(April 14, 2021 Issue)

As happened in 2020, the 2021 season production of “Liberty Mountain: The Revolutionary Drama” has been canceled, an unfortunate victim of the coronavirus pandemic.  The play had hoped to resume performances for its 7th season in June and July at the Joy Performance Center in Kings Mountain, NC.
“Our concern continues for the health and safety of our audiences, cast, crew and volunteers,” said Jim Champion, Liberty Mountain’s General Manager, in announcing the decision by the production’s steering committee.  “It is with great regret that we have to put our plans on hold,” he said, “but with the immersive nature of our drama taking place throughout the theater and the continuing restrictions on indoor event capacities, I’m confident we have made the responsible choice.”
Champion said that plans are already underway for the next season, beginning in June, 2022.  “A great deal of work has been done,” he said, “and that puts us well ahead for next year.”
Caleb Sigmon, Liberty Mountain’s artistic director, promised a “bigger and better” experience for theatre-goers next year.  “We have time now to work on some exciting new ideas for telling this inspiring and dramatic story of the 1780 Battle of Kings Mountain that turned the tide of the Revolution and guaranteed America’s independence.”
Playwright Robert Inman noted the similarity between the difficult decision to cancel the season and that reached by the Patriot settlers of the Colonial Carolinas.  “Their lives, their homes, their families and their faith were threatened,” Inman said.  “They had to decide whether to bow to British demands to lay down their arms, or to fight.  They fought.”
Champion paid special tribute to those whose hard work and support have made “Liberty Mountain” possible through the years – the steering committee, presenting sponsors Gilbert and Jancy Patrick, Sigmon Theatrical, community businesses and organizations, Cleveland County and Kings Mountain local governments, playwright Inman, and the cast, crew and volunteers who bring the play to life.
“We’ll be back,” Champion said, “and we’ll give you a theatrical experience you’ll never forget.”

(April 14, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

Wells Fargo Bank at 125 S. Battleground Avenue will close its Kings Mountain branch on July 14, according to Mike Hughes, Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo State & Local Government Relations, due to more transactions being handled digitally.
In an email to Mayor Neisler, Hughes shared, “Until then, our customers can continue to use the branch and bank with us as they always have. After the Kings Mountain branch closes, they can visit us at our Gastonia Main Branch, located approximately nine miles away. Other nearby branches and ATMs are located in Kings Mountain, Gastonia, Shelby, and Dallas.”
Hughes went on to say, “We continually evaluate our branch network, and make adjustments based on changing customer needs, market factors, and economic trends. This process leads to both expansion and consolidations.”
Hughes  also  attributed  the closure to customers’ increased use digital tools for transactions such as check deposits and resulting in more transactions happening outside the branch.
“We understand the deep roots that Wells Fargo and predecessor banks have in the community, this was not an easy decision or one that we take lightly,” said Hughes. “We continually evaluate our branch network, and make adjustments based on changing customer needs, market factors, and economic trends. This process leads to both expansion and consolidations.”
In January of 1900, Bank of Kings Mountain opened its doors as the first bank in Cleveland County. It received its national charter six months later, on June 25, 1900. By, the 1960s the bank had merged with First Union National Bank of Charlotte. On September 1, 2001, First Union National Bank and Wachovia merged to form Wells Fargo.
Wells Fargo’s ATM will remain open at 1027 Shelby Rd, in the parking lot of Walmart Neighborhood Market.

(April 14, 2021 Issue)

The Kings Mountain Historical Museum officially started the George Washington Cornwell House Preservation Project on March 9. They are currently working on Phase I of the project.
The KMHM needs the community’s support to help us with the restoration project. Donations can be made by going the museum’s website click on Get Involved just below the logo to the right. Click on the link and you be taken to a new page where you can Make a Donation. .
The house’s owners, George Washington Cornwell and his wife, Frances Lou (Lucinda) Smith, purchased the lot at 106 King Street in April 1876. They had just married and moved to the newly incorporated city of Kings Mountain, NC. George and Lucinda built this house on their lot and raised seven children.
George and his brother, William (who lived next door) were wagon makers. It is believed their shop was between their homes. Lucinda Cornwell, a devoted Baptist, was a founding member of Kings Mountain Baptist Church (located next to the museum), which started in 1890. The original building was a wooden structure, though Lucinda lived to see the current building built in 1919.
In 1910, George and Lucinda sold part of their lot to their oldest son, Clarence. This house was placed on logs and rolled to the far side of the lot, so Clarence had space to build a new, fashionable house. When this move happened, the kitchen and back porch were detached from the house.
The house was moved again in 2005 to its current location on the museum property, when Central United Methodist Church donated the structure to the Museum after purchasing the land.

(April 7, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

Andrew Stuart (Andy) Underwood, Public Safety Answering Point Manager for the 911 Center for the City of Kings Mountain, passed away on March 17.
Chief Lisa Proctor spoke during City Council regarding Underwood saying, “Andy was our PSAP Manager. Because Kings Mountain is in two counties, our call rating was low at 77.55%. Calls would go to Gaston County and then get routed to us. We wanted to fix it to better serve our citizens, so I assigned the job to Andy. Within 30-days the problem was solved, thanks to dual routing. After he solved the problem, our call rating went to 99.9% and we were ranked #1 in the state.
Andy Underwood described his process to Chief Proctor saying, “You set goals, strive for excellence, and you never settle for less.”
City of Kings Mountain will dedicate the call center at Kings Mountain Police Department to Andy Underwood. A ceremony is being planned and his family will be invited as soon as a date is set,” said Chief Proctor.

(March 31, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

Bin Raiders is open for business. Srimaha Rithiphong, who goes by Hale, along with his wife Jee and his sister Aricka, operate Bin Raiders, a family-owned business that opened on January 23. The shop is so popular that customers wait in line for the store to open each day.
Bin Raiders purchases inventory in lots and passes the savings on to their customers. Much of the inventory items are Amazon returns or overstock. Most items are in the original packaging. “Sometimes we get an item wrapped in bubble wrap and we don’t know what is inside. I’ve had customers find cell phones and Fitbit watches that way,” Hale said.
When asked why he decided to open a store, Hale answered without hesitation as he pointed to his son, Lee. “I started the store for him. If I worked in a plant on the second-shift, I would get home after he goes to bed. In the morning, I would only have time with him until I dropped him off at school. That is not what I want.,” Hale said.
Hale got the idea of opening a discount store in Kings Mountain while shopping in similar stores in other communities. However, Kings Mountain did not have this type of store. ‘I just observed how they did things, how they priced items and when they brought out more inventory. Then, I went online and found other people who were doing the same thing and they shared how they were doing it. Later, I learned how to buy lots online and it all came together from there.”
Once he got his plan formalized, Hale reached out to Dan Potter, his soccer coach and friend from high school, asking him to help getting the store ready. “It was a lot of fun to be part of this and hopefully it will take off. I want to see him succeed,” Potter said. Together, they built bins for the store.
Bin Raiders’ model opens the store Friday, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, from 10 am until 6 pm. On Friday and Saturday, items cost $6 each. On Monday, the price drops to $3, Tuesday it drops to $2, and on Wednesday, the price drops to $1 each. Or customers can buy a big bag full for $10.
Inventory ranges from electronics, kitchen items, clothing, pet supplies, snacks, toys, purses, gun cleaning kits, ammo crates, smart cameras, razors, home theater items, curling irons, video game components, vehicle security systems, sheets, backpacks and more. Inventory depends upon the lot, but Bin Raiders posts sneak previews of items for sale that week.
Hale points out that many of the folks in the neighborhood have already become regular customers. “When they come in, we try to get to know them. I hope the rest of Kings Mountain will come check out the store. Folks who shop here can get high end items at below retail prices. We just want to help people save money.”
Bin Raiders is located at 205 Walker Street, at a corner store known for decades as the hub of the Pauline Mill community. Charlie and Mary Spearman operated their neighborhood store here for decades. Dewey Allen ran the Pauline Store before Charlie. A church was located there for years before vacating several years ago. Since then the property sat empty.
Hale and his family came to Kings Mountain from Laos, via San Francisco, in 1984. Hale, Jess, Lee, and Aricka Rithiphong are a new generation of business owners, thankful to have this location at the  corner of Walker and Gantt Streets. With their vision and hard work, their business will help revive the once bustling Pauline community.

Faster opening of Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort will accelerate job creation for region 

KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. – The Catawba Nation today announced it will fast-track the opening of the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort project in Kings Mountain by opening a “pre-launch” facility this summer with 500 slot machines.
The pre-launch facility, which will be constructed using prefabricated modular structures, will provide an initial opportunity for patrons to game with limited food & beverage and other guest amenities.
“With the completion of our compact with the State of North Carolina, the Catawba Nation is eager to open the casino as quickly as possible to begin bringing economic benefits and jobs to the state and region,” Catawba Chief Bill Harris said. “We’re working with Delaware North, our consultant on the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort project, as well as our developer, Skyboat Gaming, to make that happen by opening what we are calling a ‘pre-launch’ facility this summer.”
An introductory phase of the full casino is still planned and will feature an additional 1,300 slot machines. It will be a permanent structure that will become part of the full casino. Its construction is expected to take about a year.
“It makes sense to have the temporary pre-launch facility to start, and it will continue to operate during the construction of the introductory phase and possibly subsequent phases,” said Brian Hansberry, president of Delaware North’s gaming business. “It gives us a place to teach incoming staff and accommodates people in the region who are anxious to start gaming this summer.”
The 17-acre casino site off Dixon School Road in Kings Mountain, Cleveland County, 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.
“This project will prove to be a long-lasting and sustainable economic engine for the residents of Cleveland County, we are excited about the expedited timeline” said Cleveland County Commissioner Johnny Hutchins.
“Chief Harris and the members of The Catawba Indian Nation are great partners. Our team looks forward to continuing to work side by side as the project develops” said Cleveland County Manager Brian Epley.
The Catawba Nation and the State of North Carolina in January signed a compact that allows the state to share in revenues generated by the new casino, which will be operated by the Catawba. In March 2020, the U.S. Department of the Interior, following a thorough, years-long review, took the 17 acres of land into trust for the Catawba Nation. The action recognized the Catawba Nation’s historical and ancestral ties to its aboriginal lands throughout North Carolina, as evidenced by names such as Catawba County and Catawba College, as well as in the six counties, including Cleveland County, specifically identified by Congress as part of the Catawba’s service area. The state compact acknowledges this connection to North Carolina as well.
In addition to creating revenue for the State of North Carolina, the casino will help support an education fund that will benefit environmental conservation, provide educational support for members of federal and state-recognized tribes, support local communities on economic development initiatives and foster employment opportunities on or near Catawba lands.
# # #

(March 24, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

Last week the Kings Mountain Herald covered a story regarding Mountain Street Pharmacy’s sponsoring a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Central United Methodist Church. Organizer and Pharmacist Allan Propst assembled a team of professionals who immunized 300 people in a single day. Propst was very complimentary of one of his immunizers and explained, “He is one of a very few Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician Immunizers in the nation. He is an amazing guy who does many things. If you talk with him, ask him about his snakes.” Intrigued, an interview was scheduled.
Certified Pharmacy Technician Mark Woodall works with Propst in many of his stores, and sometimes trains pharmacists, though he is not a pharmacist himself. “In January of this year, I received my Advanced Pharmacy Technician Certification. That required I take four more boards, which I did in September of last year. However, they had to wait until enough people had taken the test to determine the pass rate. As of January, there are less than 1,000 Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technicians in the nation. I am also a Tech check Tech, meaning I can do the final check of a prescription like a pharmacist would do.”
In addition to his job with Allan Propst’s stores, Woodall teaches three classes at Cleveland Community College. He teaches the entire Pharmacy Technician Program, with morning and night classes. “Thanks to recent changes in the work pharmacy technicians can handle, and the reputation the program has achieved at Cleveland Community College, companies where our students intern (pre-COVID-19) have called wanting to hire four of the students before they graduated,” he said.
“Atrium Health Cleveland sends students to my Sterile Chemical Compounding class, specifically technicians who need to learn how to do IVs. After passing their boards, the IV Technician receives a $2 raise and a promotion after completing the three month class,” Woodall commented. “The hospital also calls us to hire new technicians. CVS calls, too. We have also partnered with six to eight local pharmacies to place technicians. After passing their boards, students can make $20 per hour to start.”
Currently, Woodall wears many hats. He works with Allan Propst at his pharmacies, at Cleveland Compounding, part-time at the Dermatology Center, and travels doing immunizations during COVID. He also teaches three classes at Cleveland Community College. And he teaches pharmacists compounding.
When asked where he sees himself in five years, Woodall said, “I want to move more toward teaching and elevating pharmacy technicians as a career. I might get involved with the Board of Pharmacy, or even with Board of Pharmacy Technicians. They have positions like president and vice-president, like the Board of Pharmacy does. Maybe I’ll get involved in that to help evolve the career.”
“If there is any bright side to the pandemic, it would be that it has caused changes in the way pharmacies work. Pharmacists are working more with patients, like a clinician would. Some pharmacists can even prescribe medicines,” he said. “Technicians are taking on the jobs of immunizations, screening patients, and in some states even doing COVID-19 testing. In the 90s, it could take 10 years to see changes in pharmacy. In the last two years, I have seen major changes in what we can do as technicians. If nothing else, COVID has made lots of new opportunities for jobs in this field.”
When asked what he does in his spare time, Woodall said he works 18-hour days but has time for family. He has one daughter and a grandson.
In what little time he has left, Woodall breeds Ball Pythons. “I’ve always loved snakes and I played with them as a kid. Three years ago, I decided to buy a Ball Python. Then I decided to try breeding them. After getting my first set of eggs and selling them, I decided it was a good way to make money in my spare time. After three years, I now have a good breeding colony.”
Luckily, snakes are easy to keep. They do not make noise, make few messes, and require basic care. Ball Python females grow to about 5-feet long; their male counterparts are about half the size of the female. “I feed them once a week because they need to be fat and happy to breed. Many people only feed their Pythons once a month. When the female stops eating and wraps herself in a ball, that is a good sign she is pregnant. I’ve hatched most of the Pythons I own, and I have held them since they were born, so they are pretty friendly,” Woodall said.
Mark Woodall stays busy teaching future pharmacy technicians, Once trained, he helps place those students in good jobs, which in turn helps local hospitals and pharmacies. His students benefit because they have been trained well as pharmacy technicians in a career that continues to grow. He works in local pharmacies and also teaches pharmacists how to compound medicines.
   Woodall loves his work, no doubt. One can hear it as he speaks passionately about his career. But he does not stop there. He is active on the front-line, vaccinating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is a father and a grandfather. And, he has found a way to relax in his spare time in a hobby he also loves. His is a full life, yet he aspires to elevate the career of pharmacy technicians in ways one can only imagine. Allan Propst was right, Mark Woodall is quite an amazing guy.

(March 24, 2021 Issue)

A resolution sponsored by Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) that proposes adding Congressional term limits to the US Constitution was approved by the North Carolina House of Representatives on Wednesday.
House Joint Resolution 172 Term Limits for Congress is sponsored by Speaker Moore, Rep. Mike Clampitt (R-Haywood), Rep. Jeff McNeely (R-Iredell), and Rep. Wayne Sasser (R-Stanly).
The resolution supports an application to the US Congress for an Article 5 'Convention of the States,' submitted for the specific purpose of proposing an amendment to the US Constitution to impose term limits on members of Congress.
Speaker Moore said Wednesday a broken legislative process in Washington D.C. is harming the federal government and the American people, requiring serious measures to command accountability for leadership of the United States.
“I sponsored House Joint Resolution 172 because I think term limits for members of Congress is an idea whose time has come," Speaker Moore said Wednesday.
"When you talk to the American people, they support term limits for the US Congress. They know the President is term-limited. So I am proud to advance this important proposal that has broad bipartisan support among our citizens.”
"This bill is a step forward giving the states an opportunity to put in place term limits and is narrowly drawn to address this issue. If a Convention of States were held to consider an amendment proposing term limits, it must be ratified by 38 states, and each state has just one vote."
"This is what the framers had in mind - a procedure they put in the US Constitution. This is an important issue that Congress has not done, and that they presumably won't do. So if you want to see term limits at the federal level this is your best, and I would say this is your only, opportunity to do so."
"We talk about reform on the Democratic side of the aisle, and on the Republican side of the aisle. This is a bipartisan reform that is much-needed in Washington D.C., and I urge you to support term limits for Congress today."
HJR 172 was sent to the North Carolina Senate.

(March 24, 2021 Issue)

The Kings Mountain Ministerial Association will be leading in an Easter Sunrise Service on Easter Sunday, April 4 at 7:00 a.m. at Mountain Rest Cemetery.
The service will be held around the large white cross in the cemetery.
In the event of inclement weather, the service will be moved to Eastside Baptist Church, 308 York Road, Kings Mountain.  If the event is held inside, everyone  is requested to wear a mask.
The Easter Sunrise message will be delivered by Pastor Ron Caulder from Eastside Baptist Church.  Special music will be provided by East Gold Wesleyan Church.
Everyone is invited to attend.  The service will be approximately 30 minutes.
Come and let’s celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus!

(March 24, 2021 Issue)

Jenna Ramsey was crowned Kings Mountain High School Homecoming Queen for 2021 at the Friday, March 12 Homecoming football game  at John Gamble Stadium. Ramsey was nominated by the KMHS Band. Students chose her as one of the five finalists for the Homecoming Court and elected her as Homecoming Queen prior to the football game. She is the daughter of Tandra Ramsey and Billy Ramsey. She is pictured with her father who escorted her.    
                                                                              Photo provided by KMHS 
 

(March 24, 2021 Issue)


By Loretta Cozart

During the January 26 city council meeting a sewer slip-lining capital project related to the upcoming streetscape project downtown was approved. Last week, city crews began the work budgeted at $400,000.
City Manager Marilyn Sellers explained during the January meeting that the condition of the sewer in downtown is not good. Using cure in place slip-lining eliminates tearing up the street to replace the existing sewer  pipes, expedites the process, and creates less disruption for citizens.
Only one lane of traffic was closed as city crews mapped the pipes in advance of placing the slip-liner allowing workers to know exactly where connections are that need to be cutout after the liner cures.  Next crews will install the new 8-inch slip-lining into existing sewer pipes on Battleground Avenue from Kings Street to Falls Street and a 4-inch slip-lining on Mountain Street from Piedmont Avenue to Battleground. With this work, 12 connections to existing businesses will to be replaced.
Once this work is finished, the city will begin the streetscape project in downtown Kings Mountain.

(March 24, 2021 Issue)

Full-week schedule
begins two weeks later

By Loretta Cozart

Cleveland County School Board held a special called meeting on Monday, March 15, one year to the day after a similar called meeting was held in 2020 regarding the Coronavirus, according to Cleveland County Schools Superintendent Stephen Fisher. But this meeting was held to return students to the classroom for full-time instruction.
In a 6-3 vote, Cleveland County School Board decided to in favor of a plan outlined by the superintendent to return students in grades 6-12 to school full-time.
All middle and high school students will return to school on Monday, April 12 four days per week for in-person instruction. Two weeks later, on April 26, those students will return to school full-time.
School Board members voting for the plan include: Robert Queen, Rodney Fitch, Ron Humphries, Danny Blanton, Joel Shores and Greg Taylor. Voting against were Philip Glover, Dena Green, and Coleman Hunt.

(March 24, 2021 Issue)

By Jim Champion

Ken and Liz Pflieger, Kings Mountain Little Theatre’s Corporate Sponsor, are pleased to announce the performances of ’Til Beth Do Us Part on Friday, March 26 - 27, at 7:30 and April 2 - 3 at 7:30 pm, with matinees on Sundays, March 28 and April 4 at 3 pm.
Priority is given to season members and they are able to make a reservation to attend a performance for our plays. All others may purchase tickets at the box office. KMLT will have 30 tickets per performance for purchase at the Box Office on a first come first served basis.  Reserved seating not claimed at least 10 minutes before show time are subject to release for purchase by others seeking tickets.
Due to the limited audience capacity allowed under the North Carolina Covid-19 Plan, the protocols listed below are being followed. KMLT will maintain stringent health and safety protocols.
For more detailed information, please visit www.kmlt.org or the Kings Mountain Little Theatre Facebook page. 

(March 24, 2021 Issue)


By Loretta Cozart

Demolition around the old Spectrum Yarns, Inc. plant can be seen from both Hwy. 74 and Patterson Road. Portions of the building located at 136 Patterson Road are being torn down, while the office remains intact. The property housed Spectrum Dyed Yarns until the banking crisis of 2008, when the company announced it could no longer find financing.
In August 2013, Spectrum Yarns, Inc. filed a Brownfields Property Application due to contamination caused by a release of chlorinated solvents from a wastewater treatment lagoon associated with the manufacturing operation located on an adjacent site.
The entire property, including the subject parcel and the adjacent parcel, was developed for the dyeing and finishing of textile yarns  by  Spectrum  Dyed
Yarns, Inc. in 1972. The property was undeveloped prior to that time. Spectrum Dyed Yarns, Inc. ceased operations in October 2008.
Permits have been issued for partial demolition of the plant, but exact plans for the property are not known at this time, according to Codes Enforcement Director Clint Houser.

(March 24, 2021 Issue)

North Elementary School honored their Teacher Assistant and Teacher of the Year at North Elementary School.
First Grade Teacher Johnna Wyte received her BS in Elementary Education at UNCC and is a National Board Certified Teacher. She taught adult education for six months before she starting teaching first grade. She taught 18-years at Bethware School and 10-years at North
Elementary. She is married to Mark and has three children. She is a member of Patterson Grove Baptist Church.
Sonya Nalley - Kindergarten Teacher Assistant and Bus Driver received her Associate degree in Early Childhood Education at Cleveland Community College. She has worked with children for 25-years. 14-years in daycare, 1-year at Crest Middle, and 10-years at North Elementary School. She is married to Tony and has two children and one grandson. She is a member of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church.
 

(March 17, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

Mountain Street Pharmacy, working in conjunction with the Cleveland County Public Health Center, held a COVID-19 Vaccine clinic on Friday, March 12, hosted by Central United Methodist Church in Kings Mountain.
“I am pleased to say that we distributed all 300 vaccines,” said Pharmacist Allan Propst, BS R.PH. “I thank everyone involved including Cleveland County Health Department, Gardner Webb’s Hunt School of Nursing, Central United Methodist Church for hosting and many of its members for volunteering, Kings Mountain Rescue Squad, and the staff at Mountain Street Pharmacy.”
“I’d like to thank again DeShay Oliver, Deputy Health Director of Cleveland County Public Health Department for allowing  Mountain Street Pharmacy to administer these COVID vaccines,” Propst said. “I also want to thank Health Department Director of Pharmacy, Dr. Chris Breese, Pharm.D. for all his help.”
“We are so grateful to Dr. Tracy Arnold, DNP, RN, Dean of Gardner Webb’s Hunt School of Nursing, along with Dr. Sarah Tate, DNP, RN, Assistant Professor and Undergraduate Clinical Coordinator who provided the three nursing students for the clinic. Student nurses from their program were Zebib Zera, Caitlin Hunt, and Kiersten Laney.”
 “Of great help to us were Lila Johnson and Abilia Peeler, who normally work at the health department from the state entering all the information into the NCCVMS. Their help was crucial because it helped get this data entered quickly,” Propst said. “Helping them enter the data were Deborah Gwyn and Caitlin Queen.” Most of the data was entered that day.
Central United Methodist Church, Minister Rev. Bruce Gwyn, along with 17 church members volunteered in various roles. RNs Mary Lou Ware, Audrey Brooks, and Susan Hluch worked throughout the day drawing the vaccines. Check-in and temperature staff included Tricia Propst, Linda Childers, and Drew White.
Church facility setup was handled by Joe Patterson and Barry Brogdon. Jim Larson handled various jobs. Debbie Green and Barry Brogdon handled intake and confirmed info provided prior to immunization. Gene and Melissa Bragg assisted with the questionnaires.
Community volunteers from The Walt Disney Company included Jim Larson, Wayne Hawkins, and Barbara Justice. Tim Miller and Gibb Brazzell helped with parking. Other church volunteers included Jeff Dixon and Carol Brazzell.
Mountain Street Pharmacy provided Pharmacist immunizers including Certified Tech Immunizer Mark Woodall, Pharmacists Allan Propst, Jeff Nunnery, Carson Koone, Jacob and Heather Wallace, with the assistance of Angel Queen.
Propst also thanks Tabitha Thomas from Patrick Senior Center for taking calls and scheduling screenings. Additionally, he thanks Kings Mountain Rescue Squad Captain John Harris for allowing Lindsay Ballard and Shannon Bell to be on-site the entire day.
Those vaccinated Friday will return to Central United Methodist Church on April 16, at the same appointment time, for their second vaccine. Propst asks them to bring the immunization card they were given after their first vaccine, so it can be completed after receiving their second shot.
“I especially want to thank my staff of Mountain Street Pharmacy for all their help during our two COVID-19 clinics, Pharmacist Manager Laura Boyd, Certified Technicians Susan Sipes, Tiffany Lowrance, Sarah Parker, and Karen Tate,” Propst said. “They have been working non-stop behind the scenes for a month to get appointments set and handle all the paperwork. They are the unsung heroes because they have been working constantly to make these clinics possible. I am truly grateful and appreciative of our entire team effort.”

(March 17, 2021 Issue)

On Friday February 19, KMPD welcomed Officer Wesley Childers to the force. “Officer Childers grew up in Kings Mountain and has wanted to become an officer for this city for many years,” said Chief Proctor. “Officer Childers asked if I would pin his badge on him for his swearing in ceremony. It was an honor for me to do this for him.”
In attendance was many family members and officers of KMPD. Mayor Pro Tem Keith Miller conducted the ceremony and swore Officer Childers in on behalf of the city.

(March 17, 2021 Issue)

Dr. George Plonk was born on March 17, 1919 and celebrates his 102nd birthday this week. A lot has changed in Kings Mountain, and the world, in the last 102 years. The following information was taken from an exhibit on early doctors in Kings Mountain, and from an interview recorded by Scott Neisler in 1995 courtesy of Kings Mountain Historical Museum.
Dr. George Plonk grew up with nine siblings on a farm between Kings Mountain and Cherryville. Of the ten Plonk children, all but the youngest were born with the assistance of a midwife at home; the last-born son was birthed with the assistance of a doctor, Dr. Stokes. This was representative of a regional trend taking place in the first half of the 20th century, towards more accessible professional healthcare in rural North Carolina.
Dr. Anthony and Dr. Hord were the Plonks’ family doctors, and Dr. Plonk recalls that in those days some fresh ears of corn or whatever else was in season on the local farms were often used as payment to those doctors who made house calls to the people of Kings Mountain.
He spent his first six grades in a one-room schoolhouse on land donated by his grandfather, before attending Kings Mountain High School. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1940.
After earning his degree from Jefferson Medical School in Philadelphia, he served two years in the U.S. Army as a physician in Europe. Following his service, Dr. Plonk made his way back to the Kings Mountain area. After working as a general practitioner for several years in town, Dr. Plonk returned to medical school to study surgery, this time studying at the University of Pennsylvania. From there he went on to Raleigh, North Carolina, where he practiced from 1952 until 1957.
Of his degrees, the 1937 certificate from the American Board of Surgery declaring that he is a Board-certified surgeon is the one Dr. Plonk is most proud to have earned. He also recalls in the interview with Scott Neisler that the mentors he had through his early years of studying and practicing medicine that inspired his own caring, compassionate his bedside manner.
During WWII, Dr. Plonk served two years in the U.S. Army, including serving as a physician in Europe.  In the interview, Dr. Plonk explains how he learned about the use of bone screws for the first time from prisoners of war who had been treated with them before they were released back to the Fracture Ward where he was stationed. This is a good example of how advances in military medicine translated into significant progress in civilian medicine.
Dr. Plonk’s first wife, Margaret Cooper, was also from Kings Mountain, and with a new hospital having opened there, they decided to go home. In 1957, he became Kings Mountain Hospital’s first surgeon.
In the interview, Dr. Plonk explains how the first few years of surgery at Kings Mountain Hospital were challenging. By that point, he and his wife had five children, and even though they were living in a one-bedroom apartment in his wife’s parent’s house, it was still difficult to make ends meet.
Dr. Plonk still had the opportunity to return to his practice in Raleigh, and he had made up his mind that was what he had to do to support his family. Fortunately, a group of concerned citizens circulated a petition urging Dr. Plonk to stay in Kings Mountain. Honored by the effort, and by the number of signatures, he decided to stay, continuing to practice medicine in Kings Mountain until his retirement in the 1980s.
During his long career, he tended and mended the citizens of this region as one of its most respected doctors for over forty years. Dr. Plonk frequently runs into his former surgical patients around town and receives expressions of their gratitude – it is not uncommon for him to hear, “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for you.”
  In addition to his career as one of Kings Mountain’s most esteemed surgeons, Dr. Plonk has always been an active community member, serving in the Lions Club and the Kings Mountain Rotary Club.
   During his lifetime, he saw medical care in Kings Mountain transition from backcountry home medicine to professional doctors making house calls; then he watched Kings Mountain Hospital grow from a 24-bed facility in 1951 to a full service 102 bed hospital with state-of-the-art technology. He saw the development of life-saving antibiotics and vaccines, as well as advances in anesthetics, cancer-fighting medicines, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. 

