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.

By Loretta Cozart

While most middle schoolers spend their summers watching television, spending time at the pool with friends, or chatting on social media, Kalashja Womick spent last summer writing her first book, “To The Mountains We Go!”.
Kalashja is a ninth grader at Kings Mountain Middle School and was inspired by her aunt Cynthia Stitt to write her first book. “My aunt inspired me to write this book and with the encouragement from my parents, Barbara, and Trent Dillard , I finished it in three months.  My aunt is an author, and she knows the process of publishing through Amazon. Once I finished writing and illustrating the book, she took it from there.”
“To The Mountains We Go!” is a story written for children between 5-years and 10-years-old. The main character, Lay is an adventurous little girl. She is excited about her trip to the mountains. She spends time there fishing, hiking, and camping. While there, she gets sad. According to Kalashja, the moral behind this story is, “Your destination stops when you do.” The book asks readers, “Would you like to see the amazing things to do in the beautiful mountains? If so, let's take a trip to the mountains with Lay, ‘Here we go!’"
   “I didn’t find the publishing side of the book too hard. It took three months to write and illustrate the book and two months to get it published. The book went on sale Amazon on August 7, 2022. So far, I’ve sold about 250 books. I am grateful for the support of my family throughout this process.”
“I want to tell others not to let your age get in the way of things you want to do. Once you set your mind to do something, you can do anything,” Kalashja said. She has begun work on her second book in this series titled, “To The Beach We Go!” Who knows what adventures Lay might find there?

The State Highway Patrol welcomed 36 new troopers on Friday, January 20, at a graduation ceremony held for the 157th Basic Highway Patrol School. The ceremony commemorates 27 weeks of extensive training to prepare the graduates for a rewarding career in law enforcement.
Three of the state troopers will serve the local area. They are Brian Hawkins, serving Cleveland County; Cody Childress, serving Gaston County; and Jason Marshall, serving Gaston County.
The ceremony was held at the Shepherd’s Church in Cary at 10:00 a.m. Department of Public Safety Secretary Eddie M. Buffaloe, Jr. served as guest speaker and provided congratulatory remarks to the graduates.
The oath of office was administered by Judge Jeffrey K. Carpenter of the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Colonel Freddy L. Johnson Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol, provided remarks to the newest sworn members of the State Highway Patrol.
“As new state troopers, we feel you are ready to fulfill this role and be ambassadors who represent the State Highway Patrol,” said Johnson. “My charge to you is to be a leader in your community by your actions, your character and your important role as a law enforcement officer.”
These new state troopers will report to their respective duty stations on Wednesday, Feb. 15, to begin a demanding field training program.

Kings Mountain Little Theatre, Inc., and corporate sponsor Edward Jones – Jack and Pam Buchanan, announce that Nunsense is returning to the Joy Performance Theater with “Nunsense, The Mega-Musical, by Dan Goggin. The musical includes all the fun of the original Nunsense but it has been super-sized!
Mega-Nunsense, starring the original five nuns features five new male and female characters, including the never-before-seen infamous convent cook, Sister Julia, Child of God.
Nunsense, the winner of four Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Best Musical, was called “A hail of fun and frolic” by The New York Times. And now it’s bigger and better than ever! It would be a sin to pass up the opportunity to see it!
Performances are scheduled for Friday, March 17 and 24, and Saturday March 18 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. Matinee performances are scheduled for Sunday, March 19 and 26 at 3 p.m.
Director Jim Champion and Music Director Libby Putnam urge everyone interested to come join the fun of participating in the production of this musical comedy.

The Big Chill returns to the Cleveland County Arts Council this year with lots of fun and the chance to win big!
The Arts Council is starting the New Year off by giving you a chance to win $5,000 or $2,500 or $1,000 plus other exciting items during the first Big Chill Reverse Raffle and Party.  Only 250 tickets will be sold so the chances are good that you could win.
Folks have two ticket options to purchase. Reverse Raffle only tickets are $100, and you don’t have to be present to win.
Reverse Raffle and VIP Party tickets are $150. This ticket is a raffle ticket (chance to win) but also allows two people to join us at the party which Includes an evening of BIG fun – a huge Charcuterie table, Chili Bar, Silent Auction & BIG dessert finale and of course the reverse raffle. The silent auction will include great items and experiences such as beach trips, pottery, paintings, jewelry, photography sessions, and so much more. The silent auction will go live the week before the event so that anyone can log on and make their bids. The online auction will continue through the evening.
“We’re excited to put a new twist on a favorite community event,” said Shearra Miller, Executive Director of the Arts Council. “The Big Chill has been taking place for years but this year we thought it would be fun to try something different. This is one of the largest fund-raising events that we hold each year; it is a fun way for us to raise the much-needed funds that allow us to offer enriching cultural arts programs for the community.
The VIP party and reverse drawing will take place Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Arts Council, beginning at 6:00 pm.
Reverse Raffle tickets are available now at the Arts Council or from any of the members of the Board of Directors. Call 704-484-2787 for more information or to purchase tickets.

