, May 1, all customer services statewide have been provided on a walk-in basis after noon. Appointments will only be available in the mornings through the 11 a.m. hour and can be booked at skiptheline.ncdot.gov.
“We’re making adjustments to increase walk-in availability because that’s what we’ve heard our customers want,” said NCDMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin, “and given that about 25% of appointments are no-shows, we will be better able to maximize efficiencies by shifting to more walk-in availability.”
Even with this change, walk-in customers may still have the opportunity for morning-hour service if there is time between scheduled appointments or if a customer does not appear for a scheduled appointment.
Walk-In Wait Time Tool Online: As appointment scheduling shifts toward more walk-ins, a new feature is available on the NCDMV office locations webpage to show the public the current estimated wait time at driver license offices. This allows customers to see the current estimated wait time at various locations so they can make the best decision on which office to go to, or whether they want to try again another day.
Saturday Hours Began June 3: As in years past, NCDMV is preparing to offer Saturday hours at 16 locations this summer during its peak season. These offices will open from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays from June 3 to Aug. 26: Asheville, Charlotte-University City, Charlotte South, Fayetteville West, Greensboro East, Greensboro West, Greenville, Hudson, Huntersville, Jacksonville, Monroe, Morganton, Raleigh North, Raleigh West, Wilmington South, and Winston-Salem South.
DMV is exploring the potential for adding more Saturday locations as staffing levels permit.
Tips to Improve Your DMV Experience: DMV offers the following tips for an improved customer experience:
• Renew early – Don’t wait until the last minute to renew your driver’s license. DMV sends a reminder card to the address on file six months before the expiration date. Customers can renew at any time during this six-month window.
• Renew online – In most cases, unless they renewed online last time, customers can renew their credential online.
• Be prepared – Check the DMV website to make sure you bring the required documentation for your desired service. One frequently forgotten item is a printed document proving liability insurance.
• REAL ID – Customers have more time to get their REAL ID as the federal implementation date requiring a REAL ID to fly commercially or to visit federal, military, and nuclear facilities has been moved back two years to May 7, 2025.

By Loretta Cozart

A children’s scavenger hunt is being held at Mauney Memorial Library the first week of July. Dates include Monday, July 3, and Wednesday, July 5 through Saturday, July 8. The library will be closed July 4. Children can search the library for missing items and will prizes. The library is located at 100 S. Piedmont Avenue in Kings Mountain.
Regular library hours are Monday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., Tuesday – Thursday, 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., and Sunday the library is closed. For more information on this and other events, call 704-739-2371.

By Jewel Reavis
Exhibits Chair

The public is invited to come out and view “A Fresh Look” art exhibit and competition at Southern Arts Society in Kings Mountain. Artists from around the region have submitted over eighty works of art to be judged for cash prizes. The theme for this show is very open, allowing for a wide variety of subject matter to be entered. Artists have entered work in a variety of media: oil, acrylic and pastel paintings, photography, mixed media, sculpture, and collage.
    Artists and guests will gather at a public reception on Saturday June 24th from 6-8 pm. Awards will be presented at 7 pm. This event is open to the public, and dress is casual. Winners will then be posted on Southern Arts Society’s website and Facebook page. The exhibit is on view through July 29. Artwork in the exhibit is available for sale.
   Southern Arts Society (SASi) Gift Shop & Gallery is located at 301 N. Piedmont Ave. at the intersection of Piedmont and Battleground Avenues in the historic Southern Railway Depot. SASi offers a gift shop, ongoing art exhibitions and competitions, programs, and classes in a variety of media for artists of all levels. Gallery Hours:  Tues through Sat, 10 am to 3 pm, and by Appointment. Admission is Free. For more information, please visit SouthernArtsSociety.org, or call 704.739.5585. Email southernartssociety@gmail.com.

By Loretta Cozart

At the conclusion of City of Kings Mountain council meeting on June 8, Mayor Neisler honored the city’s Director of Cultural Enrichment Christina Martin, for procuring a $46,000 grant from North Carolina to place a library kiosk at Moss Lake.
Martin said in an interview with the Herald, “Rick Duncan, our wonderful Moss Lake Director, gave us permission to put this kiosk on the permit office porch. It will hold up to 500 physical library items and dispense them like a vending machine. It will run off Wi-Fi and will also be a hotspot for library e-materials. A library card holder can just scan their card, select their item, and it will dispense to them,” she explained. There will also be a book return on site so people can return their borrowed items.
   Martin hopes this will allow Moss Lake residents the ease of returning library materials, even those that may have been checked out at a physical library building, at this location. The hope is that an arrangement can be made to accept library materials from either Mauney Memorial Library or Cleveland County Library.