(March 17, 2021 Issue)

The City of Kings Mountain will be implementing NorthStar Utility Solutions billing software to better serve their customers on March 29. There will be changes in the billing statement and online features offered. Questions that you may have are:
• Will the due dates change? No, all due dates will remain the same. All payments are due by the 20th of each month to avoid a late fee and accounts need to be paid in full by the last day of each month to avoid additional fees and possible disconnection.
• Will I need to redo my paperwork (CSA, SSI information, Payment Arrangements, Bank Draft, etc.)? No, you will only need to complete paperwork if there have been any changes.
• Will I need to give my bank new information for sending my payment? No
• Why did my account number change? When changing software companies, the account format changed so we had no choice but to change the accounts number. You will see your new account number in the top left hand corner of the billing statement (see image of new statement below).
• Will my bill go up with you buying new software? No
• Can I still pay my bill at City Hall? Yes, the lobby and drive-thru hours will remain the same.
• How do I get to this new portal? There will be no changes as to how you get to the new portal, just the look and features once you click on the “online bill pay” link:  (see image of the customer portal below).
• What payment methods are available now? Online payment (e-check, visa, master card, american express, discover, apple pay, and google pay), check, cash, money order, bank draft, and we have added IVR feature (855) 844-0495. Note: if you have the link saved in your favorites please update.
• I have two electric meters on my property. Will I have two graphs for electric on my bill? The graphs will be one per service so if you have multiple electric meters the consumption represented on the graph will be combine consumption for each service.

(March 10, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

Mountain Street Pharmacy and Shelby Drugstore, working in conjunction with the Cleveland County Public Health Center, will host a COVID-19 Vaccine clinic on Friday, March 12 at Central United Methodist Church in Kings Mountain.
Do not call Mountain Street Pharmacy or Shelby Drugstore to schedule an appointment. Those interested in getting the vaccine should call the Patrick Senior Center to complete the screening and pre-registration process. Call 704-734-0447 between 1:30 pm – 4 pm. Calls will be taken daily, now through March 11 or until all appointments have been filled.
Qualified individuals will be contacted later in the week if an appointment is available to you.
   The Clinic is open to the following eligible individuals:
• Persons 65 years of age or older
• Healthcare workers
• School employees/Childcare workers
  Mountain Street Pharmacist Alan Propst wants to thank Mayor Scott Neisler, City Manager Marilyn Sellers, and Patrick Senior Center Director Tabitha Thomas for their part in helping organize this COVID vaccine opportunity for the City of Kings Mountain.

(March 10, 2021 Issue)

By Christy Conner

It’s time to visit Wonderland! The City of Kings Mountain Special Events Department is excited to partner with Sigmon Theatrical to present The Wonderland Experience, an immersive, multi-sensory, intimate theater production where audience members literally walk into and through the world of Alice in Wonderland featuring live characters, interactive activities, breathtaking costumes and scenery, amazing circus feats, puppetry, special effects, and 360º immersive environments.
Fall down the rabbit hole (a magical tunnel with swirling lights) and meet Alice, the White Rabbit, Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum, solve a riddle by the Cheshire Cat, celebrate at a mad tea party with the Mad Hatter, and have a royal visit with the Queen of Hearts.
Guests can travel through the experience in their own group of family or friends, with a limit of ten (10) people per group. Tickets, with a scheduled departure time, are required to attend this event in order to reduce crowd size and maximize the guest experience. General Admission tickets are free of charge, and may be secured for your group at www.KingsMountainEvents.com/Wonderland. You can also upgrade your group to a VIP Experience for a small fee, including a souvenir photo, and a special gift that unlocks extra magic inside the experience.
The Wonderland Experience is a safe, socially distanced adventure for the entire family. Audience members will be required to wear face coverings, temperatures will be taken upon arrival, gloves will be provided to audience members to wear throughout the experience, all touch points will be sanitized between groups and a thorough deep clean will take place each evening, in addition to other safety protocols.
Experience Wonderland, Thursday, April 1 and through Saturday, April 3. The event begins each evening at 5:30 pm.
To learn more, and to reserve your experience today, call the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department at 704-730-2101, or visit the web at https://www.KingsMountainEvents.com/Wonderland.

(March 10, 2021 Issue)

By Windy Bagwell

Congratulations to Mrs. Sandra Stirewalt on being selected as the Kings Mountain Middle School February Employee of the Month.  Mrs. Stirewalt is more than just a substitute teacher; she is a hard-working team player that goes the extra mile to help everyone she encounters.  She works tirelessly with individual students to promote their success. Mrs. Stirewalt is well respected throughout our school community.  Her contributions to KMMS are much appreciated and very impactful.  Congratulations Mrs. Stirewalt!  Thank you for all you do for KMMS!

(March 10, 2021 Issue)

Cleveland County Schools begin pre-school screenings March 22 – March 25, and March 29 – April 3. Schedule your child’s screening by calling 704-476-8064 between the hours of 8:30 am and 3 pm, Monday through Friday. Eligible students must live in Cleveland County and be 4-years old by August 31.
Office of School Readiness is located at 308 W. Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150. Building B is on the grounds of the old Shelby Middle School – in the small building near tennis courts with parking in the back. Screenings are by appointment only and Cleveland County Schools will not offer make-up screenings.

(March 10, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain City Council will hold a special meeting of the City of Kings Mountain City Council on Wednesday, March 10 at 6 pm to discuss scheduling a public hearing for Tuesday March 30 at 6 pm, allowing them to consider a zoning text amendment allowing no required yard setbacks when federal tribal property is adjacent to the City of Kings Mountain ETJ.
The meeting on March 10 is to add the public hearing to the March 30 agenda, so they can consider the text amendment during that meeting.

(March 3, 2021 Issue)

On Feb. 25, Governor Roy Cooper signed House Bill 4 – Extend ABC Permit Renewal Fees into law. The legislation will help bar owners by allowing them to defer ABC permit fees until they are able to reopen at full capacity. The bill clarifies an existing emergency relief law passed in 2020 to allow bar owners to defer their permit fees up to 90 days after they are able to operate at full capacity.
“I’m grateful to see this legislation signed into law,” said Chairman Moffitt. “House Bill 4 will give private bars and small business owners reprieve until they are back at full capacity. The House ABC Committee will continue to advocate for NC businesses and plans to file additional relief legislation to help even more restaurants, bars, and businesses across the state recover from the COVID pandemic.”
“This is welcome news for these struggling business owners,” said Majority Leader John Bell. “I appreciate the hard work of Representative Moffitt and other bill sponsors to get this much-needed legislation signed into law. These small businesses continue to face significant challenges due to the Governor’s restrictions, and it is critical we continue to support and stand with them during these difficult times.”
“This legislation will provide many struggling businesses a much-deserved continuation of the deferral on their ABC permit fees,” said Representative Jamie Boles.  “We know this will not repair all the damage that has been done, but any help we can provide to these bars and restaurants will go a long way in helping our communities recover.”
 “I am elated that House Bill 4 became law today,” said Rep. Paré. “I am even more happy for all of the small businesses that will benefit from this law. HB 4 will provide flexibility to private bars that were crushed by COVID and numerous executive orders. I look forward to continuing my work to support small businesses at the Legislature and provide relief to those affected by the pandemic.”
House Bill 4 was filed on January 27 by Rep. Tim Moffitt (R-Henderson), along with primary sponsors Rep. John Bell (R-Wayne), Rep. Jamie Boles (R-Moore), and Rep. Erin Paré (R-Wake). The legislation was drafted in response to news in January that countless bar owners had their liquor permits revoked unexpectedly by the ABC Commission due to delinquent fees. House Bill 4 passed unanimously through the House and Senate and was signed into law by Governor Roy Cooper on February 25. The legislation goes into effect immediately, with Section 1 retroactively becoming effective June 30, 2020.
On Feb. 24, Governor Cooper lifted his Modified Stay at Home Order that required people to stay at home and businesses to close to the public between 10 pm and 5 am. The number of people who may gather indoors will increase from 10 to 25, while 50 remains the limit for outdoors. The curfew on the sale of alcohol for onsite consumption will be moved from 9 pm to 11 pm.
Some businesses, including bars and amusement parks, will now be open for patrons indoors as they adhere to new occupancy restrictions. Many businesses, venues and arenas will have increased occupancy both indoors and outdoors. 

(March 3, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain’s Gateway Trail’s 5K is scheduled for March 13. Registration is $20 and ends March 10 at 11:59 pm. This year’s race mark the 11th year because all races were cancelled in 2020 due to Coronavirus.
The 5K race begins at the Trail Head at 807 Battleground Avenue, Kings Mountain, Lat: 35-13-49 / Long: 81-21-02. As of Saturday, 50 runners had registered. T-shirts are only guaranteed for those who register for the 5K by March 5. Runners will have a staggered start, allowing space between them as a safety precaution.
Due to new technology purchased by Race Director Starr Dowell, chips will enable runners to start and end the race without timers.  “When a runner goes through the gate on Quarry Road, they will have a chip on that will be scanned so we will know the exact time someone starts,” Brutko said. “It will scan them again when they finish. Runners can leave with their chip because they are disposable. So, we will not collect them after the race. Runners are strongly discouraged from gathering afterward. We ask that they just finish and leave.”
There is no reason for runners to gather because the winners are not being announced after the race. That evening, the winners will be announced on the Gateway Trail Facebook Page.
The 10Miler began Monday, March 1 and continues through March 12. Runners report on the honor system. Registration is $20. Each runner runs by themselves from Quarry Road to Galilee Church Road, and back. They must report their time to Starr no later than midnight on March 13. T-shirts are not provided for this race. As of Saturday, 18 had registered for this event.
All winners of both runs will pick up their trophies at the Arts Center on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Saturday, March 16 through March 20. There will be a few members from the Gateway Trail Committee there handing out trophies. The trophies are unique pieces of pottery made by members of the Gateway Trail Committee.
If you have any questions about this race, please contact the race director starr@finishwelltiming.com.

Expanding its significant clean-energy portfolio, Duke Energy has begun construction on the 50-MW Broad River Solar power plant in Cleveland County.
The project will be owned and operated by Duke Energy Renewables, a commercial subsidiary of Duke Energy. The project was selected as part of the competitive bidding process established by 2017’s landmark solar legislation in North Carolina.
The power plant will contain more than 170,000 solar panels across approximately 500 acres near Boiling Springs. The facility will power the equivalent of 12,500 homes. It is expected to reach commercial operation by the end of 2021.
“Solar power continues to play a big role in our aggressive pursuit to reduce carbon emissions and achieve our net-zero carbon goal for 2050,” said Stephen De May, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “We’ll continue to deliver renewable energy by building and purchasing more carbon-free power for our customers.”
 Under North Carolina’s Competitive Procurement for Renewable Energy, proposed projects must be built where there is a need for energy capacity on the Duke Energy system in North Carolina or South Carolina. The bids can come from any company, including Duke Energy, and can be in the form of power purchase agreements (PPA), utility self-developed facilities or utility asset acquisitions.
 “In addition to increasing the renewable energy resources in the state, the project will also deliver significant economic benefits to Cleveland County,” said Chris Fallon, president of Duke Energy Renewables.
During peak construction, Broad River Solar will generate approximately 120 jobs. Along with indirect economic benefits that accompany solar project development, such as increased local spending in the service and construction industries, Broad River Solar will also have a positive economic impact on the local community by providing local tax revenues to the county and local school districts, as well as meaningful payments to the participating landowners.
The facility’s design, procurement  of  inverters, balance of plant systems and construction of the project will be performed by Swinerton. The solar power generated by Broad River Solar will be sold through a 20-year power purchase agreement.
   Because of the project, the Duke Energy Foundation recently awarded a $5,000 grant to the Cleveland County Schools Educational Foundation and Crest High School to add a renewable energy and green construction skills module into the school’s workforce development curriculum.

(March 3, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain and Shelby could see their elections moved to 2022 due to census delays. The Census Bureau ended the self-response and field data collection operations for the 2020 census on Oct. 15. The statutory deadline for the delivery of apportionment data was missed because of the delays caused by the pandemic and the anomalies found in the census data.
On Jan. 27, the Census Bureau announced the apportionment data is expected to be delivered by April 30. However, on Feb.12, the Bureau announced the timeline for releasing the redistricting data to the states would occur by September 30.
North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 160A Cities and Towns, is very specific with regard to redistricting after the decennial census and the process to move the election is very complicated. The statute reads, “Municipal redistricting must be completed by third business day before the opening of the filing period, (Wednesday, July 21, 2021). If the city or town determines that it will not be possible to adopt the redistricting changes before the third business day before opening of the filing period, the municipality may adopt a resolution delaying the election.”
This is because the council of any city which elects the members of its governing board on a district basis, like Kings Mountain, or where candidates for such office must reside in a district in order to run, like Shelby, is required to evaluate the existing district boundaries to determine whether it would be lawful to hold the next election without revising districts to correct population imbalances.
If such revision is necessary, the council must consider whether it will be possible to adopt the changes  (and obtain approval from the United States Department of Justice, if necessary) before the third day before opening of the filing period for the municipal election.
   The council must also take into consideration the time that will be required to afford ample opportunities for public input. If the council determines that it most likely will not be possible to adopt the changes (and obtain federal approval, if necessary) before the third business day before opening of the filing period and determines further that the population imbalances are so significant that it would not be lawful to hold the next election using the current electoral districts, it may adopt a resolution delaying the election.
Before adopting such a resolution, the council must also hold a public hearing on it. The notice of public hearing shall summarize the proposed resolution and shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation, not less than seven days before the date fixed for the hearing.
“The NC Legislature is also considering moving all municipal elections to 2022,” said Director of Elections of Cleveland County Clifton Philbeck. “Either way, if the election is moved, the new filing period would be noon Monday, December 6, 2021 through noon Friday, December 17, 2021.  The Legislature could also change the 2022 Primary Election from March to May 2022.  If this happens, the filing period would be in February 2022.”

(March 3, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart
Cleveland County Board of Education unanimously approved implementing a new school calendar to in the fall term. School will start on Monday, Aug 23, and end on Friday, June 3, 2022.
North Carolina law requires the term to begin on the Monday closest to August 26. Schools superintendent Dr. Stephen Fisher explained, “This is problematic because that schedule makes it difficult for students to complete exams before Christmas,” he said.
Two calendars were shared online for the community’s feedback: one that follows the current calendar, and another that would allow students to take exams before leaving for winter break.
Fisher shared that during the two-week window for community response, 769 people submitted their preference on the two school calendars offered. “Those in favor of the new calendar numbered 630, or 81%. Those who preferred to keep the current calendar numbered 139, or 18%.”
“The challenge with the new calendar is that it is out-of-balance,” Fisher said. “The first semester has 83 days, and the second semester has 97 days. But the second semester typically has bad weather in January and February, and A/P exams also take place in the spring.”
The school board unanimously approved the new calendar beginning in the fall.
In other business, it was determined that fifth-grade students in the Burns and Crest zone will return to in-classroom learning five days a week beginning Monday March 8. The Shelby and Kings Mountain zone will return to the classroom on Monday, March 22. Families who wish to continue remote-only learning continue to have that option.
  The board voted 7-2 in favor of this plan. Dena Green and Coleman Hunt voted against.

(February 24, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain’s Gateway Trail Committee confirmed that their 5K and 10Miler Run are still scheduled for March, but the races will be handled differently this year due to COVID-19. This year’s races mark the 11th year, as all races were cancelled in 2020 due to Coronavirus.
The Trail 5K Run will be held March 13 starting at 9 am. Registration is $20 and ends March 10 at 11:59 pm. Runners will have a staggered start, allowing space between them as a safety precaution. “Runners must start with their masks on and can take them off while on the trail. When the runners return, they must put their mask back on, so it is going to be safe,” according to Kings Mountain Gateway Trail President Shirley Brutko.
The 5K race begins at the Trail Head at 807 Battleground Avenue, Kings Mountain, Lat: 35-13-49 / Long: 81-21-02. As of Saturday, 50 runners had registered. T-shirts are only guaranteed for those who register for the 5K by March 5.
“Race Director Starr Dowell ordered all new equipment that automates the timing of the race. When a runner goes through the gate on Quarry Road, they will have a chip on that will be scanned so we will know the exact time someone starts,” Brutko said. “It will scan them again when they finish. Runners can leave with their chip because they are disposable. So, we will not collect them after the race. Runners are strongly discouraged from gathering afterward. We ask that they just finish and leave.”
There is no reason for runners to gather because the winners are not being announced after the race.
 That evening, the winners will be announced on the Gateway Trail Facebook Page.
The 10Miler is scheduled between March 1 – 12, and runners report on the honor system. Registration is $20. Each runner runs by themselves from Quarry Road to Galilee Church Road, and back. They must report their time to Starr no later than midnight on March 13. T-shirts are not provided for this race. As of Saturday, 18 had registered for this event.
All winners of both runs will pick up their trophies at the Arts Center on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Saturday, March 16 through March 20. There will be a few members from the Gateway Trail Committee there handing out trophies. The trophies are unique pieces of pottery made by members of the Gateway Trail Committee.
If you have any questions about this race, please contact the race director starr@finishwelltiming.com. 

(February 24, 2021 Issue)

On February 18, at 11:45 pm, the Gaston County Police 911 Center received a report of a shooting at Lowery Wood Rd. and Lewis Farm Rd. in Kings Mountain.
Upon arrival, officers found two males, Robert Lucas (Luke) Gibby, 22 years old, and Adam Kale Wood, 19 years old, near the intersection deceased.
Approximately two hours later, another male, Todd Payton Lee Waggoner, 21 years old, entered Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem with non-life threatening injuries. This male reported to have been at the scene earlier in the night.
Through an on-going investigation, a suspect has been identified. Warrants have been obtained for 2 counts of first degree murder and 1 count of attempted 1st degree murder on:
Michael Shane Barnes, white male,19, of Taylorsville, NC. He is described as 5’ 8” with sandy hair and blue eyes.
Barnes is considered armed and dangerous. The public is cautioned not to interact with Barnes.  Instead they are encouraged to contact 911.
The Gaston County Police ask anyone with information about this investigation to contact Gaston County Police Detective J. Brienza at 704-866-3320.  Information can also be provided through Crimestoppers at 704-861-8000. A monetary reward is available for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of Barnes.
This is an on-going investigation. There is no further information to be released at this time.

(February 24, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

Two local Kings Mountain Police officers will benefit from fundraising events being held on their behalf in March. A year ago, Officer Skinner was injured in the line of duty and is still recovering. In December Cpl. Lee Whittington was shot after responding to a call near Kings Mountain County Club.
A Back the Blue Cookout event will be held at the Cleveland County Courthouse on March 6 from noon until 6 pm by Trudie Wilson and Elmer Obovie to support both men. Donations are accepted and will be given to the families.
Lisa Cash has organized a second Back the Blue event for Officer Skinner
on March 13 from noon to 5 pm at American Legion Post 155 on East Gold Street in Kings Mountain. Hot dog plates, chips, desserts,, and a drink will be available for a donation. Police, Fire, and EMT eat for free. Raffle items will also be available, and tickets are 1 for $5, or 3 for $10. All the proceeds go directly to Officer Skinner’s family.
The community is encouraged to show their support for the Officer Skinner and his family by coming by throughout the afternoon. Contact Lisa Cash at 704-685-2930 with questions.

(February 24, 2021 Issue)

Artists are invited to express their interpretation of the feminine and compete for prizes in Southern Arts Society’s annual “I AM WOMAN” exhibit. This is a judged show with first, second and third place prizes along with three merit awards. Though the exhibit and competition focuses on the feminine or female experience, both men and women may enter work for the show, allowing for a variety of viewpoints to be expressed.
All work must be original, completed within the last two years. Painting (oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel), drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, mixed media, and fiber are eligible. Two-dimensional work is restricted to 48" by 48" including frame. Please read the prospectus/entry form on our website CALL TO ARTIST page for entry specifications http://southernartssociety.org/call-to-artists/.    All work will be accepted unless it does not meet our criteria. Entry Fees apply.
Deliver Art: Deliver artwork February 23-25 during gallery hours 10 am – 2 pm and Saturday February 27 from 11 am – 4 pm and Sunday February 28 from 1-4 pm.
Public Reception: Saturday March 13, 2021 from 6-8 pm; Awards presented at 7 pm (dependent on COVID restrictions).
Exhibit dates: “I AM WOMAN” will be on exhibit March 3 thru April 16, 2021.
Southern Arts Society (SASi) Gift Shop & Gallery is located at 301 N. Piedmont Ave. at the intersection of Piedmont and Battleground Avenues, Kings Mountain, NC, in the historic Southern Railway Depot. SASi offers a gift shop, ongoing exhibits and art competitions, programs, and classes in a variety of media for artists of all levels. GALLERY HOURS: Tues-Wed-Thurs-Sat 10 am – 2 pm and by appointment.
Information: Ph 704.739.5585 Email southernartssociety@gmail.com

(February 24, 2021 Issue)

SHIIP, the Senior’s Health Insurance Information Program, is a division of the NC Department of Insurance that offers free, objective information about Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare prescription drug plans, Medicare fraud and abuse, and long-term care insurance.
SHIIP will conduct a free seminar entitled: Welcome to Medicare – Zoom Seminar presented by the Patrick Senior Center on Tuesday, March 9 from 5:30 – 7 pm. Call the Patrick Senior Center to register and receive the Zoom link.
To register, call 704-734-0447. For additional information, contact Lynn Lail.

(February 17, 2021 Issue)

Last week, National Park Service (NPS) South Atlantic-Gulf Regional Director Stan Austin announced the selection of Diana Bramble as the new Superintendent of South Carolina’s Cowpens National Battlefield and Kings Mountain National Military Park, effective March 14.
In her role, Bramble will also oversee management of Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail and Ninety Six National Historic Site. Bramble has managed the four units on temporary assignment since September.
“Diana brings experience caring for iconic landmarks with complex operations and stories critical to America’s advancement as a democratic society,” Austin said. “As we prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Diana is wholly committed to protecting the parks’ treasured resources and enhancing collaboration with staff, visitors, partners and gateway communities.”
Bramble said, “I am incredibly grateful to have been selected for this opportunity. The staff here are profoundly dedicated to their work as caretakers of America’s heritage. It is an honor to help lead the park as a team towards an exciting future with many opportunities for partnership and engagement in anticipation of the 250th commemoration of America’s founding.”
Bramble began her NPS career in 2011 as the supervisory horticulturist for Rock Creek Park in Washington, DC, with responsibility for horticulture, arboriculture, and grounds management. Four years later, she became chief of maintenance at National Capital Parks-East, where she has managed the entire facility operations and project management portfolio for a vast set of resources spanning 8,000 acres, including historic homes, commuter parkways, earthen and masonry fortifications, working farms, marinas, and a campground. Prior to joining NPS, Bramble worked six years at the Smithsonian Institution as a horticulturist.
Originally from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Bramble holds a Bachelor of Science degree in natural resources from University of Maryland and a Master of Professional Studies in sustainable landscape design from George Washington University. She is a graduate of the NPS Facility Manager Leaders Program and now serves as a program mentor. In 2019, Bramble was awarded the NPS National Capital Area Facility Manager of the Year honor.
Outside of work, Bramble enjoys spoiling her niece and nephews, spending time outdoors, traveling and strength training.

(February 17, 2021 Issue)

Families of public school students in North Carolina could choose in-classroom learning under legislation passed by the state House of Representatives in a bipartisan 74-44 vote on Thursday. After passing the state House, the legislation will return to the North Carolina Senate for further consideration.
Senate Bill 37 In-Person Learning Choice for Families lets students continue remote learning if they choose and directs North Carolina schools to provide in-classroom instruction. The bill is supported by more than $1.6 billion in new funds sent to public schools in separate legislation signed by the Governor this week.
The state legislature also fully-funded state per-pupil allotments for schools, promised to “hold harmless” education budgets regardless of enrollment drops, and provided teacher salary step increases during the pandemic, in addition to the new federal funds.
Rep. Jeffrey Elmore (R-Wilkes), a public school teacher and co-chair of the House Appropriations Committee, said the legislation provides families
 certainty in education and economic planning.
“Currently our students are subject to shifting executive orders and mixed messages from the administration which have created confusion and led to local delays, making it very difficult for parents to plan for their jobs and their child’s education,” Rep. Elmore said Thursday.
   “This legislation gives North Carolina families certainty and access to classrooms by combining over a billion dollars of new education funding with local decision-making to implement a return to in-person learning now.”
   Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) said that current restrictions keeping students out of the classroom are forcing parents to miss work or seek education alternatives, and the legislation gives school systems flexibility to adjust student assignments for in-person learning.
   “Closing schools has burdened North Carolina families economically while young people fall behind in their studies, producing a devastating impact on student achievement and exacerbating socieconomic disparities,” Moore said Thursday.
   “We are listening to educators, healthcare experts, parents, and most importantly our students, who have a constitutional right to access education communities that serve their academic needs.”
   “I appreciate the leadership of my colleagues getting North Carolina students back into the classroom with legislation that builds on powerful funding for our schools and provides flexibility to adjust student assignments as needed.”
   The General Assembly provided $335 grants to families of school-age children to assist with increased child-care costs, but experts agree that closed classrooms hurt vulnerable young people the most and widen education gaps between low-income and affluent students. Special education students are hit particularly hard by the loss of in-person learning.
   Expert medical guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control, the Harvard School of Public Health, and other leading healthcare organizations demonstrates that there is limited risk of infection in education settings that are prepared safely.

(February 17, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart
City Council unanimously approved a $12.02 million dollar Capital Project Ordinance during an Energy Utilities Update in its January 26 meeting. The ordinance for improvements to the electric system infrastructure of the City of Kings Mountain which consists of the construction of an additional Delivery 5 electrical distribution substation and transmission lines that will be installed that will serve the new Delivery 5. Also, there will be six (6) new distribution lines that will come from the substation that will tie into existing distribution lines that are served from other existing City electric substations. The resolution authorizes the Mayor to execute a resolution Declaring Official Intent to Reimburse pursuant to United Treasury Regulations.
“This project has nothing to do with the casino and we are doing this work without a rate increase to customers,” said Assistance City Manager/Energy Services Director Nick Hendricks. The project is generally being funded through wholesale electric savings we have experienced when switching to the Kings Mountain Energy Center Power Plant. “We are preparing for anticipated growth in that area as well as addressing our general growth." To date our existing three substations general capacity at peak is as follows: Gaston St: (95%), York Rd: (100%) and Margrace Rd. (90%). The new Delivery 5 will assist in freeing up the load at other station as well as providing shorter circuits therefore assisting in electric reliability.
This ordinance includes improvements to the electric system infrastructure of the City of Kings Mountain which consists of the construction of an additional substation (Delivery 5) and transmission lines to the substation and distribution lines from the substation totaling $9.02 million.
The following revenues are anticipated to be available to complete these projects:
Proceeds from debt issuance    $9,020,000
Transfers from
other funds-Electric    $3,000,000
Total    $12,020,000
The following amounts are appropriated in the fund:
Capital Outlay-Delivery    $3,015,000
Capital Outlay-Substation    $4,600,000
Capital Outlay-Distribution    $1,405,000
Transfers to other
funds-Electric    $3,000,000
Total    $12,020,000
Essentially, the city plans to use $3,000,000 from the Electric Fund and will finance the entire project at a later date. At that time they will apply for the entire project cost of $12.02 million and will reimburse the Electric Fund at that time. “This is a common practice many municipalities use,” according to Hendricks.
Other items from the report share that Benestar Brands has begun grading at a fast pace. “We are excited because Benestar could be, should be based upon our load numbers, the largest natural gas user 4x larger than our current largest client, which is astronomical,” said  Hendricks.
Hendricks also reported the completion of two projects: Kings Mountain Blvd. Project and the Floyd Street Project.
Kings Mountain Blvd. was completed, and all engineering, design, and easements were handled by staff in-house. This project eliminated back ally exposure by moving Kings Mountain Intermediate School and Life Enrichment Center to the new line on Kings Mountain Blvd. The project included 4000 feet of three phase electric primary circuit construction within the NCDOT 140 foot right-of-way, installation of 20 45-foot poles spaced 200 feet apart, and two 3-phase aerial crossings.
The Floyd Street Project includes work along I-85 to Woodlake Parkway and Canterbury Road. An extension of the Industrial circuit provides better reliability and re-routing flexibility, and to serve new economic projects on Woodlake Parkway and Canterbury Road to extend mainline circuit to connect to new build. The project has added new LED lighting on Floyd Street. Additional new LED roadway lighting on Canterbury Road and Woodlake Parkway will take place once the new electric distribution line is completed.
The next step is to cross the road in front of Firestone and connect at Canterbury Road to an existing line. This gives the city a total redundant loop, back feed, served by two substations.
“The Sarah Lee Road project been planned, engineered, and right-of-way obtained by in-house staff. The city will not put additional funds toward this until that particular project becomes more solidified,” Hendricks concluded, “Once we move forward with this project, we will be placing an existing wastewater pump facility that is connected to Duke Energy and connect it to City electric infrastructure.”

