By Loretta Cozart

Events at the Library this week include lots of fun for the whole family!
Casey’s Laugh and Learn, Wednesday June 16. Casey Nees presents two exciting science programs that will have you laughing along at home! 10 am - Kids Program • 1 pm - Teens Program
Go to URL: https://www.facebook.com/mauneylibrary for this virtual event.
Mr. Chicken’s Barnyard Review, June 18, Friday at 1 pm. You’ll be busting at the seams with this all-new musical comedy adventure full of puppetry, magic tricks, stories, and hysterical antics.
Join Mr. Chicken and his wild collection of hilarious animals, including Russell the Crow, Elrod the Chicken, and many other animal friends as they embark (and cluck) on a barnyard adventure for the entire family. Come back each week for a new adventure!
This program will be presented virtually, with a special guest appearance by Mr. Chicken during Field Day on Wednesday, July 28 at 10 am at Patriots Park.
Week One: Mr. Chicken’s Barnyard Revue
Week Two: Mr. Chicken Goes to the Zoo
Week Three: Mr. Chicken Goes to Circus
Week Four: Mr. Chicken Goes to the Wild West
Week Five: Mr. Chicken Goes to the Aquarium
Week Six: Mr. Chicken Goes Camping
Presented by Sigmon Theatrical
Go to URL: https://www.facebook.com/mauneylibrary for this virtual event.
Garden Party at the Gazebo, Tuesday, June 22 at 10 am.  Please join us for an old fashioned Garden Party at the Gazebo. We will have:
*Master Gardener demonstrations
*Seeds to check out from the Mauney Seed Library
*Delightful food and some much needed socialization
The Rainbow Bridge & Other Tales, Wednesday, June 23. Puppeteer Hobey Ford presents classic tales using his Golden Rod Puppets.
Go to URL: https://www.facebook.com/mauneylibrary for this virtual event.
Big Bang Boom!, Wednesday, June 30 at 10 am. Kindie rock band Big Bang Boom! performs parent-friendly kids music.
Go to URL: https://www.facebook.com/mauneylibrary for this virtual event.

By Jewel Reavis

The public is invited to meet participating artists at a public reception for A Fresh Look art exhibit and competition this Saturday, June 19, from 6-8 pm. Awards will be presented at 7 pm. This is a Free event and dress is casual. Winners will then be posted on Southern Arts Society’s website and Facebook page. The exhibit is on view June 9th through July 30. Artwork in the exhibit is available for sale.
A Fresh Look art exhibit and competition opened last Wednesday at Southern Arts Society in Kings Mountain. Artists from around the region have submitted over sixty works of art to be judged for cash prizes. Artists were asked to show their most recent work taking a fresh look at the world around them. The theme for this show is very open, allowing for a wide variety of subject matter to be entered.
Even after a year being on lockdown due to the global pandemic, the artwork in the exhibit is bright and uplifting showing that the participating artists have chosen to see the beauty and color in the world around them. There are a lot of landscapes and wildlife reflected in this show, perhaps looking to a more comforting view of the world outside of the confinements of home. Artists entered work in a variety of media: oil, acrylic and pastel paintings, photography, mixed media, and collage.
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 exhibits and competitions, programs, and classes in a variety of media for artists of all levels. Gallery Hours:  Tues through Sat, 10 am to 2 pm, and by Appointment. Admission is Free. For more information please visit SouthernArtsSociety.org or call 704.739.5585. Email southernartssociety@gmail.com.

There are lots of activities at Mauney Memorial Library this week. Three programs aimed toward those who enjoy gardening, traveling, and science are scheduled.
For those gardeners who enjoy gardening with heirloom variety seeds, the Seed Library is now available! Come into Mauney Library and see what we offer: true-to-type seeds, Heirloom seeds, and advice on planting. Take seeds or contribute some of your own to share with others. Summer Reading line up of events are listed on our calendar at www.mauneylibrary.org.
Architectural Tour of the World, Monday, June 14 at noon. Buckle your seat belts and get ready for a tour of the world right from home! The international traveler, Jasmine Blaze (as played by educational entertainer Martina Mathisen), takes you around the globe to discover the fantastic super structures that have stunned the world and will leave you in awe.
Of the one hundred super structures that stand on our planet today, the first fifty took eighty years in total to build. The second fifty have taken five years! See for yourself the unparalleled advances in architecture today.
Go to URL: https://www.facebook.com/mauneylibrary for this virtual event.
Casey’s Laugh and Learn, Wednesday June 16. Casey Nees presents two exciting science programs that will have you laughing along at home! 10 am - Kids Program • 1 pm - Teens Program
Go to URL: https://www.facebook.com/mauneylibrary for this virtual event.

GFWC NC Kings Mountain Woman's Club announces its annual Indoor Yard Sale at the clubhouse on June 19 from 7 am until noon.  All proceeds go directly into our Sallie Southall Cotten Scholarship Fund.
The Woman's Club gives a $1,000 scholarship each year to a senior boy or girl attending a 4 year university in North Carolina.
Huge variety of items from household, craft, home decor, toys, and clothing. Come early so you do not miss out on the best selections.
Kings Mountain Woman’s Club is located at 108 East Mountain Street.