Liberty Mountain, by Playwright Robert Inman, depicts the dramatic events leading to the October 7, 1780, Battle of Kings Mountain. It brings to life the story of these Carolina Backcountry patriots, who with their victory helped secure our nation’s liberty. The indoor drama features full theater action, music, epic battles, and  special effects.
Performances 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. Sigmon Theatrical, LLC, Artistic Director Caleb Sigmon, and Bob Inman are the creative team.
For more information, visit KMLT.org or LibertyMountainDrama.com, tickets@kmlt.org, or call 704-730-9408.

Pinnacle Classical Academy (PCA) hosted its fourth commencement ceremony on June 3.The 38 seniors of the class of 2023 have been offered a combined $7.2 million in four-year academic merit and athletic scholarships -- an average of $190,000 per student. Two-thirds of seniors have also received an associate's degree or certificate from Cleveland Community College.
Recipients of scholarships that cover the full cost of tuition, room, and board for four years include David Briceno, who received a QuestBridge Match Scholarship to Tufts University, and Amy Brooks, who received a Lifeshape Scholarship to North Greenville University. In addition, Campbellsville University awarded Colin Miller an archery scholarship, as well as an academic merit scholarship.
The seniors selected James "Chip" Beam, one of the school's high school English teachers, to be their senior speaker at the senior sunset dinner. John Hood, president of the John William Pope Foundation, will address the seniors at the commencement ceremony.
Hood, who has also served as president and chairman of the board at the John Locke Foundation, writes a syndicated column on politics and public policy for North Carolina newspapers. Hood is a frequent commentator for radio, television stations, and national media outlets and teaches at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy.
"We are so proud of our graduating seniors, who persevered through COVID-related lockdowns as well as the normal challenges of school life and growing up," said Dr. Shelly Shope, the school's headmaster. "These seniors truly embody our school motto: dare to soar."
Founded in 2013, Pinnacle Classical Academy is a tuition-free public charter school that attracts 1,137 students from five counties.

By Jewel Reavis

Jeffrey Bowers painted the opening day of Kings Mountain Farmer’s Market in downtown Kings Mountain on Saturday.
Southern Arts Society sponsored Jeff to do this painting that he created during this inaugural event.
The market is open every Saturday from 8 am to noon for the summer. You can find more of Jeffrey’s paintings in Southern Arts Society, Inc.’s  Gift Shop at 301 N. Piedmont Ave. in Kings Mountain, open Tues - Sat from 10 am to 3 pm.

By Loretta Cozart

Railey Madison Bolt, daughter of Jonathan and Katie Bolt, was selected as Col. Frederick Hambright DAR Chapter’s Kings Mountain High School DAR Good Citizen of the year. Railey read her essay to the members on June 3, just hours after graduating from Kings Mountain High School. In addition to the DAR Good Citizen pin, Railey also received a $500 scholarship from the chapter. The scholarship is funded through activities like Wreaths Across America held annually by the DAR chapter.
The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. This award recognizes and rewards individuals who possess good citizenship qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. These students are selected by their teachers and peers because they demonstrate these qualities to an outstanding degree.
Students participating in the essay contest were given a prompt and had two hours to complete their essays. The focus question for this year’s contest was “How will the essential actions of a good citizen (dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism) meet the challenges that America faces in this decade?”
Railey will attend East Tennessee State University, where she plans to earn a degree in public health through the Global Citizens Honors College.

By Loretta Cozart

A partnership between Mt. Zion and Mt. Olive Baptist Churches, called All Youth Movement  (AYM) has collaborated to help youth transition into the best versions of themselves spiritually, interpersonally, and physically as they approach young adult life with complete confidence and understanding of who they are in Christ Jesus.
The AYM program is for youth ages 12- to 17-years-old. The churches kicked-off on March 18, and more children are welcome to participate by attending a group meeting.
AYM meets twice a month on the second and fourth Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The second Saturday of the month, they meet at Mt. Olive Baptist Church at 146 Dixon School Rd. The fourth Saturday of the month, they meet at Mt. Zion Baptist Church at 220 N. Watterson Street.
If you or your organization would like more information about AYM, call Henry Gilmore III at 980-404-1185, or 980-277-1293. Currently the churches need assistance in providing book bags for middle and high school students.