(February 17, 2021 Issue)

The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office is revitalizing the Neighborhood Watch program in all communities throughout the county. Our mission is to build upon the original concepts of Neighborhood Watch, by using all available resources to create a proactive community-police partnership to help prevent crime and solve problems on our communities.
The Neighborhood Watch program is a crime prevention program that enlists the active participation of citizens in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime in our neighborhoods.
If you are interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch program in your community, please contact Captain Bryan Gordon 704-484-4832.

(February 11, 2021 Issue)

By January Costa

Kings Mountain Historical Museum invites the public to mark the calendar for their upcoming exhibit, STITCHED: The Fabrics of a Community. The exhibit is on display February 16 – May 8 and open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm. Admission is free.
What does the term stitched mean? It is the process of making, mending, or joining with stitches. In relation to textiles, people have been sewing in one form or another, for thousands
of years, with evidence that  suggests even up to 20,000 years ago.
Throughout history, it was a common task for people to make their own quilts, coverlets, clothes, and many other everyday objects by hand stitching. Over time, improved sewing techniques led to the invention of the sewing machine, and machine stitching. This exhibit showcases a selection of stitched examples from the museum collections that were produced by members of the community in Kings Mountain.
The hanging coverlet was made in the 1930s. This thin coverlet is designed in the “Grandmother’s Fan” pattern. It consists of 48 blocks and has a blue wide band trim along all four sides. This piece belonged to Nancy Nickels (1925-2020) and was likely made by her aunt Estelle Willeford King (1892-1981) or mother, Eloise Willeford Nickels (1895-1983). On loan by Mary “Pucky” Nantz.
The display shows a quilt made between 1894-1933. This is a “Tulip” pattern quilt. It is made of white material (now faded) on the front and has designs of purple and pink tulips on the front with green vines. The reverse side is pink and bare, with no design. This quilt was owned and made by Myrtle Kathleen Baker Neisler (1894-1933) of Kings Mountain, N.C.  Donated by the Neisler Family.
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 to the museum.

(February 3, 2021 Issue)

Wish your sweetheart a Happy Valentine’s Day by purchasing a personalized Valentine Gram from the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department.
For $20.00, this special Valentine Gram will be displayed February 10th - 14th on the new media screen at Patriots Park.
“Love is sweet and so is this opportunity,” said Christy Conner, Special Events Director for the City of Kings Mountain. “Showcase your special someone on the new media screen with a personalized Valentine Gram in a super-sized way!”
Deadline for purchasing a Valentine Gram is Monday, February 8th. For more information or to purchase a Valentine Gram, please contact the City of Kings Mountain Special Events Department at 704-730-2101 or e-mail the department at angela.padgett@cityofkm.com.

(February 3, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

On January 17, Paul James Candle Co. opened for business at 807 Cleveland Avenue, next door to Linwood Produce. Proprietors Paul Mykel Baker and James Alex Baker used their first names to brand their business. They moved to Kings Mountain with hopes of opening a business this year. Thanks to the help of many, their dream came true a little earlier than expected.
The Baker’s specialize in healing candles made of 100% pure soy, essential oils, and vitamins A, D, and E. “When the candle wax melts, you can spread it on dry skin, dermatitis, psoriasis, and even new tattoos to heal it,” he explains. “It doesn’t leave a greasy residue and our candles contain no alcohol or harmful additives. Aside from that, we also carry essential oils, body butter, goat’s milk soap, honey soap, and wax melts, all made with natural ingredients. And our products are reasonably priced compared to the large box stores,” Michael said.
In two weeks, the shop will add holistic products containing almost 100 percent natural ingredients such as herbs, plant extracts, phytonutrients and
antioxidants, and essential oils. In addition, they intend to add metaphysical items as well. “Nobody offers items like this in Cleveland County, so we’ve decided to include those lines because customers have been asking for them,” Mykel said.
The store also offers custom made furniture; signage; local artwork; and jewelry, including diffuser necklaces and bracelets. “With the exception of just a few items, everything in the store is made locally. We strongly believe is supporting local artists and the community through our work,” Michael adds. “We are excited to open our shop in Kings Mountain and invite everyone to stop by and say hello.”

(February 3, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

American Legion Post 155 announces its monthly Veteran’s Breakfast is this Saturday morning, February 6, from 9 am to 11 am at the Otis D. Green Post home on East Gold Street.
All veterans are invited to this free breakfast the first Saturday of each month. Guests can dine-in or carry-out their meal. Selections include eggs, bacon, liver mush, gravy, grits, biscuits, toast, coffee, and juice.
The gathering is an opportunity for the community to support local veterans by joining them for a meal and visiting with them in fellowship. Non-veterans are asked to make a small donation to offset the cost of the meal, enabling American Legion Post to continue the program on a monthly basis.

(February 3, 2021 Issue)

Effective Friday, January 29, the Cleveland County Public Health Center’s COVID Vaccine Appointment Line (980-484-6019) will be open every Friday from 1 pm – 5 pm for the clinic(s) that will be held the following week based on our dosage allocation from the state.
Since vaccine rollout began, vaccine allocation from the State of North Carolina has been extremely unpredictable which has caused Cleveland County Government to have to shift and adjust on an almost daily basis.
Last week, counties across North Carolina had a call with North Carolina Secretary of Health and Human Services Mandy Cohen who apologized to counties for not being transparent with the dose allocation disbursement model. They committed to counties to give dose allocations three weeks in advance. However, during this call, counties were also told weekly dose allocations across the state will be limited, with only 84,000 vaccine doses being shared amongst all approved providers in 100 counties based on population. 
Due to this change, Cleveland County anticipates only receiving a very limited number of vaccine doses moving forward. As a result, county officials made the decision to transition from mailing letters to notify of appointments to scheduling appointments by phone call in an effort to get their limited doses to eligible
 individuals as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“Every call is important to us and all volumes are incredibly high. If you receive a busy signal, please continue to call back. Once all available appointments are filled for that week, the phone lines will be closed, and you will receive an automated message stating all appointments have been filled,” said Deputy Health Director DeShay Oliver.
   Dawn Neisler confirmed having difficulty getting through to the Cleveland County Public Health Center. “You have to be persistent and not give up. It took 317 attempts before the call finally went through and I was able to schedule Scott’s appointment.”
Cleveland County Public Health is only able to schedule as many appointments as their vaccine dosage allocation will allow, as they do not want to schedule appointments and then not have enough vaccine to cover them. A number of NC counties had to call thousands of people to cancel their appointments because they did not receive the number of vaccines they hoped to receive.
“We have had many people express the desire for us to place them on a waiting list. If we did this, the waiting list would very quickly grow to having thousands of people on it. With our current low weekly dose allocations, it would take us months to work our way through this list,” Oliver said.
  “We are aware that many residents are being vaccinated outside of Cleveland County. Scheduling weekly appointments based on vaccine dose allocations guarantees that those who sign up will attend the event.  In addition, because many individuals sixty-five (65) and older do not have access to the Internet, making appointments by phone seems to be the most equitable way of scheduling appointments under our current circumstances.”
Should the county be re-allocated additional vaccine doses from their partners at Atrium Health, the county will also host pop-up clinics. They expect this to happen on a limited basis; follow the Cleveland County Public Health Center’s and Cleveland County Government’s Facebook page for information about these pop-up clinics.
Residents who have access to transportation are encouraged to look for mass vaccination events across the state. The county will share these opportunities on social media sites as they become aware of them.
   Oliver asks, “Please be patient. With 19,000 residents 65 and older and weekly dosage allocations of less than 750, this will take time. Cleveland County is committed to ensuring that every dose received is given in a timely manner.” 

(January 27, 2021 Issue)

The Catawba Nation and the State of North Carolina signed a compact Friday, January 22, that allows the state to share in revenues generated by the new Two Kings Casino Resort, which will be located in the City of Kings Mountain, Cleveland County, NC. The casino will be operated by the Catawbas, according to a press release from the Catawba Nation Office of Tribal Government.
“On behalf of the Catawba Nation, I sincerely thank Governor Roy Cooper and his team for their thoughtful collaboration in creating this compact, which is the key step in bringing economic benefits and thousands of jobs from our casino project to the citizens of North Carolina,” said Catawba Chief Bill Harris.
Chief Harris continued, “I would also like to thank Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and Attorney General Josh Stein for their review and signoff of the compact. With work on the compact completed, we will advance the project from the site preparation phase to vertical construction of an introductory casino gaming facility to open this Fall.”
In March 2020, the U.S. Department of the Interior, following a thorough, years-long review, took 17 acres of land into trust status in Cleveland County, North Carolina, for the Catawba Nation. The action recognized the Catawba Nation’s historical and ancestral ties to its aboriginal lands throughout North Carolina, as evidenced by names such as Catawba County and Catawba College, as well as in the six counties, including Cleveland County, specifically identified by Congress as part of the Catawba’s service area. The compact acknowledges this connection to North Carolina as well.
In addition to creating revenue for the State of North Carolina, the casino will help fund a Catawba-backed education fund that will benefit environmental conservation, provide educational support for members of federal and state recognized tribes and support local communities “to assist in economic development for public services, recreation, entertainment and community economic development and foster employment opportunities on or near Catawba Indian lands”, among other things.
Upon hearing the news of the compact, Kings Mountain Mayor Scott Neisler stated, “Kings Mountain will become a major economic engine in North Carolina. We look forward to creating thousands of good jobs for our hardworking local people. We thank the Catawba Nation for extending their hand of partnership in making this dream a reality.”
Cleveland County Officials also commend the signing of the compact. “We support the State of North Carolina recognizing the casino project’s tremendous economic benefit to Cleveland County. We are pleased that a compact has been signed that establishes a collaborative partnership with this tribe and the State of North Carolina,” said Cleveland County Manager Brian Epley.
What is a compact and what does it mean to the project? Under federal law (the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act) there are three forms of gaming, Class I (which are traditional and social games subject only to Tribal authority), Class II (with are various forms of bingo subject only to Tribal and Federal authority), and Class III (which are all other forms of gaming--generally casino-type gaming--which is subject to Tribal, State and Federal authority). While the Catawba Indian Nation can move forward on the development of Class I and II gaming, it must negotiate a Class III gaming compact with the State in order to have Class III gaming. That compact then must be approved by the Department of the Interior.
North Carolina and the Catawba Indian Nation have reached agreement on a Class III gaming compact that establishes a regulatory framework for the Nation’s Class III gaming activities, protects public safety and provides for certain payments to the State and to a community foundation. That compact will now go to the Department of Interior for final review and approval. It is not anticipated that this compact will pose any special difficulties as it is closely modelled after a compact that Interior has approved for another Tribal Nation.
The payments to the State are similar to what is provided in the Cherokee Compact. There are three streams of funds that benefit the state and surrounding communities, as well as tax benefits from the casino/resort activities:
 • For an exclusive right for live table gaming in certain counties the state will receive a percentage of the Nation’s live table gaming revenue that is projected to eventually reach $5-10 million/year.
 • To defray the State’s costs associated with sports and horse wagering oversight a flat fee of $191,000. –
 • To be transferred to a foundation for the benefit of the Catawba, other state and federally recognized tribes, and the local community an amount that begins at $1 million/year, but on full development will reach $7.5 million/year.
 • Tax generation. The casino/resort will generate may millions in state tax revenues through vendor and employee taxation. In addition, the Nation has agreed to make payments in lieu of taxes to Cleveland County.

(January 27, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

Last week Kings Mountain residents received mailers urging them to contact elected officials and oppose the proposed Catawba casino. Several people who received these materials reached out to the Herald asking, “Who is DefendNC and why are they mailing me.”
At its website, DefendNC explains that it is “an initiative launched and funded by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and supported by like-minded North Carolina stakeholders who oppose the unwanted casino in Kings Mountain.” DefendNC calls on Governor Roy Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein “to defend North Carolina from the threat this unwanted casino poses to our state and economy,” a comment attributed to Principal Chief Richard Sneed.
The organization sent two types of mailers to Kings Mountain residents. If you live near the casino site, you probably received a packet encouraging you to mail included letters, stamped and ready to mail, to Governor Roy Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein asking them to oppose the casino in Kings Mountain. Other residents were sent postcards asking them to reach out to elected officials and oppose the project.
At DefendNC.com, the group shares, “DefendNC is leading a growing movement of North Carolina elected officials, communities, residents, and organizations who oppose the shady casino deal that is a bad deal for Kings Mountain, Western North Carolina, and the state.”
Essentially, DefendNC and NC Policy watch, a project of the NC Justice Center, are lobbyists encouraging citizens to write local and state legislators to support their cause in opposing the Catawba casino. NC Policy Watch solicits online donations which can be made at their website. Supporters are asked to “help us continue to expand our aggressive reporting and thoughtful commentaries.
 Make a tax-deductible financial contribution today and count yourself among thousands ensuring real news is reported.” Yet, neither DefendNC nor NC Policy Watch are registered with the NC Secretary of State as lobbyists. Neither are listed as non-profits, either. If you donate by check, you are asked to write the check out to the NC Justice Center in Raleigh, using their address.
   The NC Justice Center describes their organization writing, “We have a better sense of our capability and strength. We know—more than ever—what a significant role each of us can play in building a more progressive state. One that stands by individuals from all walks of life, regardless of race, gender identity, income, sexual orientation, country of origin, immigration status, religion, disability, or history of incarceration. We hope you’ll join us on this journey to a kinder, better, and wiser North Carolina.”
It is interesting to note DefendNC uses NC Policy Watch’s articles to argue against the proposed casino, citing a study about Cherokee’s Harrah’s Casino. They conclude, “Jackson and Swain counties have been home to a thriving and expanding Cherokee casino for more than 20 years. But the latest census data shows they are not significantly better off than Cleveland County. By some measures, they’re doing worse.”
The argument was written specifically about the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, using their situation in Western NC to argue against the proposed casino in Kings Mountain. Their argument does not take into consideration the improved economy since 2010 or the proximity of the proposed casino site to major highways and cities within a one to two-hour drive.
DefendNC claims to be supported by North Carolina elected officials, communities, residents, and organizations who oppose the casino deal. Kings Mountain City Council Member Keith Miller and Mayor of Lattimore, Reverend Alton Beal have signed their support to DefendNC in opposition of the casino.
If a casino is such a bad deal for a community, why do so many communities and organizations around Cherokee in Western North Carolina support the Eastern Band of Cherokee in this effort? Those listed as supporters on DefendNC’s website include Buncombe County, Cherokee County, Clay County, Graham County, Haywood County, Jackson County, Macon County, Swain County, Town of Bryson City, Town of Murphy, Council of Independent Business Owners, North Carolina Family Policy Council, and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.
The answer can be found on DefendNC’s website itself, “Our local and state economies are struggling right now. The last thing we need is a new threat to the economic well-being of communities in western North Carolina. And that’s exactly what this proposed casino would do.” So the issue comes down to money, plain and simple.
Last October, DefendNC took their argument a step further making the issue personal and accusing Kings Mountain Mayor Scott Neisler of supporting the project for personal gain. With the latest round of accusations from DefendNC, both in mailings and online, Mayor Neisler responded:
“Because of the mailers and calls, I have found it necessary to comment on the recent bombardment of our citizens by Defend NC. The group represents the Cherokee tribe. People in Kings Mountain are smarter than to fall for the outright false statements of this non-registered lobby group concerning this project. They state that a casino is a shady deal, so I guess Harrah’s Cherokee Casino is shady deal too! Maybe they should explain what it has done for them. It has dramatically lifted up the Cherokee people. Defend NC and the Cherokee tribe are trying to stop the Catawbas from prospering like the Cherokees have for years. It’s a money thing!”
“Also, Defend NC would have you believe that the City of Kings Mountain has the authority to stop the Catawba from establishing an entertainment complex here in our area,” he shared.
“The City never had, or will ever have, the decision up or down towards approving this entertainment project. The land has already been approved and granted to the Catawbas solely by the federal government.”
 He went on to share, “In conclusion, I hope this has cleared up the misconception of the city’s role. Defend NC has no problem smearing anything or anybody to protect the monopoly of the Cherokee Casino. My main concern, and it will always be my concern, is for the City of Kings Mountain to benefit from this economic opportunity and I’ll assure you that it is not for me or my family’s financial gain.”
The discussion continued Sunday, when DefendNC posted another comment directed to the Mayor saying, “Kings Mountain residents are calling and emailing you and the City Council because they are justifiably concerned. On Tuesday, the Council may vote to rezone a large amount of land, based on little more than the assurances of an indicted developer, Wallace Cheves.”
   In response, Mayor Neisler said, “I agree that our citizens are justifiably concerned, and I don’t mind addressing those concerns. It’s my job. But you have falsely smeared me and my family plus misled people thinking we have the power to stop the casino. So where does your truth start?”
   “I’ll assure you that we have defended our city’s interest and in doing so it gives us the opportunity to get housing we don’t currently offer. Something you seek to deny us obtaining. I really do understand why you seek to be involved in our affairs. Preserving the monopoly the Cherokee’s currently possess. We will always be the best at determining our own destiny not Defend NC,” Mayor Neisler said.

(January 27, 2021 Issue)

County Facebook pages keep citizens updated

A COVID-19 vaccination clinic was held at Kings Mountain Intermediate School on January 23 and 850 Kings Mountain residents 65 and over were mailed information as to the location and time. It was not an open drive-thru clinic. Residents receiving the letter were asked to bring their letter and arrive at their scheduled time.
   In a Facebook post after the event, Elizabeth Anne Tate wrote, “My mom is 87. She got a letter this past Thursday giving her a time for her vaccine at KM Intermediate School. (It was) so well organized, smooth as could be. From entrance, until 15 min wait after vaccine was given, took less  than 30 minutes. Great job by all, and much appreciated.”
Cleveland County’s roll-out of the vaccine was shared on their Facebook page on January 19, “Please call the COVID Vaccine helpline at 980-484-6019 or email covid.vaccine@clevelandcountync.gov to make an appointment. If you are unable to secure a spot for this week’s clinics and you qualify for Group 2, you will be eligible for an upcoming drive through vaccination clinic over the next few weeks – depending on dosage allocation from NCDHHS. Please continue to look for a letter in the mail in addition to regularly checking the Cleveland County Health Department’s Facebook page.”
Gaston County COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic is being held weekly at Gastonia Farmer’s Market, 410 E Long Ave. For more information, can call the Gaston County Vaccine Clinic Pre-registration line: 704-866-3170. Representatives will be available 8 am -5 pm, Monday to Friday to help.
North Carolina’s COVID-19 County Alert System currently shows that 99 counties are now listed as red or orange. Eighty-six counties are red with critical community spread of COVID-19 and 13 are orange with substantial community spread.
As of January last Saturday, 7,181 Coronavirus cases were reported within a 24-hour period and 3,416 North Carolinians were hospitalized.
   In Cleveland County, 8,917 people have gotten the virus since the pandemic began and has had 175 COVID-related deaths. Kings Mountain has experienced 2,536 cases and 79 deaths, so far. In a Facebook announcement on January 22, Cleveland County Health Department posted, “There are currently 41 Cleveland County residents who are hospitalized.”
   Citizens eligible to get the vaccine include health care workers and long-term care staff and residents and adults 65 and over.
   North Carolina’s Secretarial Directive remains in effect, and with COVID-19 positive cases, percent of cases that are positive and hospitalizations remaining high, citizens are asked to:
    •    Wear a mask at all times and maintain physical distance (at least 6 feet) from people when you leave your home.
    •    Stay home. Only go out for essential activities like work, school, health care, or caring for family, or buying food.
    •    Avoid gathering with people that you do not live with. If you cannot avoid being with other people, stay outside and keep it very small. Do not do things where you need to take off your mask, like eating or drinking.
    •    If you were with people who you do not live with, you should assume you may have become infected and get tested.

(January 20, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

A crowd gathered at the new location of JACK & georgia, a young woman’s clothing and accessories boutique located at 209 S. Battleground Avenue in Kings Mountain, just before 10 am on Saturday, January 16.
Thirty women, excited for the store’s new location and a special discount offered to early shoppers, looked through the windows to see the newest offerings made available by proprietor Emily Harris.
When asked about her new location, Harris said, “I love being on main street now. It is a lot different where we are here on main street; it is completely different even though we are in a small town. It’s exciting; it’s a big deal, especially in an historic town like Kings Mountain.”
“We had a better turnout than I expected, really, especially when you open at 10 am… you just don’t know what to expect.” Harris pauses to thank customers for coming in, then continues, “Of course, we had people come from all over town, but people came from Florida, South Carolina, and all over come up and that was really cool. Being able to see that reaction was really nice on opening day. It’s been a good day, so far.”
When asked if she added new lines or products, Harris said, “We just got to expand our inventory. It is  probably five to six times more than we used to carry, because we have so much more space. We have new pieces, due to constant turnover, and new offerings as they are released.”
The store sets a new bar for Kings Mountain shops, with clean lines and a feminine flair. Above a pink sofa near the dressing rooms, a pink neon sign reads, “You’re Like Really Pretty.” As to the décor, Harris said, “When you first open, you do what you can. With this move, I got to make it what I always wanted it to be now that I have finally gotten into the door in town. I’m really excited!”
The shop includes cute tops, bottoms, sweaters, shoes, swimwear, outerwear, and accessories for young women. New inventory arrives every Tuesday, for those who keep up with the most current fashion trends.

(January 20, 2021 Issue)

An event to support Cpl. Lee Whittington is scheduled for Saturday, January 23 from noon to 6 pm. It will be held at Central United Methodist Church, 112 S. Piedmont Avenue, across from the Kings Mountain Police Department.
Hamburger and hot dog plates with fries and a drink will be available for a donation. The event is hosted by Elmer Oboyle.
All plates are available by donations only. Tumblers and shirts will also be available. Proceeds will go to Cpl. Lee Whittington of Kings Mountain Police Department, the officer injured in the line of duty last December. 

(January 20, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

Paul James Candle Co. held a soft opening Sunday at 807 Cleveland Avenue, right next door to Linwood Produce. Owners Michael Baker and partner James Baker moved to Kings Mountain last December from Conover with plans to open a business later this year. Thanks to several fortunate occurrences, the date was moved up to January 17.
“A friend of mine, Cinnamon, works for Keith Falls and a home he owns became available, so we came to Kings Mountain to see it. I met Keith Falls and before we knew it, we were moving to Kings Mountain. Everyone we have met has been so welcoming and friendly,” Michael said. “Keith has a heart of gold and helps people. I have only lived here short time, but I can see what a caring person his is toward others. As luck would have it, this shop was also available, and everyone encouraged us to open the business. Keith helped make that happen.”
The Baker’s specialize in healing candles made of 100% pure soy, essential oils, and vitamins A, D, and E. “When the candle wax melts, you dab your finger
in the wax and spread it on dry skin, dermatitis, psoriasis, and even new tattoos to heal the skin,” he explains. “It doesn’t leave a greasy residue and our candles contain no alcohol or harmful additives. Aside from that, we also carry essential oils, body butter, goat’s milk soap, honey soap, and wax melts, all made with natural ingredients. And our prices are reasonably priced compared to the large box stores,” Michael said.
The store also offers custom made furniture; signage; local artwork; and jewelry, including diffuser necklaces and bracelets. “With the exception of just a few items, everything in the store is made locally. We strongly believe is supporting local artists and the community through our work,” Michael adds. “We are excited to open our shop in Kings Mountain and invite everyone to stop by and say hello.” Hours for the business are Wednesday through Sunday, from 9 am to 6 pm.

(January 13, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

On Saturday, January 9, Kings Mountain Ministerial Association held a Community Prayer Rally at Patriots Park Gazebo at noon. The day after Kings Mountain’s first snow of the year, a small crowd gathered as spiritual leaders from across the city, and beyond, joined in praying for first responders in the community. The prayers were heartfelt and are summarized here so that all who missed the event might hear their words and remember the first responders.
Pastor Ron Caulder, Pastor of Eastside Baptist Church and President of the KM Ministerial Association opened the prayer event saying, “We have a sovereign God; we have been through some very difficult times over the last 10 months. We certainly need Him in the hour we are living in here today. We come to praise His holy name and pray for people who are special to us who are helping us to get through this pandemic and praying for the Lord’s deliverance. In time, the Lord will deliver us.”
Dr. Jonathan Bundon, Worship Pastor at First Baptist Church led the group in song, singing the Lord’s Prayer to begin the prayer rally.
Rev. Corey Gaines of Maiden Chapel in Maiden, NC, prayed for Healthcare Workers saying, “We pray and commit them to you, oh God, asking that You be their strength like no other. We pray right now, in the name of Jesus, that You give them the tenacity to keep moving forward. We know, God, that nothing is impossible with You. With You, all things are possible. We come against the spirit of the virus in the name of Jesus.”
Praying for Fire and
Rescue was Rev. Greg Neely of Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church who said, “Many people pursue a career and realize later in life, they should have pursued a calling. Others pursue a calling and make it a career. Father, as they make their shifts, my prayer is that You help sustain Fire and Rescue workers spiritually. As they lie in their bunks, may it not be idle time. May they find themselves drawn with the need and desire to study Your word, so when they leave out, they leave out with purpose. God, give them the vision to see that those they help are people, just like the rest of us, and they may be helping them in the very hour of their greatest need. Father, would You keep them safe, not only for their own benefit, but for ours, in Jesus’ name we pray.”
Rev. Brian Taule of David Baptist Church prayed for retail workers.
“God, I pray for protection for those ones that stand behind the register as we pick up our groceries, being exposed to who knows what. Not just ones in the grocery store, but all of the retail establishment. God, protect them. We thank You for them and we thank You for living in a county where we can go. Thank You for the blessing of just being able to shop and not have all the stores closed.”
Dr. Rob Patrick of Boyce Memorial ARP Church prayed for the educators. “In this time of unprecedented challenge and difficulty for our educators, we pray for those throughout our nation, our state, and particularly here in Cleveland County that they might know you and be strengthened by Your spirit.”
Praying for Law Enforcement was Rev. Jeff Longwell, Pastor of Penley’s Chapel. “I ask You, oh God, to put Your blessing and Your protection upon our Law Enforcement Officers as we think about all the things they have been through this year. Many have laid down their lives, Lord. We know You said that there is no greater love that a man could give than to lay down his life for his friends. These men and women are called to the duties they do. You have put them in that place, and we trust You to bring them safely home to their families night after night. As they lay their live on the line, may they have eternity with you in their hearts.”
Rev. Reginald Hartgrove of New Life Christian Church shared a prayer for the Transporters, “Father, in Jesus name we come humbly before You to thank You for your grace, Your mercy, and Your loving kindness. We praise You before we ask You for anything. As we lift up every transporter, You appeared to and guided the children of Israel and we ask that You do so in a like manner to every transporter. Guide them, protect them, keep them from seen and unseen dangers. Let Your grace, let Your mercy abide heavily upon them in Jesus name.”
Volunteers were prayed for by Rev. Paul Brintley of Fellowship Baptist in Dallas, NC. “You know, a volunteer is a person who remembers to do things that makes other people happy. When we have times of service, they can be so intense and physically draining for volunteers. I pray Your blessing on each volunteer that You have brought to serve during this trying time. I ask that You set a guard over each volunteer and keep them strong in You. You promised that You will be our strength, so I ask you to give each volunteer the measure of strength that they will need to accomplish what You have called them to do even though they are not compensated financially. You said in your word that You would reward them if they stored it up where no moth or rust can destroy. So, Father, I ask You to reward them mightily.”
Dr. Moses Nueman, Director of World Care Ministries prayed for Ministers and Churches. “Father, God, you ordained the Church. You ordained that that is a place of refuge, a place where we can run into and find refuge. It is also a place the community calls the Watchtower. You have also ordained ministers who are the Watchmen on the tower. You have asked us to go into the world and preach the gospel. We thank You for the city of Kings Mountain and the whole community we have here. We want to thank You, Father God, for the ministers in the area who worship You in spirt and in truth. Thank You for the Kings Mountain Ministerial Association that brings us together. Let Your name be glorified and let Your love abide in us. Most of all, have mercy on our Country and grant us peace.”
Rev. Bruce Gwyn of Central United Methodist Church prayed for Government workers saying, “God of all ages, in Your sight and in Your time nations have risen and they have fallen. Lord, they pass through times of plenty and they pass through times of peril. In this turbulent time, my all of our leaders be led by Your wisdom. May our leaders seek Your will and not theirs. Lord, if they do not see clearly and have turned from Your way, I pray that they will repent. You are our hope, God. You are our strength, our help in our time of need. Serving through the light that You shine upon their minds and their hearts.”
A prayer for our community was offered by Rev. William Thompson of William Thompson Ministries and Coffee Time with a Preacher. “Community is defined by all the different entities we have prayed for already. They have been called, one by one. As we call God to remember us, we want to remember Him as our creator, as our redeemer, and as a healer of our land. Dear Father, we lift up the Kings Mountain Community. We ask that we understand who we lift the community up to, the Creator, the very One who brings about all the things we so desperately seek. I want to lift up the community and ask for peace, ask for joy, ask for love, kindness, forgiveness, loving on one another, that this community will be the very place we would want to bring our children, and our children’s children. And whenever we look at this place, that we will remember one thing. That the center of Kings Mountain is The Christ.”
Dr. John Sloan, Jr., known by many as ‘Brother Chip’, shared a word of thanks, “Our gracious heavenly Father, You have instructed us that we should rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. In obedience to You, we have gathered together, we have sung, we have rejoiced in our fellowship. We have prayed, Lord, specific prayers for specific needs. Lord, now we just want to give thanks to You. We thank You for Jesus, for he is our helper. I thank You for this land we call America. You have for so many years protected us and given us a place of protection. We thank You for how you have blessed us with this great land. Lord, we thank You for the government, for the wisdom of the founders, who designed a government that is truly for the people and by the people. The technology we enjoy today is a gift from You. Lord, I give you thanks for this town. May daughter, who is a wife and a mother of two little children just riding into Kings Mountain not long ago burst out with the words, ‘I love this little town.’ And Lord, I do love this little town. We are grateful for it. We are grateful, Father, for every citizen who is here.  And we thank You Lord for every church that stands to minister for You to build harmony and unity. Lord, we give You thanks for the big things and the little things. In the precious name of Jesus.”
Pastor John Wilcox of First Presbyterian Church offered the closing prayer, saying, “I think everything has been said that could be said. It is wonderful to be here and see a community that has come together for the needs of the people of the community. It is such a blessing to be a part of this. We pray that Christ may grant us, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with the power in our inner being through his spirit. So that we may be filled with all the fullness of God. To Him, be glory and the Church, and Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.”
Pastor Ron Caulder of Eastside Baptist Church thanked all the ministers for participating and concluded by saying, “The Lord has heard our prayers here and we give him praise. May you now go in peace. God Bless you.”
After the event, the Herald asked Officer T. Bell what this event meant to him as a member of Kings Mountain Police Department. “As far as the community standing behind our police officers, it means the world to me. When the community and police work together, it fits like a hand in a glove,” he said.