By Loretta Cozart

The application for the Golden LEAF Scholarship is now open. Each year, the Golden LEAF Foundation awards 215 scholarships to high school seniors and community college transfer students who reside in a qualifying rural and economically distressed or tobacco-dependent North Carolina county, including Cleveland County, and are planning to enroll full-time in a participating public or private college or university located in North Carolina.
High school seniors entering college as freshmen are eligible for a scholarship totaling up to $14,000 ($3,500 a year for up to four years). Community college transfer students are eligible for $3,500 a year for up to 3 years).
To apply, visit CFNC.org and fill out the Golden LEAF Scholarship application form.
The deadline for applications is March 1, for application, transcript, and FAFSA. Awards will be announced in late April..
Students awarded the Golden LEAF Scholarship to attend North Carolina Colleges and Universities are also eligible to participate in additional leadership and internship opportunities. These engagements allow scholars to gain experience in future career fields/areas of passion and build key communication and leadership skills. Opportunities include:
• Lead 4 Excellence (L4E) Experience: This two-year experience provides Golden LEAF Scholars with leadership training through the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL), one of the nation’s leading leadership development organizations. The opportunity offers flexible online leadership training courses, personalized support from a highly trained executive coach, and collaborative learning partnerships with other scholars in the cohort.
• Rural Internship Initiative: Golden LEAF offers a paid internship opportunity for students to gain experience at an eligible business, non-profit, or government entity located in a rural North Carolina community. Visit our website at scholars.goldenleaf.org to learn more.
Participating NC colleges and universities include: Appalachian State University, Meredith College, Barton College, Methodist University, Belmont Abbey College, Mid-Atlantic Christian University, Bennett College, Montreat College, Brevard College ,North Carolina A&T State University, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Campbell University, North Carolina State University, Carolinas College of Health Sciences, North Carolina State Univ. - Agricultural Institute, Catawba College, North Carolina Wesleyan College, Chowan University, Pfeiffer University College at Southeastern, Queens University of Charlotte, Davidson College, St. Andrews University, Duke University, St. Augustine’s University,  East  Carolina
 University, Salem College, Elizabeth City State University, Shaw University, Elon University, University of Mount Olive, Fayetteville State University, University of North Carolina at Asheville, Gardner-Webb University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Greensboro College, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Guilford College University of North Carolina at Greensboro, High Point University, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Johnson C. Smith University, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Johnson & Wales University, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Lees-McRae College, Wake Forest University, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Warren Wilson College, Livingstone College, Western Carolina University, Louisburg College, William Peace University, Mars Hill University, Wingate University, Mercy School of Nursing, and Winston-Salem State University.