The Little Miss ALWS Pageant has become increasingly popular since its inception as part of the 7th Inning Stretch Festival in 2015. Girls from infants through 12 years old compete for nine positions as queens, each one assigned to a regional team as a goodwill ambassador.
The 2020 Little Miss ALWS Pageant was cancelled because of coronavirus concerns, as were all other events associated with the 7th Inning Stretch Festival. Though the local ALWS committee felt it necessary to cancel the Festival for the second consecutive year because of virus concerns, the members decided that two smaller Festival-related events — the pageant and the ALWS 5K — could be revived for 2021 without creating health or safety issues.
The American Legion gave the local committee approval for the 2021 ALWS in April and plans for the 15-game national tournament Aug. 12-17 are proceeding.
Registration for the Little Miss ALWS Pageant opens June 1 with a deadline of 5 pm Monday, July 26. For information on age divisions and registration, visit
www.7thInningStretch.cc. Applications and payments will be accepted online. Mailed applications should be posted by Thursday, July 22; pageant organizers will confirm receipt of these applications via email. No applications will be accepted at check-in or on pageant day, Saturday, Aug. 7.
Parents and applicants need to remember that “first in is last out”: The first applicant will be the last contestant on stage in the applicant’s respective category.
The pageant will feature again a People’s Choice Award based on the highest dollars raised by applicants. This year’s recipient of the money raised has been determined and will be announced by the end of July.
“The pageant gives a segment of the community that may not otherwise be engaged in ALWS activities a way to participate in this national event,” said local committee Chairman Eddie Holbrook. “The girls enjoy being adopted by the teams and invited to events held by the team hosts. We believe bringing the pageant back is one more step toward normalcy for the ALWS and its fans.”
For information about sponsoring the Little Miss ALWS Pageant, contact Kim Davis of Dragonfly Marketing at 704-600-6599.

The second Illuminated Market, comprised of local artisans and vendors, will be held on June 26, from 5 to 9 pm. “Our inaugural Illuminated Event was a huge success! With over 20 vendors, music and giveaways, the attendees and vendors were a happy bunch!,” said Cobb Lahti, owner of Uncommon Artisans.
“We're planning our second one for June 26, from 5-9 pm, co-sponsored by the Main Street Program of the City of Kings Mountain. Our event is held in downtown Kings Mountain on West Mountain Street. The second event will include food trucks, music, and face painting. The event is free to attend and kid and dog friendly.”
“The downtown Kings Mountain area will be hopping that night, with a fundraiser concert for local venue, The Rooster, happening at the Joy Theatre down the street from the Illuminated Market. The concert will feature local musical groups as it raises money for the completion of a live music venue planned for downtown Gastonia, NC,” Lahti said.
While walking between events, local restaurant 133 West will feature music on the patio on West Mountain Street, and locally owned Scoops Ice Cream will be serving their freshly made ice creams, sorbets, and handmade shakes on Railroad Avenue. Revolution Brewhouse will serve adult-beverages and live music at their venue on Battleground Avenue.
For more information about our events or to become a vendor, contact events@uncommonartisans.net or call 704-271-9661.

The City of Kings Mountain Main Street Program  has been designated as an accredited Main Street™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.
“We are proud to recognize this year’s 889 nationally accredited Main Street programs that have worked tirelessly to advance economic vitality and quality of life in their downtowns and commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of Main Street America. “During an incredibly challenging year, these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to drive impressive local recovery efforts, champion small businesses, and foster vibrant downtown districts. I am inspired by their hard work and confident that these accredited communities will continue to help their downtowns flourish in the next stages of recovery.”
In 2020, Main Street America programs generated $4.14 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 4,356 net new businesses, generated 14,988 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 8,488 historic buildings, and clocked 983,702 volunteer hours.
The City of Kings Mountain Main Street Program’s performance is annually evaluated by the North Carolina Main Street Program which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet 10 national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building meaningful and sustainable revitalization programs and include standards such as, fostering strong public-private partnerships, documenting programmatic progress, and actively preserving historic buildings.
Following the guidelines of the State and National Main Street Programs, The City of Kings Mountain Main Street Program has helped keep downtown businesses open and helped six new businesses open.  The program has worked with city staff to help bring the concept of a new streetscape to reality. The second phase will be complete in late 2021. The future of the downtown and our small entrepreneurial businesses is bright, and the City of Kings Mountain Main Street Program will be here to help the business owners in every way possible.

Mauney Memorial Library in collaboration with The Gateway Trail will present Storywalk® beginning Wednesday June 16, 2021. Stories will be change out weekly.
   For questions, or to join our Friends of the Library, email info@mauneylibrary.org or call the library at (704) 739-2371. The Friends of the Mauney Memorial Library thank the community for its continued support.
Mauney Memorial Library is located at 100 S. Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.
For the latest in library news and events, visit www.mauneylibrary.org.        

Governor Roy Cooper today issued an Executive Order directing the Department of Commerce to encourage and help people who are receiving unemployment benefits transition back into employment.
“Unemployment benefits have provided a critical lifeline for many North Carolinians living on the edge due to the pandemic. As our state emerges from the pandemic, we want to help people safely return to work as soon as possible. Reinstating the work search guidelines will help connect claimants with employers, resources and tools to help them return to the workforce,” said Governor Cooper.
Under Executive Order 216, all existing claimants of unemployment benefits will be required to fulfill work search requirements beginning June 6, 2021. All existing claimants will be required over the next several weeks to register with a jobseeker account on NCWorks.gov.
The Order also directs the N.C. Department of Commerce to explore opportunities, consistent with federal law and through the use of certain federal funds, to establish a reemployment incentive program for jobless workers who find and maintain employment.  
Today’s action expands upon Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 200, which reinstated work search requirements for new claimants after March 14, 2021. As North Carolina makes progress on its key COVID-19 metrics, the work search requirements will now apply to everyone currently filing for unemployment benefits.
Under the Order:
• Claimants must contact at least three different employers each week and keep a record of their work search, as is required by state law. One of the three weekly job contacts can be satisfied by attending an approved reemployment activity offered by a NCWorks Career Center or a partnering agency.
• To continue receiving benefits, all unemployment claimants will be required to register with a jobseeker account on NCWorks.gov, North Carolina’s online portal for employment and training services. Jobseekers can use NCWorks.gov to search and apply for jobs, access labor market information, and find opportunities for workforce training. Over the next several weeks, existing claimants will receive notifications about registering for NCWorks.
Since the start of the pandemic, North Carolina has distributed more than $11.7 billion in unemployment benefits across multiple state and federal programs. Approximately 245,000 North Carolinians are currently receiving benefit payments each week.
For work search assistance in North Carolina, jobseekers can contact NCWorks at NCWorks.gov or 1-855-NCWorks. Information about unemployment benefits can be found at des.nc.gov.