(January 13, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

During Cleveland County Board of Education’s special called meeting on January 7, members voted 5 - 4 to return pre-kindergarten through 4th grade students to full-time instruction beginning on Monday, February 8. Plan A’s previous start date had been set for January 19.
Chairman Robert Queen summarized research he had done with Shelby Pediatrics and Atrium Health, among others. He indicated that Atrium Health expects a spike in COVID-19 cases in early February. Currently there are no issues of being seen by Emergency Departments, but there could be an issue with finding a bed if a patient needs to be admitted. Some patients have been transferred to other facilities. But patients have also been transferred here if beds are available.
Queen reported that he checked with Shelby Pediatrics and they suggested that January 19 was not the  right time to go forward with in-person learning. On January 6 at 3 pm, a letter was received confirming Shelby Pediatrics’ concern.
Representatives from Cleveland County Health Department and Cleveland County Schools also spoke regarding current data.
Motion was made by Rodney E Fitch to return pre-kindergarten through 4th grade students to full-time instruction on February 8, second by Danny Blanton. Voting in favor were Robert Queen, Danny Blanton, Ron Humphries, Joel Shores, Rodney Fitch.
Voting against were Phillip Glover, Dena Green, Coleman Hunt, Greg Taylor.
While public participation was not allowed at during this meeting, the next Cleveland County School Board meeting is January 11. During that meeting, public participation will be allowed. Vice Chairman Joel Shores spoke in favor of allowing public participation at this special meeting, but it was voted down 7 -2.

(January 6, 2021 Issue)

Online event will 
take place,
January 15th-19th, 2021

Kings Mountain, NC:  Honoring the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the City of Kings Mountain is set to host a virtual online event, “Meet Dr. King”, January 15th-19th, 2021.
Performed by Bright Star Touring Theatre of Asheville, NC, “Meet Dr. King”, introduces audiences to Dr. King and follows key moments in his life beginning as a young boy experiencing racism for the first time, to meeting his wife, Coretta, to becoming a pastor and finally a national inspiration.
Audiences will get the opportunity to watch the production live on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mauneylibrary and www.facebook.com/CityofKMSpecialEvents.
In addition to this special production, Mauney Memorial Library will honor Dr. King by providing a “Doves of Peace” paper craft in select businesses throughout the City. Businesses participating are, Big Red’s Café, Mauney Memorial Library, Mountain Holiday, and Swooger's.
Schools throughout Cleveland County will receive the link to allow students to watch the production as well.
For more information, please contact the City of Kings Mountain Special Events Department at 704-730-2101 or access their website at www.kingsmountainevents.com. 

(January 6, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

Between Christmas and New Year’s Day, Kings Mountain honored the city’s police officers with a tribute during a specially programmed Fantasy Light Show. The trees along Railroad Avenue were trimmed in blue.
“We wanted to do something to honor our police and let them know we are thinking of them,” said Mayor Neisler. “This has been a tough time for our police officers in the last few weeks and they need to know we appreciate what they do to protect us in our community.”
If you missed the light show, you are in luck. Angela Padgett of Kings Mountain Special Events took pictures and shared them with the Herald.
A special Prayer Gathering will also be held this Saturday at noon in Patriots Park by the Kings Mountain Ministerial Association. It is a great opportunity to show Kings Mountain Police, and all law enforcement in the county and the region, how much the community appreciates all they do to keep everyone safe.

Main Street Director Christy Adkins announced the winner of the $250 Main Street Bucks promotion! Presenting the $250 Main Street bucks to Karla Stamey is Lew Dellinger, owner of Dellinger’s Jewel Shop. Stamey met the qualifications by spending a minimum of $25 at Dellinger's Jewel Shop and turned in her receipt. She can spend that $250 at any of the downtown businesses.                                 
 

(January 6, 2021 Issue)

The Kings Mountain Ministerial Association will hold a special prayer gathering this Saturday, January 9, at noon at the Gazebo in Patriot’s Park.
The community prayer gathering is planned to pray for police officers and all essential workers in Kings Mountain who work to keep the community safe and who are always there to help in a time of need.
Essential workers include police, fire fighters, city employees, EMT’s, doctors, nurses, nursing home workers and employees, to name a few.
This has been a one of the most challenging years in the lives of most people. The Ministerial Association shared, “We are thankful to God for seeing us through some of the most some difficult times. You are invited to join us Saturday at noon in Patriots Park as we come together to pray for His help as the new year begins, praying especially for those who are in harm’s way to protect us in times of crisis. These people are on the front lines for us. They need our prayers and support as a community of faith.”
Patriots Park is located at 220 S. Railroad Avenue in Kings Mountain.

(January 6, 2021 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

The year 2020 is one few of us will ever forget, but one probably we wish we could. Just days into the year, the Coronavirus pandemic began, resulting in say-at-home orders, mandatory wearing of face masks, and governmental assistance to citizens as well as businesses. As of Dec. 31, about 342,000 Americans had died from the virus. On that day alone, 3,479 North Carolinians were hospitalized. In Cleveland County, 6,956 cases of the virus and 144 deaths were reported last year.
On a positive note, three pharmaceutical companies have developed Coronavirus vaccines and two have begun inoculating those at highest risk: medical professionals and those living in congregate housing. This week anyone 75 and over can get the vaccine. It will take a while to get everyone inoculated but it is a good step forward.
Despite the virus, all news was not bleak. The area has seen business growth and witnessed firsthand the resiliency of people. Front-line workers kept commerce flowing as everyone worked to help each other through one of the toughest times in recent memory.
January  – As 2020 began, a 16-year mystery was solved at Moss Lake. A fisherman using a fish finder discovered a submerged vehicle near the Camp Creek Church Road boat ramp, 27-feet below the surface. It was reported missing in Oct. 2004. On January 15, Sgt. Bob Myers retired after 30-years with Kings Mountain Police Department. Friends of Crowders Mountain asked for volunteers for trail work and litter pick-up. Greg Payseur offered free genealogy assistance at the Mauney Memorial Library. Atrium Health Kings Mountain tightened visitation requirements due to the prevalence of flu in the region. Kings Mountain Rotary Club awarded a check to Tropzie McCluney of the Community Math Academy. Jasmine Suarez and Kallee Heffner came in first and second respectively in the East School Fourth Grade Spelling Bee. After 79-years of service, the Kings Mountain Kiwanis Club disbanded. Edgar Lee (Dean) Adams retired and closed his barber shop after working 60-years in his profession. Accelerate Cleveland began recruiting for their spring class.
February – Layoffs were announced for Eaton Corporation due to consolidation of its heavy-duty transmission assembly division. Starbucks announced opening a new store at 717 York Road in July. Mauney Memorial Library announced a Makerspace sneak-peek. On Feb. 4, Cleveland County Health Department announced no cases of Novel Coronavirus in Cleveland County. Early February brought an EF-2 tornado to the Dixon Community, toppling four high tension electrical transmission towers and felling trees in its wake. Sheriff Norman switched political parties, registering as a Republican. Catawba Nation opened a display at Kings Mountain Historical Museum. President of Kings Mountain Touchdown Club David Brinkley officially presented the new tennis courts and football field to Superintendent of Cleveland County Schools Stephen Fisher. City of Kings Mountain acknowledged a water spill of 3.1 million gallons into Potts Creek. Temple Baptist Church celebrated its 75th anniversary. Warren Bingham spoke to the DAR on the life of George Washington; his wife, Laura Carpenter Bingham, is a Kings  Mountain Native. North Elementary School’s fourth grade spelling bee winners were Johaunna Shaw and Kal Frishmuth. Shaw represented North in the district level competition.
March – City of KM trashes its recycling program due to costs. Thoroughbred Partners announce plans for the old Senior Park. Don Crawford celebrated his 90th birthday. Over 130 attend American Legion Auxiliary Unit 155’s Spaghetti Dinner. Cub Scout Pack 93 celebrated its 25th anniversary. KMHS Senior Myla Athitang published her first book: Annalise: Twenty Years Everlasting. Kings Mountain ranked 25th  among the safest cities in NC. Citizens were advised by the CDC on ways to protect themselves from COVID-19. United States Department of the Interior rules in favor of the Catawba Nation’s casino plan. City given a $25,000 civil penalty and notification of violation due to the city’s failure to properly implement the pretreatment program. Because Governor Cooper declared a state of emergency due to the Coronavirus, Atrium Health Kings Mountain restricted visitors to those age 13 and over. Cleveland County Potato Project collected fruits and vegetables with a longer shelf-life for citizens impacted by COVID-19. Lenten services, Frozen, Jr., Gateway Trail races, Honors Chorus, Medicine Drop, and Friends of Crowders Mountain were cancelled or postponed. Kings Mountain Historical Museum temporarily closed. The nation celebrated 19th amendment giving women the right to vote. Local schools celebrate Read Across America and invite local celebrities to read to the children. Citizens start feeling the impact of Coronavirus. Beginning on March 19, city buildings were conducting business but limiting access. NC schools were closed until May 15. Patrick Senior Center was closed. City of Kings Mountain turned on its Christmas Lights on Railroad Avenue to brighten the citizen’s spirits. Cleveland County Schools announced the continuation of the school lunch program. Phrases like The New Normal, Together Apart, and In This Unprecedented Time became part of our vocabulary. In stores, signs on floors and on isles reminded shoppers to stay six-feet apart and travel isles in one direction only. Reminders of the 3-Ws were everywhere: wear your mask, wait (maintain social distancing six-feet apart), and wash your hands. Glenn Mollette noted that 9,000 lives had been lost to the virus, with 22,000 sick. Atrium Health added new restrictions for visitors. Restaurants were closed to COVID-19; takeout and delivery became extremely popular with local restaurants that remained open. American Legion celebrated its 101st birthday nationwide.
April – Coronavirus help is on the way; COVID-19 unemployment checks go out. Patrick Senior Center distributed non-perishable food and scheduled in-county medical appointments through TACC. Cleveland County Potato Project collected food for those in need. KM Spring Litter Sweep kicks-off. EIDL and PPP loans were announced to help small businesses. The fifth Coronavirus case was reported by Cleveland County Health Department.  City of KM broadcast its city council meeting on Facebook Live for the first time. Fifteen Kings Mountain and Gastonia residents were quarantined at Ft. Dobbins Air Force Base in Georgia after disembarking the Grand Princess cruise ship in San Francisco. YMCA offered daycare for essential workers. Kings Mountain’s Easter Service was cancelled. The Easter Bunny visited Kings Mountain on the back of a fire truck. Lib Stewart was honored by District 13 American Legion Auxiliary. Governor Cooper tightened COVID-19 social distancing measures. Kings Mountain had four confirmed COVID-19 cases and the county had 39 cases. Citizens begin gardening as a pastime and to grow difficult to find items. Local hardware stores see a booming business. Porch sitting becomes more popular. Citizens started a Where’s Waldo type event for children. People hid various stuffed zoo animals for the children to find. American Legion Auxiliary Girl’s State went virtual for the first time. Governor announced a plan to reopen NC. Educator Beverly Owens used a desktop 3D printer to make facemasks for healthcare providers. Schools continued remote learning for the rest of the school year.
May - High school seniors received caps and gowns in drive-thru. Cleveland Pines reported 5 Coronavirus cases. Kings Mountain’s Memorial Day event was held virtually. Mauney Library offered curbside pickup. KM ranked #1 as healthiest home market in US. First Presbyterian held services in the garden beside the Joy Theater. Governor opened NC for business with limitations. KMHS senior players were honored in a drive-thru event. Michael Parker made good renovation progress on the old Fulton’s building. City of KM had no tax increases in their new budget. Veronet Vineyards and Winery reopened using social distancing. Windows at Mauney Memorial Library were refurbished. Absentee Balloting was announced as an option for November primary. Red, White, and Boom will feature fireworks only. Kings Mountain’s newest restaurant, 133 West, continues toward its grand opening. Dead & Gone shot at the George Washington Cromwell House. Twelve new COVID-19 cases reported in Kings Mountain last week. DAR holds national conference online. Kings Mountain rebrands itself. KMHS Class of 2020 holds drive-thru graduation ceremony. YMCA moved many activities outdoors. Cleveland County Potato Project received 40,000 pounds of potatoes. Clean Sweep hauled away 88,000 pounds of yard waste. Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office released a new smartphone App.
June – Kiameshia Young bought the old McGill’s Exxon. COVID-19 numbers doubled every two-weeks for three weeks. On July 10, Kings Mountain had 102 cases, Grover 20, Shelby 178, and Boiling Springs 128. Ed Blackburn’s bees help apple trees flourish. Cleveland County had sixth COVID-19 death. KM cancelled its fireworks show and held a virtual event and also honored the Class of 2020. Face masks were now required in public per Gov. Cooper’s Executive Order.
 July – David Stone and his family brought the old Summer’s home back to life. Dellinger’s Jewel Shop a KM tradition for more than 60 years. Kings Mountain Coronavirus cases continue to climb. Six local sites failed swim guide results for the Broad River. Dr. Gangoo retired after 41 years in KM. Latinos for Freedom Back the Blue and provide lunches for local police. A 5.1 earthquake near Sparta, NC was felt in Kings Mountain. KM Historical Museum held its 17th annual Reverse Raffle virtually. Uniquetex and Ecoguard donated 5,000 masks for KM citizens that were distributed at Patrick Senior Center. COVID-19 outbreak at White Oak Manor. KM’s Beach Blast went virtual. Jimmy Wayne was named to Cleveland County Hall of Fame. Betsy Wells served as a Democratic National Delegate. A Cleveland County woman wins $186,776 in Cash 5 jackpot. Levi Keever was introduced as a Future Firefighter. City distributed 15,000 masks. 133 West completed soft opening and is a big hit with patrons. Delta Kappa Gamma installed new officers.
August – Developers plan for $230 million in projects for KM. 133 West opened on Wednesday, September 2. Name announced for Catawba Nation’s Casino: Catawbas Two Kings Casino Resort. Wayne King served as a Republican National Delegate. Kings Mountain Fire Department joins Cleveland County’s Emergency Warning System. Cleveland County reports 35 COVID-19 deaths. Jim Potter retires from CUMC’s Community Kitchen. One hundred and five residents at White Oak Manor had COVID-19. Commander Keith Morrow retired from the Navy. KM native Sarah Lee Owensby was nominated for Major Market Broadcast Personality. Senior Center requests donations of food for older adults. Land near casino sold for $1.77 million. Julie Rikard named CCS Principal of the Year. Battle of Kings Mountain commemoration went virtual. Future firefighter Grady Hooper was introduced. Alliance Bank and Trust moved to Shelby Road. DAR celebrated Constitution Week. Christy Adkins took over as Main Street Director. Land near casino sold for $2.725 million. Advent Academy held its ribbon cutting.
September – Michael and Nakisha Wenzel bought Big Red’s Café. City approved $1.2 million budget expenditures and annexed land into the city. Library hosted virtual book fair. KMHS basketball over 100 years old, football should turn 100 in 2022. Second positive case of rabies reported in the county. Potato Project harvested 3,000 pounds of potatoes. Angela Padgett was born into life of NASCAR. 133 West Ribbon Cutting Oct. 22. KMLT held auditions for Till Beth Do Us Part. Revolutionary War Iron Sword part of Museum’s collection. Melvin Ware’s Victory Garden did well. KM Hospital to celebrate 70th anniversary in March 2021.
October – President Trump held a campaign rally in Gastonia at the airport. Benestar Brands to invest $24 Million in KM. Wilcox new minister at First Presbyterian Church. Strong showing by voters in early voting. Neisler fabrics were featured in 1956 Indianapolis race car. Delta Tau recognized future teachers. Shelters welcome those in need. KM area voters go to polls Tuesday. Helen Bullock turned 103. Border’s daycare recognized for 26-years of service. 133 West held its ribbon cutting. Grants available for businesses impacted by COVID-19. DAR celebrated Day of Service..
November – Greg Putnam recognized by city for doing the right thing. City honored Veteran’s on Nov. 10. City approved incentive grants and zoning petitions. Sixty-three percent of Kings Mountain voters have cast their ballots. Water project adds $175,000 to budget. King Mountain had 936 cases of Coronavirus with 29 deaths, of which 23 were living in nursing homes. Republicans won big in Cleveland County. City council approved sale of alcohol before noon on Sunday. Patriots park got a landscape facelift. Fourth and fifth cases of rabies reported. Jones Tennis Building completes best athletic facility in the state. Jalen Roberts received Eagle Scout rank. Keith Corporation marketing Kings Mountain Corporate Center. KM Beach Blast named CBMA’s best event of the year. NCDOT paving project continued through town. Work continued near Exit 5. December 19 was Wreaths Across America Day. Shelby and Gastonia DMV now offers instant title services. Feed the Children on Dec. 4. Christmas in Kings Mountain began Dec. 5 for three consecutive weekends. Murphy Toy Run a success. Nutcracker performed with limited seating. Governor Cooper tightened mask restrictions and enforcement.
December – Home for Christmas back in Kings Mountain. Here comes Santa Claus. City presented streetscape plan. City received $200,000 from KM ABC Board. Benestar Brands purchased property in KM. On Dec. 1, an older driver accidentally drove her vehicle into Kings Mountain Post Office. Santa visited Kings Mountain. Library renovations ongoing. Work at 100 E. Kings Street continues. Floyd inspires others on a journey to a healthier life. Atrium Health first to administer COVID-19 vaccine. Sisters shared holiday warmth with Y-kids. NC Voter Law upheld in US Court of Appeals. Huggins welcomed you to Revolution Brewhouse. Shop local for Christmas. Officer Tyler Herndon killed in the line of duty. Another KMPD Officer shot Saturday night. Santa visited with children just in time for Christmas. Meadowbrook Road water project approved. During Wreaths Across America, 600 veterans honored at Mountain Rest Cemetery. Tyler Herndon laid to rest as community mourns. City grapples with mural ordinance. KM featured in Life in the Carolina’s Christmas special. Bolin’s Daycare celebrated 50th birthday. Student boarders start KM Christmas tradition in 1883. Atrium KM to get Moderna vaccine. City council continues decision on rezoning for Catawba Village.

(December 30, 2020 Issue)

A memorial fund has been set up in honor  of Mt. Holly police officer Officer Herndon who lost his life in the line of duty on December 11, 2020. “The Tyler Herndon Memorial Fund” has been created at  SouthState Bank. Cash or check donations can be dropped off at any Gaston county location (Mount Holly, Belmont, Gastonia, Dallas, Stanley). All monies collected will be given to the Herndon family in honor of their son.

(December 30, 2020 Issue)

If you think you have seen the Fantasy Christmas Light Show, you need to rethink that. “After Christmas, the light show was reprogrammed to Back the Blue in Kings Mountain,” according to Mayor Neisler. “We reprogrammed the whole show and added the City of Kings Mountain Logo and songs like, “God Bless the USA,” Neisler said. “There’s a little something in there for everyone, including Thunderstruck by AC/DC.” Kings Mountain’s Fantasy Light show will continue until New Year’s Eve, when the display will count down to midnight, welcoming in 2021.
 

(January 30, 2020 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

Bolin’s Daycare celebrated its 50th birthday the last Saturday before Christmas. Their anniversary should have been held in September, but with COVID-19, things got pushed back. Jeff and Kelly Bolin celebrated the daycare’s birthday party outdoors in the parking lot and on the grounds of their daycare.
Tables were filled with gift bags packed with goodies for the first 50 guests. There were games, crafts, and activities for the entire family. Some folks just came by to reminisce and take a walk down memory lane.
Photo books were placed on tables, with images of young children, now grown, spanning a half century. Games of life-size Jenga, corn hole, and a cake walk kept kids and their parents busy. Crafts filled tables as young and old gathered to create items to take home. Cupcakes and refreshments filled tables.
Santa even dropped by for a quick visit before Christmas. Kids climbed into Santa’s lap to share their Christmas wishes with Santa, wide-eyed in awe and wonder.
Students, now parents, bring their children and grandchildren to Bolin’s Daycare. One grandmother shared that her grandson had terrible separation anxiety and could not stand to be away from his immediate
family. “If someone he did not know looked at him, he would just scream. We brought him to Bolin’s and he absolutely loves it here. We often leave and he never even realizes we are gone. It is a huge success for him,” she said.
"Daycare is a lot more than just babysitting," said Kelly. "Bolin's Daycare is very structured with a focus on preparing children for Kindergarten. Everything we do, from birth to age five prepares them for that."
   In 1970, Barbara Ellen Bolin and her husband, Herman, lived two blocks away at 705 Ramseur Street. They had just completed construction of a new home on Cansler Street and decided to open a daycare in their basement. They had three children: Cindy, David, and Jeff. Jeff was just a year old.
Eventually, the Bolin's business outgrew their space, so they moved the daycare back to their house on Ramseur Street. In 1978, the Bolin’s bought the current property across from North School and built a facility that can accommodate 98 students. The 74 Bypass took their property, and they needed a new location. Now Jeff and Kelly own the daycare.
Bolin’s Daycare is a special place, as evidenced by all who gathered to share this milestone with the Bolin family this last Saturday before Christmas. The Bolin’s love traditions and have kept them going for 50 years. “Every Friday, children visit the office and get a piece of candy and Friday is also Hot Dog and Chili Day,” Jeff said. When asked the secret to their chili, he replied, "It is so simple…" Kelly quickly interrupted, saying, "The chili recipe is a highly classified secret," and they both laugh.

(December 30, 2020 Issue)

During an unusual meeting on Friday, December 18 at 5 pm, city council continued the public hearing held during the Regularly scheduled meeting from December 15, to consider a request of Let’s Roll Holdings, LLC. At question was to rezone property consisting of approximately 82.73 acres on Dixon School Road, Parcel #11598, Map 4, Block 1, Lot 10, from R-20 to Conditional District R6-PUD (Planned Unit Development). The planned name for the development is Catawba Village.
In the prior meeting held the Tuesday before, it was determined that the application was not complete, specifically Article 14.1a, items 4, 5, and 6, so that public hearing was continued to Friday.
Of concern to Director of Community & Economic Development Stuart Gilbert, was that the amended application contained a run-on sentence in Exhibit B, paragraph 2 with regard to the building material to be used in Phase 1 that contains no more than 200 multi-family apartment units.
Mayor Neisler invited the public to speak in favor of the project and two people spoke. Leonard Fletcher, an engineer in Shelby spoke first. He explained he wouldn’t normally speak regarding this but that he had received a phone call implying that Mr. Wallace Cheves was a liar and a cheat.
“I can only say that I’ve known him for about the last 10-years. He has paid me every month and he has done everything he said he would do. There were a lot of things he (Cheves) didn’t say (in the city council meeting) because he didn’t know. He is not in that part of the development.”
 “I’ve probably designed a hundred developments in the last 40-years and I’ve tried one of my own. I just know that with the kind of requirements that the staff has put on the development, you know, brick, stone, the houses are going to cost $300,000 to $400,000 at a minimum. And apartments are going to rent for probably $1,500. I just wanted to get it straight,” Fletcher said.
“He is not going to have a choice but to build you a legacy. It will be the nicest place in Shelby or Kings Mountain.”
Also speaking in favor was Tommy Register, who is also an engineer working for Wallace Cheves. “This is a multi-family project. Low-rent is not what it is intended to be. These are high quality luxury apartments. There are no facilities like this for someone to move and    live  until   they can build a house somewhere locally,” he said.
“This project is not just for casino workers. It could be for young professionals working in Charlotte, Gastonia, or Greenville. With the housing you have now, there is a whole market sector that is missing. This housing can also be used for young professionals coming to the area.”
Mayor Neisler then invited citizens who wished to speak against. Dale Greene was the first of seven to speak against the rezoning. In response to a Facebook conversation from the night before, Greene commented that the Mayor had implied the rent for the multi-family housing units would be between $700 - $800. He urged city council to table the item.
“Tonight’s vote is going to demonstrate who is all-in with the casino,” Greene said. “You need to sit back and evaluate this, because (we are meeting on a) Friday at 5 pm. My fear is that we will be looking at subsidized housing again. I’m going to remind you we have 44.2% rental properties in Kings Mountain. That’s astounding. In fact, that’s appalling!”
“I am really concerned about the transparency of this council. You are my representatives and I feel like I have no representation. I hope you will, at least, table this matter. Do the right thing and open this thing up and let’s talk about it further. Let’s have the developer come in with a good consistent plan about what he’s going to do, how many units, how many acres it is going to cover, and what the rentals are going to be,” he said.
“If you don’t think this is being rushed, then you are sadly mistaken. I told you a long time ago that corruption’s going to roll over this town like a steamroller. Well, it’s started. Vote to table this or vote it down,” he concluded.
Second to speak was Mike Hinson, “I’m not a full-fledged citizen of Kings Mountain, but this is affecting my area. There’s a lot of people in my community that’s against this and they feel like they have no voice. I’m here to vote against it. There’s not a lot of information about what these apartments are going to look like or what they are being built out of. I think the casino is bad enough, let alone what kind of issues it is going to bring with it,” Hinson said.
“I hope each of you will search your heart tonight and think if it was going in your neighborhood or back yard, how would you feel about it, and what you would do.”
Bobby Maner took the podium next. “I had a conversation with the Mayor this morning after something he posted on Facebook yesterday. He alluded to the term Market Based Housing. There is no such thing in the real estate market.”
“When using rents of $700 - $800, that is on the bottom end of your rental market for, basically, mill housing. If you want a nice apartment somewhere in Gastonia or Charlotte, you are going to pay considerably more than that,” he said.
Maner brought up several good points, asking if the city wanted to provide dormitory housing for the casino, if public money would be involved, will the project be subsidized in any way, and what could be done if the developer sold it after completion, could it be turned into Section 8 housing. “There is nothing you can do about that. Nothing,” he said.
Maner also pointed out that a similar situation had occurred across from the hospital. “Fields Young, Inc. built one of the finest units in this town. When his estate sold, the property became what it is now. Someone died in a shooting there last year.”
He went on to say, “Putting low cost, low rent housing on that property will doom any other development that could potentially go on that side of the interstate. Don’t take my word for it. You ask developers all over the state and the county. You put this in an area, it hurts things that go in around it. It will cost the city far more than whatever money it gets out of it in utilities and taxes. So, stop it or table it, please.”
Billy Spencer approached his argument against in a different way. At 49, he grew-up and continues to live in the Dixon Community. “I have seen change,” he said, “but this is just drastic. I didn’t know about it until today. Consider those who make a home there and have lived there for their whole life. This is a major thing, and I would love to have you knock it down.”
Three citizens, Dina Spencer, Rick Spencer, and Janet Kulick shared their concerns about Wallace Cheves and his investor group, along with vague plans for the surrounding area nearby.
After the citizen comment portion  of the meeting ended, city council discussed the importance of Conditional District zoning. Attorney Corry explained, “A Conditional District is legislative, and those conditions become part of the vote and are absolute. The developer must follow those conditions and they are site specific. In other words, those conditions are tied to the land, even if the land changes ownership.”
He added, “Fortunately, these conditions are so tight, it may contain the most conditions I’ve ever seen with  a conditional district. It’s about as good as you can get, I think.”
Councilmen West, Hawkins, and Allen expressed their desire not to rush to a decision. Councilman West said, “Mr. Mayor, I think we are acting a little hastily. We are in a position where we can pick and choose. I think we have to be really careful about what we do down there (near the casino). I agree with Mr. Hinson and Billy. We have to be concerned about those folks, as well.  I don’t think we need to be in a hurry about anything. We need to make sure this is not only good for us, but also for the folks who live down there.”
City Council voted unanimously to close the public hearing, but then realized that in order to continue the discussion they should reconsider the previous motion, which they did and was approved.                                                 
Councilman Miller then made the motion to reverse their previous action of closing the public hearing, and then to continue the public hearing to January 26, 2021 at 6 pm. The vote was unanimous, and the meeting was adjourned.

