By Loretta Cozart

On Tuesday, July 1, the Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Free2bNatural Hair Academy, Hair Salons and Suites, with owner Yolanda George Harris, partners, and family at the new location, at 706 E. King Street, Suite 1B.
Motivated by a desire to embrace her natural, God-given hair texture and be free from the use of straightening chemicals, Yolanda George Harris began her journey of freedom in June 2005. She became passionate about sharing this newfound freedom with others who also desired to embrace their own natural hair texture. Their goal is to empower, educate, and train men and women to maintain and style their tightly textured natural hair without the use of chemicals.
Free2bNatural Hair Academy was established and incorporated in January 2022. Since completing specialized training in 2007, Yolanda has dedicated herself to providing quality customer service that exceeds our clients' expectations. The academy offers education and specialized training in natural hair care services, including consultation and scalp analysis.
The consultation and scalp analysis help them craft an individualized plan of care for your natural hair, starting clients on a path to total satisfaction. We take pride in our focus on “whole body wellness" through holistic education and specialized training in natural hair care services.

They also offer specialized training and mentoring to other Natural Hair Care professionals seeking to enhance and expand their skills. Please stop in and welcome them to their new location.

By Loretta Cozart

The Kings Mountain Fire Department responded to a fire near the Gateway Trail, at 807 S Battleground Ave, Kings Mountain, on July 4 around 9 p.m. When the KM Fire Department arrived on the scene, they requested assistance from the Bethlehem, Oak Grove, and Grover Fire Departments.
According to a Meta post by Clayton Campbell of Stateline News and Scanner, the brush fire had covered approximately two acres when it was first spotted and quickly grew to five acres before being extinguished.
The Herald reached out to the Gateway Trail Director Shirley Brutko, who shared, “Saturday, we took a trial ride and saw no damage. Authorities suspected a cigarette might have caused it, because  it  started close to the road and went up the hillside. It was contained quickly with minimal damage. You can’t even see it from the trail.”
When asked about a temporary closure, Shirley responded, “No, the Gateway Trail is wide open and ready for visitors!”
In a Saturday Meta post, Gateway Trail volunteers shared, “All is well at the Trail!!! A huge thank you to the dispatched fire departments. A fire was reported on the Plateau area yesterday evening. The fire departments arrived and quickly had everything under control. There was light damage, but it did not affect the Trail. The attached photos were taken this morning and show how beautiful the area is and how much is in bloom.”
Fire trucks returned on Saturday morning to assess the area and wet it again to prevent any flare-ups.

Planning and development are underway on a proposed project in Gaston County that would improve approximately 10 miles of Interstate 85 (I-85) from the U.S. 321 interchange (Exit 17) at Groves Street in Gastonia to the NC 273 interchange (Exit 27) at Beatty Drive in Mount Holly. The work would involve widening I-85 in the project area from six to eight lanes, upgrading interchanges, and relocating or replacing roadway and railroad bridges.
The widening project aims to improve congestion and traffic along a heavily traveled artery connecting Cleveland and Mecklenburg Counties, according to information from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) website.
   The I-85 widening project will significantly impact adjacent property owners along the route, who could lose property and land rights and face easements and appraisals initiated under Eminent Domain actions. Eminent Domain allows the government to seize private property in the public interest.
Under the 5th amendment, the government may exercise its right to seize property against a landowner's will in a process called "condemnation," provided the taking is for a "public use" and the government provides "just compensation."
According to NC-Eminent-Domain.com, property owners involved in an eminent domain dispute could face several issues. If a government takes your property and forces you to move, your relocation costs should be covered. They likely won't offer this compensation; You must fight for it. Home or business condemned? That means the government is suing you, which may lead to a court case. Other issues surround inverse condemnation, where the government or utility project infringes on your property, easements involving your rights to own and control the land in question, and appraisals for the value of your property.
I-85, a critical stretch of highway connecting Gastonia to other cities and towns in Gaston County, including Kings Mountain, serves as a vital corridor for commuters within the Charlotte metropolitan area. The proposed improvements aim to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow along this essential route.
Due to its proximity, construction schedule, and association with I-85, the proposed work also includes an additional project to improve the intersection of U.S. 29/74 and NC 7.
   The final highway expansion design was completed earlier this year, and construction is expected to be finished by 2030. The widening project is expected to cost $624.4 million, according to the NCDOT at https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i-85-widening-gaston-county/Pages/default.aspx.
A free virtual seminar starting at 7:00 p.m. on July 10 will provide information to Gaston property owners affected by the I-85 widening project. Hosted by the statewide firm, James Scott Farrin, the seminar will address the impact on more than 100 parcels of residential and commercial property in Gaston County.
"Property owners in Gaston County face uncertainty as the I-85 Widening Project threatens to disrupt their homes and businesses," the release stated.
The virtual seminar, scheduled from 7-9 p.m. on July 10, aims to help residents:
• Understand eminent domain laws and procedures in North Carolina
• Learn about their rights as property owners when dealing with government takings
• Receive guidance on negotiating for fair compensation for their properties
• See NCDOT project maps and learn about NCDOT timelines
• Ask an attorney questions about the project's impact on their specific properties
You must register with James Scott Farrin in advance. For more information on the seminar, residents can contact the law firm at (877) 399-4990. Participants should be on the lookout for an email before the workshop that includes an electronic link to access the virtual session and download the event materials for printing.
The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is one of the largest personal injury firms in North Carolina and has helped over 73,000 injured people since 1997, operating 14 offices in NC and one in SC.
Website: https://www.farrin.com.