Last Friday NC House of Representatives passed the 2021 COVID-19 Response and Relief bill with overwhelming bipartisan support.
The COVID-19 Response and Relief bill is focused on getting federal dollars where they are most needed in our state. Of the $6.4 billion total appropriated, $556,611,000 has been designated for rental assistance and $805,767,400 toward child care stabilization grants.
A total of $3,224,272,535 is designated for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, plus $21,500,000 allotted to charter and residential schools.
 Local governments will receive a total of $705.4 million. Cleveland County has been allocated $19,025,057 and Gaston County was allocated $43,612,126.
“As North Carolina and the rest of the country move forward and rebuild in the wake of a global pandemic, these are needed funds that will get businesses back on track and the economy moving in the right direction. The passage of S172 will ensure that these federal dollars get to those North Carolina businesses and citizens who need it,” commented Speaker of the House Tim Moore.
Senate Bill 172 was signed into law by Gov. Cooper. on Monday.

By Shearra Miller

Like a painter, a gardener experiments with colors. Should a plant with bright orange blossoms go behind a dark purple bush?
Like a sculptor, a gardener will look for plants with interesting shapes.
Like a photographer, a gardener considers the changing light during the day.
Join us on Saturday, June 5, 10 am – 5 pm, for our first, self-guided tour of seven lovely outdoor living spaces and see the “artistry” created outside.
   Tickets ($20) may be purchased from the Arts Council, 111 S. Washington St., Shelby, Mon. – Fri.  9am – 4pm, Saturday 10am – 2pm and on our website www.ccartscouncil.org. You can also purchase them at the individual homes the day of the event (cash/check only).
The Arts Council is partnering with the NC Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association to hold their Annual Plant Sale in the Arts Council parking area from 9am until 2pm, the same day. Master Gardener volunteers will help you choose just the right plant for the right place! No ticket is required for the plant sale. For more information on the plant sale, please contact Julie Flowers at 704-482-4365.
Also that day Paradise Garden Center, a sponsor of the event, invites you to stop in to see their selection of indoor, outdoor, annual, and perennial plants, many grown on site. While there, enjoy a slice of wood fired pizza in their outdoor kitchen from 11am – 2pm. Paradise Garden Center is located at 460 Cherryville Rd Shelby, 704-480-1012 and is open 9am – 3pm.
The homes on the tour include:
Jim and Pat Parr 
1322 Vista Drive
   Twelve years ago we moved from the Shawangunk Mountains in New York to Shelby. While we loved our new home in this wonderful southern climate, there were a number of issues that needed attention on our property—invasive plants, water flooding, too much lawn, lack of plant diversity, not enough birds and insects and a lack of knowledge on our part, to name a few.  For the first two years we studied NC fauna and flora. Then for the past 10 years we have worked to create a sustainable native habitat.  We are pleased that our property is now a Certified Native Plant Habitat.
   To make the property more self-sustainable we added trees, shrubs, a butterfly pollinator garden, vegetable and herb garden, shade garden and perennial flower beds throughout the property. While it has taken 12 years to create a diverse landscape around our home, it continues to be a joyful work-in-progress.
The Burrow
849 West Marion Street
Wes Westmoreland
Ettie and A.V. Hamrick, Sr. built The Burrow in 1928 on his father, Leander Hamrick’s wooded property on West Marion that was for many years known as Lover’s Lane. The backyard at The Burrow reflects the Italian Renaissance-revival architecture of the house and was designed by the owner. The gardens are recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat, a Certified Butterfly Garden, and a Monarch Waystation.
Parking will be limited, please park on the street to the West, or at the County Library a block to the East. Enter down the drive, and enjoy a glass of Baker Buffalo Creek wine, sponsored by Westmoreland Printers.
Jim and Mary Esther Toole
514 W. Marion St.
   Jim and Mary Esther have spent over 40 years developing this one-acre plot for one of Shelby’s two oldest wooden homes (circa 1852) which was passed down from Jim’s Great Grandfather. This traditional Southern Garden contains hundreds of plants including Azalea, Camellia, Sasanqua, Tea Olive, Gardenia, Japanese Maple, Peony, Daylily, Iris. It also contains Jim’s extensive Hosta collection along with a very rare Camellia “Mount Hoku”.
Bill and Beth Cameron
3016 Bettis Rd., Grover
   Forty years have passed since we built our home in our patch of the woods. Situated one-mile south of Earl near the SC line, our land is former cotton fields now forested over. Digging up daffodils, day-lilies, shrubs, and trees over the years helped transform this red-clay land into gardens suited to our NC Foothills. You can hike to our creek cabin or ride a golf cart around as you explore our gardens.
Bobbie Gibson
138 Columns Circle, Shelby
   Amazing what can happen in small areas.  Originally, the condominium’s side yard was steep and muddy, and the courtyard brick was falling apart.  With the help of a landscaper we increased the courtyard space, added a raised bed planter and a small water feature.  The back area is now accessible with rock stairs and pavers descending from the courtyard. We enjoy the outdoors on the refurbished deck and screened underdeck.  Accent lights make the once dark yard beautiful at night.
Fred and Nancy Blackley
505 South Washington Street, Shelby
   The Blackley garden spreads across three adjoining in-town properties and is the setting for the Blackley House ( 1927 ), Bostic House ( 1900 ) and Beam House ( 1895 ).  Seven accessory buildings, a special willow oak, chicken coop, vegetable garden, tiny frog pond, propagation nursery, tree house, unusual plants, quirky objects, and a relaxed approach combine to define this 1.4-acre place.
   For more information on this event call 704-484-2787 or visit ccartscouncil.org or https://www.facebook.com/events/286085626511205/.