(December 30, 2020 Issue)


Three Atrium Health facilities located in rural areas of North Carolina are prioritized to be among the first to receive the Moderna vaccine including: Atrium Health Stanly, Atrium Health Kings Mountain and Atrium Health Anson.
Atrium Health was among the first in the Southeast region to receive the first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization of the vaccine. With this shipment of the new vaccine from Moderna, frontline healthcare employees who work at one of Atrium Health’s integrated network of hospitals outside of the Charlotte area will now have convenient access to a COVID-19 vaccine.
The main difference in the Moderna vaccine is that it is able to be kept in a standard freezer between -25  to -15 degrees Celsius, (-13 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit), making it an ideal vaccine to use at healthcare facilities without access to an ultra-cold freezer. Once removed from the freezer, the vaccine is viable for 30 days. To ensure that every dose of the vaccine is quickly and effectively distributed, Atrium Health has developed a process that allows for ease of scheduling and convenient access to receive the vaccine.
Atrium Health received an initial shipment of 1,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine, which has been clinically proven to be safe and 94.1% effective. This supply will be used to vaccinate thousands Atrium Health’s frontline healthcare workers, working in high-priority areas where they are at a higher risk of exposure, to receive the vaccine at a faster pace.
Atrium Health is following recommendations from the CDC and the state to prioritize distribution.
The emergence of a second vaccine also brings the opportunity to have the general public vaccinated sooner. Current projections indicate those vaccinations will begin taking place in Spring of 2021. Atrium Health is also scheduled to participate in a clinical trial with a third possible vaccine candidate, with those trials beginning in late December.
The side effects of Moderna’s vaccine include soreness at the injection site and are similar to the side effects from Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. The Moderna vaccine is given in two doses, separated by 28 days. There are approximately 10 doses per vial. The FDA reviewed safety and efficacy data of this vaccine from an ongoing phase 3 trial in approximately 30,000 participants ages 18 and above.
This second vaccine follows a historic week at Atrium Health, after being among the first in the country to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the first in the state to administer it to Dr. Katie Passaretti, medical director of Infection Prevention at Atrium Health. Following an initial diverse group of teammates from across Atrium Health receiving the vaccine on Monday, December 14, Atrium Health quickly vaccinated a group of teammates who will be administering the vaccine across the system. In just one week, Atrium Health has been able to vaccinate more than 1,500 teammates with their initial dose. Additionally, more than 5,300 are scheduled for their first vaccine and more than 5,300 scheduled for their second vaccine dose.
As vaccinations are beginning across the country, medical experts at Atrium Health caution against  complacency in preventing spread of the virus. It remains essential that everyone wear a mask when they are outside of their home and around others, that social distance of six feet be maintained at all times and to wash hands frequently. These methods will continue to be the best, first line of defense against the spread of COVID-19 until sufficient numbers of the population, as a whole, has been vaccinated.
Atrium Health also opened a voluntary vaccine research registry, which allows people to learn more about vaccine research and development. People who take part in the registry may be invited to participate in COVID-19 vaccine trials in the future and will be provided with convenient access to trials should they be interested. Participating in clinical trials is a way for people to receive potentially lifesaving medications before they become FDA available. Clinical trials are crucial for advancing research and bringing new vaccines to the general public.
   As a nationally recognized leader in shaping health outcomes through innovative research, education, and compassionate patient care at hundreds of care locations throughout the Carolinas and Georgia, Atrium Health is bringing the most advanced therapies to patients and anticipates treatment trials it is running will guide physicians closer to identifying additional safe and effective treatments. To date, Atrium Health has conducted 10 clinical trials to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By Loretta Cozart

The FDA approved the Phizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on December 10 and the rollout should begin soon, according to the Department of Defense. So what comes next?
In a press release issued on Dec. 11, the US Food and Drug Administration informed Phizer that it will rapidly work toward finalization and issuance of an emergency use authorization. Then the vaccine  goes to the CDC for approval.
United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar, said the US would work with Pfizer to get the vaccine shipped out, so that it could be administered to the most vulnerable people by Monday or Tuesday. In our area, Atrium Health Charlotte will distribute the vaccine.
Hospitals in NC to receive the vaccine include:
• Bladen Healthcare LLC (Bladen County Hospital)
• Caldwell Memorial Hospital
• CarolinaEast Medical Center
• Catawba Valley Medical Center
• Cumberland County Hospital System Inc (Cape Fear Valley Health System)
• Duke University Health System
• Henderson County Hospital Corporation (Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital)
• Hoke Healthcare LLC (Hoke Hospital)
• The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority (CMC Enterprise) - Atrium Health
• University of North Carolina Shared Services Agreement
• Wake Forest Baptist Health
NC DHHS released their vaccination rollout plan in October. First to receive the vaccine, in Phase 1a, will be every health care worker at high risk for exposure to COVID-19—doctors, nurses, and all who interact and care for patients with COVID-19, including those who clean areas used by patients, and those giving vaccines to these workers.
Additionally, long-Term Care staff and residents— people in skilled nursing facilities and in adult, family, and group homes are included in this phase.
Second to receive the vaccine, in Phase 1b, will be adults with two or more chronic conditions that put them at risk of severe illness as defined by the CDC, including conditions like cancer, COPD, serious heart conditions, sickle cell disease and Type 2 diabetes, among others.
In that same phase, adults at high risk of exposure including essential frontline workers (police, food processing, teachers), health care workers, and those living in prisons, homeless shelters, migrant, and fishery housing with 2+ chronic conditions.
Phase 2 immunizes Essential frontline workers, health care workers, and those living in prisons, homeless shelters, or migrant and fishery housing, adults 65+, and adults under 65 with one chronic condition that puts them at risk of severe illness as defined by the CDC.
In Phase 3, the vaccine will be made available to college and university students, K-12 students when there is an approved vaccine for children, and Those employed in jobs that are critical to society and at lower risk of exposure.
Phase 4 makes the vaccine available to everyone who wants a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccination.
Some people may have temporary reactions after being vaccinated, such as swelling from the injection,  tiredness or feeling off for a day or two, according to NCDHHS.
According to the state’s Interim COVID-19 Vaccination Plan Executive Summary released on Oct. 16, “North Carolina is exploring the use of the federally supported web-based Vaccine Administration Management System application as well as an alternative end to end system to support data collection and tracking efforts. These systems will allow us to track doses administered and support second dose reminders via these data collection systems and provider systems as well as the vaccine administration cards provided at the time of administration.”

(December 16, 2020 Issue)

On Friday, Officer Tyler Avery Herndon of Mount Holly Police Department was shot and killed while responding to a break-in at a car wash at 313 Beatty Drive at 3:30 am.
A resident of Kings Mountain, Herndon graduated Kings Mountain High School and UNC Charlotte majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. He would have celebrated his 26th birthday last Sunday.
Authorities said Joshua Funk, 24, was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder and is now in custody at the Cleveland County Detention Center without bond.
While responding to a break-in at the car wash, police officers encountered an armed suspect. Shots were fired between officers and the suspect and Officer Herndon was hit. He was rushed to CaroMont Regional Medical Center where he later died.
In an afternoon press conference, Mount Holly Police Chief Don Roper said, “We are hurting, our department is hurting, our family his hurting, but we will rely on each other to get through this. The law enforcement community turned out today to support a brother, us and the community."
"I've  been  around  for a long time and one of the things I can do is read potential in young police officers, and Tyler had that potential." he said. Chief Roper described Herndon as a selfless man who routinely stood up for what was right.
Chief Roper said, “Society lost a good man today. You can tell he was raised well. His parents should be recognized for this. They raised a fine young man. He is the guy who liked to be around, he liked to be involved. He was quiet, but he would join in and you liked to be around him.” His parents are Mark and Debbie Phillips Herndon of Kings Mountain. His twin sister is Lindsey Herndon. His girlfriend is Holly Weldon.
When asked why he hired Herndon, Chief Roper said, “He had personality, bearing, and the work ethic that was right for our community. He was with us just less than two years.”
This was Herndon’s first position as a police officer, and he is Mount Holly’s first officer lost in the line of duty.
Late Friday, Officer Herndon was brought home to Kings Mountain, escorted by police officers from departments across the region. The procession was several miles long, driving southbound on I-85. Drivers pulled off the road to allow the fallen officer to pass as he was taken home to Kings Mountain. Fire departments displayed flags at overpasses, and the procession was covered live by local television stations.
Over the weekend, Mt. Holly businesses displayed blue lights to support Herndon and the Mount Holly Police Department.
On Sunday, December 13, the day what would have been Henderson’s 26th birthday, two vigils were held in honor of him. A candlelight vigil took place 5:30 pm at Mount Holly Municipal Complex. Another celebration of life vigil was held on Sunday at 6:30 pm in Kings Mountain at the Patriots Park Amphitheater where 500 – 700 guests came to mourn and support Tyler’s family.
Herndon lay in state Tuesday December 15,  from 10 am until 1 pm at First Baptist Church in Kings Mountain. His funeral was held at 2 pm with Rev. Dr. Steve Taylor and Rev. Dr. John Sloan officiating. He was laid to rest at Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery.

(December 16, 2020 Issue)

By Christy Conner

The sights and sounds of Christmas continue in Downtown Kings Mountain as Christmas lights brighten the sky and the sounds of your favorite Christmas tunes fill the air.
Bring the kids downtown to meet Santa on Wednesday and Saturday evenings this week. The city added a giant Snow Globe, allowing children to see and talk to Santa while maintaining social distancing. While it is not the traditional sitting on Santa’s lap photo opportunity, kids can still get close and talk with Santa in a safe and protected way.
Costner’s Christmas Lights Extravaganza, a wonderful display of Christmas lights formerly owned by Grady and Katie Costner, continues to greet visitors to Patriots Park. Visitors are encouraged to stay on the path through the park to stroll through this magical wonderland of lights while enjoying traditional Christmas tunes from Liberty Falls Amphitheatre.
The Mayor’s Downtown Christmas Fantasy Light Show synchronized to music from Let it Snow Radio 87.9 FM, can be viewed by strolling down Railroad Avenue or by parking on South Battleground Avenue. These special lights will be available for viewing throughout the Christmas season.
Need a special gift for that special someone for Christmas? December 19 marks the last day of the Artisan Pop-Up Market. Local craft vendors will be on hand once more selling their hand-crafted wares. Our downtown businesses have extended shopping hours as well.
Other surprises await you at the Kings Mountain  Home for Christmas Celebration. Dress warmly and remember your mask.

(December 16, 2020 Issue)

Michel Pilar Huggins is the new proprietor at Revolution Bredawhouse Coffee Shop at 211 S. Battleground Avenue, an artisanal coffee house/pub/lounge/cafe in Kings Mountain featuring craft coffee cocktails, craft beer and wine selections.
When the shop first opened, Huggins thought she would only offer coffee and coffee cocktails but soon realized she needed to expand her offerings to make the business more profitable. “When I added a full bar, I tripled sales. Then we added entertainment and that has helped a lot too.”
On Friday and Saturday, Revolution Brewhouse offers live music. Musician Scott Sanders stopped by to order a coffee and expressed his appreciation to local venues, ”Places like this help me a lot. I offer a service and the more opportunities I have to play in town gives me the opportunity to earn a living locally. In the last week, I have played here at Revolution Brewhouse, Trackside Traders, the Country Club, and the American Legion. We have a lot going on now but need to get the word out that local music is available in town.”
Huggins said, “We offer live music on Friday and Saturday nights. On Monday, we have Open Mic Night and that is very popular. Folks bring their own instrument and play. And on Wednesday, we have Karaoke Night with DJ Tommy Tonka. Both of those are very popular. Every week, more and more people show up.”
Like most other businesses, COVID-19 has impacted the business. “We had to cancel our New Year’s Eve Party, because businesses have to close at 10 am under the Governor’s Executive Order. We cannot serve any alcohol past 9 pm. Even so, folks usually stay around until we close at 10 pm.”
With the governor’s executive order, Huggins plans to open at from 7 am to 10 pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. The business will be open from 7 am to 6 pm Tuesday and Thursday and is closed Sunday.
“I welcome folks to drop by and say hello. We offer a wide variety of coffee and also have a full-service bar,” she said. “Local artists display their work here and folks come by to see that. Drop by and check out our menu, grab a coffee, and shop. If you are looking for a fun evening on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday, come on by.”
 

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today announced that North Carolina will begin a Modified Stay at Home Order after a rapid increase in North Carolina’s key COVID-19 trends. The Order requires people to stay at home between 10 pm and 5 am and takes effect Friday, December 11 and will be in place until at least January 8, 2021.
   “We already have strong safety protocols and capacity limitations in place – including a statewide mask requirement. With this additional action beginning Friday, we hope to get these numbers down,” Governor Cooper said. “Our new modified Stay At Home order aims to limit gatherings and get people home where they are safer, especially during the holidays. It’s also a reminder that we must be vigilant the rest of the day – wearing a face mask when we are with people we don’t live with, keeping a safe distance from others and washing our hands a lot.”
   The Order requires restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, personal care businesses and more to close at 10 pm. Travel to and from work; to obtain food, medical care, fuel or social services; or to take care of a family member is exempted. Read more in the Frequently Asked Questions document.
   In the past week, North Carolina’s case count has broken single-day records on three separate days, including crossing more than 6,000 cases per day on two of those days. Just a month ago, cases were under 3,000 per day. In recent days, the percent of tests returning positive has increased to more than 10%.
   Governor Cooper was clear that further action would be taken to slow the spread of the virus if trends do not improve. This could require further limiting of restaurant dining, indoor entertainment or shopping and retail capacity restrictions, among other safety protocols.
   Dr. Cohen also provided an update on North Carolina’s COVID-19 County Alert System map. The number of red counties (critical community spread) has more than doubled since November 23, up to 48 red counties from 20 red counties. There are now 34 orange counties (substantial community spread), as compared to 42 orange counties from the previous report. With today’s report, more than 80% of the state’s counties fall into the red or orange tier. Read the update to see where each county stands and how the system was designed.
   “Your actions can keep people from getting sick, save lives, and make sure our hospitals can care for people whether it’s for a heart attack or a car accident or COVID-19. Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community now,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D.
   Dr. Cohen also provided an update on North Carolina’s data and trends.

• Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days

North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is increasing.

• Trajectory of Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

North Carolina’s trajectory of cases is increasing.

• Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days

North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive is increasing.

• Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days

North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is increasing.
In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread in testing, tracing and prevention.

• Testing

Testing capacity is high, surpassing 50,000 tests per day for much of the past week. 

• Tracing Capability

The state is continuing to hire contact tracers to bolster the efforts of local health departments.
There have been more than 500,000 downloads of the exposure notification app, SlowCOVIDNC.
Personal Protective Equipment
North Carolina’s personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are stable.

Read Executive Order 181.
 

(December 2, 2020 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

During the November 24 city council meeting, Mayor Scott Neisler announced that Kings Mountain’s ABC Board awarded the city a check for $200,000, which came from a surplus in the ABC board’s funds. “These funds allow us to do what we really want to do,” Neisler said.
 In the Consent Agenda, city council unanimously approved budget amendments that included $90,000 for an outdoor video screen to be installed in Patriots Park and $85,000 for Library window restoration and plaster repair. A restricted contribution from the ABC Board will be utilized to pay for these improvements.
An additional $15,000 was used to fund Feed the Children this year, which provides $75,000 in non-perishable food items to area families in need during the Christmas season.
Other items in the consent agenda included:
$40,000 to budget Grant Funds for YMCA Wifi ($15,000) and Patriots Park Wifi ($25,000). These funds are restricted specifically for these projects. Council approval is required because it increases the General Fund.
$9,500 to budget funds received and to budget a capital expenditure for an ATV. The funds are a restricted contribution from the ABC Board to be utilized specifically by the Police Department to purchase an ATV/side by side.
City council also adopted a Resolution clarifying the role of the Planning and Zoning Board in deliberations on zoning text amendments, rezoning requests, and zoning map amendments. This action eliminates the public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Board for the aforementioned types of cases and require only one public hearing before City Council.
Coucil also approved a Downtown Kings Mountain Façade  Grant  Application $200,000 the amount of $5,000 for 100 E. King Street, which is owned by Kiamesha Young, for the purpose of façade repairs, rehabilitation, and renovations.
Six public hearings were scheduled for December 15 at 6 pm at City Hall:
•  to consider the approval of a Mural Ordinance for the Kings Mountain Downtown Protection, Preservation & Enhancement District (KMDPPE).
• to consider a text amendment to the Zoning Table of Permitted Uses, and Definitions pertaining to Existing “Single Family Dwellings” in the Neighborhood Business (NB) Zoning District.
• for an amendment to the Incentive Agreement for Benestar Brands.
• to consider a Utility Incentive Agreement with Benestar Brands.
• to consider a request from Let’s Roll Holdings, LLC to rezone property consisting of approximately 82.73 acres on Dixon School Road and being further described as a portion of Parcel #11598, Map 4-39, Block 1, Lot 10, from R-20 (Residential) to Conditional Use R6-PUD (Planned Unit Development) – Case No. Z-1-9-2020.
• to consider a request from E5 Holdings, LLC to rezone property consisting of approximately 17.11 acres on Dixon School Road and being further described as Parcel #63027, Map 4-41, Block 1, Lot 16, from HI (Heavy Industrial) to GB (General Business) – Case No. Z-3-10-20.
   City council pproved the following appointments and reappointments to the Boards and      Commissions listed below:
 Board of Adjustment
• Jim Potter – reappointed for a 3-year term expiring on 12/31/2023.
• Bill McMurray – reappointed for a 3-year term expiring on 12/31/2023.
Planning & Zoning Board
• Ron Humphries – reappointed for a 3-year term expiring on 12/31/2023.
• Ronnie Franks – reappointed for a 3-year term expiring on 12/31/2023.
• Clifton Bouldin – initial appointment for a 3-year term expiring on 12/31/2023.
• Maury Williams – extend temporary appointment for six months in order to assist with the Comprehensive Plan and UDO – term to expire 6/30/2021.
 Mayor Neisler addressed the topic of term limits in response to Tim Greene’s request during last month’s city council meeting. The mayor reached out to League of Municipalities and received a reply stating, “In NC, enacting term limits would not withstand a constitutional challenge. This is because NC Constitution sets forth the requirements for who can run for office and that list of requirements is exclusive. Any additional qualifications, such as term limits, would be deemed unconstitutional.”
City attorney Mickey Corry agreed saying, “Some years back there was a question about creating term limits for the council. The answer then, and the answer now, is that it is not lawful in our state.”
During the citizen recognition, Mayor Neisler said to Greene, “I hope these responses clarify this for you.’ In response, Greene told council, “It (the response) clarifies but doesn’t satisfy. If Tim Moore, one of the most powerful Republicans in the state, can get it to where the School Board is partisan, then he can change the (state) constitution, too, adding amendments to reflect term limits.”
“My goal is transparency. There are several of us who owe Chip Sloan an apology,” Greene said with regard to the new Brunch Bill which allows alcohol to be served at 10 am on Sunday that was enacted by city council during the October meeting. “We should have called him, letting him know about the 10 am issue for ABC. We have to restore the trust in the citizens of this community, the state of NC, and the federal government.”
 Two public hearings were held during the city council meeting. Both cases were approved by the Planning and Zoning Board.
City council approved a request from Matt Bailey and Patricia C. Queen to rezone property located on North Cansler Street containing .366 acres, also identified as Parcel #8540, Map KM 20, Block 7, Lot 23 from RS-6 Page 64 Page 66 Page 67 Page 93 Page 107 Residential to R-6 Residential – Case No. Z-1-10-20.
The second request, made by Barry & Sherry Jenkins, was approved to rezone property located at 145 Yarbro Road containing 9.07 acres, also identified as Parcel #10722, Map 4-22, Block 1, Lot 25 from R-10 Residential to R-20 Residential – Case No. Z-2-10-20.
As a result of both properties being annexed, along with prior annexations, council also approved the motion to adopt Resolutions indicating the Intent of the City Council to consider the redrawing of Ward lines for placement of annexed properties into the existing 5 wards and setting the date of Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 6 pm for a Public Hearing to consider the adoption of Ordinances amending the City Charter assigning the annexed properties.
According to City Attorney Corry, “About 19 parcels, 15 in Cleveland County and 4 in Gaston County, that have been rezoned but have not been assigned to a ward, so council needs to address this.”
In another action, Attorney Corry explained that when City of Kings Mountain annexed property that is now owned by E5 Holdings, the city is required to assume some of the debt of Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Department, according to NC General Statutes. Law requires that the amount be paid annually, but the total amount owed is $1,027.41. Council and Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Department agreed to allow payment in one lump sum.
City council also authorized the mayor to execute a variance at 105 Hinson lane on Moss Lake. The lake commission recommended the variance.
Two properties on N. Cansler Street were approved by council for demolition: 113 N. Cansler Street (Parcel #6788) and the house next door (Parcel #6787) because they are not fit for habitation. Council’s vote was unanimous.
Council also approved revisions to the Community Appearance Standards Code Ordinance allowing it to now be enforced by the Codes Department instead of Zoning. In addition, Codes Director Clint Houser offered to share a list of homes he is reviewing to city council.

(December 2, 2020 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

During the November City Council Meeting, Assistant City Manager Nick Hendricks announced he had met with Main Street’s Board of Directors to get their input on the updated Streetscape Project presented by N-Focus.
“About 80 percent of the Main Street Board was there, and they voted 100 percent on what is planned. We will continue to engage them. If you approve, we’ll put the plan to a RFP process and budget the numbers. We hope to begin construction and release bids sometime in March 2021, on schedule,” Hendricks said.
Richard Flowe of N-Focus reviewed the plan with council. The plan is designed to spur infill and development downtown. “Areas near downtown, including Piedmont at Mountain Street, are almost perfectly configured,” he said. “The area between Piedmont and Battleground needs attention.”
Flowe recommended using Cherokee Street as access to Battleground Avenue. He also recommended removing the stop light at the intersection of Cherokee and Mountain Streets and replacing it with a 4-way stop sign.
Suggested was making Cherokee Street a one-way street, with on-street parking, and configuring it to encourage pedestrian traffic. Regarding Cherokee Street, he stated, “The view of Kings Mountain is your money shot. Can you imagine the view of that mountain from a third-floor condo? That opportunity will be lost without vertical construction downtown. Condos in that area would  provide good foot traffic and support for downtown merchants.”
Regarding Mountain Street, Flowe said, “Mountain Street is an opportunity we may not have fully taken advantage of originally. Mountain Street is a vibrant area, especially considering the new restaurant there.” The city owns a parking lot behind the old billiard hall, and he suggests taking advantage of that space and reconfiguring the alleyway leading to it as part of the plan.
“Parking is a valuable asset you already own in downtown,” Flowe said. “For the parking lot behind the billiard hall, he suggested digging below the surface to determine what is down there, making any needed repairs, and resurfacing it adding elements to make it orderly.
“The alleyway to the parking area needs a bit of attention to make it user friendly. Using CPTED, or Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, to address on individuals discomfort from walking through that area will improve use of parking and pedestrian traffic,” Flowe said. “If people are not comfortable in an area, they won’t use it.” He recommends reconfiguring the stairs and keeping the community art.
Flowe also recommended opening solid walls with side entrances along alleyways to encourage areas where smaller businesses could survive, should building owners consider subdividing their space.
Along Mountain Street, Flow recommends creating sidewalks with pop-outs to plant trees. Doing so will define the space and draw diver’s attention to pedestrian crosswalks.
In addition, he recommended bringing the street to curb level in places, instead of dropping the sidewalk down from the curb. Road humps to slow traffic would be utilized at Cherokee and Mountain Streets, as well as Piedmont and Mountain Streets.
Phase I of the Streetscape Plan includes work along Battleground Avenue down to the intersection of E. Gold Street. Phase II of the Streetscape Plan is slated to begin in March 2022.

(December 2, 2020 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

On November 4, Benestar Brands purchased two properties in Kings Mountain. The first property on Quality Lane is 5.648 acres and was purchased by Chippy Acquisitions in care of Evans Food Group, doing business as Benestar Brands. The excise tax paid on the property was $790, indicating the property is valued at $395,000. (QUALITY LN KINGS MTN BK 1786 PG 1183).
The same day, a second parcel designated at Tract 3 consisting of 14.779 acres was purchased on Industrial Drive and an excise tax of $1,626 was paid. That equates to a purchase price of $843,000.
(TCT 3, 14.779 ACS PL BK 38 PG 132).
   In October, Benestar Brands announced they had chosen Kings Mountain for their newest production facility which will create 129 jobs in Cleveland County. The newest project in North Carolina will provide easier access to the fast-growing company’s customer base and the nation’s east coast market. This new facility will support Benestar Brands’ expansion plans into new snack categories.
Benestar Brans intends to produce Chica’s Corn Chips, a better-for-you, high-quality snack. According to FoodBev Media, the Kings Mountain facility will give Benestar Brands easier access to  the nation’s east coast market and is expected to grow NC’s Gross Domestic Product by $431 million over the grant’s 12-year term.
The company’s 129 new jobs in Kings Mountain will include managerial, operational, maintenance, warehouse and office staff. The average annual salary for all new positions is $43,021, creating a payroll impact of more than $5.5 million per year. Cleveland County’s overall average annual wage is $40,019.

(December 2, 2020 Issue)

Did you know there are less than 22 shopping days until Christmas? Do you need help finding that special gift for that special person? Stop in Downtown Kings Mountain, Saturday, December 5, 12 and 19, take in the sights and sounds of Christmas while shopping in many of our local businesses and the Artisan Pop-Up Market.
Held in Liberty Garden located beside the Joy Performance Theater, the Artisan Pop-Up Market will feature local talented artisans who have hand crafted unique wares to sell just in time for Christmas. The Artisan Pop-Up Market will open each Saturday during the Home for Christmas Celebration at 3:30 pm.
For information regarding our Downtown businesses, including hours of operation and Christmas promotions, access the City of Kings Mountain Main Street Program’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Downtown-Kings-Mountain-Welcome-to-the-Revolution.
For more information regarding the Home for Christmas Celebration, contact the Special Events Department at 704-730-2101, access their website at www.kingsmountainchristmas.com or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CityofKMSpecialEvents.