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The Cherryville Little Theatre has an upcoming play scheduled to be performed Feb. 3 and 4, at 7 p.m., according to play producer, Lutricia Bennett. The theater is located at 301 W. Academy St., Cherryville.
“The play will also be performed Feb. 5 at 3 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10, and 11, at 7 p.m., and Feb. 12, at 3 p.m.,” said Mrs. Bennett, adding, “The show is ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’, and instead of it being set in the 1890’s in England, the director is taking liberties and changing the setting to America in the 1960’s.”
For those who may not know about the play Bennett said, “‘The Importance of Being Earnest’, is a ‘Trivial Comedy for Serious People’. It is a comedy where two friends use the same pseudonym (Earnest) for their on-the-sly activities.”
Bennett noted Erika Shelton is directing this comedy, originally set – as was noted – in the 1890’s.
“However, as I noted earlier, Erika is changing the setting to 1960’s America. This show has brilliant acting and promises to be an entertaining show full of punch-lines,” said Mrs. Bennett.
Essentially, and to firm up more about what the gist of the play’s story arc is, Bennett said, “It’s the story of two bachelors, John ‘Jack’ Worthing and Algernon ‘Algy’ Moncrieff, who create alter egos. They attempt to win the hearts of two women who, conveniently, claim to only love men called Ernest. Jack and Algy struggle to maintain their deceptions and as the
plot thickens, become entangled in lies, disguises and misadventures.”
The cast is comprised of the following actors, with their roles in parentheses): Chris Stone (John Worthing); Terrell Barnes (Algernon Moncreiff); Angie Dolan (Lady Bracknell); Laurie Ricardo (Cecily Cardew); Madison Avery (Gwendolyn Fairfax); Mary Bolton (Ms. Prism); Charlie Reep (Dr. Chasuble); Noah Bolton (Lane manservant); and Joseph Bolton (Merriman Butler). Lucas Dolan is the assistant stage manager and Matt Walega and Ryan Richards are the backstage techs.
For more information, call (704) 435-1742.

An exciting new made for television movie is filming in Asheville, NC this January. Casting Office, Inc. is now seeking Asheville area North Carolina locals as Background Performers for a new Hallmark movie being filmed at Biltmore Estate.
“A Biltmore Christmas” will be filmed entirely on location at the Estate in Asheville, NC, and stars Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristoffer Polaha.
Extras help make film atmospheres look and feel realistic, are seen in non-speaking roles, and are the fabulous people hired to fill a scene on a tv/film set, like a crowd in an arena, diners in a restaurant, pedestrians walking in a park, etc.
No experience is needed to be an extra and you should be prepared for long 12–14-hour workdays. Extras must arrive as early as needed, and stay as late, or long as needed. All communication and information will be sent via email, so you must be available to respond to emails sent to qualify. All ages, ethnicities, and genders are needed for this film.
Anyone interested in being an extra for one of next year’s Countdown to Christmas movies should apply online at the company’s website.

Cherryville New Year’s Shooters, Inc. will hold their annual event on Monday, January 2, at Blacks Grill at midnight and concluding at Rudisill Football Stadium on E. First Street in Cherryville at 6:30 p.m. In the interim, they will make 49 more stops to perform their New Year’s ritual.
The history of the Cherryville New Year’s Shooters goes back thousands of years, according to their website. The "Chant" and producing loud noise is a ritual that has been in existence since the 1300's. Celebrating the "New Year" on January 1 can be linked back to the Romans in 45 BC during the reign of Julius Caesar. The act of celebrating the New Year goes back at least 4,000 years to the ancient Egyptians and Babylonians.
The pioneer immigrants that settled in the Cherryville NC area can be linked back to the area of the Rhine River in Germany. In that area of the world many Old-World customs were formed from the Bohemian, German, Scottish, Irish, and English.
In the 1750's German Immigrants settled in the Indian Creek and Howard's Creek area north of the current Cherryville. Along with the German immigrants were the Scotch-Irish, Swiss, Dutch and French. It is believed that the actual tradition is a cultural mix of all these immigrants. The last 250 years of the tradition parallels the history of the Cherryville area.
Land grants from the King of England began in the mid 1700's for the area known as Anson and later Tryon County. The area along the Indian Creek began to grow from a few pioneer families to many. Names which appear on early land grants and records include Black, Wise, Stroup, Beam, Horse (Huss), Houser, Baker, Whitesides, Homesley, Sullivan, Roberts, Eaker, Carpenter, Brown, Anthony, Havner (Heafner), Reynolds, and Cyzer (Kiser).
In the 1800's the area became known as White Pines. After the railroad was built, the name was changed to Cherryville in 1865 due to the many cherry trees that were planted.
Most of the early settlers came through Pennsylvania where the Cherryville tradition can be traced. The Philadelphia Mummers were a group who shot in the New Year going house-to-house, singing songs, shooting guns, performing dances and all were rewarded with food and drink. The early Mummers appointed a leader or speech director who recited such rhymes like this:
"Here we stand before your door,
As we stood the year before;
Give us whiskey; give us gin,
Open the door and let us in."
The first president, George Washington, welcomed the tradition and was entertained by the Mummers in Philadelphia, the first capital of the United States.
The early Cherryville area pioneers walked house-to-house which could be very far apart and perform a version of the Mummers' New Year's Celebration. The "Chant" would be said or "cried" to the welcoming household. Then the firing of the current day weapons which were black powder muskets and pistols.
After firing the loud blasts, the shooting party would be given food and drink for their due diligence of performing the act. And what was the purpose of this affair? With the Old-World customs came superstition and folklore tales of witches and spirits. It was believed that the loud noises would drive out demons, witches, and other non-desirable entities on the property and bless the land for the upcoming year. Since most of the pioneers were farmers and depended heavily on their crops, not "shooting in the New Year" could be detrimental to their future success.
The event today takes on the same form as it did hundreds of years ago. The shooters will go house-to-house, the family will be "called out", the speech crier will recite the "Chant" and the shooters will fire their muskets, loaded with black powder only-without bullets, until all have fired. The muskets used today are originals and reproduction models from the 1800's. After the shooting, the guests are treated with refreshments or gifts. The refreshments may be a full meal or just a treat such as a cigar or apple. Cherryville NC is the only place on earth that the event still takes place. The Philadelphia Mummers continues today with a New Year's Day parade but without the "Chant" or musket blasts.
The tradition centers around the "Chant". The origin of the "Chant" is unknown, but part of the current version can be found in a circa 1777 hymn-prayer by British writer John Newton called "Time by moments steals away".  The version that is cried today is of older English style grammar. Hearing the mysterious "Chant" is a must to get the full intent of its sayings. It is part sermon, song, poem, and speech with religious and spiritual under tones in its three-minute version. A lady's version is also available but is rarely cried.
Today the Cherryville New Year’s Shooters group consists of 450 members and travels to approximately 50 locations in the Cherryville area. The group starts at Midnight on January 1st of each year and shoots for 18 straight hours ending at the Rudisill Football Stadium in Cherryville.
Some of the families and homes are the same ancestors of 250 years ago. Shooting still takes place along the Indian Creek, Howard's Creek, and Bethpage area as it did some 250 years ago. Many of today's shooters are of the same bloodline as the early pioneer shooters.