Musicians are invited to bring their instruments for a weekly acoustic bluegrass jam session returning to the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby May 29 from 1 pm to 3 pm. All ages and playing levels welcome. Jam session may take place indoors in the Great Hall or outdoors on the court square. Visitors are welcome to join in or sit and listen.
Pickin’ on the Square returns on June 12 from 5 pm to 8 pm for the 7th Annual Pickin’ on the Square Series presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners. Pickers are invited to jam informally around The Earl Scruggs Center grounds.
Secure instrument check is available. Not a picker?  Bring your family and friends and sit back and enjoy as The Earl Scruggs Center celebrates the tradition of bluegrass music. The center’s Gift Shop will be open during the event for guests to purchase refreshments and souvenirs. In case of inclement weather, Pickin’ on the Square will be moved to the Great Hall inside the Earl Scruggs Center. Additional dates for this event are July 10 and August 14.
The jam session takes place each Saturday at 1 pm, except for the days when Pickin’ on the Square is scheduled in June, July, and August, or if the Earl Scruggs Center is closed for a holiday.

The Cleveland County Partnership for Children (CCPFC) has established a search committee for an executive director to succeed current CCPFC Executive Director Rosie Allen.
Rosie Allen, Executive Director of CCPFC, announced her retirement effective July 1. Rosie has contributed over 40 years of leadership to North Carolina's statewide and local non-profits, public education, and volunteerism.
 "Ms. Allen was hired in 2018 with the Board's expectations to elevate community awareness of the Partnership, ensure the continuation of the Early Head Start program, recruit new volunteers, and direct program implementation and accountability. She has accomplished these goals with a wealth of knowledge and experience while enthusiastically advancing the mission of CCPFC: to ensure all children enter kindergarten healthy and ready for success in school," said Betty Crow-Kennedy, Board Chair.
Commenting on her retirement, Ms. Allen said, "To end this season of my career in such a wonderful community is truly a privilege. The opportunity to work with many dedicated citizens for child well-being has been an honor. Leading the organization through COVID, we completely transitioned how we delivered services. This speaks to the resiliency and the determination of CCPFC to adjust to the most challenging circumstances while doing such important work. With dedicated Board leaders, a strong team of staff, and committed community partners, the Partnership is positioned for even greater success. COVID has also caused many to reflect on personal priorities. I am very blessed to retire soon, marry my best friend, relocate to Florida, and spend time with family and friends."
Ms. Crow-Kennedy stated, "On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and recipients of the various programs and services of CCPFC, we want to express our gratitude to Rosie for the outstanding leadership she has provided during her tenure. Rosie Allen is leaving an everlasting footprint in the legacy of our organization."

John and April Blaine of Kings Mountain, N.C. are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter Laura Nicole Blaine to Jack Edward Zyble, son of Jim and Lisa Zyble of Shelby, N.C.
Laura is a 2017 graduate of Kings Mountain High School. Jack graduated from KMHS in 2014.
Both are recent graduates of Appalachian State University where Laura majored in Recreation and Parks Management and Jack earned a degree in Geology with a concentration in quantitative geoscience, as well as a minor in math. A wedding in Asheville, N.C. is planned for July 30, 2021.

By Loretta Cozart

On Wednesday and Thursday last week, a steady stream of people converged upon the LeGrand Center at Cleveland Community College to apply for 200 positions available at Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort. The casino plans for a pre-launch opening on July 1.
“This is exciting,” said Catawba Indian Nation Chief Bill Harris. “We have been talking about this for years and the day has finally come. Today we are hiring. I arrived at 11 am for the noon job fair and people were in line from the mezzanine, down the stairs, and continued out onto the sidewalk in a long line. This is amazing!”
The casino’s General Manager Chuck Kilroy said, “These people aren’t just looking for jobs. They are looking for the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of an exciting gaming and hospitality operation that offers full-time employees health, dental and vision medical plans, life insurance coverage, paid vacation, and a 401K retirement savings plan. They want to become part be part of something bigger and build their careers.”
Once inside the Grand Ballroom, applicants went through four steps toward employment. To start, they completed an initial application. Those whose skill-sets matched positions open at the casino were processed into the next room. There, they were divided into groups and completed additional paperwork. Next, each applicant had a one-on-one interview. Finally, applicants were sent to the last step, going into the room where the magic happened, and they received job offers. The room was abuzz with conversation as those who started as applicants left the event as part of the casino’s first 200 employees. One new employee was so excited he was seen running to his car with an offer letter in hand.
“Not everyone who applied today got an offer,” General Manager Kilroy explained. “But we have many positions to fill and are keeping the names of all those who applied in our database. When we need more employees, we’ll refer back to this list and invite folks back for second interviews.”
One such applicant spoke to the Kings Mountain Herald saying, “I didn’t get an offer today, but my daughter did. She is so excited. I currently work in a local plant and the operations are winding down by the end of this year. I stood in line for six-and-half hours, but I didn’t mind. Everyone is so excited to be here. I have no doubt my experience will match with future positions as they become available, and I’ll get a job with them soon.”
When the casino opens, a temporary pre-launch gaming facility with 500 slot machines will provide an initial opportunity for patrons to game with limited food & beverage and other guest amenities.  In a year, the casino will move into it’s Introductory Phase with more than 1,800 slot machines available. “As we grow, we’ll need more staff in all areas of our operation, from finance, marketing and surveillance positions, cage personnel, drop team members, slot techs and attendants, housekeeping personnel, security staff, bartenders, cocktail servers, culinary and guest service representatives, as well as various supervisory positions,” Kilroy said.
Applicants must be 21 years old and have two valid forms of identification. Applicants were encouraged to bring a resume if they have one and be prepared to fill out an application and be interviewed.
Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort is being developed by the Catawba Nation at a 17-acre site at 538 Kings Mountain Blvd. in Kings Mountain. The site is near Interstate 85 and about 35 miles west of Charlotte.
The total $273 million casino resort project is expected to create 2,600 permanent jobs at full buildout and thousands of construction jobs in the region. The Two Kings name celebrates the Catawba Nation’s history and hopeful future in their ancestral lands in North Carolina, paying tribute to the 18th century Catawba Chief King Hagler and the City of Kings Mountain.