Celebrate our nation’s independence on Friday, July 4, 2025, as the City of Kings Mountain hosts
Revolutionary 4th presented by CaroMont Health. The city will produce this event in honor of our country on its 249th birthday.
Bring your family to Deal Park Walking Track for food trucks, inflatable games, an 18-foot slide, bounce houses, and many other surprises. DJ Drew Fulton will serve as the master of ceremonies for the event. Look for a special patriotic program featuring the Lock Norman Pipe Band and a Live Reenactment of the Battle of Kings Mountain from our friends at Liberty Mountain. The event starts at 6:00 pm.
The City of Kings Mountain will present its signature, unrivaled fireworks display at 9:45 pm.
For more information on the Revolutionary 4th, contact the City of Kings Mountain’s Marketing, Tourism, and Events Department at 704-730-2101 or visit their website at www.Kings
MountainEvents.com.

By Loretta Cozart

Congratulations to  Sophia Kellstrom of Kings Mountain, was crowned Miss North Carolina this past Saturday, June 28 in High Point.
A graduate of Kings Mountain High School, Sophia went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is the reigning Miss Davidson County.
Sophia began dance lessons at Dance Reflections in Kings Mountain at the age of 18 months.
Regarding her selection as Miss North Carolina, she shared on Facebook, “I’m so incredibly honored to be the 87th Miss North Carolina! I have carried this dream in my heart since the age of 6, and I’m still in shock that my dream has become a reality!
   “A special thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey, I truly appreciate each and every one of you!
‘I have such big plans for my year of fully committed and dedicated service, and I can’t wait to get to work! North Carolina, let’s Make A Change!”
Sophia is the daughter of Garry and Dr. Molora Kellstrom and granddaughter of Dr. Roger and Margaret Woodard.