More than 300 community college leaders from across the state gathered last week in Raleigh to advocate for the NC Community College System’s legislative priorities.
From Cleveland Community College, President Dr. Jason Hurst, Trustees Chair Bill Turpish, Vice Chair Allen Langley, and Trustees Wayne King, Kenneth Ledford, Larry Hamrick, and Dennis Bailey participated in the day’s events, which highlighted the importance of community colleges in our state.
Among the Community College Day event speakers were NC Senate Pro Tem Phil Berger, NC House Speaker Tim Moore and chairs of powerful education and appropriations committees. All legislators emphasized the critical mission of the community colleges to train and retrain the state’s workforce.
   “Businesses know what they need from their workers, and community colleges know how to build a workforce,” Berger said.
Legislators also commended the community college leaders’ work at all 58 campuses. “Community colleges are 58 strong in North Carolina and are truly the lifeblood of workforce development and education improvement in our state,” Moore said.
The NC Community Colleges System is advocating for a legislative agenda focused on students and employees as community colleges work to support the businesses in their communities. The legislature is currently holding its long session when budget matters are decided for a two-year biennium. 
“Our legislators are incredibly busy,” said Dr. Hurst. “We appreciate having this opportunity to spend time with them and talk about the positive impact community colleges have on our individual communities and the entire state.” said Dr. Hurst. 

By Loretta Cozart

On Friday, March 31, GFWC NC Kings Mountain Woman's Club planted a blue pinwheel garden with assistance from KMPD at the police department to draw attention to child abuse prevention month. Members of the Woman’s Club, along with members of KMPD placed the garden at the intersection of S. Piedmont Avenue and Mountain Street.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. According to the Center for Disease Control, child abuse and neglect are serious public health problems that can have long-term impact on current and future health, opportunity, and wellbeing. Prevent Child Abuse America is a national organization dedicated to child abuse prevention.
Prevent Child Abuse America recognizes that all community members have a role in ensuring children have positive experiences and families have the resources they need when they need them, well before they are in crisis. The theme of this year’s awareness and impact campaign that we lead in partnership with our national network of state chapters, is “Building Together: Prevention in Partnership.”
Child abuse and neglect are preventable, and all communities benefit when children and families are well supported.

Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce will hold their April Members Luncheon at Patriots Park in Kings Mountain on Wednesday, April 19 from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. This event is sponsored by City of Kings Mountain.
The featured speaker is Kings Mountain  Mayor Scott Neisler. Chamber members and guests can network, meet new members, and gain knowledge on issues that impact them during this event.
The Earl Scruggs Center is at 103 S. Lafayette Street in Shelby. RSVP to Kathryn@clevelandchamber.org