(April 21, 2021 Issue)

Dianne Wilson donated 10 cases of bottled water for the students at Kings Mountain Middle School. She heard that students were unable to use the water fountains this year due to COVID guidelines and wanted to use her community  outreach program with this wonderful donation. KMMS thanks Mrs. Wilson for supporting the KMMS Patriot team. L-R: Susan Cloninger receives the water from Dianne.
Photo by Windy Bagwell
 

(April 21, 2021 Issue)

Join Kings Mountain Historical Museum for a local author talk and book signing with mother-daughter team Beth Yarbrough and Ashley Oliphant and dive into their research on the Pirate Jean Laffite connection to Lorenzo Ferrer in Lincolnton, NC. Were they the same man?
Tickets are on sale now and are limited to 35 people. Cost is $8 per person and can be ordered via the Kings Mountain Historical Museum’s Facebook page. Scroll down to the Eventbrite link.
One of America's Longest-Running Mysteries takes a fresh look at the various myths and legends surrounding one of the last great pirates. Beginning in 1805, the book traces Laffite through his rise to power as a privateer and smuggler in the Gulf, his involvement in the Battle of New Orleans, his flight to Texas, and his eventual disappearance in the waters of the Caribbean. With stunning revelations, this book picks up the trail from there a trail that no one knew existed until now. This carefully researched work is a bona fide wild ride that will silence long-held speculation about Laffite's ultimate fate.
Speaking of  the book, Myrick Howard, president of Preservation North Carolina said, “This book offers a deep dive into a lingering mystery in American history. Hero and villain Jean Laffite deserves - and gets - a fresh look, and the authors reveal the last hidden decades of his complicated life. They also give us a history lesson about the times and places surrounding the unfolding drama. A fascinating read!”
This event will adhere to social distancing protocols and guidelines in place at the time of the event. Masks and temperature checks will be required upon entry.
Kings Mountain Historical Museum is at 100 East Mountain Street, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.

(April 14, 2021 Issue)

Wingate University is pleased to announce the addition of Gaston County Manager Kim Eagle to its Board of Trustees. Dr. Eagle has a Bachelor of Arts in History degree from Wingate University. While at Wingate, Dr. Eagle got her feet wet with public service by working for Gastonia’s congressional district offices for two consecutive summers. "As an alumna and with a master's degree in higher education, Dr. Eagle is a great addition to our board and will help drive the university forward," Dr. Rhett Brown, President of Wingate University said. Dr. Eagle will serve until 2024.
 “Dr. Kimberly Scism Eagle is the daughter of Gene and Eleanor Scism.
She is married to Keith and they have 3 children”
 

(April 14, 2021 Issue)

Mauney Memorial Library offers a variety of activities for children and adults. Throughout the month of April, the following activities remain:
Zoom Storytime with Miss Anne, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Pre-school, 0 – 5 years. Register at the library’s website and you will be sent a URL. Follow along with stories and songs from the comfort of your own home. Registration Required.
Document Shredding, April 12, 3 pm – 6 pm. Have you been meaning to shred those personal documents piling up? Bring them to Mauney Library! The shred truck will destroy your documents on-site to keep your information safe. 3 document boxes or 75lbs limit. Personal shredding only.
Author Talk: Myla Athitang, Monday, April 19, Adult. This local Kings Mountain author talks about her poetry and her first published book, Annalise: Twenty Years Everlasting. Register for a free copy of Annalise (while supplies last). This is an online event. Register at the library’s website and you will be sent a URL.
Bedtime Storytime, Tuesday, April 27 at 7:30 - 8 pm for Pre-school, 0 – 5 years. Miss Anne presents a bedtime story every month, live over Zoom, held the fourth Tuesday of every month. This is an online event over Zoom. Visit the library’s website for the URL.
3D Printing with the Mauney Makerspace: Turn your 3D creations into physical objects with our 3D printer! Compress your 3D file into a .ZIP or .RAR file and send it to us using the following form. Don't worry about the cost: it's free! To use this service, complete the 3-D Request form at the library website. (3D Model files must be submitted as a compressed file such as .zip or .rar)
Seed Library Now Available: True-to-type seeds, Heirloom Varieties, Advice on planting, Take seeds or contribute your own. Call or visit for more info.
Library hours: are Monday - Friday - 9a to 5p.
Mauney Memorial Library is located at 100 S. Piedmont Avenue Kings Mountain, NC 28086 Phone: 704-739-2371

(April 14, 2021 Issue)

Gateway Trail damage at Hamrick Overlook $500 reward offered – Last week, Gateway Trail President Shirley Brutko reported damage to the Kings Mountain Gateway Trail Hamrick Overlook at the top of the Cardio Trail and offered a reward of $500 for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction of whomever was responsible. To make a report, call 704-739-9663 or call the local police department at 704-734-0444.
 