The American Legion World Series (ALWS) will present “Concert on the Corner, on Saturday, August 9, at the intersection of Warren and Lafayette Streets in Uptown Shelby.
John Michael Montgomery will headline the concert as part of his “Farewell Tour Performance.” Montgomery takes the stage at 8:30 p.m. Best known for his uncanny ability to relate to fans and his rich baritone, John Michael’s songs are part of the most memorable moments in people’s lives.
His love songs, such as “I Swear,” “I Love the Way You Love Me,” and “I Can Love You Like That,” still resonate across the landscape in wedding ceremonies, as well as being covered by pop artists alike. John Michael not only sings love songs, but also hits like “Be My Baby Tonight” and “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident),” which highlight his whimsical side, allowing the audience to try to follow along with the upbeat and fast lyrics.
   John Michael has a long history of music in his family. In his early years, he performed in a band called Early Tymz with his brother Eddie Montgomery and their friend Troy Gentry. After branching out solo in the 1990s, his hits earned him the CMA Horizon award as well as the ACM’s Top New Vocalist award. This set off a long series of awards that included the CMA’s Single and Song of the Year, Billboard’s Top Country Artist, and a Grammy nomination. When asked what he thinks gave him the edge in a career that calls millions but gives stardom to just a few, he thinks back to the legacy of his parents. “I reckon it was good genes and good blood!”
The night of entertainment begins with local artist Bailey Marie and her band at 5:30 p.m. Bailey is a singer/songwriter and national recording artist. She has performed across the country at legendary places such as the Apollo Theater in NYC and the Roxy in Hollywood. More recently, she performed at the Lovin’ Life Music Fest in Charlotte as well as the Carolina Country Music Fest in Myrtle Beach.
At 6:45 p.m., rising country star and army veteran Scotty Hasting will take the stage to perform his heartfelt, story-driven songs. Despite only first picking up the guitar in 2020, Hasting has toured across the country opening for artists including Lee Brice, Dave Grohl, Kris Janson, Craigh Morgan, Jelly Roll, Tanya Tucker, Parmalee, and more.
Hasting narrowly escaped death after being shot ten times in Afghanistan. He is very vocal about his battle with PTSD and how songwriting and playing music bring him peace. Now on a mission to help anyone struggling with loss or their mental health find solace through music, Hasting strives to connect with his audience by producing music that does not need an explanation.
The event is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy an evening of great family-friendly entertainment under the open sky in the heart of the city. Food vendors will also be on hand for the celebration preceding the anticipated baseball competition the following week.
According to its website, the American Legion World Series is a six-day youth baseball tournament held every August in Shelby. Cleveland County ALWS Baseball Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded specifically to plan and implement the annual baseball tournament. This year’s competition runs from August 14 to 19. It is one of four national world series in the country. Teams representing legion posts from across the United States meet on Veterans Field and compete in a pool play tournament to crown a champion. This national event is more than just a baseball tournament, with specialty days dedicated to supporting military appreciation, youth athletics, and other causes. Last year, approximately 123,000 tickets were sold for the baseball series, including military personnel, veterans, and fans alike.

 

On June 25, Governor Josh Stein announced that the state is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the disappearance of Asha Degree.
On February 14, 2000, Asha Degree, who was 9 years old at the time, left her home in Shelby, North Carolina, in the middle of the night and disappeared. Asha’s family last saw her asleep in her bedroom around 2:30 a.m. An hour and a half later, she was seen by drivers walking along NC Highway 18. Her parents reported her missing by 6:30 a.m.
The case has remained active and aggressively worked by the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement agencies since Asha’s disappearance.
Anyone with information concerning this case is encouraged to contact the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office at (704) 484-4788 or the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation at (919) 662-4500. 

On Thursday, May 29, a westbound tractor-trailer carrying lumber and building supplies veered off U.S. 74 in Shelby near the mall, hitting several cars and crashing into the Comfort Inn at the intersection of Marion Street.  The cab was buried inside the hotel, leaving building materials strewn across the scene.
According to WBTV, two people were taken to the hospital and are expected to be okay. The Shelby Police Department said that no one was injured.

 

By Loretta Cozart

The Kings Mountain Hometown Farmer’s Market now has a permanent home!  The Market is growing fast, offering fresh produce, along with crafts and flowers, with additional vendors joining weekly!
The market is conveniently located at 313 S. Battleground Ave. in downtown Kings Mountain just south of The Sub Station restaurant. The Market is open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to Noon.
Please join them on Saturday, May 17, for their Season Opening with special events and a ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m.!  Please support local farmers, visit with your neighbors, and enjoy a great start to your weekend!
Don't forget, you can swipe your EBT Card at the Information Table! Stop by the information table to exchange EBT for tokens to spend with vendors.
SNAP/EBT shoppers receive an extra $10 in Market Moolah for the purchase of our fruits and vegetables.
Market Moolah is sponsored year-round by the Health Care Foundation of Cleveland County and Healthy Together Cleveland County.

Save the date. For many dedicated students in our area, their hard work is about to pay off. Numerous Spring graduation ceremonies are planned for participating schools across Cleveland County through the end of May.