The Patrick Center is a SHIIP site and can help with Medicare questions and check to see if you qualify for Extra Help with your drug costs. We can also assist with transportation, loan equipment, incontinence supplies, nutritional supplements, and other services. Please call the center at 704-734-0447 for more information or to sign up for programs. Programs are open to people ages 55 and up unless otherwise noted.
Upcoming April Special Events:
• Women’s Health Series: Tuesday, April 4, 12-1pm.  A Certified Nurse Midwife will be here to discuss Menopause. Please call the center to pre-register.
Easter Bingo Party: Thursday, April 6, 10-10:30am.
• Craft Class with Claudia: Tuesday, April 11, 1-3pm. Also available via Facebook Live. Cost is $2. Please come by the Center to sign up.
• Red Cross Blood Drive: Friday April 14, 10-2:30pm. Please call the center to schedule an ap-pointment.
• National Healthcare Decisions Day Presentation: Monday, April 17, 11am-12pm. Learn about Power of Attorney and Healthcare Medical Power of Attorney. Call to sign up.
• Trip to Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens: Wednesday, April 26, 9:30am-3pm. Admission and bus fee are $13.00. Please come by the center to prepay and register.
• Art Night with Janie: Thursday, April 27, 5:15-7:15pm. Sign up and pay the $15 fee at the Front Desk before April 20. Open to all ages. Seating is limited.
• Ladies Pool Tournament: Friday, April 28, 10am-until. Playing “Eight Ball” singles. Sign-up in the Pool Room.
Ongoing Activities at the Patrick Center
• Ceramics: Mondays, 9:30-10:30am.
• Technology by Trey Ross with Mauney Memorial Library: 2nd Mondays, 10-11am. Learn about important concepts for your smart phone and devices.
• Facebook Chat: Mondays, 10-10:45am. (Online via Facebook) No FB Chat on April 10.
• Seniors in Motion: Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays, 10:30am-11:30am. Suggested donation of $1 per class for non-YMCA members.
• Quilting: Mondays, 12:30-3pm.
• Beginner Quilting: Thursdays, 1-3pm.
• Intermediate Line Dance (Dance Floor Rockers): Mondays, 1-3pm.
• Intermediate Line Dance (Southern Class): Thursdays, 10-11:30am.
• Beginner Line Dancing: Mondays, 11:30-12:30pm.
• Clogging: Mondays, 3:30-4:30pm & Thursdays, 12:30-1:30pm.
• Knitting: Tuesdays, 8:30-10:30am.
• Veterans Meeting: 1st Tuesdays, 9-10am.
• Bible History: Tuesdays, 10-11am.
• REFIT Dance Exercise: Tuesdays, 11am-12pm.
• Monthly Birthday Celebration: 4th Tuesdays, 10-11am.
• Chair Volleyball: Tuesdays, 1-3pm and Fridays, 12-2pm.
• Dutch Lunch Bunch: 2nd Wednesdays. April 12-Verona Italian & Greek, 11am. Please sign up at the Front Desk and pay $1 bus fee.
• Jewelry Class I: Wednesdays, 10-11am.
• Jewelry Class II: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 1-2pm.
• Canasta: Tuesdays, 1-3pm.
• Chair Yoga: Wednesdays, 11:45-12:45pm. (Fee required)
• Blood Pressure Clinic: 1st Wednesdays, 10-11:30am.
• Food Giveaway: 3rd Wednesdays, 1-2:30pm. Please call to sign up each month.
• Online Book Club: 4th Wednesdays, 4pm via Zoom. Please call Mauney Memorial Library to join.
• Leaving a Legacy: 1st Thursdays, 11am-1:30pm.
• Bridge: 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 1-4pm.
• Healthy Lifestyles Class: Thursdays, 8-9:30am.
• Gentle Exercise: Thursdays, 9:30-10:15am.
• Bingo: Thursdays, 10:30-11:15am.
• Coffee & Conversation: Fridays, 8:30-10am.
• Chorus: Fridays, 10-11am.
• Friday Lunch: Fridays, 11am-12pm. Call to sign up by Thursday at Noon. Cost is $3.
• WII Bowling League: Fridays, 12-1pm.
• Ping Pong/Corn Hole: Fridays, 1:30-2:30pm.
• Shred Truck: Bring your items to be shredded at any time the center is open and put them in the locked bin in the lobby.

North Elementary’s Kaydence Dayton received the Dr. Ruth Pace Award at the Cleveland County Battle of the Books  competition. The Dr. Pace Award is being given in honor of Dr. Ruth Pace to the student on each team who is considered, by peers, to be most knowledgeable regarding all the books.
Dr. Ruth Pace has been working with Battle of the Books in Cleveland County since it began at the Middle School level in 1992. She has helped coach teams, moderated numerous local and regional competitions, and written hundreds of practice questions for every book on the middle and elementary school list each year.

Kings Mountain City Council Member David Alen successfully completed the Advanced Leadership Corps (ALC) training offered annually to select local elected officials by the School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
ALC is an intensive leadership development program designed by the School’s Center for Public Leadership and Governance. The weeklong residential program is a dynamic experience that helps participants learn about their own leadership styles, inspire others to work toward a shared vision, and gain insights into how to work together to build better relationships and achieve far-reaching results. More than 185 local elected leaders from across North Carolina have completed this selective program since its inception.
Councilman Allen shared his thoughts on the ALC training, “The opportunity gained through this Academy not only grew my leadership skills, but also allowed me to connect with leaders from all over the state. This network will afford me a connection with the knowledge of many great leaders to help Kings Mountain.”
Generous financial support from North Carolina Association of County Commissioners allows elected officials from across the state to attend with only modest cost to the local unit of government.

By Loretta Cozart

Jack Dee, a freshman at Denison University in Granville, Ohio, was named to the Fall 2022 Dean’s List. Dean’s List students are those who have achieved a 3.7, or higher, grade point average over the semester. This is a significant accomplishment at Denison, where academics are rigorous and faculty members place a priority on close interaction with students, interactive learning, and partnerships with students in original research. Jack is the son of Phil and Sandie Dee of Kings Mountain

On Friday, January 27, Bethware Elementary School’s Robotics Team, the Wizard Warriors, participated in their second Challenge Day. The team worked on their teamwork skills, robot runs, and got more information on their project for this season.
Students worked together to build a cup pyramid without touching the cups with their hands, and then they had to carry a golf ball from one area to another using only string and a metal ring.