(December 2, 2020 Issue)

On Friday, Dec. 4, the City of Kings Mountain joins forces with Feed the Children and Kings Mountain Crisis Ministry to provide 400 families with food and essentials. The food distribution will take place at Patrick Senior Center parking lot from 12 pm – 6 pm.
“The city is pleased to sponsor the Feed the Children event this year,” said Mayor Neisler. “Hopefully it will help ease the stress of those less fortunate in our community. This could not have been possible without the support of the ABC Board’s generous gift to the city. Thanks to the Feed the Children organization, the $15,000 cost of the truck delivers $75,000 worth of food. What a great way to expand our outreach to the hungry.”
The event is first come, first served for needy families and seniors in the Kings Mountain area.
Each household will get one box of grocery items plus a box of personal items, a box of AVON products and a book while supplies last.
The event is being held in the front parking lot of the Patrick Senior Center at 909 E King St., in Kings Mountain.
With the help of City of Kings Mountain and the support of Kings Mountain Crisis Ministry, Feed the Children can help feed those in need in North Carolina communities. 
Cormetech, which had sponsored this event for several years, is also assisting this year by storing any undistributed boxes, Mayor Neisler shared.
This is one of many events Feed the Children has planned across the country to help defeat hunger. Feed the Children is committed to helping children and families across the US and around the world. Visit feedthechildren.org for more information.

(December 2, 2020 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 155 has its Veteran’s Breakfast Saturday morning, December 5, at the Otis D. Green Post home on East Gold Street.
All veterans are invited to this free breakfast the first Saturday of every month. Others are welcome to attend for a small donation which helps fund future breakfasts. The next breakfast will be on December 5 from 9 am to 11 am. Everyone is asked to follow Governor Cooper’s guidelines for social distancing.

(December 2, 2020 Issue)

By Christy Conner,  City of KM

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! Downtown Kings Mountain turns into a magical wonderland, as the sights and sounds of Christmas come back Home for Christmas.
Costner’s Christmas Light Extravaganza, a magnificent display of Christmas lights formerly owned by Grady and Katie Costner, now awaits visitors to Patriots Park. Visitors are encouraged to stroll through this magical wonderland of lights while enjoying traditional Christmas tunes from Liberty Falls Amphitheatre.
Beginning Saturday, December 5, the Mayor’s Downtown Christmas Fantasy Light Show synchronized to music from Let it Snow Radio 87.9 FM, will light up the night sky. To view the lights, visitors can stroll down Railroad Avenue or park on South Battleground Avenue and view from the comfort of their car. These special lights will be available for viewing throughout the Christmas season.
Other surprises await you at the Kings Mountain Home for Christmas Celebration. Dress warmly and don’t forget your mask.
   For more information, contact the Special Events Department at 704-730-2101, access their website at www.kingsmountainchristmas.com or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CityofKMSpecialEvents.

(November 18, 2020 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

NCDOT continues to pave Hwy. 216 through Kings Mountain. To date, the state road has been paved from Kings Mountain Blvd. to the Hwy. 74 bypass on Piedmont Avenue, with the exception of downtown.
“We’ll begin working on the Streetscape in downtown Kings Mountain in late March 2021 for completion scheduled by September,” said City Manager Marilyn Sellers. “We are finalizing the Streetscape plan and presenting it to City Council at the end of this month.”
In downtown, water line updates need to be made in conjunction with the Streetscape project, so NCDOT skipped that portion of the work and will give the funds to the city for use when it comes time to pave Battleground Avenue.

(November 18, 2020 Issue)
By Loretta Cozart
Charlotte based Keith Corporation has begun marketing Kings Mountain Corporate Center’s 5-star industrial space at 705 Canterbury Road. The 164-acre site is permitted for 1,263,600 square feet under one roof and all utilities including water, sewer, gas and electricity will be provided by City of Kings Mountain. The property has extensive I-85 frontage with access to the interstate by two interchanges.
The facility will be built using construction reinforced concrete and work is slated to begin in 2021. The property is offered for sale for $35,000 per acre or build-to-suit for purchase or lease by The Keith Corporation. Industrial Developers on the project are Alan Lewis and Justin C. Curis.
Build-to-suit options include 100,000-1,000,000 SF. Companies in the park include Hanes Brands. Access to I-85, NC Highway 161 and Canterbury Rd. The corporate park is located 26-miles west of Charlotte Douglas International Airport via I-85.

(November 18, 2020 Issue)

John Michael (Mike) Houser’s body was recovered on Sunday, Nov. 8, following a two-day search for him when he did not meet his brother at the designated time while hunting in Jonesville, South Carolina the morning prior.
Union County Sheriffs’ Office began the search early Saturday afternoon and continued until 11:30 pm. The next morning the search was resumed, and Houser’s body was found around 1 pm on Sunday.
Indications are the death was accidental and that he fell from a tree, according to the Union County Sheriff’s office.
Houser’s funeral service was held on Friday, Nov. 13.
Mike Houser worked for the City of Kings Mountain for 31-years in their Energy Services Department. City Manager Marilyn Sellers asks everyone, “Please pray for staff because they not only lost a coworker but a very dear friend.” 

(November 18, 2020 Issue)

CBMA’s was held
virtually Nov. 14

The City of Kings Mountain is celebrating a big win! The city’s 2019 Beach Blast Festival held at Patriots Park in downtown Kings Mountain on August 23 and 24, 2019, has been named the Carolina Beach Music Awards Event of the Year. Beach Blast was one of six events nominated for this prestigious award winning over Fort Lauderdale FL, Raleigh NC, Cape Canaveral FL and two events at North Myrtle Beach.
“This win speaks to the excellence of leadership from our Special Events Director, Christy Conner,” stated Marilyn Sellers, City Manager. “Starting her career with the City of Kings Mountain in 2001, Christy was promoted in 2017 as the Special Events Director. Her leadership brings energy and enthusiasm to all our events. With her vision and ability to rally a team of staff and volunteers, the Beach Blast Festival has grown to be recognized across the State of NC and  the Southeast.”
“The Special Events team is honored by this win,” stated Christy Conner, Special Events Director.  “I would like to express my sincere thanks to our team of staff and volunteers. This win would not be possible without the creativity, dedication and passion of this group. I am very grateful for our City Council and Administration and their continued support. Through their support and leadership, we have a beautiful state of the art venue to host Beach Blast and other festivals and events. With confidence, I can say that Kings Mountain is on the right path to creating a vibrant entertainment district in Downtown and I’m excited to be a part of it!”
   Each year, members of the Carolina Beach Music Awards Association nominate on the best in Beach Music entertainment, such as, radio announcers, bands, events, and clubs. After the nominations are announced, members then vote for the official winners of each category.
   “It is really great that the CMBA has named Beach Blast 2019 the Southeast’s top Event of the Year as announced on FM 94.9 The Surf.” says Mayor Scott Neisler. “For one weekend in the piedmont of the Carolinas, we take our shoes off and pretend to walk in the sand enjoying some great beach music! This is a well-deserved accolade for our staff because we have no beach! Make plans now to join us in 2021 and see what all the fun is about!”
   The Carolina Beach Music Awards were held virtually, November 14. The awards ceremony aired online at www.949thesurf.com.
   For more information, you may also call the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department at 704-730-2101, or visit their website at www.KingsMountainEvents.Com.

(November 18, 2020 Issue)

City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department, Mauney Memorial Library and Patrick Senior Center partnered to honor Veterans with a drive-thru meal event on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at the senior center.
Veterans enjoyed a BBQ meal prepared by Linwood Restaurant. Harris Funeral Home sponsored the beautiful wreath displayed during the event that was later moved to Patriots Park.
B&D RV Park and the Tom Brooks family co-sponsored the meal. Tony Coppola, owner of 238 Terra Mia Ristorante, provided gift cards to our Veterans.
Over 80 cars came through the event held at the Patrick Senior Center and the community thanks our veterans for their service to our county.

(November 11, 2020 Issue)

Republican Kevin Gordon, Chief Emeritus of the Waco Fire Department with a 30-year career in public service, is the new face on the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners.
Cleveland County voters went to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, and elected Gordon, a newcomer to county politics, and re-elected incumbent commissioners Johnny Hutchins and board vice-chairman Ronnie Whetstine.
Shaun Murphy, Democrat and newcomer to politics, lost his bid for one of three seats open on the board.
Hutchins, of Kings Mountain, led the ticket with 32,821 votes or 28.5 percent of the votes cast.
Whetstine, of Shelby, followed closely with 32,645 or 28.4 percent of the votes cast and Gordon, of Shelby,  with 32,248 votes or 28 percent of the votes cast. Shaun Murphy, of Kings Mountain, received 17,294 or 15 percent  of the votes cast.
Other members of the board with unexpired terms are Republicans Doug Bridges and Deb Hardin, both of Shelby.

(November 11, 2020 Issue)

A Republican sweep of the Cleveland County Board of Education race has placed five new faces on the 9-member board.
Joel Shores, who recently retired from the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department, led the winners with 29,735 votes or 13.5 percent of the votes cast.
Following closely was Robert Queen with 29,658 or 13.4 percent of the votes cast.
Greg Taylor, who received 28,371 of the votes cast,  or 12.8 percent, Ron Humphries with 28,317 votes or 12.8 percent of the votes cast, and Rodney Fitch with 27,715 votes or 12.5 percent of the votes cast, round out the winning candidates.
Ron Humphries is from Kings Mountain and other four winners are from Shelby.
The three incumbents, Shearra Miller, current board chairman, garnered 17,251 or 7.8 percent of the votes cast; Roger Harris received 17,077 or 7.7 percent of the vote cast;  Richard Hooker Jr, current board vice-chairman received 15,644 or 7.1 percent of the vote cast, and Samantha Davis received 14, 108 or 6.4 percent of the votes cast, and Michael Tolbert Sr. received 13,190 votes or 6 percent of the vote cast. All are Democrats. Mrs. Miller is from Kings Mountain. The other candidates are from Shelby.
Five Democrats and five Republicans sought the five open seats on the school board.
Transparency with the public, safety in schools, Corona Virus pandemic, high school graduation, and current policy on how a school board attorney is used were issues addressed during a candidate forum.
Other board members with unexpired terms are Danny Blanton, Phillip Glover, Dena Green, and Coleman Hunt.

(November 11, 2020 Issue)

Republicans won big in Cleveland County and voters supported candidates in state and national elections.
Tuesday’s turn-out in the 2020 general election set records.
In the Presidential election more than 75 million people cast votes for
Joseph R. Biden Jr., Democrat, and more than 71 million people cast votes for Republican President Donald J. Trump on Nov 3.
President Trump is challenging the election results  and declaration by media outlets that Biden has won the highly-contested race while votes are still being counted, including in North Carolina where the Presidential race is still up for grabs and Trump is leading Biden..
Pennsylvania, with its 20 electoral votes, put Biden over the 270 votes needed to clinch the election Saturday night but President Trump’s challenge of alleged voter fraud may wind up in the courts.
This year a record 103 million Americans voted early to avoid waiting in lines at polling places during a pandemic. More than 4.5 million people cast ballots in the Tar Heel State. That is more than 95 percent of all NC voters who cast ballot ins 2016. Turn-out at the polls on Nov. 3 was lighter.
Cleveland County voters supported Trump 2-1 over Biden. The unofficial vote was: Trump, 33,664 and Biden, 16,879.
Tim Moore, R - Cleveland, NC House of Representative 111, was re-elected. He defeated Jennifer Childers, also of Kings Mountain, 24,407-14,004. Moore is also Speaker of the NC House of Representatives.
Angela Woods of Kings Mountain lost her bid for District Court Judge 27-B Seat 5.  The  vote   totals: Jamie Hodge, R, 31,407; Woods, D, 17,173.
Cleveland County voters supported Thom Tillis, (R) 31,899 and Cal Cunningham (D), 16,681.
Democrat Governor Roy Cooper won re-election, defeating Republican Dan Forest. Cleveland County voters supported Dan Forest, 31,919 to Cooper’s 18,463.
Political newcomer and Republican Mark Robinson will become the state’s first African American to be elected Lieutenant Governor. Cleveland County voters supported Robinson 33, 182 to 16,881 for Democrat Yvonne Holly.
Ted Alexander, former mayor of Shelby, won 70 percent of the vote in his race for re-election to District 44 NC Senator. His opponent was Democrat David Lattimore.
Kelly Hastings won re-election to his District 110 NC House seat.
Republicans make up majority party on both the Cleveland County Board of Education and the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners with five new faces on the school board and one new face on the board of commissioners.
Ballots are still being counted in the Tillis- Cunningham US Senate race in North Carolina. Tillis claimed victory Nov. 3 but Cunningham said he waits for the vote count as the race has been too close too call. Tillis said he held 89 percent lead on Nov. 3.
There were 71 write-ins for US President by voters in Cleveland County. 

(November 11, 2020 Issue)

The 2020-2021 season of Kings Mountain Little Theatre (KMLT) opened with Frozen Jr. on Thursday, November 5 at 7:30 pm.
Due to the limited audience capacity allowed by Phase 3 of the North Carolina Covid-19 Plan, KMLT has added a Thursday evening performance to their schedule.  KMLT and corporate sponsor, Edward Jones Investments – Jack and Pam Buchanan announced the performance schedule that spanned two weekends. Remaining shows of Frozen, Jr. this week are scheduled for November 12, 13, and 14 at 7:30 pm, with a matinee scheduled on Sunday,
November 15 at 3 pm.
KMLT will have 100 seats available for each performance. Additional capacity may be available if NC has a change when the current Phase 3 order ends. Please look for further updates from KMLT.
Priority is given to season members and they are able to make a reservation to attend a performance. All others may purchase tickets at the box office.
KMLT will have 20 tickets per performance for purchase at the Box Office on a first come, first served basis.  Reserved seating not claimed at least 10 minutes before show time are subject to release for purchase  by others seeking tickets.
Season members may make reservations by calling the theater at 704-730-9408 and leaving a message or send a request to us at tickets@kmlt.org.
KMLT will maintain stringent health and safety protocols. To protect our audience, cast, crew and volunteers, they will:
• Check each individual before entering the building and ban anyone who has a temperature greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Log attendee and or group name, plus answers to the following questions (a yes answer to either question bans the individual and/or group)
• Ask the number in the group.
• As if you have exhibited any Covid-19 symptoms.
• Ask if you have been in contact with anyone who has COVID-19.
• Require mandatory mask wearing for non-actors (KMLT will provide as needed)
• Maintain social distancing when seating the audience
• Provide disposable masks and hand sanitizer
   Due to these protocols, the box office will open 90-minutes prior to the performance time and will work diligently to get everyone into the Joy Performance Center for a fantastic theatrical experience.

Republican Kevin Gordon, Chief Emeritus of the Waco Fire Department with a 30-year career in public service, is the new face on the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners.
Cleveland County voters went to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, and elected Gordon, a newcomer to county politics, and re-elected incumbent commissioners Johnny Hutchins and board vice-chairman Ronnie Whetstine.
Shaun Murphy, Democrat and newcomer to politics, lost his bid for one of three seats open on the  5-member board.
Hutchins, of Kings Mountain, led the ticket with 32,821 votes or 28.5 percent of the votes cast.
Whetstine, of Shelby, followed closely with 32,645 or 28.4 percent of the votes cast and Gordon, of Shelby,  with 32,248 votes or 28 percent of the votes cast. Shaun Murphy, of Kings Mountain, received 17,294.
Deb Hardin and Doug Bridges serve unexpired terms on the board. Susan Allen, board chairman, did not seek re-election.

A Republican sweep of the Cleveland County Board of Education race has placed five new faces on the 9-member board.
Joel Shores, who recently retired from the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department, led the winners with 29,735 votes or 13.5 percent of the votes cast.
Following closely was Robert Queen with 29,658 or 13.4 percent of the votes cast.
Greg Taylor, who received 28,371 of the votes cast,  or 12.8 percent, Ron Humphries with 28,317 votes or 12.8 percent of the votes cast, and Rodney Fitch with 27,715 votes or 12.5 percent of the votes cast , round out the winning candidates.
Ron Humphries is from Kings Mountain and other four winners are from Shelby.
The three incumbents, Shearra Miller, current board chairman, garnered 17,251 or 7.8 percent of the votes cast; Roger Harris received 17,077 or 7.7 percent of the vote cast;  Richard Hooker Jr, current board vice-chairman received 15,644 or 7.1 percent of the vote cast, and Samantha Davis received 14, 108 or 6.4 percent of the votes cast, and Michael Tolbert Sr. received 13,190 votes or 6 percent of the vote cast. All are Democrats. Mrs. Miller is from Kings Mountain. The other candidates are from Shelby.
Five Democrats and five Republicans sought the five open seats on the school board.
Transparency with the public, safety in schools, Corona Virus pandemic, high school graduation, and current policy on how a school board attorney is used were issues addressed during a candidate forum.
 

(November 4, 2020 Issue)

Last Wednesday, Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order No. 171 to strengthen eviction protections to help North Carolina renters stay in their homes. With COVID-19 case counts increasing and many people continuing to work and learn remotely, preventing evictions is critical to the state’s fight against this virus. This order supplements the existing NC HOPE initiative started two weeks ago that pays landlords and utilities directly to keep people in their homes with the lights on.
“Many families are trying to do the right thing, but this virus has made it difficult. Roughly three to 400,000 households across North Carolina are currently unable to pay rent. Therefore, today, I have signed a new Executive Order to prevent evictions in North Carolina for people who can’t afford the rent,” said Governor Cooper. “The result during this global
pandemic will be more North Carolinians staying in their homes, more landlords getting paid rent, and fewer utility companies shutting off power.”
The economic toll of COVID-19 has left thousands of families struggling to make ends meet. According to a report from the National Council of State Housing Agencies, approximately 300,000 – 410,000 households across North Carolina are currently unable to pay rent, and an estimated 240,000 eviction filings will be submitted by January 2021.
Last month, the Center for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) put a temporary residential eviction moratorium into effect nationwide from September 4 through December 31, 2020. The CDC order protects residential tenants from eviction for nonpayment of rent. However, confusion over who this order protects has caused inconsistent enforcement and unwarranted evictions in some parts of the state.
   Executive Order No. 171 requires landlords to make residential tenants aware of their rights under the CDC Order. For eviction actions commencing after Executive Order No. 171, landlords must give residents the option to fill out a declaration form before starting any eviction action.
   The Order also sets forth procedures to ensure protection for residential tenants once they provide the required declaration form to the court or to the landlord.
   Executive Order No. 171 also clarifies the CDC moratorium so that it clearly applies to all North Carolinians who meet the CDC’s eligibility criteria, regardless of whether they live in federally-subsidized properties. The Order ensures that recipients of the N.C. Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) program are still able to qualify and that these renter protections will apply to North Carolinians regardless of the CDC Order’s status in other courts.
Today’s Order received concurrence from the Council of State.
Two weeks ago, Governor Cooper launched the $117 million NC HOPE program that provides  assistance to eligible low-and-moderate income renters experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic by making direct payments to landlords and utility companies. This program has received 22,800 eligible applications as of today. Given the demand for assistance shown over the last two weeks, the state will continue working to boost the HOPE program so it can help more North Carolinians make ends meet.
“The HOPE program is going a long way to help families stay safe in their homes by using coronavirus funds responsibly to pay landlord and utilities directly,” said Governor Cooper. “My administration is continuing to find ways to help struggling renters, but we still need Washington to put partisanship aside and send more relief to North Carolina.”
People can apply for help by calling 2-1-1 or going to nc211.org/hope.
In addition, to help ease housing concerns, North Carolina is funding the Back@Home program, which helps families experiencing homelessness and provides financial relief to some landlords whose tenants are at risk of homelessness.
 

(November 4, 2020 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

American Legion Post 155 has its Veteran’s Breakfast Saturday morning, November 7, at the Otis D. Green Post home on East Gold Street. The event is hosted by the Legion Riders.
All veterans are invited to this free breakfast the first Saturday of every month. Others are welcome to attend for a small donation which helps fund future breakfasts. The next breakfast will be on December 5 from 9 am to 11 am.

(November 4, 2020 Issue)

As restrictions remain in place for large gatherings and events, the City of Kings Mountain will honor our Veterans with a drive-thru meal event on Tuesday, November 10.
This event will take place at the Patrick Senior Center located at 909 East King Street, Kings Mountain. Veterans are asked to please arrive promptly, drive around the front of the building and continue to the back of the building under the canopy.  Please remain inside your vehicle and all meals will be carried out to you.
All veterans must contact the Patrick Senior Center at 704-734-0447 by Thursday, November 5 to RSVP. During registration, each Veteran will receive a meal pick-up time between 11 AM and 1 PM. 
For more information, contact the Patrick Senior Center at 704-734-0447 or visit www.KingsMountainEvents.com.

Kings Mountain City Council approved two economic incentive grants during the Oct. 27 City Council meeting that could impact business growth and job opportunities in Kings Mountain.
   Benestar Brands plans to build a $24 million dollar manufacturing facility to produce international food snacks and create 129 jobs with an average wage of $43,021.00 in Kings Mountain.
Kings Mountain City Council approved an economic incentive agreement with a financial cash grant  anticipated to be $61,920 per year over five years, or $309,600.00. This financial cash grant matches the financial cash grant by the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners in an economic development agreement approved on October 5.
Benestar Brands is the parent company of Evans Food Group and manufactures better-for-you high-quality snacks, and plans to produce Chica’s Brand Tortilla Chips in the Kings Mountain facility.
The company’s 129 new jobs will include managerial, operational, maintenance, warehouse and office staff. The average salary of $43,021.00 will create a payroll impact of more than $5.5 million per year. Cleveland County’s overall average annual wage is $40,019.
  A second company, yet to be named, plans a $100 million dollar warehousing and distribution site, in the Gaston portion of Kings Mountain. The company will decide upon their location soon between Kings Mountain and second location.
   The project is proposed to bring in 305 new jobs with an average salary of $45,627.00. The company has also requested economic incentive grants and is being referred to as Project TRIPLE PLAY. Gaston County Board of Commissioners already approved a Level Four Financial Incentive. Kings Mountain has been requested to do the same. Kings Mountain’s Economic Incentive Grant will mirror that of Gaston County.
   Under Gaston County’s Level 4 Industrial Grants, the company must pay their taxes in full each year based on the actual tax value of the property or investment. If the company meets all of the criteria in the application, a portion of the property tax will be returned as a grant. The amount of the grant is based on a sliding scale.
   All grant monies will be taken directly from the company’s tax payment. The company must be current with all other payments required by Gaston County.
   All investments in real property, new machinery and equipment over $50,000,000.00 would be eligible for a grant as shown below.
Year 1 - 85% property tax grant Year 6 - 70% property tax grant
Year 2 - 85% property tax grant Year 7 - 70% property tax grant
Year 3 - 85% property tax grant Year 8 - 70% property tax grant
Year 4 - 85% property tax grant Year 9 - 70% property tax grant
Year 5 - 85% property tax grant Year 10 - 70% property tax grant
   In addition, investment grants are based on the increase in tax value of all real property, machinery and improvements above the base year prior to investment and no grant will be given to a company that would reduce their tax payment to an amount lower than the previous tax year.  
   In other business, city council unanimously approved a request from Brinkley Properties of KM, LLC, Owner of 600 W. King Street, also identified as Parcel #7326, Map KM 8, Block 5, Lot 6 from Neighborhood Business (NB) to Residential Office (RO) and Ann Lin Chen, by her authorized agent, David Brinkley, to rezone property located at 604 W. King Street, also identified as Parcel #7933, Map KM 8, Block 5, Lot 7 from Neighborhood Business (NB) to Residential Office (RO) – Case No. Z-2-9-20.
   City council also unanimously approved a request from Kings Mountain Land Development Partners, LLC, to rezone property that fronts Compact School Road and Dixon School Road containing approximately 18 acres more or less as shown on a plat recorded in Plat Book 43 at Page 128 of the Cleveland County Registry, also identified as a portion of Parcel #11744, Map 44-4, Block 1, Lot 21 from Heavy Industrial (HI) to General Business (GB) – Case No. Z-3-9-20.
   Public hearings will be held Tuesday, November 24 at 6 pm to consider a request from Matt Bailey to rezone property on North Cansler Street containing .366 acres, also identified as Parcel #8540 from RS-6 Residential to R-6 Residential – Case No. Z-1-10-20.
  A second public hearing will be held Tuesday, November 24 at 6 pm to consider a request from Barry & Sherry Jenkins to rezone property located at 145 Yarbro Road containing 9.07 acres, also identified as Parcel #10722 from R-10 Residential to R-20 Residential – Case No. Z-2-10-20.

By Loretta Cozart

A budget amendment in the amount of $750,000 to budget expenditures and a contingency for the I-85 water project was approved by city council on Oct. 27 during the City Council meeting.
According to Assistant City Manager / Energy Services Director Nick Hendricks, “The project is being paid for with Water fund balance from grants received several years ago designated for that purpose.”
   The I-85 Water project will consist of clearing a 75 – 100 feet right of way to be utilized by the Water, Electric, and Gas Departments along I-85 from NTE to Highway 161. The city plans to install approximately 8,700 feet of 12 inch pipe, along with hydrants, valves, and services.
“Completing this project will encircle the city with water, reduce dead-ends and create consistent pressure throughout the city while improving water quality,” according to Hendricks.
   “This right of way will allow Gas and Electric to create a looped system as well, allowing all three utilities to provide exceptional service through redundant feeds. This will complete a process that the city has been working towards for over 30 years,” Hendricks added.
   The project was anticipated to cost $1.5 million, but bids were offered between $688,194.65 to $1.5 million. The low bid was offered by Two Brothers Utilities, LLC and council unanimously approved awarding them the contract.
Finance Director Chris Conner explained that the difference in the budget amendment and the contract bid of $61,805.35 was to allow for contingencies or delays.
“Once approved, the project could begin within 15 days and should take six months to complete the water portion of the project,” Henricks said.

(October 28, 2020 Issue)

Kings Mountain area voters will go to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3 to help elect county, state and national political leaders in an election season unlike any others because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Polling places open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m.
Kings Mountain area polling places are: Kings Mountain North at Patrick Senior Center, 909 E King Street; Kings Mountain South at Central United Methodist Church, 113 S. Piedmont; Bethware at Bethlehem Baptist Church Activities Center, 1017 Bethlehem Road; Oak Grove at Oak Grove Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 1022 Oak Grove Road; and in Grover at Town Hall, 207 Mulberry Road.
COVID 19 safety measures at polling places include social distancing, hand sanitizing and masks for voters and election workers who do not bring their own, barriers between election workers and voters at check-in tables, single use pens for voters to mark ballots and frequent cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
Several races involving area candidates are of interest to local voters. Local poll watchers point to the school board as the local race to watch because of the number of candidates, 10, and its significance because the results could also determine the majority Party on the 9-member board.
Five Democrats and 5 Republicans seek the five open seats on the board of education.   Candidates are   Republicans Robert Queen, Joel Shores, Greg Taylor, Rodney Fitch and Ron Humphries. Democrats are Michael Tolbert, Samantha Davis, and Roger Harris, Richard Hooker and Shearra Miller, incumbents.
Two other contested races involve local candidates.
 Four men seek the three open seats on the Cleveland County board of commissioners.  They are Republicans  Ronnie Whetstine, Johnny Hutchins, incumbents, and Kevin Gordon, and Shaun Murphy, Democrat.
Jennifer Childers, Democrat, is challenging Republican Tim Moore for his District 111 NC seat in the House of Representatives.
The Presidential race,  down to the home stretch, has four  candidates from four Parties but chief interest locally is the hot race between the incumbent President Donald Trump, Republican, and Joe Biden, Democrat,  former Vice President in the Obama administration. Other candidates are Don Blankenship, Constitution Party; Howie Hawkins, Green Party; and Jo Jorgensen, Libertarian.
Local voters are also interested in the NC Governor’s race where incumbent Roy Cooper, Democrat, is challenged by Dan Forest, Republican. Also running are Al Pisano, Constitution, and Steven DiFlore, Libertarian.
The United States Senate race has also heated up in recent weeks. Incumbent Thom Tillis is challenged by Democrat Cal Cunningham. Also running are Shannon Bray, Libertarian, and Kevin Hayes, Constitution.
Incumbent NC State Senator Ted Alexander of Shelby, District 44, Republican, is challenged by Democrat David Lattimore.