• Kings Mountain High School: Saturday, May 31, at 9:00 a.m., held at the school.
• Cleveland Early College High School: Tuesday, May 20, at 6:00 p.m., held at the LeGrand Center.
• Turning Point Academy: Tuesday, May 27, at 2:00 p.m., held at Central Services Board Meeting Room.
• Cleveland Innovation School: Thursday, May 29, at 11:00 a.m., held at Central Services Board Meeting Room.
• Burns High School: Friday, May 30, at 8:00 p.m., held at the school.
• Crest High School: Friday, May 30, at 6:00 p.m., held at the school.
• Shelby High School: Friday, May 30, at 8:00 p.m., held at the school.
• North Shelby High School: Students received their diplomas in a ceremony on May 9.
Congratulations to all graduates, their families, teachers, school staff, and administrators.

 

By Loretta Cozart

Dr. Deepak R. Gelot’s practice, Carolina Family Care, at 707 W. King Street, will proudly celebrate a remarkable milestone, its 30th anniversary, on April 10.
In a recent conversation with the Herald, Dr. Gelot reflected on his journey over the past three decades in Kings Mountain, which he embraces as his home. “I’ve been here for 30 years, serving many patients across three generations. My oldest patient is 108 years old,” he shared. Dr. Gelot is dedicated to enhancing the health and wellness of his patients and continues to welcome new ones. His care philosophy is to provide high-quality, comprehensive care to all his patients. He also specializes in Wellness,
Aesthetics, Laser, Regenerative and Pain solutions.
The growth of his practice has been significant, particularly thanks to the support of his dedicated team and their commitment to patient care. “I would personally like to thank all who have helped me build a successful practice.”
Looking back, the Herald first announced his new practice on March 16, 1995, introducing Dr. Gelot to the community after he purchased the Mayse-Robinson medical building across from Kings Mountain Hospital. At that time, he aimed to establish a modern family practice equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, welcoming new patients from the outset.
Dr. Gelot comes from a rich background, having been recruited by Cleveland Memorial Hospital in 1994. Dr. Gelot has been practicing Family Medicine at Carolina Family Care since 1995. He received his medical degree from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel Hill in 1991 and completed his Family Medicine Residency at the Carilion Health System (UVA-1994) in Roanoke, VA. He
is board-certified in Family  Medicine and holds a North Carolina medical license, firmly establishing his connection to the community through his affiliation with Cleveland Regional Medical Center in Shelby and various professional organizations. He continues to learn and study future therapies and offers one of the most advanced practices in our area.
A proud graduate of Gujarat University in India and Western Carolina University at Cullowhee, Dr. Gelot
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earned his medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1991. Besides his passion for medicine, he enjoys reading, traveling, and cheering for his favorite Tar Heel sports teams. His daughter Monica and her husband Luke recently welcomed a new baby, who proudly shares the family’s connection to Chapel Hill.
Dr. Gelot and his wife Tammy also have a son, Alex.
As Carolina Family Care celebrates this significant anniversary, we invite you to join in the festivities and recognize Dr. Gelot’s unwavering commitment to bettering the health of our community for the past 30 years - and beyond!
Dr. Gelot continues to welcome patients. For more information about the services his practice offers, call 704-734-0010.

By Loretta Cozart

On April 4, the City of Kings Mountain issued a notice that trihalomethane (TTHM) levels from a sample taken in January exceeded standards. The notice read, “Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this incident was not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we did (are doing) to correct this situation.”
The notice shared that “the standard for TTHM is 0.080 mg/L. Over the referenced compliance period, the sample location with the highest average level of TTHM had a concentration of 0.085 mg/L.” TTHMs are a type of disinfection byproduct (DBP) formed during the water treatment process.
What should you do?
•You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. If a situation arises where the water is no longer safe to drink, you will be notified within 24 hours.
•If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers about drinking this water.
Trihalomethanes are a byproduct of the water treatment process. It is formed when natural organic material, such as the decaying vegetation commonly found in lakes and reservoirs, reacts with chlorine used to treat the water.
In an interview with The Star, Dustin Vaughn, chief operator of Kings Mountain’s water treatment plant, said, “The levels of TTHM were taken from a sampling site at a small, dead-end line with water that isn't flushed enough. He said the city is working with the state to move the sample point that is more indicative of the water that is used by customers.”
The water sample was taken in January, but the city didn’t receive notification of the violation until March 18. Notices were mailed to customers on April 4, in accordance with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (NCDEQ) requirements.
The notice stated, “This is not an emergency… However, some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level) over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Based on prior test results, the City of Kings Mountain had already initiated collaborative discussions, beginning late 2024, with NCDEQ regarding potential corrective measures to address TTHM concerns. As a result, the NCDEQ has recommended corrective measures to reduce TTHM, which are currently under design and will be implemented and installed upon final approval. Those measures include:
• adding aeration and mixing within the finished water tanks
• installing baffle walls to increase detention time in sedimentation basins
• increasing the flushing of the water mains within the city.
   The city’s notice concluded, “The increased system-wide flushing has already begun and should lead to resolving the slightly elevated TTHM levels within the next two weeks. The other corrective measures are anticipated to be installed on or before September 30, 2025.”