By Loretta Cozart

Actor Leon Rippy dropped by Kings Mountain National Military Park on January 20. The park posted on their Facebook page, “You never know who's going to walk in the door. Today we got a visit from Leon Rippy, who played John Billings in The Patriot. Of course, we had to ask him and his party for a picture with our patriot, Colonel William Campbell.”
Rippy has appeared in numerous films and television roles including Earl the Angel on the series Saving Grace, saloon owner Tom Nuttall on the series Deadwood, and militiaman John Billings in The Patriot.
According to his biography on IMDb, Rippy was born in Rock Hill, SC in October 1949.

By Loretta Cozart

Cleveland County Chamber announces their inaugural Women’s Professional Luncheon event “Women on Fire” at Cleveland Country Club on February 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
“The Chamber is proud to be hosting the first annual Professional Women’ Luncheon sponsored by Greenbrook Design and venue sponsor Cleveland Country Club. This event was created for women to hear inspirational stories from phenomenal women on managing it all – work, family, and health,” Chamber Executive Director Christine Crib shared with the Herald.
The chamber has three phenomenal women speakers for this event: Stacey Walker, self-described mother, business owner, and interior designer with Greenbrook Design, and Jennifer Thomas with Truist, who describes herself as a wife and mother, business leader, community servant, and fitness instructor who will be telling their inspiring stories. Lori Keaton, of Lori Keaton Law is the Keynote Speaker.
Lori is an award-winning attorney who has been named one of the Lop 50 female lawyers in North Carolina, one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Mecklenburg County and a “Leader in the Law’’ by the Mecklenburg County Times. She left big law to open her own practice in February 2017, and has never looked back. Lori Keeton Law was created to advocate for all types of municipal employees with a particular focus on serving and protecting those who serve and protect.
Though she has faced numerous battles in the courtroom in her twenty plus years as a lawyer, Lori’s toughest- and most rewarding- victory to date has been overcoming cancer. She will share how God showed up and showed out throughout her illness and recovery. Her testimony will leave your faith strengthened and your heart full.
All professional women of the community are invited to register on the Cleveland County Chamber website. The event cost is $35.

By Linda Quinlan

Martha Bridges, Commander of American Legion Post 82, announced the establishment of the Post 82 Foundation, a Charitable Trust for Post 82. The IRS and the NC Secretary of State have approved the trust.
The Foundation was created because of the growing activities and programs sponsored by Post 82. Commander Bridges explained that ten years ago, Post 82 had 140 members between the Post and Auxiliary. Today we have over 400 American Legion Family members (since we added the Sons of The American Legion and Legion Riders).
They have increased the number of youth programs from a single oratorical contest to additional programs involving over 100 students. The number of youth programs now includes not only the oratorical contest, but baseball and softball teams, Junior shooting sports (air rifle team), Student Trooper, Tarheel Boys and Girls State, and a sponsored Boys Scout troop.
The Foundation is permitted to receive corporate and United Way contributions. The creation of a Foundation will enable individuals or corporations to contribute to the local post’s many programs, which benefit veterans and youth in our community. As a 501c3, donors can now deduct their contribution.
The Foundation’s Mission Statement is to improve the lives of veterans, youth, and citizens of Cleveland County by supporting the four pillars on which The American Legion was founded. Those four pillars are National Defense, Americanism, Children & Youth, and Veterans Rehabilitation.
At the initial meeting on January 10, Post 82 Foundation Board officers were elected: Ric Francis, President; Martha Bridges, Treasurer; and Zach Parker, Secretary. Two additional Board members were elected: Jim Quinlan and Victor Darville. The Board has approved their bylaws and mission statement.
Foundation Board members recently met with Kelli Steele, Home Trust Bank Branch Manager, to finalize financial requirements. As the Foundation grows, Shelby’s American Legion Post 82 and Unit 82 plan to be more visible in the community and eventually to be able to provide financial assistance adhering to its mission statement and guiding principles.
   For more information, please address correspondence to Post 82 Foundation -  Ric Francis, President, PO Box 82, Shelby, NC 28151, or email  Post82foundation@gmail.com.

Patrick Senior Center in Kings Mountain will be hosting a Black History Month Celebration on Tuesday, February 14, from 9:30 to 11 a.m.  The theme is "The Strength Behind Us, The Strength Within Us and The Greatness Ahead."
Dr. Lamont Littlejohn, Pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Shelby, NC will be the Guest Speaker and a light lunch will be served. Please RSVP by Tuesday, February 7, by calling the Patrick Center at 704-734-0447.