(April 7, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

A mural of Jimmy Wayne will soon grace the north side of the Joy Performance Theater, as work begins in April as part of the North Carolina Musician Murals project. The Kings Mountain native became a foster kid turned award-winning country recording artist and New York Times bestselling author, whose songs and story highlight his mission to raise awareness for children in foster care.
"Jimmy is a shining example of the power of music; but more than that, he's never forgotten where he came from and is always giving back," said Angela Padgett, Vice President of the Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame. "We're thrilled to have Jimmy, a true hometown hero, be part of our board of directors."
Having recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of finishing his walk halfway across America - Project Meet Me Halfway - to raise awareness to the plight of more than 30,000 children in foster care, Jimmy, a Cleveland County native, is a former foster kid turned award-winning country recording artist and New York Times bestselling author of 'Walk To Beautiful'. Jimmy's songs and story highlight his mission to raise awareness for these forgotten youth.
Jimmy's hits include "Stay Gone," "Paper Angels," "I Love You This Much" and "Do You Believe Me Now," which earned BMI's prestigious Million-Air Award for receiving more than one million radio spins in America. In 2009, Jimmy toured with Brad Paisley and recorded "Sara Smile" with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame duo Daryl Hall and John Oates.
In 2005, Jimmy became the youngest recipient of The William Booth Award, one of the highest honors that may be conferred upon an individual by The Salvation Army.
In 2012, Jimmy lobbied to pass legislative bills extending the age of foster care from 18 to 21 in California and Tennessee.
In 2013, Jimmy's first film, 'Paper Angels' (UPtv) became an instant holiday classic and in 2014 he released 'Walk to Beautiful: The Power of Love and a Homeless Kid Who Found the Way' (Thomas Nelson/ Harper Collins) which became a three-time New York Times bestseller, crossing the 170,000 sales milestone, in early 2019, and becoming a #1 bestseller at Amazon.
In 2016 Jimmy received the prestigious Points of Light award from President George W. Bush (41), while simultaneously contributing to the extension of foster care services from age 18 to 21 in North Carolina and Ohio.
In 2017, Jimmy was honored with the inaugural Community Maker award by Verizon and received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from William Woods University. In 2018 he received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Cal State University San Marcos and most recently, (May 2019) he was honored by the National Council for Adoption with the Warren and Mary Alice Babineaux Award in recognition of his continued commitment to creating positive change in the lives of children in foster care who need permanent families.
Jimmy has shared his story - The Power of One - around the world as a keynote speaker and has performed on the Grand Ole Opry 224 times. He lives in Nashville and continues to give back through his non-profit awareness campaign, Project MeetMe Halfway. For more about Jimmy Wayne, visit www.jimmywayne.com.
The North Carolina Musician Murals project describes how this project evolved. “The trail to the North Carolina Musician Murals begins in Chapel Hill, on a wall inside Pepper’s Pizza (pictured below), more than a decade ago. It’s where Scott Nurkin, owner of The Mural Shop, arranged portraits of renowned musicians from around the state, many of whom he idolized as a drummer growing up in Charlotte. The deal worked in his favor two ways: it showcased his work and, in exchange for the decor, he received ‘free pizza for life.’”
“When Pepper’s shuttered in 2013, Nurkin ate his last comped slice, but the art lived on, thanks to Mark Katz, then chair of UNC’s Department of Music, who purchased the lot and commissioned more to display in Hill Hall on campus. They remain there, a small piece of North Carolina music history preserved.”
“Today, the NCMM trail is coming together as Nurkin ultimately envisioned it—as large-scale murals in the hometowns of the musicians he originally honored at Pepper’s. In collaboration with Backdrop, a Raleigh-based consultancy, The Mural Shop is hitting the road; from John Coltrane on the historic Opera House in Hamlet to Earl Scruggs on Newgrass Brewing Co. in Shelby, the project reaches communities small and large, rural and urban, in every part of North Carolina. It’s our hope you visit, share with friends and family, and help us appreciate the legacy of some of the finest musicians the world has ever known.”
In the next few weeks, keep an eye on the Joy Performance Theater, as Kings Mountain’s Jimmy Wayne takes his place in history.

(March 31, 2021 Issue)

Tim and Shearra Miller of Kings Mountain, NC, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Kathlene Frances Miller of Kings Mountain, NC to Charles David Canipe of Cherryville, NC, son of Dale and Teresa Canipe of Cherryville, NC.
Ms. Miller is the granddaughter of Mrs. Geneva Beachum of Charlotte, NC.  She is a 2006 graduate of Kings Mountain High School, and a 2010 graduate of UNC Greensboro with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.  She is employed as a first grade teacher at East Elementary in Kings Mountain, NC.
Mr. Canipe is a 2004 graduate of West Lincoln High School and a 2011 graduate of NC State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science.  He is the founder and co-owner of Canipe Farms Shavings and Hay Supply Company in Cherryville, NC.
The happy couple met through mutual friends.  A small family ceremony is planned for April 10, with a formal wedding celebration September 11, 2021, at Zimmerwald Estate in Ellenboro, NC.  The couple will reside in Cherryville. 