By Loretta Cozart

If you haven’t been by Two Kings Casino lately, you’ll be surprised to see just how much work has been done since last June. The facility at 538 Kings Mountain Blvd. in Kings Mountain is being transformed from an empty field in 2020 to a destination location at Exit 5 in Kings Mountain.
Construction began last year on the 400-room hotel and the remainder of the casino complex, which will be stacked above the ground floor. The hotel tower will be a separate structure connected to the casino complex, maximizing the patron experience.
The casino complex will feature three levels of parking (floors 2-4), an entire floor dedicated to back-of-house operations and offices, and the main casino floor and restaurants on the top level.
At full buildout, the main casino complex will be about 2 million square feet and feature:
• 4,300 slots
• 100 table games
• Five restaurants, including a steakhouse, Italian restaurant, marketplace buffet, café, and grab-and-go outlet
• A players’ lounge
• Six bars, including a center bar and sports bar
There is no estimate at this time of when the main casino complex and hotel will be completed. After the main casino complex opens, the Introductory Casino will become the smoking section of the casino.
Upon completion, the casino resort is expected to employ approximately 2,200 team members.

On January 21, 2025, the Cleveland County Commissioners approved the purchase of a new permanent location for the Foothills Farmers’ Market in Kings Mountain. The market will soon be located at 313 S. Battleground Avenue in Downtown Kings Mountain, with a Grand Opening planned for Saturday, May 17.
The new site offers excellent visibility, easy access for residents, ample parking, and additional foot traffic for surrounding businesses, making it an exceptional location for the
market’s long-term operations.
Since 2023, Foothills Farmers’ Market board members and community volunteers have worked diligently to establish a peak-season market to serve the Kings Mountain community. The Market currently operates under tents on Saturdays from May through September, featuring approximately 20 vendors that attract an average of 300 customers each week, generating more than $50,000 in sales for local farmers and home-based businesses.
“Given the market’s success, we quickly recognized the need for a permanent market location that would protect vendors and customers from extreme weather and be able to extend the market season,” said Greg Traywick, Extension Director. “After exploring several potential locations, we identified the parcel at 313 S. Battleground Avenue as the best option.”
   The County will draft a memorandum of agreement to outline the responsibilities and expectations related to the ownership, stewardship, and use of the property. Plans are underway to construct a “Kings Mountain Hometown Farmers’ Market” pavilion, modeled after the one in Uptown Shelby, with an architectural plan and construction cost estimate in development. Once finalized, organizers will begin seeking grant funding to support the project’s financing.
Follow the Kings Mountain Farmers’ Market on Facebook for future news and announcements. Vendor applications are now open for the 2025 Market Season for Kings Mountain and Shelby at www.foothillsfarmersmarket.com.

Join KM Forward for an exciting opportunity to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey! All business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to our FREE Workbench Session on Tuesday, April 15, at 5:30 p.m. at 301 N. Battleground Avenue in Kings Mountain. Enjoy light refreshments as you connect with fellow innovators in a supportive environment.
This session is your chance to tackle startup and growth challenges head-on with expert guidance and valuable resources tailored for the Kings Mountain community. Discover how to leverage the NC Small Business Center and unlock a treasure trove of opportunities designed to help you thrive.
“At KM Forward, we’re passionate about cultivating
a vibrant community where everyone can live, work, play, shop, explore, and invest in Kings Mountain. Join us in our mission to foster a thriving economic, social, and cultural landscape,” shared Director Loretta Cozart.
“We’re thrilled to have Steve Padgett, Director of the Small Business Center, leading the session. With a wealth of experience as a former business management instructor at Cleveland Community College and extensive involvement in local organizations, Steve is here to inspire and empower you with the knowledge you need to succeed.”
Don’t miss out on this chance to kick off your business dreams! Mark your calendars and join us for an engaging evening filled with insights and connections. Feel free to bring a friend!