By Loretta Cozart

One might question if things they do in life really impact others. Through the actions of Reagan Hutson, a member of the Civil Air Patrol in Gastonia, and those who attended the Wreaths Across America ceremony on December 17, one can answer that question with a resounding, “Yes!”
On Wreaths Across America Day at Mountain Rest Cemetery, hundreds gathered to honor veterans and lay wreaths. Among them was 13-year-old Reagan Hutson who contacted the commander of the Shelby Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron asking if she could lay a wreath with his group on her great-grandfather Hicel Fred McKinney’s grave. McKinney served in both theaters during World War II, including Omaha Beach.
Reagan knew her great-grandfather, but according to her grandmother Karen Hutson, “She laid the wreath with honor not remembering how close, inseparable, the two of them were when she was a toddler.” While Reagan’s might not remember her great-grandfather in such detail, that bond between them compelled her to honor him during this annual ceremony. It is heartwarming to see such respect from one so young.
Like Reagan, hundreds gathered to remember all the veterans at Mountain Rest Cemetery. More than 1,300 veterans in all, but some have no family nearby to honor them anymore. The community remembers their service just the same.
Another remembered veteran was Otis D. Green, who according to the Hon. Clyde R. Hoey, was the first casualty from Cleveland County during WWI, killed in action on March 1, 1918. During his funeral service in 1921, the community lined the streets of town between Central School and Mountain Rest Cemetery, an estimated 2,000 people, as he was carried by fellow soldiers to his final resting place.
It is impossible for everyone to know each veteran at Mountain Rest Cemetery. But we do understand their sacrifice, and the sacrifices made by their families, as they went to foreign lands to fight for our freedom.
This year, 800 veterans had a wreath laid upon their graves in Mountain Rest. Hopefully next year, a wreath will be laid at each veteran’s grave.
Kings Mountain remembers its veterans and places them in highest esteem, just the same as Hicel Fred McKinney and Otis D. Green. Lest we not forget, freedom isn’t free and many of these veterans paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep America free.