(October 28, 2020 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

Helen Williams Bullock celebrated her 103rd birthday on Sunday, October 25. Bullock has experienced a lot in her lifetime. The year after Bullock was born, the Influenza Pandemic of 1918 swept across America and eventually the world. This year, Bullock battled and survived the Coronavirus.
“I got through it,” Bullock said. “I was lucky, because I had no symptoms. To live to my age requires being healthy.”
Any other year, Bullock would have celebrated her birthday at the First Baptist Church where she is a member. This year, the pandemic and Governor Cooper’s executive orders don’t allow for large gatherings. So, White Oak Manor, her friends and family arranged for a special drive-thru celebration so well-wishers could help her celebrate the big day.
“My birthday was so nice,” she said. “I spent the day answering phone calls and greeting people at the window,” a popular way for friends to visit loved ones in assisted living centers due to the Coronavirus. “I got calls from cousins, one even visited me early. Other friends from Florida had an accident on the way. They are okay, but their car was totaled. Friends from First Baptist Church called with well-wishes. It was wonderful.”
   Bullock's parents, Wray and Emma Mae Ware Williams, owned a farm where Watterson Street and Waco Road intersect. In 1941, she remembers that Watterson Street was opened from Davidson School  to Waco Road. “Back then, that road just separated pastures and fields,” she said. “My parents decided to move out to the country. They were able to get a newer house with air conditioning. It was much more comfortable, and they were lucky to have that in their older years.”
Bullock remembers walking to West School and then to Central High School. She attended West School from first-grade through seventh-grade. "We walked to school and joined with other families along the way. Walking to West School and Central wasn't too bad. When we walked all the way to East School, that was hard," she said. “In those days, we didn’t have buses, so everyone walked to school. If it rained, daddy would drive me.”
Bullocks parents had a farm, so she didn’t go into town often. “If mama needed something, she would send me to Mr. Gantt’s store, at the corner of Waco Road and Gantt Street. It was the only store I knew about back then and it was across the road from the Pauline Mill Mama would send me there for necessities; things we couldn’t get from the farm like salt and pepper, necessary things.”
During her junior year of high school, Central School burned, and students attended two different schools while the facility was being rebuilt. They attended East School in the morning and then went to Central late in the day. On some days, that schedule was flip-flopped. "The auditorium and classrooms below did not burn. Classes in those sections included primary grades and home economics," said Bullock. "We went to school in the evening for Home Economics, and I played basketball on the auditorium stage."
   Her high school class photo was taken in front of Central School. "I guess they finished rebuilding the school by graduation in 1934. It was tough dividing our class time across two different schools, but we got through it. We had 37 or 38 students in our senior class."
   "I do remember singing in the Glee Club for President Hoover when he came to the battleground in 1930," said Bullock. "Of course, we didn't get to stay to enjoy the celebration. As soon as we finished singing, they took us right back to school."
   After high school, Bullock attended school at WC-UNC, later called the Woman's College of Greensboro. Today it is known as UNC-G. She earned a double major in Home Economics and Science. After college, she taught both classes in Seaboard, NC for four years. While there, she met her future husband, Welford Bullock. When World War II began, life changed dramatically.
Bullock's brother was drafted. Her boyfriend, Welford Bullock, volunteered for the Navy and was stationed in the Pacific. Helen felt the call to serve and joined the Army but was turned down. A short time later, she applied again and was accepted in the Women's Army Corps. Helen said, "I joined for my well-being. It was an exciting time in my life."
She worked in Intelligence for the Army, "The most exciting time I remember was an invasion that occurred during our shift. We went to work at 7 am before the invasion occurred. We worked through the night and weren't allowed to change shifts; they brought us food. It was exciting to know what was going on and to be a part of that."
   Helen and Welford Bullock married in 1944 before her tour of duty ended in May of 1945. "That was a difficult time of me," she said. After the war ended, the couple returned to Seaboard, NC, where she worked as a teacher of Science and Home Economics until she her retirement.
   "We moved back to Kings Mountain to take care of my sister, Maud Williams McGill," said Bullock. "She wasn't well and needed us." After McGill passed away, the Bullocks remained in Kings Mountain.
Welford Bullock passed away in 2003 and Bullock now lives in White Oak Manor. "Christy Speed takes care of my clothes and business affairs. She does a wonderful job for me; she is very professional."
Speed feels a similar admiration for Bullock. “She is an amazing person. She always does for others and continues to stay active,” she said. “Before COVID, Helen ate lunch in the cafeteria and stayed active. I enjoy working with her because she has led an amazing life.”
Helen Bullock has lived an interesting life and survived two pandemics. She has seen tremendous change in the city in her 103 years. But the pandemic is different, because it causes isolation, which is difficult for many people, including senior citizens. “The days are hard to fill now. We don’t have activities here due to the virus, so I welcome creative uses of my time to fill the day. We’ll get through this too, one day at a time.”

Mark your calendars and get ready to dance! Something spooky is heading to Kings Mountain.
Dance the night away with the City of Kings Mountain’s virtual event Monster Bash LIVE.
 Some of your favorite Halloween characters come back from the grave for a night of music and fun, exclusively on the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Facebook page at:  https://www.facebook.com/CityofKMSpecialEvents
This ghostly event will take place Halloween night at 6:30 pm - It’s guaranteed to be spooky fun for the entire family!
For more information, call the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department at 704-730-2101, visit the web at www.KingsMountainEvents.com/monster-bash.

(October 21, 2020 Issue)

Cleveland County Small Business Recovery Program announced grants up to $10,000 for small businesses adversely affected by COVID-19. The application period is October 23 through November 6.
To qualify, the businesses must be located in Cleveland County, earn $500,000 or less in revenue according to its most recent tax filing, have a minimum of 25% impact in revenue due to COVID-19, have 25 or fewer full-time employees, and have operated for 2 years or more.
Applications will be taken online though Mountain Bizworks. To learn more, visit: https://www.mountainbizworks.org/coronavirus/covid-19-loans/cleveland-county-small-business-recovery-program/

 (October 21, 2020 Issue)

 Martin Marietta Kings Mountain Quarry was recognized as Best of the Best among 400 operations after recently winning their company’s prestigious Diamond Honor Award during a ceremony the Gateway Trailhead on October 2. The award is presented each year by Martin Marietta to the best operation companywide.
   While the award is the first for Kings Mountain Quarry, the team is no stranger to companywide recognition, having been named a Martin Marietta Honor Plant in 1999 and 2012. The Diamond Awards program succeeded Honor Plant recognition in 2016.
   According to Martin Marietta’s Chairman and CEO Ward Nye, “operations considered for Diamond Honor Award status are evaluated based on their performance over the previous three years and must demonstrate continuous improvement over that period in the areas of safety, ethical conduct, operational excellence, environmental sustainability, cost discipline and customer satisfaction.”
   Kings Mountain Quarry has a positive and long-standing relationship with both the city of Kings Mountain and the Gateway Trail. The land for the trailhead on Hwy 216 was donated by Martin Marietta and serves as a parking area, office/restroom facility and shelter area for the public.
   Martin Marietta recognized the team at Kings Mountain with a socially-distanced luncheon on October 2 at the Gateway Trailhead. At the lunch, Regional Vice President-General Manager Jim Thompson and Plant Manager Adam Thompson thanked employees for their dedication, hard work and commitment to safety.
   Honorees recognized at this event included Ronald Borum (plant manager who retired in May), Adam Thompson, Chris Safrit, Peter Glisson, Phil Wright, Chris Foster, Deborah Dover, Todd Scism, Thomas Whelan, David Barnette, Kyle Jarrell, Michael Jenkins, Rodney Lynch, Travis Brady, Randy Cogdell, Timothy Harvely, Brandon Frigo, Mark McWhirter, John Williams, Kenneth Caveny, Keith Smith, Michael Sanders and Jakob Garcia.

By Loretta Cozart

President Trump will make a campaign stop in Gastonia on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at  7 pm at the Gastonia Municipal Airport for a rally, according to his campaign. Doors open at 4 pm.
In the 2016 election, Trump received 641,798 votes, or 64% of the vote in Gaston County. Hillary Clinton received 31,177 votes, garnishing 32.33% of the vote.
In Cleveland County, Trump won 28,479 votes, to Clinton’s 14,964. As in the 2016 election, the battle for the White House is critical with the state’s 15 electoral votes hanging in the balance.
Gastonia Municipal Airport is at 1030 Gaston Day Road in Gastonia, NC.

Voters will go to the polls in a local competitive race Nov. 3 to elect three members of the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners from a candidate list of four.
Incumbents Johnny Hutchins, Kings Mountain, Ronnie Whetstine, Shelby, board Vice-Chair, political newcomers Kevin Gordon of Shelby, all Republicans, and Democrat Shaun Murphy, Kings Mountain, face-off in the general election.
Susan Allen, board chairman, did not seek re-election because of planned family activities. Other members of the board not up for re-election this year are Republicans Doug Bridges and Deb
Hardin, both of Shelby.
“Cleveland County has always been my home,’’ said Johnny Hutchins. He continued, “After serving in the United States Army I returned to Kings Mountain to start and raise my family.  Over 20 years I volunteered and was Captain of the Kings Mountain Rescue Squad, so leadership and service define who I am.
‘’After retiring from the mining industry I felt the need to do something that would help better the lives of my children and grandchildren, so instead of talking about it I ran for county commissioner. Working for the people of Cleveland County is an honor,’’ said Hutchins.
‘’I have great interest in improving and making this county the best it can be, for everyone, my greatest ‘’assets - live, work, worship and go to school here,’’ Hutchins added,
Since being elected Hutchins said he has dedicated himself, giving 100 percent to Cleveland County, county employees and the citizens. “As your county commissioner, I will continue to make myself easily accessible for your concerns and issues. There are many projects that I am a part of that need to be completed and I will continue to work diligently for the development of Cleveland County,’’ he added.
“My goals are simple - towork for the people to make Cleveland County a better place to live. Working with Economic Development, I have and will continue to support all  public entities such as  the Fire Departments, EMS and law enforcement to make certain they have the resources they need to continue to provide excellent service and protection for the county, Hutchins added.
“Thank you for your support.  Together we can make a difference,’’ he added.
“As a native to Cleveland County it has been my ongoing desire to improve the place we live, work, play and worship,’’ said Ronnie Whetstine. He continued, “I feel our county and state is the best place in the country to reside.”
Whetstine says he has served on many boards and projects as he and his wife, Susan, raised their daughter and built WW Contractors, Inc. into a business that has provided over 300 homes for the citizens of the county.
He lists some of the accomplishments led by the commissioners and goals.
• Built and develop Cleveland County for growth.
• Protect our conservative Christian values.
• Keep taxes low.
• Grow our workplace by promoting economic development including innovative ideas such as                                                            the Charlotte Back Yards program.
• Tele-medicine expanded from Graham School to Marion and Jefferson Elementary in Shelby and North, East, West and Bethware in Kings Mountain.
• County-wide insurance rating for property owners decreased an average of $15 per month due to implementation of VFD Strategy Plan.
• Accelerate Cleveland-Program to help under-employed to move up to higher paying jobs which help employers advance and  employers find higher qualified workers. Graduate salaries doubled after placement. (average wage approximately $42,000.)
• Find more efficient ways of doing business, including replacement of out -dated IT and software systems. First upgrade in over 30 years.
• Work  to improve overall health of the county by supporting green spaces, trails, parks and the West End Reach.
• Support all 15 municipalities within the county by sharing information, resources and working together on projects.
Kevin Gordon says his opportunity to fill one of the candidacy seats for county commissioner parallels his professional background and is of much interest after a 30-year career in public service including leadership roles in both city and county governments.
After retiring as Deputy Fire Chief for the Charlotte Fire Department in 2018 he serves as Director of Emergency and Fire Services for Gaston County.
Gordon is Chief Emeritus of the Waco Fire Department having served as a volunteer fireman since 1984 and for a number of years as Fire Chief. At Waco he led the transition of Waco Fire Department from a volunteer department to a combination department. A FLSA compliance program began July 1, 2017 paying stipends to volunteers and paid daytime firefighters. At Charlotte  Fire Department he led a department  of  1,207   and had a successful track record serving as chair  of the joint legislative committee for NC State Firefighters Association and NC Association of Fire Chiefs and for five years instrumental in passing key pieces of legislation which became NC Session law. He is a past president of the NC Firefighters Association. Gordon resides in Shelby with his wife, Sherry, and their Labrador Retriever. The Gordons have two sons, Alex (Macy) and Zachary (Ann Marie) and grandson Elliott James Gordon.
Gordon ‘s platform:
• Strong advocate for all public safety agencies, unwavering support for the Sheriff’s Department, Fire
Departments, EMS, and Rescue Squads.
• Proficient in maximizing efficiency of county operations and resources by modernizing outdated systems, processes and technology.
• Champion of Economic Development and the creation of jobs with decent salaries and benefits to create sustainable growth within the county.
• Experienced fiduciary manager with over 30 years public service in both city and county operations.
• Steadfast proponent of fiscal sustainability, responsible spending, and effective use of county resources.
Dedicated to fiscal conservatism, protecting conservative values, transparency in the county operation and improving the health and wellness of our citizens.
• Facilitator of regional collaboration with adjoining counties and intergovernmental collaboration with the towns and cities in the county.
.Partner who will maintain the state-county relationship through effective communication and maintain positive working relationships at all levels to acquire needed resources for our citizens.
Born in Shelby and raised in Kings Mountain, Shaun Murphy’s mother and father were soldiers. A 2004 graduate of Kings Mountain High School, he attended Appalachian State University from 2011-2013. He says since a young boy he has been a big fan of food, video games, music and swimming.
“Learning life lessons the hard way eventually taught me that I really wanted to do something to give back to the community and that I could serve a higher purpose than just existing. I got my start serving on the John Henry Moss Reservoir Commission from June 2017-19 when I moved outside Kings Mountain city limits,’’ said Murphy.
Growing up in Cleveland County all his life, Murphy said he’s more than qualified to have an influence and interest in what happens in the county.
Said Murphy, “I know what it’s like to work long hours for not enough pay like so many of our residents do every day. While I can relate to many I feel I can better relate to anyone who has ever needed a second chance at anything or has ever had to start over from scratch. I know that life is not always perfect and that sometimes struggle is necessary to get to a better position. With me as county commissioner I promise to struggle for us all to get  to a better position, a position where we can all thrive.”

With 14 days until the Nov. 3 general election more than 12,782 ballots have been cast in Cleveland County.
Election officials report a strong showing of more than 19 percent of registered voters in Cleveland County by voters who have cast ballots, more than 14 percent in the state.
More than 1 million people have already voted in North Carolina in the 2020 election, according to the state board of elections website. This is the first weekend that voters cast their ballots in person. There are 7,292,471 registered voters in the state and 1,350,599 absentee ballots have been requested.
As of 1:30 p.m. Oct. 16 North Carolina voters had cast 570,019 ballots by mail and 468,020 ballots in person.
Early voting continues through Oct. 31 in Kings Mountain at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 220 N. Watterson Street with a significant increase in hours and weekend voting.
Evening hours are Oct 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, and 29. Saturday hours are 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 24 and Oct. 31. The Sunday hours on Oct. 25 are from 1-5 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 27 is the deadline to apply for absentee ballots from the Cleveland County Board of Elections, Shelby. For your ballot to count, voter and a witness must sign it and it can be returned to the County Board of Elections by mail, to early voting site or by dropping off at the Cleveland County Board of Elections.,
“We’re glad to see so many North Carolina voters performing their civic duty and letting their voices be heard by voting,’’ said Karen Brinson Bell, Executive Director of the State Board of Elections and we look forward to more North Carolinians casting their ballots and staying safe while doing it.”
Safeguards are in place as voters cast their ballots- masks for all poll workers and voters who do not bring their own, single-use pens, sanitation stations and protective barriers. The sites will be professionally cleaned throughout the entire 17-day period and election workers routinely sanitize all surfaces.

By Loretta Cozart

Reverend John Wilcox joined First Presbyterian Church in Kings Mountain two months ago. He is a graduate of Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI and completed his eligibility for Ordination through Reformed Theological Seminary.
“I am passionate about connecting people to Christ, into community, and into ministry, as well as caring for the needs of those both in the church and in the community,” Wilcox said. “Through my years of ministerial service in various roles, God
has  graciously  led  me  in  shepherding, equipping, and preaching His Word in grace with a fervent heart. I look forward to being part of First Presbyterian Church and the Kings Mountain Community.”
Reverend Wilcox is joined by his wife, Amanda, who, according to Wilcox “worked for GE Aviation for 9 years before being promoted to stay at home mom of 4.” Their children are Vivienne - 11, Trevor - 9, Ethan - 5 and Elise - 2. The family resides at the church’s manse.

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain City Council will address the issue of economic incentive grants for the recently announced Benestar Brands (Project CHIPPY) and the yet to be disclosed Project TRIPLE PLAY during their meeting on October 27 at 6 pm. Currently, the city does not have an Economic Incentive Grant policy but has been discussing one in closed session.
The Herald reached out to Kings Mountain’s City Manager, Marilyn Sellers regarding the methodology being used in framing these agreements. Sellers replied, “Staff is still working on information for our economic agreement. At the minimum we are adopting what Gaston County and Cleveland County are approving. We currently work very close with Gaston County’s economic development commission and Cleveland County’s economic development partnership regarding incentives.’
In the public notice that ran in Herald on October 14, it was shared, “The City of Kings Mountain proposes a financial grant that would be at least equivalent or similar to the Level 4 financial incentive grant approved on September 22, 2020 by the Gaston County Board of Commissioners.” 
To better understand what a Level Four incentive grant means, the Herald referred to Gaston County’s Economic Development Commission’s Local Investment Grant Program documentation, since that is one after which Kings Mountain’s agreement will be mirrored. Under Gaston County’s Level 4 Industrial Grants, all investments in real property, new machinery and equipment over $50,000,000.00 would be eligible for a grant as shown below.
• Year 1 - 85% property tax grant Year 6 - 70% property tax grant
• Year 2 - 85% property tax grant Year 7 - 70% property tax grant
• Year 3 - 85% property tax grant Year 8 - 70% property tax grant
• Year 4 - 85% property tax grant Year 9 - 70% property tax grant
• Year 5 - 85% property tax grant Year 10 - 70% property tax grant
   In addition, investment grants are based on the increase in tax value of all real property, machinery and improvements above the base year prior to investment and no grant will be given to a company that would reduce their tax payment to an amount lower than the previous tax year. Also, purchases of any existing Gaston County facility or equipment will not qualify under their program.
All grant monies are taken directly from the company’s tax payment and the company must be current with all other payments required by Gaston County.
Economic incentive grants help municipalities stimulate economic development. If done properly, both the city and its citizens benefit by stabilizing the economy and through offering higher paying jobs that provide better pay. Both the city and its people must benefit from the agreement.
An article written by Jonathan Q. Morgan, in January 2009: Using Economic Development Incentives: For Better or for Worse. Popular Government, 74 (2): 16-29, through UNC Chapel Hill’s School of Government examines how states and localities that aggressively use incentives in the job wars may win big—but at what actual cost?
   Morgan suggests several mechanisms that might help jurisdictions win with incentives but avoid the winner’s curse of paying too much for too little in return. These include some safeguards already adopted in North Carolina, such as clawback provisions, tying incentives to company performance, requiring performance contracts, conducting cost-benefit analyses and establishing standards for wages and job quality.
“The City of Kings Mountain believes this project will stimulate and provide stability to the local economy and will provide local economic benefits as well as new diverse high paying jobs for the citizens of Kings Mountain,” the city’s public notice states. “This will have a positive effect on the City’s corporate tax base and further ensure stability for the City of Kings Mountain.”
City council will decide upon the city’s first Economic Incentive Grant Policy on Tuesday, October 27. Done correctly, the city and its people could benefit from these decisions for generations to come.
 

By Loretta Cozart

Cleveland County Potato Projected harvested 30,000 pounds of sweet potatoes two weeks ago at the Botts site and 941 boxes of very nice produce was distributed last week. 
Wet conditions will keep workers out of the field early this week, but they hope to work Wednesday, Thursday and Friday beginning at 9 am.  To prepare for harvest, all vines have been cut away from potatoes, so  they must  be harvested, or they will rot.
The organization is also facing a box shortage. If you are aware of a large supply of boxes, please call Doug Sharp at 704-472-5128. ABC boxes work well for this purpose. 

Grady K. Howard Sr., who died Sept. 6 at age 97, and Norma Falls Bridges, who died Sept. 17 at age 88, left their mark on the Kings Mountain community.
Howard, former Administrator of Kings Mountain Hospital, and Bridges, former city commissioner and the city’s first female elected to this office, left behind a legacy of service and leadership.
“I met Grady Howard in 1953 when he came to work at the hospital and as a young reporter I went to his office from the Herald to start what began a weekly log in the paper – the names and dates of discharged patients,’’ said Lib Stewart, longtime employee of the Herald. The last interview was for a feature section on veterans and Howard was among the few World War II veterans living at the time.
“Grady Howard was a great friend of the Herald and a favorite reader. He told us what he liked  and  often congratulated us on putting out a good hometown newspaper,’’ added Stewart.
Ms. Stewart continued, “I covered city council for years and worked with mayors and elected officials, including Norma Bridges.
“Norma Bridges was always open with the Press. She had a great rapport with voters and swept the field of candidates on election day.  Her fellow council members honored her as mayor pro tempore.
“Bridges was a champion for young people and the Parks & Recreation committee was her favorite place for service. She and her husband attended the games and helped the players in many ways while keeping out of the spotlight, Stewart said.
“This year we have mourned the deaths of many citizens. Their pictures and obituaries in the Herald tell some of their story of their close-knit relationship with family, friends, and the community. Mr. Howard and Mrs. Bridges are among those who left behind a lasting legacy,’’ said  Stewart.

Patrick Senior Center honored their volunteers with a special drive-thru Volunteer Appreciation event on September 29 at the center. The theme of this year’s event was “Excellence. Every day, Every time!”
Each volunteer received a catered Chick-Fil-A lunch along with a certificate of appreciation and a zippered multi-purpose bag printed with this year’s theme. The center had 132 volunteers this year giving a total of 10,252 hours of volunteer service.
Janet Beani was recognized as Volunteer of the Year, with 1,104 hours of service this year. Janet joined with the staff to greet other volunteers as they arrived and helped to present their gifts.
   The center also honored members of the “Centennial Club,” members with over 100 hours of service for the year, with a poster of recognition and an additional gift. New volunteers were recognized with a sign listing their names. The outside display also featured a special memorial board for the volunteers who had passed away over the last year.
   Volunteers at the Patrick Center help in many wonderful ways. From helping with the Friday Lunch program, outreach to the community, to folding newsletters, they provide invaluable help to the participants and staff. For more information on how to volunteer with the Patrick Center when it reopens, please call Karen Grigg at 704-734-0447.

(October 7, 2020 Issue)

By Lisa Proctor,
KMPD Chief Of Police

Over 3 months ago, I was approached by some of my staff about doing something special for breast cancer awareness in October. They knew that I am breast cancer survivor and some of them have had family members that have had it in the past as well.
My staff came up with the idea of getting pink polo shirts to wear some during the month to stand and support all of those who have fought and those who continue to fight this devastating disease. The staff did this on a voluntarily basis and those that want to participate were allowed to do so.
I was diagnosed in 2009 with Triple negative Breast cancer with a growth rate of 98%. It was doubling in size in just a few short weeks. By the grace of God, and an amazing team of dedicated doctors and nurses that He put together, I am alive to share the hope that lives in me with others. This will make 11-years past my original diagnosis for me when the odds were stacked against me God stepped in and showed out. I am only here alive by His grace and mercy.
This disease not only effects the ones with the diagnosis, but it has a tremendous effect of the loved ones who are joined in the battle in support of their family and friends. We here at KMPD are just hoping to bring a glimmer of hope to the family of those who had been there in the past and to those who are fighting now.

(October 7, 2020 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

On Saturday, October 3, Michael and Nakisha Wenzel took over as the new owners of Big Red’s Café. The couple moved to Kings Mountain a year ago to pastor and restart Kings City Church. In their spare time, they enjoyed visiting the coffee shop.
Former owners Sandie Dee and Ashley Herndon recently decided to sell the business and looked for someone to acquire the cafe. Over the last year, Michael and Nakisha had become regulars and that is how the conversation began. The new owners have kept the same staff and trained in the café for a month in preparation for a smooth transition.
Kings City Church was designed with a coffee shop and community can rent the space for special events. Michael has experience in catering and came to Kings Mountain from Lockheed  Martin in Marietta, Georgia. While there, he helped pastor a church in addition to working his day job. King City Church is the couple’s first assignment pastoring on their own.
   “We love the Kings Mountain and have a heart for the community. Buying Big Red’s Café isn’t a great leap from what we’ve been doing at the church, and Sandie and Ashley have been so gracious and helpful through the transition,” said Nakisha.
   Michael added, “Nakisha handles the register and doesn’t know a stranger; she is welcoming and does a great job in that role. I’m more comfortable preparing the food. Together we make a great team.”
   The couple have plans to expand the café into the empty unit next door, offering a community meeting space for special events while providing more seating during regular hours.
   “Michael has experience in carpentry and construction, so he’ll build the sliding barn doors separating the spaces and allowing for private parties and events,” Nakisha shared. “He’ll also construct two community tables that seat 10 – 12 people. We want to create a welcoming place where people come to gather.”
   Café hours are Monday through Saturday, 7 am to 7 pm and Sunday, noon to 5 pm.

(October 7, 2020 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

Land near Sara Lee Road, just off Canterbury Road at I-85, was annexed into Kings Mountain during the September 29 city council meeting. By Saturday, October 3, all rezoning signs were gone, and logging trucks filed with timber from the site lined the dirt road leading to the property.
According to city documents, the 119.25 acre site is being developed into a business park. Portions of the property were in both Cleveland County and Gaston Counties, making the parcels hard to sell due to the tricky tax situation that created for the owner.
City council unanimously approved a Contiguous Annexation Petition by Matthews Land Company and rezoned the property for Heavy Industry. 

Join the Overmountain Victory Trail Association as they present a first-person interpretive story-telling of the Overmountain Men and the Battle of Kings Mountain, a turning point in the Revolutionary War.
The Overmountain Men and the Campaign to Kings Mountain will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at  6:00 pm.
The program will take place outside on the Visitor Center Patio at South Mountains State Park, 3001 South Mountains Park Ave, Connelly Springs, NC 28612.
This program was designed with your safety in mind.  A 6-feet social distancing will be maintained in the outdoor area. To keep everyone healthy, we ask that you postpone attending the program if you have experienced fever of 100.4 with cough or muscle aches within the past 10 days, or if you have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
For more information call  828-433-4772.

The City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department partners with Mauney Memorial Library to present It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown StoryWalk.
This unique StoryWalk features the timeless Peanuts tale of Linus Van Pelt’s dream to meet the Great Pumpkin! Located at Patriots Park in Downtown Kings Mountain, this safe, outdoor event will begin October 1 and run throughout the month of October. This month long event allows for families to visit at their leisure to prevent any mass gatherings. Photo ops will be available in Linus’ pumpkin patch. Festive music will fill the air.
“Mauney Memorial Library has hosted the StoryWalk experience at the Gateway Trail”, says Christina Martin, of Mauney Memorial Library. “We placed pages of a children’s storybook along the walking trail for families to enjoy. We are excited to partner with the Special Events Department to host this event at Patriots Park.”
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
“This passive activity connects literacy, the great outdoors, physical activity, and the magic of the holiday season,” says Christy Conner, Special Events Director for the City of Kings Mountain. “How can you and your family participate? It’s simple. Bring your imagination, take a walk, read a book and have an adventure.”
Patriots Park is located at 220 South Railroad Avenue in Kings Mountain. For more information, call the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department at 704-730-2101, or visit their website at www.kingsmountainevents.com.

The City of Kings Mountain welcomes the city’s new Main Street Coordinator, Christy Adkins.  Christy has five years of experience working within the Main Street America Program. Her background in construction, renovation and retail gives her the knowledge which has allowed her to be successful in her previous positions in Cross Plains, TN and most recently in Angier, NC.
Christy has a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Michigan and an M.A. in Cultural Resource Management from Adams State University in Colorado. Her passion is to make wherever she is a better place than she found it, and lives by the motto that “Transformation begins with a small change, again and again.”
Her hobbies are renovating old homes, refinishing furniture and having dogs. Christy has two dogs now, a 13-year-old rescued Dachshund and a 17-year-old Papillion. Christy’s other family includes a step-daughter who lives in Michigan, a son and two granddaughters who live in Kentucky and a daughter who is finishing the last year of her B.A. in Fine Art at KSU in Georgia.
Having been born and raised in Michigan, she has also lived in Florida, Georgia, and for 25 years in Tennessee. Of all of these locations, she prefers North Carolina for the diversity of having mountains, ocean, quaint small towns and thriving metropolitan areas in a vibrant economy.
Christy looks forward to meeting the people of Downtown Kings Mountain and to being the advocate for them and their businesses. She has a passion for Main Street and is proud to be part of the Local, State and National Main Street Programs. She is excited to be included on the team helping to bring new growth to Kings Mountain and to working on the upcoming city initiatives.  
When asked what she’ll be focusing on initially, Christy said, “Currently I’m going through files and familiarizing myself with city ordinances. I’m getting up to speed with ongoing projects and look forward to meeting more of the downtown businesspeople. Between that, meeting my board and city staff, it’s been a good first week on the job.”