(March 24, 2021 Issue)

Handmade, Cheerful Designs Donated to Spartanburg (S.C.) Regional

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—For a child, going to the hospital can be an unpleasant, frightening experience. Volunteers have discovered a way to help ease the fear and tension by donating hand-sewn, colorful character pillowcases that children can call their own. Joining the ranks of those volunteers is Gardner-Webb University First Lady Kim Downs, wife of president Dr. William M. Downs.
On March 11, Kim donated 100 pillowcases to Spartanburg (S.C.) Regional Healthcare System, which were accepted by Georgie McAbee, assistant nurse manager for the Neo-Natal ICU, Pediatrics, and Peds ICU. Also on hand for the presentation were College of Health Sciences Associate Provost Dr. Nicole Waters, Hunt School of Nursing Dean Dr. Tracy Arnold and Undergraduate Clinical Coordinator Dr. Sarah Tate.
Before McAbee took the pillowcases, Waters said a prayer of blessing over them, which she adapted for the occasion from a prayer by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Little ones, this is our prayer for you.
We pray these pillowcases bring smiles when sadness intrudes, comfort on difficult days, rainbows to follow the clouds, and hugs when your spirits are low. We pray for the faith in healing so that you can believe and accept the truth of the Great Physician. We pray for blessings upon the hands that created this work, the courageous hands that will surround this work daily to provide care, and the tiny hands of the little ones as they seek comfort in this beautiful work. We give you thanks in all circumstances!
May God be the Glory for this Joy! Amen.
Kim first heard about the need for children’s pillowcases from Maynard’s Children’s Hospital when she and Dr. Downs lived in Greenville, N.C. “It was an ideal ministry for me, because as a pharmacist, I had an odd work schedule that often prevented me from getting involved with weekly, set time ministries,” Kim related. “After we moved here, I met Gardner-Webb alumna Barbara Greene, and that’s when the idea of a Gardner Webb pillowcase ministry really took off.”
Greene and others from Boiling Springs Baptist Church have been sewing pillowcases for various children’s nonprofit organizations for several years. During halftime at a GWU men’s basketball game last season, Downs and Greene shared pictures of the pillowcases they have made. “Barbara even gave me a tutorial of how to sew the pillowcases with French seams, so that there are no frayed edges on the inside,” Kim elaborated. “In hindsight, the timing was fabulous, because soon COVID shut everything down, and all of a sudden, I had a lot of free time on my hands. So, I sewed.”
When Leah Clevenger, director of Alumni Relations, and Nate Evans, vice president of Advancement, saw the cheerful pillowcases with koala bears, mermaids, dinosaurs, kittens, dogs, flowers, planets, airplanes, etc., Clevenger immediately had an idea. “She suggested donating them to the hospitals where our nursing students train,” Kim explained. “I love that these pillowcases will bring some sunshine to hospitalized children. It’s a blessing to me to sew them, and I hope they will be a blessing to the children as well.”
Kim plans to keep sewing to have more pillowcases to donate. “I’ve since recruited several friends who love to sew, and they are making pillowcases as well,” she shared. “My hope is that we can make 500 pillowcases per year for the hospitals, but I’d love to expand the ministry to some of our United Way partners, as well. I encourage others to get involved too—either by sewing or making donations to help cover the cost of fabric.”
Monetary donations to the Bulldog Pillowcase Ministry, may be made to Clevenger at lclevenger@gardner-webb.edu. Those who want to join the “Seam Team” and sew pillowcases, may contact Kim at kdowns@gardner-webb.edu.

(March 24, 2021 Issue)

Editor’s Note: (The recipes in today’s Cooking Corner are from “50 Years of Serving Children” by Cleveland County School 
Food Service Association.)

SUNDAY 
CHICKEN
DINNER
Diana Hamrick
KM Middle School
6 chicken breasts
1 can cream of chicken 
   soup
2 cups rice
1 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
2 Tbsp. sage
¼ cup margarine, melted
Pour rice in casserole dish. Place chicken on rice. Mix soup with 1 can of water and chicken broth. Pour over rice and chicken. Salt and pepper to taste. Mix sage with melted margarine. Pour over chicken and rice. Cook for 1 hour on 350 degrees. Serves 6.

MELT I N YOUR MOUTH CHICKEN PIE
Patsy Rountree
KM Schools
1 chicken, cooked and 
   deboned
2 cups broth
1 can cream of chicken
   soup
1 stick margarine, melted
2 cups self-rising flour
2 cups buttermilk
Place chicken in 9x12 dish. Bring broth and soup to boil. Remove from heat and pour over chicken. Mix margarine, flour, and buttermilk and pour over chicken. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Brown at 450 degrees for 10 minutes.

SQUASH PATTIES
Mary Bennett
KMHS
4 cups cooked squash, mashed
1 egg, beaten
1 cup onions, chopped
1 cup flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Mix ingredients together. Drop by tablespoons into pan with oil and fry until browned.


ANGEL BISCUITS
Annie Mae Berry
Grover Elementary
2 ½ cups self-rising flour
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 pkg. yeast in ¼ cup warm water
4 Tbsp. Crisco
1 cup buttermilk
Mix all ingredients; kneed and set in refrigerator overnight. Kneed again. Cut  biscuits and  let rise for at least 2 hours, then bake. Makes 12 to 16 biscuits.