Believe it or not - the holidays are fast approaching. This holiday season enjoy a family classic, The Nutcracker, the all-time favorite story of Clara’s magical trip to the land of sweets, presented by Kimberla's School of Classical Ballet.
The Nutcracker will be performed on Friday, December 9 at 7p.m., Saturday, December 10 at 2p.m. and 7p.m., and Sunday, December 11 at 4p.m. at The Joy Performance Center in Kings Mountain.
Tickets are $15 each for general admission seating and $100 for a mezzanine seating cluster of 4 with hor d'oeuvres. Tickets are  available by calling 704-300-4130 or at  https://sites.google.com/site/kimberlasclassicalballet/the-nutcracker-tickets

The Kings Mountain High School Athletic Department is pleased to announce their newest Good Citizen is Amelia Jones.
Amelia is a fourth grade student at Bethware Elementary.
Amelia is a kind and caring student who goes above and beyond to help her peers and make them feel welcome. She is a great role model to other students.
Amelia’s favorite subject is reading and her favorite series to read is the Babysitter’s Club. When she is not at school, Amelia enjoys art, especially painting, dancing and playing with her siblings, Cowan and Eva. Amelia’s positive attitude and willingness to help others is what makes her an outstanding citizen.
Amelia’s father is John Jones and her mother and step-father are Katie and Tyle McDaniel. She is the granddaughter of Lee and Hal Bryant, Jodie and Mark McDaniel and Ellen and Brad Jones.
Bethware congratulates Amelia on all her successes now and in the future.

The Kings Mountain High School Class of 1965 held their 57th reunion on Saturday, October 15. Their  55th reunion could not be held due to Covid complications.  The event was celebrated at the Joy Theatre Event Center at 7PM.
The class of ‘65 was the last class to graduate from Central High School, Ridge Street.  219 members were graduated as they were the first of the Baby Boomers to come through Kings Mountain Schools.  The class was most remembered for their undefeated football championship season, basketball conference championship and conference runner-up in baseball.

By Loretta Cozart

On October 25, just before the city council meeting, City of Kings Mountain Mayor Scott Neisler remembered an early mayor who played key roles in the modernization of Kings Mountain: Dr. John Christopher Blair Patrick (J.C. Patrick) who served as mayor for the city from 1907 –  1909.
Mayor Neisler said that Rev. Rob Patrick of Boyce Memorial ARP Church once came to give the invocation during city council and mentioned that he had a photo of J. C. Patrick. Rob is the grandnephew of J.C. Patrick and offered to share a photo of his family member with the city to create a portrait for the Mayor’s Wall in city hall.
To learn more about Patrick, Mayor Neisler searched City of Kings Mountain Minute Books from 1908. From those official records, he learned that under Mayor Patrick’s term, the city of Kings Mountain made to significant strides in public health and public education.
A significant action occurred when the city went to the bond market and borrowed $50,000 to start a city water system. “Until that time, the city had no public water. The amount borrowed would equate to $1.6 million dollars today,” he said.
“At that time, the city also borrowed $15,000 in bonds to start a graded school. That would equate  to $316,000 today. The city had no public school until 1908 and we have Mayor J.C. Patrick to thank for that,” he said.
Rev. Patrick then shared a little early history of the Patrick family. “John Christopher Blair Patrick was the third generation of my family born in America after coming here from Ireland. I have been told he was also the first dentist in Kings Mountain. He passed away in 1912. He and his wife had no children. He married Nellie Brown of Kings Mountain, and she remained a widow for the rest of her life,” he shared with those in attendance as he unveiled the oil painting by Timmy Hord.
According to DigitalKM.org?hometownheroes.com, Dr. J.C. Patrick was born in York County, SC, and was a well-known dentist who served as a council member for the city four years. He acted as mayor from December 1, 1907 –  November 30, 1909. He suffered from facial cancer four years which eventually led to his being confined at home for a year before his death. He and his wife Nellie were married for eight years. He died at the age of 42.
Using the city’s cemetery information online, one can see that Nellie was 35 when her husband died. She lived until December 12, 1959, and died at the age of 82. Both are buried in Mountain Rest Cemetery.
Mayor Neisler pointed out that what Patrick did then is no different than what any mayor and city councilperson has done since the town’s inception. “They have all worked to do what is the best for Kings Mountain,” he said.
The city is missing two more images from the Mayor’s Wall who have served Kings Mountain since 1874: Dr. F.M. (Frank) Garrett and L.T. Mann. Mayor Neisler asks if you are a relative of either mayor or have a photo the city can use to create a portrait, that you call city hall. 704-734-0444. Your photograph will be returned to you once the portrait is completed.