 

The City of Kings Mountain, in partnership with the Kings Mountain Gateway Trail and the
Albemarle Corporation, will host an Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 12th, to mark the 55th anniversary of Earth Day.
Various community organizations and vendors will provide free activities.
Dino Encounters by Ross plans to bring some cool dinosaur friends to the event, including our friend Woody the Owl.
Circle M Livestock Safari Park will debut at the celebration, bringing animals worldwide to
the Gateway Trail. Outdoor enthusiast   and   educator Spencer 2 Dogs Bolejack will return to the Gateway Trail to demonstrate survival skills and folk traditions. The event will also feature face painting, woodworking, food vendors, and entertainment by The Dancing Fleas, sponsored by Metal Recycling Services.
The Butterfly Release is by far a crowd favorite! Make plans to help release 200 Painted Lady butterflies back into their natural habitat. This activity supports the national and environmental cause to save our pollinators.
Extra parking is available across the street from the trailhead and along Quarry Road. Come out to celebrate our beautiful earth and enjoy a walk on the trail! This special event will begin at 11:00 a.m.
For more information on Earth Day, contact the City of Kings Mountain’s Marketing, Tourism and Events Department at 704-730-2101, visit our website at www.KingsMountainEvents.com or our Facebook page at @cityofkmspecialevents.