(March 24, 2021 Issue)

I recently learned of a time capsule buried on the campus of KMHS in 1964, while the Phifer Road facility was under construction. Former teacher Carolyn McWhirter taught history at KMHS, then housed at Central’s campus on Ridge Street.
As an assignment, students brought to class items for a time capsule. A student’s parent fabricated the capsule, and all the items were sealed inside. The students put the capsule in the courtyard of the new school for safekeeping. The year was approximately 1964 and Carolyn’s husband Carl recently shared the story with me. He cannot remember the exact date the capsule was placed, but said it was done while the walls of the school were under construction.
It has been a tough year for me, and even more so for the McWhirter family, because Carolyn passed away one year ago last week. Carl remembered the story and shared it with me on Thursday. He participated in the project and said the students dug down several feet, placed the capsule, and put a bag of concrete on top of it, “to prevent the Shelby Lions from digging it up.” (The schools were in a heated rivalry then; I guess some things never change.) The time capsule was then covered over with dirt.
I am interested to see if the time capsule is still there. Wouldn’t that make a great story for the paper and a great lesson for students? The exact location of the capsule was also shared, and I wondered if the school would be interested in digging the time capsule to see what the students of 1964 thought future generations might be interested to learn about them. I reached out to Dr. Stephen Fisher at Cleveland County Schools and await a decision from him.
Carolyn McWhirter was an excellent History teacher. Later in her career she impacted countless lives as a guidance counselor by encouraging students to continue their educations after high school. From my own personal experience, I can attest that Carolyn was an exceptional teacher, mentor, and friend who loved her students dearly.
Carl estimated that 25 students participated in the project, going to new KMHS campus to place the marker. If you participated in this exercise, please let me know. When I write my next article on this topic, I would love to include students’ perspectives on the activity and the process they used to determine what should be placed in the time capsule. If we do find the capsule, I’ll be sure to photograph the contents to share the story with our readers.
Loretta Cozart can be reached by email at LHCozart@cccom.com.

(March 24, 2021 Issue)


AG Stein says he has no jurisdiction 

By Loretta Cozart

Mayor Scott Neisler reached out to the Herald on Sunday regarding a story that ran on WRAL News on Friday, March 19, and an interview he had with the news outlet earlier that day.
“I am being open with the Herald, because I want to be transparent and say there is no truth to the allegations regarding my family and the casino, as is alleged in a letter written by Susan Fisher, D-Buncombe, and thirteen NC Democrats and who requested an inquiry by Attorney General Josh Stein.”
In the story by Travis Fain, WRAL’s statehouse reporter, “Fisher and other lawmakers who signed the letter asking Stein to intervene said they couldn't point to specific wrongdoing, but they worry about land deals surrounding the project and who stands to gain.”
Mayor Neisler is mentioned specifically in the letter alleging he and his family stand to benefit from the casino being built nearby. “This is, yet again, another heavy handed attempt by the Eastern Band of  the Cherokee Indians to influence the outcome of the casino in Kings Mountain,” Mayor Scott Neisler said. “The Cherokees have estimated they will lose 100 million dollars when the Catawba open up so it is understandable why they are doing anything they can to stop it!”
The story also reported, “The casino letter was circulated by a lobbyist for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians,” however the lobbyist was not named. The story went on to report that “many of the signers are from western North Carolina, where the Cherokee tribe has stronger political influence. But some are from the Triangle area.”
   The letter got no traction with AG Stein and the story went on to report, “The attorney general plans to decline, with a spokeswoman telling WRAL News on Friday that the office ‘does not have authority to launch an investigation like this’ without a request from a local district attorney.”
In the article, WRAL reported “Neisler told them Friday that he would welcome an investigation. He said he doesn't expect to profit from the casino and that the roughly 700 acres his family owns a few miles from the project is, for the most part, being mined and ‘not buildable because of the mineral rights on it. This heavy-handed pressure the Cherokees have put on our state legislators by attempting to manufacture a conspiracy theory is shameful,’ he added.”

(March 17, 2021 Issue)

The Kings Mountain High School Booster Club would like to honor Jazmine Jimenez-Chaires as their Good Citizen of the week. Jazmine is a 4th grade student at West Elementary School in Mrs. Patrick’s class.
Jazmine is an incredible student that exemplifies positive characteristics in the total school environment each day. She excels academically and displays an optimistic attitude that is contagious. Jasmine is always willing to help others on campus. She is very kind to her peers and respectful to all adults. Outside of school she enjoys art and dance.
Jazmine is the daughter of Alex Gutirrez and Claudia Chaires.

(March 17, 2021 Issue)

34 North Carolina Main Street Champions were recognized virtually for their commitment to downtown revitalization and strong communities during a virtual recognition ceremony    on March 11.
Kings Mountain’s John McGill was recognized for renovating 133 W. Mountain Street last year and the building is now being used as one of Kings Mountain’s newest restaurants. Thirty-eight Main Street Champions received honors for contributions to their Main Street programs and downtown districts last year. Including the 2020 honorees, 804 Champions have been recognized since 2000.
 “There are three keys to economic development success: public-private partnerships that share in the effort and jointly celebrate the successes of projects; economic development strategies that leverage local assets for authentic enhancements and improvements; and local champions that are leading the effort every step of the way,” said Kenny Flowers, Assistant Secretary for Rural Economic Development at the North Carolina Department of Commerce.  “The Main Street program throughout the state, is the epitome of the implementation of these three key components of success.”
“N.C. Commerce and N.C. Main Street have been recognizing Main Street Champions for more than two decades. We know that the success of downtown districts is because of the people behind the effort, and each year, we recognize the visionary individuals that have a strong sense of commitment to their community. They develop projects that improve quality of life, grow cultural and recreational development, renovate historic properties and spur investment and create jobs and businesses,” said Liz Parham, director of the N.C. Main Street and Rural Planning Center.