By Loretta Cozart

On October 14, KMFD Firefighter Clark and Firefighter Allen graduated from North Carolina Breathing Equipment Firefighter Survival School at Gaston College. The course is demanding and considered the most advanced firefighter survival school participants ever attend.
According to the NC Breathing Equipment School participant application, Fire Chiefs are required to write a letter of recommendation and are advised, “This is an advanced firefighter school, physically and psychologically demanding. Please only approve capable, qualified veteran individuals. Participants should be Firefighter II certified and familiar with the normal use and operation of SCBA’s. They should be in very good physical condition. Participants will be faced with physical exertion and psychologically stressful situations.”

The Carolina Pottery Festival returns for its 21st year on Saturday, November 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the LeGrand Center, 1800 E. Marion St. in Shelby, NC. This pottery festival attracts crowds of over 2000 pottery lovers with over 100 well-known regional potters showing and selling their work. It is one of the largest “pottery only” festivals in the southeast with a wide range of traditional and contemporary work that is functional, decorative, and sculptural. Artists are on hand to talk about their inspiration, methods of creation and answer any questions.
This festival was started by potters, for potters and continues to celebrate and honor the rich heritage of pottery in our region. “This is an excellent way to see so many different styles of pottery all under one roof,” stated Bobbi Black, one of the Festival founders. “Our goal has always been to showcase a wide variety of pottery and to give customers the opportunity to meet the potters while they shop.”
The pottery festival is coordinated by the Cleveland County Arts Council. “We are thrilled to be back this year with many returning potters as well as potters who are new to our festival,” commented Shearra Miller, Executive Director of the Arts Council.
Again, this year you will have the opportunity to purchase handmade and numbered NC ornaments by Vicki Gill. These unique ornaments are a lovely addition to any pottery lover’s collection. A limited number have been made.
Attendees can also register for a chance to win a $30 gift certificate that can be used during the festival at any vendor’s booth.
Parking is convenient and free.  Admission is $6.00 for those ages 13 and over. Tickets may be purchased in advance on-line at http://www.ccartscouncil.org/Events.htm.
For more information, contact the Cleveland County Arts Council, 704-484-2787 or visit http://www.ccartscouncil.org/Events.htm or https://www.facebook.com/CarolinaPotteryFestival.

By Loretta Cozart

As the thermometer reading drops each day, with afternoon temperatures rising into the 60s and 70s, it can be difficult to believe that fall has come. We have had a few frosts. Even so, the people of Kings Mountain love the fall and decorations around town attest. Spending time with friends and appreciating beautiful days make life more enjoyable this time of year. As you drive around town, take note
of the beautiful fall decorations.

The Kings Mountain High School Athletic Department is pleased to announce their newest Good Citizen Caroline Ruffalo. Caroline is a fourth grader at North Elementary School and she is  epitome of an outstanding good citizen.
Caroline is helpful, hardworking, considerate and a great friend. She always helps students around her and has a good attitude. She is trustworthy, loving and kind. Every morning, Caroline greets everyone with a smile and says “good morning.”
Caroline is successful in the classroom and she is a member of the Cleveland County Book Club. She also excels in volleyball and gymnastics in her spare time.
She loves to hang out with all her brothers and sisters, parents and enjoys helping take care of her one year old niece,Rver
Caroline is the daughter of Tom and Sherri Rufalo.

Connie Phifer Savell, DAR Good Citizen Chair, for the Colonel Frederick Hambright Chapter presents Railey Madison Bolt daughter of Jonathan and Katie Bolt, the Kings Mountain High School DAR Good Citizen Award for 2022.
The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest, created in 1934, is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship.
This award recognizes and rewards high school seniors who possess the 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.
• This program is only open to students whose schools are accredited and in good standing with their state board of education.
• Only one student per year may be honored as a school’s DAR Good Citizen.
• United States citizenship is not required.
• Additional rules and guidelines can be obtained by contacting your local DAR chapter.
Once a student is chosen as their school’s DAR Good Citizen the student is invited to participate in the scholarship portion of the program. This consists of a personal statement and an essay. Student participation in the scholarship portion of the program is optional.
Scholarships are awarded to essay winners at the chapter, state, division, and national levels.