On March 20, Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris issued a written statement accusing developer Wallace Cheves of attempting to “ramrod” a casino into South Carolina while the tribe has been prohibited from opening one in its home state.
According to reports by The State and The Rock Hill Herald, Cheves, a politically connected conservative megadonor and businessman, is pushing for legislation that would allow him to build South Carolina’s first legal casino. Cheves intends to build a $1 billion casino off Interstate 95 in Santee, a town between Columbia and Charleston in Orangeburg County. His development group pitched the casino as a “transformative” resort that could drive the economy in an underprivileged area without spending any tax dollars to get it started.
The Catawba Nation sees the announcement as the latest in a series of attempts to exploit the tribe, according to Chief Harris. He complains that while businessman Cheves and the Santee Development Corporation, the development group leading the project, is pushing to build a casino in the Palmetto State now while the Catawba Nation has been mired in a lengthy process to launch its own South Carolina casino in Santee since the mid-2000s, Harris said.
The Catawba Nation declined to provide The Rock Hill Herald additional information. Cheves did not respond to a request for comment.
The South Carolina Legislature bill, called the “I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act,” would exempt impoverished counties along I-95 from South Carolina’s casino gaming ban to stimulate their economies. The Orangeburg Times and Democrat first reported the bill. The bill recognizes that casino gambling might not suit every community in South Carolina. However, it highlights the potential for job creation and economic growth in the regions located along I-95. According to the bill's sponsor, Chris Murphy, R-Dorchester, Dillon, Marlboro, and Orangeburg are the only counties currently meeting that criterion. His bill would also establish a South Carolina gaming commission to award casino licenses and oversee the state’s gaming operations. Murphy said he had already been trying to legalize sports gaming when Cheves approached him for support. But Murphy said his bill does not give preference to Cheves or any other developer. Anybody, including the Catawba Nation, could put in a bid for a casino in eligible counties.
The Santee Development Corporation has suggested building the state’s first casino in Orangeburg County. They plan to use the abandoned Santee Mall Outlet site as the new casino location. According to
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a report in The Rock Hill Herald, Cheves wants to build a $1 billion casino in Santee between Columbia and Charleston. The bill is in committee and must pass the S.C. State House and the Senate. If lawmakers sign off, then voters will have the final say on whether to approve a referendum to change the state’s constitution and allow gambling.
   It is an uphill battle, but Murphy thinks the odds are in his favor. “I’m gonna say 60/40 that it’ll pass,” Murphy said. “Just based on the fact that when people look at what’s gonna be generated and the benefits for the entire state of South Carolina, I just don’t think that’s something you can ignore.”
   According to the Santee Development Corporation, Cheves’ casino resort would include a hotel, spa, restaurants, and retail spaces. Private investment would fund the $1 billion casino without subsidies or incentives. The casino is projected to bring more than $75 million in tax revenue each year and would create more than 4,500 jobs annually, the group said20.
   Murphy said all that tax revenue would go directly into the state’s general fund to improve infrastructure like bridges, roads, and airports across the state. “For decades, we’ve commissioned studies, convened task forces, and made unfulfilled promises to better South Carolina’s most disadvantaged areas with few results,” The Santee Development Corporation’s website says. “It’s time to stop kicking the same can down the road and take a new approach – to think differently and with an open mind.”
   The Catawba Nation has approximately 3,300 citizens and is based on a reservation near Rock Hill. The tribe opened a temporary, single-level casino in Kings Mountain in 2021 and is constructing a permanent $700 million facility projected to open its first phase early next year. Harris said his tribe also wants gaming permission in its home state. “The Catawba Nation, despite being a federally recognized Native American tribe in South Carolina, has for 30 years been prohibited from operating casino gaming on its lands,” Harris said in a written statement. “We have renewed those efforts to reverse this injustice in the state and are in the process of working toward a fairer settlement agreement that would allow us to operate casino gaming and give our people more opportunity for economic development.”
   Cheves and the Catawba Nation have a contentious history. One of his development organizations, SkyBoat, helped the tribe acquire seventeen acres for Two Kings Casino in North Carolina before their relationship soured. The National Indian Gaming Commission in 2022 found the development contract between Catawba and SkyBoat violated federal law because it gave SkyBoat too much power over the project, which was supposed to benefit Catawba citizens. Last year, the two parties finalized a private settlement that removed the firm from any interest in Two Kings Casino.
   Cheves also clashed with the tribe after Kings Mountain Land Development Partners, which he has a stake in, bought the land surrounding the North Carolina casino and offered to lease it to the tribe for $6 million a year. Catawba Chief Brian Harris said that was too much. That land included the parking lot and property to support future expansion. “It is another example of Cheves’ trying to take advantage of the Catawba, just as he did by trapping us into an unfavorable ownership agreement and land-locked trust lands at Kings Mountain,” Harris said.
   Then in December, Kings Mountain Land Development Partners sued the tribe over trespassing and property damage claims. The tribe wrongfully removed dirt and crushed rock to convert it into road material and improperly altered drainage on the property “as if it belonged to the tribe,” the lawsuit said.
   While Cheves was still working with the tribe as its casino developer, Harris said Cheves purchased the abandoned Santee Outlet Mall in Orangeburg County without telling them. State and local records show Cheves’ attorney as the registered agent for the company that purchased the property on Dec. 16, 2022, nine days after the gaming commission announced that his agreement with the tribe violated the law.
   The potential impacts on Kings Mountain are multifaceted due to the controversy surrounding the Catawba Nation and Wallace Cheves' casino proposal in South Carolina.
   Firstly, the Catawba Nation has been constructing a permanent $700 million facility in Kings Mountain, which is projected to open its first phase early next year. If Cheves' proposal for a $1 billion casino in Santee, South Carolina, goes through, it could create competition for the Catawba Nation's casino in Kings Mountain. This competition might affect the revenue and customer base of the Kings Mountain casino, potentially slowing down its growth and profitability.
   Secondly, the ongoing legal and business disputes between the Catawba Nation and Cheves could lead to further complications. For instance, the land surrounding the North Carolina casino remains in the hands of the Kings Mountain Land Development Partners, which Cheowns a stake. This land includes the parking lot and property to support future expansion. If the Catawba Nation faces financial or legal challenges due to the $6 million lease dispute, it could hinder the development and expansion plans for the Kings Mountain casino.
   Additionally, the controversy and negative publicity surrounding the disputes could impact the reputation of the Catawba Nation's casino in Kings Mountain. Potential customers and investors might be wary of getting involved with a project entangled in legal battles and controversies. These factors could affect the growth, profitability, and future expansion plans of the Catawba Nation's casino in Kings Mountain.