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has launched a COVID-19 Exposure Notification app called ‘SlowCOVIDNC’, which began on Sept. 22. The app will help North Carolinians slow the spread of the virus by alerting them when they may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. It is completely anonymous and does not collect, store or share personal information or location data.
SlowCOVIDNC, which leverages Google and Apple’s Exposure Notification System (ENS), alerts users who have the app if they have been in close contact with an individual who later tests positive for COVID-19. It is voluntary to download and use and designed to enhance the state’s existing contact tracing efforts. The app completed Beta testing earlier this month and can now be downloaded for free through the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
“With SlowCOVIDNC App, North Carolinians have another powerful tool to help slow the spread of COVID-19 right in their pockets. Downloading SlowCOVIDNC is a practical step each of us can take to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our state,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D.
Here’s how SlowCOVIDNC will work:
Download the free SlowCOVIDNC Exposure Notification app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enable Bluetooth and Exposure Notifications. Bluetooth must be on for the app to work.
After opting-in to receive notifications, the app will generate an anonymous token for the device. A token is a string of random letters which changes every 10-20 minutes and is never linked to identity or location. This protects app user privacy and security.
Through Bluetooth, phones with the SlowCOVIDNC app work in the background (minimizing battery) to exchange these anonymous tokens every few minutes. Phones record how long they are near each other and the Bluetooth signal strength of their exchanges in order to estimate distance.
If an app user tests positive for COVID-19, the individual may obtain a unique PIN to submit in the app. This voluntary and anonymous reporting notifies others who have downloaded the app that they may have been in close contact with someone in the last 14 days who has tested positive.
PINs will be provided to app users who receive a positive COVID-19 test result through a web-based PIN Portal, by contacting the Community Care of North Carolina call center, or by contacting their Local Health Department.
SlowCOVIDNC periodically downloads tokens from the server from the devices of users who have anonymously reported a positive test. Phones then use records of the signal strength and duration of exposures with those tokens to calculate risk and determine if an app user has met a threshold to receive an exposure notification.
NCDHHS is partnering with institutions of higher education, local businesses and influential North Carolinians to promote SlowCOVIDNC and educate the public about how widespread use of the app can slow the spread of COVID-19.
To learn more about SlowCOVIDNC and to download the app, visit https://www.covid19.ncdhhs.gov/slowcovidnc, which also includes an FAQ.

Advent Academy held a ribbon cutting Friday, September 25 at 230 Oak Grove Road in Kings Mountain.
Advent Academy is for pre-school children ages 2½ through Pre-K with classes being held Monday through Friday from 8:50 am to 12:45 pm. Classes will begin on Thursday, October 1.
Advent Academy’s experienced staff and small classes allow for safety while providing a caring and fun environment. The Academy hopes to meet a need to provide quality care to students displaced by COVID-19 pandemic. Precautions to ensure safety and cleanliness are in place and all state recommendations will be followed.
Registration is underway and anyone interested or have questions can contact Advent Academy at advdentacademy554@gmail.com or call 704-685-6622.

Some North Carolina small businesses that have experienced extraordinary disruption to their operations due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic may benefit from a $40 million relief program to help offset fixed costs like rent, mortgage interests and utility bills, Governor Roy Cooper announced today.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy – powering our local communities and giving back in so many ways. They deserve our support, and this new initiative can help them weather this tough time,” said Governor Cooper.
The NC Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief (MURR), administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, can provide up to $20,000 in relief funds per qualifying business location.  Business applicants from certain industry sectors that have not been able to operate during the COVID period may apply for up to two of their business locations.
Applicants can apply for up to four months of mortgage interest or rent expenses, and utility expenses.  The help offers relief for some of the fixed costs a business cannot easily control on its own.
Applications to the program should open next week and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.  Applicants must certify that they were closed during the period April 1 through July 31; they expect to be able to operate after the COVID crisis has passed; and they have not been reimbursed by any other federal source for the expenses for which they seek reimbursement through this program.
Eligible applicants include:
• Amusement parks
• Banquet Halls (with catering staff)
• Bars, taverns, night clubs, cocktail lounges
• Bingo parlors
• Bowling alleys/centers
• Dance halls
• Indoor fitness and recreation centers
• Motion picture/movie theaters (except drive-ins)
• Museums
The Department of Commerce will begin accepting applications soon.  Business leaders can learn about the MURR program by registering for one of the free educational webinars offered by the Department of Commerce over the next two weeks.  
   For the webinar schedule and additional information on the program, visit www.nccommerce.com/murr.
   Governor Cooper and NC DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen also announced that effective October 2, large outdoor venues would be permitted to open at 7% capacity with key safety precautions in place. The announcement was made today so these locations could begin putting safety measures in place in order to operate.
Large entertainment venues are those that can seat over 10,000.
“We will continue analyzing our data and indicators as we determine how to move forward safely in other areas that may be included in the new order on October 2nd. In it, we hope to ease some other restrictions, while still keeping safety protocols like masks, social distancing, and mass gathering limits in place,” said Governor Cooper.
   “With more things open and people moving around more, we need everyone to stay vigilant about wearing a mask, waiting six feet apart, and washing their hands often,” said Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. “Our progress is fragile and will take our continued hard to work to protect it.”
State and public health officials will continue watching the key COVID-19 trends over the next week to determine if any further restrictions can be eased when the current Executive Order expires October 2 at 5 pm.

North Carolina lawmakers filed a federal lawsuit to stop “an alleged backroom elections deal struck by Democrats’ top D.C. attorney with his former client Gov. Roy Cooper and state Attorney General Josh Stein” on Saturday, according to a press release issued on September 26 by NC House Speaker Tim Moore.
The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order and follows a Friday press conference “that detailed the secret settlement reached by the Democratic Attorney General with a Democratic Party front group he recently gave the keynote address to at an annual convention - on elections.” A series of press releases this week by House Speaker Tim Moore laid out the case.
The settlement comes after the State Board of Elections previously tried to rewrite absentee ballot laws in May but was unanimously rejected by the North Carolina Rules Review Commission.
The Governor then filed a lawsuit seeking to disband the commission, which has protected North Carolinians against executive overreach since 1986.
In early September, a three-judge state court panel upheld absentee ballot laws the settlement now seeks to undo.
The North Carolina legislature and Governor further approved the Bipartisan Elections Act of 2020 this summer, preserving and reforming many of the important absentee ballot.
When confronted Friday regarding the settlement, “Attorney General Stein dismissed a reporter’s concerns as political noise,” the press release states.
On Thursday, two Republican members of
the State Board of Elections resigned saying they felt misled by the state attorney general’s office and staff when they agreed to a settlement weakening absentee ballot laws.
   “These resignations raise serious questions about the integrity of the Cooper-controlled State Board of Elections, Josh Stein’s Department of Justice, and the circumstances of how this collusive settlement was put forward,” Speaker Moore said.
   “Deceiving the minority Republican members of the board is completely unacceptable and damages faith in our electoral institutions. We are continuing to explore all of our legal options.”
   Over 1 million North Carolinians requested their absentee ballots, and over 220,000 returned them prior to the State Board of Elections attempting to arbitrarily change state law, the lawsuit notes, asserting the consent agreement thus violates the Equal Protection clause of the U.S. Constitution.
    According to Saturday’s release, the board is administering the election in an arbitrary and nonuniform manner that inhibits North Carolinians who have already cast their ballot from voting on an equal basis with citizens who would vote after, the lawsuit contends, actions that would allow otherwise unlawful votes to be counted, thereby deliberately diluting and debasing lawful votes.
   “By usurping the General Assembly’s constitutional prerogative to “[p]rescribe” the “Times, Places and Manners” of the federal election, the Board is violating the Elections Clause,” the lawmakers’ complaint asserts.
   “This agreement was official action, taken without constitutional or statutory authority, to influence the 2020 election after voting already started in a disgrace to American due process,” Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) said.
   “We have asked the court to preserve North Carolinians’ right to a fair and nonpartisan elections system free from backroom schemes launched after over 200,000 voters have already cast their ballots.”
   Major election changes included in the “consent agreement” released well-after voting has already begun in North Carolina include:
    •    Rewriting the statutory deadline for the receipt of absentee ballots.
    •    Subverting the absentee ballot witness requirement agreed to in the Bipartisan Elections Act of 2020.
    •    Rewriting the statutory definition of “postmark”
    •    Weakening protections against ballot harvesting
   State House Speaker Tim Moore released the following statement:
   “Roy Cooper and Josh Stein are attempting to gut the integrity of North Carolina voting laws by colluding with partisan Democratic attorneys from Washington D.C. while ballots are already being cast in this Presidential Election.”
   “These actions are utterly lawless, and we will be reviewing them to assess all of our legal options.”

The City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department announced the nomination of the 2019 BeachBlast Festival for the Carolina Beach Music Awards Event of the Year. BeachBlast was one of six events nominated for this prestigious award.
“This nomination speaks to the excellence of leadership from our Special Events Director, Christy Conner,” stated Marilyn Sellers, City Manager. “Starting her career with the City of Kings Mountain in 2001, Christy was promoted in 2017 as the Special Events Director. Her leadership brings energy and enthusiasm to all our events. With her vision and ability to rally a team of staff and volunteers, the BeachBlast Festival has grown to be recognized across the State of NC and the Southeast.”
“The Special Events team is honored by this nomination,” stated Christy Conner, Special Events Director. “I would like to express my sincere thanks to our team of staff and volunteers. This would not be possible without the creativity, dedication and passion of this group. I am very grateful for our City Council and Administration and their continued support. Through their support and leadership, we have a beautiful state of the art venue to host BeachBlast and other festivals and events. With confidence, I can say that Kings Mountain is on the right path to creating a vibrant entertainment district in Downtown and I’m excited to be a part of it!”
Each year, members of the Carolina Beach Music Awards Association nominate the best in Beach Music entertainment, such as, radio announcers, bands, events, and clubs. After the nominations are announced, members then vote for the official winners of each category.
“It is really great that the CBMA has named BeachBlast 2019 as one of the top 6 events in the Southeast as announced on FM 94.9
The Surf.” says Mayor Scott  Neisler. “For one weekend in the piedmont of the Carolinas, we take our shoes off and pretend to walk in the sand enjoying some great beach music! This is a well-deserved accolade for our staff because we have no beach! Make plans now to enjoy us in 2021 and see what all the fun is about!”
The Carolina Beach Music Awards will be held virtually, November 15th, 2020. The awards ceremony will air online at www.949thesurf.com. The time of the event has yet to be determined.
For more information, you may also call the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department at 704-730-2101, or visit their website at www.KingsMountainEvents.Com.

The Catawba Nation today announced its support and appreciation of Tuesday's introduction of the Catawba Indian Nation Lands Act (H.R. 8255) in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Congressman G.K. Butterfield (NC) was joined in introducing the bipartisan bill by Congressman Jim Clyburn (SC), Congressman William Timmons (SC), Congressman Dan Bishop (NC), Congressman Joe Cunningham (SC), Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC), Congressman David Price (NC) and Congressman Joe Wilson (SC).
The bipartisan bill reaffirms the actions earlier this year of the Department of the Interior, following a thorough, years-long review, in taking 17 acres of land into trust status in Cleveland County, North Carolina, for the Catawba Nation.
The Catawba Nation’s aboriginal  lands  extend to six North Carolina counties and farther north in the Piedmont of North Carolina, as evidenced by names such as Catawba County and Catawba College.
 “The newly introduced legislation demonstrates the ongoing support from members of Congress in righting historical wrongs against the Catawba people,” said Chief Bill Harris of the Catawba Nation.
 “We are pleased that this legislation will reaffirm the Interior Department’s action recognizing the Catawba Nation’s historical and ancestral ties to the lands in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. These are the lands of not just our ancestors, but also the hundreds of Catawba citizens that reside there today,” Harris said.
   Harris noted that it is not unusual for Congress to reaffirm land-trust decisions by the Interior Department. The “Gun Lake Trust Land Reaffirmation Act” from 2014 and the “Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Land Affirmation Act” from 2019 are recent examples of such an action.

On Tuesday, September 15, Angie Shugart was robbed and shot in broad daylight at a gas station on Lawyers Road in Charlotte. She was hospitalized at Atrium Main in critical condition with gunshot wounds to her neck and face. The gunshots left devastating injuries and dozens of surgeries ahead, the family was told.
Angie and her partner, Jimbo Conner, have a 6-year old son. When Jimbo visited Angie on Saturday at the hospital, she was awake and able to use a communication board. Via a phone call, their son was able to tell his mother he loves her as Jimbo held the phone to her ear. For three days, the hospital had kept Angie sedated due to the severity of her injuries.
Upon hearing the news that Angie had been shot, Jimbo’s sister, Christy King, sprang into action to help the family. Christy also started the Angie Shugart Personal Emergency Fundraiser of Facebook.
Angie took care of Jimbo’s business for him. He is disabled, and Angie was his helper in life and business. Their car is considered a crime scene and was impounded and by the police. Unfortunately, Jimbo’s wallet was in the car, leaving him without identification or bank card. This has been both an emotional and financial struggle for their family.
For the next few weeks Jimbo will not be able to work due to caring for their 6-year old and traveling back and forth to the hospital to visit Angie. In the meantime, bills still need to be paid.
King shared, “I will be able to pay his bills out of this account, so he doesn't have to worry about it.  Anything you give will go 100% towards bills, groceries, parking fees, medical needs for their family.”
“This has hit them hard and Angie did not deserve this random act of violence. If the Lord lays it on your heart to help in this way, please help but most importantly, please pray for complete healing of Angie,” Christy asked.

By Loretta Cozart

On September 8, Alliance Bank & Trust opened its doors at their new location at 1113 Shelby Road in Kings Mountain. For more than a decade, the bank maintained a presence in downtown.
“We enjoyed being in downtown Kings Mountain but decided to move from a convenience standpoint,” said Dan Boyd, President and CEO of the bank. “We had the chance to purchase the old credit union location and couldn’t pass up the opportunity. There is plenty of parking and two drive through lanes. With COVID-19, that means a lot to our customers. And the new locations has great visibility.”
Just 16 years earlier, On September 8, 2004, Alliance Bank & Trust opened for business after raising over $11.7 million and being granted a State Bank Charter. The bank currently has four branches, two in Gastonia, one in Kings Mountain and one in Shelby.
Alliance Bank & Trust prides itself in being local, since all decision makers live nearby. The bank’s leadership shares a vision to make a difference in their communities—offering local decision-making to consumers and businesses in their market and assisting with economic development.
   “We are one of the last locally owned banks in the area and we want to remain independent. Kings Mountain has been very good for us and we look forward to serving the community. Our customers absolutely love the drive through. We are also open by appointment, wearing masks and following all safety protocols,” Boyd said.

By Loretta Cozart
A conceptual drawing of development around Catawbas Two Kings Casino Resort shows plans for the area, with adjacent development that encompasses a live, work, and play concept in close proximity of one another.

The development allows casino guests to stay nearby, while workers could lease apartments or buy homes within a short distance of their jobs.

While these plans are subject to change, developers currently plan apartments, hotels, restaurants, outparcels, residential housing, and a gas and travel center.

Single family residential lots, 50’x150’, are part of the development. As of now, 671 lots are planned, with the potential for another 160 or more lots depending upon land acquisition.

Eleven apartment buildings, two outparcels, and six hotels are also planned. Each hotel will have four levels with 120 rooms according to the drawing key, which equates to 720 hotel rooms.

The drawing also indicates that Dixon School Road will be rerouted through the complex to allow for more residential housing at the perimeter. Tim Mine Road will also be extended to a new road adjacent to I-85 to bring traffic past the gas and travel center.

The developer is also paying for a new a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) at I-85Exit 5/Dixon School Road. “The DDI moves high volumes of traffic through an intersection without increasing the number of lanes and traffic signals while providing easier access to an interstate,” according Larry Carpenter, Jr. Professional Engineer for the NC Department of Transportation.

In an Economic Impact Study done by London and Associates, they predict advantages for Cleveland County to be:

• 2,600 direct jobs

• 656 indirect and 323 induced jobs

• $273 million Facility investment

• $208 million in economic activity

• $100 million total labor income annually

• $5.1 million per year in total sales, property taxes

• $428 million in annual impact

By Loretta Cozart
One-hundred-eighteen acres of land near the casino sold for $1.77M on Monday morning. The property, once owned by the Humphries family, is located just southeast of the I-85 bridge on Dixon School Road. The property is zoned R-20.

The buyer is Let's Roll Holdings, LLC and their address is listed as Greenville, SC on the deed. Bill McCarter of Foothills Commercial Real Estate was the buyer’s agent and the closing was handled by The Schweppe Law Firm, PA of Shelby.

The Kings Mountain Historical Museum re-opened on Tuesday, September 15, just days before their biggest fundraiser of the year.

Kings Mountain Historical Museum celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and will also hold their 17th Annual Reverse Raffle and Auction between September 18 through 27.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions on the museum and the need to social distance for safety measures, they have moved the reverse raffle and auction to an online format. The museum will not have an in-person event this year.

To celebrate their 20th anniversary, KMHM also had a special logo created. The logo utilizes a design that spells out KMHM with historically significant themes for Kings Mountain. The top left block with tools is for the mining history, the top right is for the settlement of the area with a wagon wheel, the bottom left tracks is for the railroad history, and the bottom right is a loom for our textile history.

The museum’s mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret history through exhibits, educational programs, tours, and other appropriate means, in order to foster a deeper understanding of the history of our community and the region.

If you’d like to support the museum and purchase a ticket for the raffle or get more info on their auction, contact the museum at 704-739-1019 during their new hours: Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm.

The Patrick Senior Center in Kings Mountain provides donated food to more than 50 older adults in our area every week. According to Patrick Senior Center Director Tabitha Thomas, “We need food donations to continue helping our seniors.”

If you can donate food, please drop off non-perishable food in the blue barrel at their back door. Pop-tops are preferred for food items to ease the task of opening cans. The Senior Center is located at 909 E. King Street in Kings Mountain. If you would like to make a financial contribution, please call the Senior Center at 704-734-0447.

“We appreciate financial contributions because we can use that money to purchase specific food and other items needed by seniors that we may be running low on,” Thomas added.

If you need food, please call 704-734-0447 to make arrangements.

Below is a list of foods that are especially needed:

• Canned meats (chicken, turkey, tuna, ham, salmon)

• Boxes of macaroni & cheese

• Canned fruits and vegetables

• Canned chili, beef stew, spaghetti-o's and ravioli

• Cornbread mix

• Canned beans and bags of dried beans

• Cereal or variety packs of small boxes

• Fruit or pudding cups

• Apple sauce or other fruit pouches

• Pasta

• Spaghetti sauce

• Nuts/trail mix

• White and brown rice

• Peanuts and peanut butter

• Cheese and crackers

• Variety packs of chips, cooks and snacks

• Ensure/Boost

“We appreciate the community’s generous support,” Thomas added. “Your donations enable us to help older adults who depend on us for food every week,” Thomas said.

On September 5, all Cleveland County Family YMCA branches reopened indoor fitness centers with limited capacity and following all local, state and national guidelines. Kings Mountain Family YMCA hours of operation are Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 7:00 pm, Saturday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm, and Sunday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm.

At their website, the YMCA shared, “While we are excited to welcome members back inside, we recognize that the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19 isn’t over.”

“North Carolina’s YMCAs have spent 24 weeks preparing to reopen facilities responsibly to ensure the safety of employees and participants. To keep indoor numbers small, the YMCA will continue their virtual and outdoor fitness opportunities, keeping pools open for as long as possible and delivering programs that improve spirit, mind and body,” they wrote.

“The pandemic has hurt many, including the Y. Because of donors and members who stayed with us, the Y has remained on the front lines, serving the most vulnerable members of our communities.”

What should you expect when visiting the YMCA?

• Masks are required upon entering, exiting and transitioning through the building

• A brief health screening will be conducted at the Welcome Center for each member

• Showers, steam rooms and saunas (where available) are not open at this time

• Staff will be available to help you with any questions about available equipment and spaces

• Basketball, racquetball and pickleball are not available at this time

• Child Watch and Kid Zone services are not available during this time

What are we doing for safety and cleanliness of the facility?

• Equipment is spaced apart or either marked to maintain a social distance of at least six feet

• All equipment is thoroughly cleaned before and after use with certified disinfectant

• Deep overnight cleaning is done each day

• Sanitation stations are within each space of the YMCA for your convenience

• Members and staff are required to wear masks to keep each other safe

The YMCA shared, “We’re thrilled to welcome you back inside our Y, but not because you’re reconnecting to a gym. You’re reconnecting with a cause. Welcome back to where you belong! For more information, please visit our website at www.CleveCoYMCA.org.”
 

During a surprise visit among a small group of administrators, school board members, and select family members, Julie Rikard of Kings Mountain High was named Principal of the Year for Cleveland County.

“Cleveland County Schools has many wonderful, dedicated principals who work hard each day to meet the needs of their students and staff, said Rikard.  “It is a tremendous honor to be recognized as the CCS Principal of the Year; I was surprised and humbled with this recognition.”

During Mrs. Rikard's tenure, KMHS was recognized as being in the top 1% of all public and charter schools in the state of North Carolina in growth test scores.

The Principal of the Year program is sponsored annually by Wells Fargo, and Rikard will now vie for regional consideration for top honors.

“I look forward to sharing the great principles and practices that Cleveland County has as I represent our school district,” added Rikard.

Principal Rikard received a monetary award from Wells Fargo for professional development and will soon receive a crystal apple handcrafted by N.C. artist Robert Levin.

“I have been blessed to work in this community for the past 30 years at Kings Mountain High School and Kings Mountain Middle School,” she concluded. 
— KM Herald

By Libby Putnam 

For almost 18-years, the Community Kitchen has been staffed by volunteers from Central United Methodist Church and other churches in Kings Mountain. During that time over 500,000 meals have been served to those in need in our community.

The church is most thankful for those volunteers for their dedication and service led by Jim Potter to make this ministry a success. Jim will be retiring from his work with the Community Kitchen and the community thanks him for his faithful service.

The idea for a food ministry actually came about while Rev. Bob Little was the minister. Plans for a new activities building were being discussed and a committee was formed to help envision how that building could be used.

Of the over 50 ideas that were generated, one was a food ministry. Construction for the Christian Activity Center (CAC) was completed in 2002. John Plonk, John Maddox, and Jim Potter visited Shelby Presbyterian's five day a week food ministry to see how it worked. Contact was made with Second Harvest Food Bank and soon the Community Kitchen at Central was off and running.

In addition to having contributions of food from Second Harvest, volunteers began picking up food donations from Food Lion seven days a week. Initially meals were cooked and served in the CAC only, but later delivery of meals began after the pastor at Second Baptist and a helper volunteered for that duty. Soon volunteers began to deliver on regular routes as well as serve meals in the CAC.

On Thursday, September 3 from 3 – 6 pm., the Community Kitchen will be transitioning from a ministry that serves prepared meals to a ministry where grocery items will be available for pickup.

This new phase of the Community Kitchen ministry will continue as long as there is participation. Even though the nature of this ministry has changed, if you are interested in being a volunteer, you will be warmly welcomed, and your service greatly appreciated. For more information, please email central@cumckm.org or call 704-739-2471.

By Janet Hart, City of Kings Mountain

The City of Kings Mountain announced recently that Carolina Tree Service will continue trimming trees along the City’s mainline electric distribution circuits for the coming year. 

“As an electric utility provider, the City of Kings Mountain is required by state law to follow the regulations as set forth in the National Electric Safety Code,” said Energy Director Nick Hendricks. “This code requires that all electric utilities are responsible for trimming trees near their power lines,” Hendricks added.

The City does not trim trees along service drops that serve individual homes and businesses unless the tree or limb is placing pressure on the electric line. 

According to Hendricks, “It is imperative that as an electric utility provider, we take the tree trimming responsibility seriously as we have in the past, because the failure to keep trees and tree limbs away from our power lines could result in serious injuries to our lineman and our citizens.”

The City is also required by federal law, through our Energy Information Administration (EIA) reporting, to list the City’s reliability and outage information through Customer Average Interruption Duration Index/System Average Interruption Duration Index (CAIDI/SAIDI) reporting. 

“The City of Kings Mountain takes power disruptions seriously and we will continue to put great emphasis on mitigating all areas we can control,” said Hendricks.

“Several factors that cause blinks and outages are out of our control, such as storms and motor vehicle incidents,” Hendricks said. “However, squirrel and tree related outages or disruptions can be reduced, and we need to do all we can to reduce these types of incidents,” added Hendricks.

Therefore, the City’s tree trimming contractor will trim back all of the trees on the mainline to an approximate point of 15 feet. “This action is necessary to reduce the number of outages and blinks caused by squirrels and tree related issues,” said Hendricks.

“Even though the City did not plant the trees along the mainline, we are still required to engage in preventative tree trimming,” added Hendricks.

Taking a more aggressive approach to tree trimming will affect the appearance of some trees, but this approach will assist in preventing unplanned service disruptions.

Key points:

• The City’s Electric Division is working with Zoning to ensure that future zoning regulations consider tree growth and will specify that smaller trees be planted near power lines.

• The City understands the frustration with blinks and power outages and the disruption to daily life that can adversely impact our residential, commercial and industrial customers.

• Prospective residents, businesses and industries review reporting indexes on reliability when choosing sites to locate. With safe and reliable power as our number one priority, it is imperative that the City proactively and aggressively trims trees to mitigate safety hazards and reliability concerns.

• There is no way to trim the trees without, in some cases, completely topping or side cutting them in order to maintain a safe clearance of the branches from our power lines. This City observes a fifteen (15) foot right-of-way for mainline tree clearance and does not have the right to cut beyond fifteen (15) feet.

• Citizens will have to choose -- at their expense -- whether or not they want to remove a tree after trimming has occurred. “Beatification after such trimming has occurred is the responsibility of the landowner.

By Loretta Cozart

According to NCDHHS, White Oak Manor in Kings Mountain continues to experience higher numbers of COVID-19. As of September 4, the 156-bed facility reported that more two-thirds (105) of its patients have contracted the COVID-19 and 16 have died. Fifty-four staff members have also gotten the virus.

In an undated letter on White Oak Manor’s company website, President Doug Cecil shared, “Coronavirus (COVID-19) poses a serious threat to older adults (especially 80 years old and older) and those with underlying health conditions. White Oak Management, Inc. made the decision to restrict visitors at all of our locations as required by the CDC and state officials.”

“It has also been made mandatory for all staff and residents to obtain daily temperature checks until further notice.”

“We want to assure everyone that our team is continuously being advised by the CDC and other governmental agencies as to how best to keep our facilities free from COVID-19, while at the same time, maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for our residents and staff.”

“The following are guidelines which might be helpful in staying connected with facility residents during this time:

“Communicate with your loved ones through alternative ways for the time being, whether by phone, video, Facetime, social media, or other methods. Ask the facility about ways they can help with this.”

“Make sure your loved one’s facility has your emergency contact information. The facility may need to communicate with you about any developments regarding your loved one or about the facility as a whole.”

“I prayerfully ask for your patience and understanding as we all work through this pandemic isolation period.”

On Friday, September 4, Governor Cooper’s office released that he would sign House Bill 1105: Coronavirus Relief Act 3.0.

Governor Cooper said, “This budget followed my recommendations on school enrollment funding and invested in important areas like high speed internet access and disaster relief, but legislators should have done more to expand Medicaid, support small businesses, pay our educators, assist with rent and utilities relief and further help unemployed North Carolinians. Obviously I don’t agree with every provision, but the funding for pandemic support in this budget is critical and must move forward.”

The state General Assembly gave final bipartisan approval to a $1 billion historic relief package the day before that includes direct payments to North Carolina parents of $335 to cover unexpected childcare costs.

The relief measure also increases North Carolina’s unemployment benefits for families to the second highest in the Southeast, while maintaining tax rates for employers still recovering from the pandemic and rehiring displaced workers.

The measure delivers on a top public school priority of holding education funding levels as harmless, regardless of expected drops in enrollment.

The hold harmless funding policy was cited by education leaders as the most important measure lawmakers could take to support North Carolina schools. Today, Republicans accomplished it.

“This is a historic day of promises kept for North Carolinians, the culmination of a decade of state government reform by this Republican General Assembly that allows us to continue investing in recovery for all our citizens today,” Speaker Moore said Thursday.

Relief for North Carolinians in House Bill 1105 Coronavirus Relief Act 3.0 includes:

• Childcare support of $335 to North Carolina parents

• Better unemployment benefits increased $200/month

• $75 million for PPE to protect North Carolinians

• Promises kept to K-12 schools to “hold harmless” funding

• A total increase of $115 million to education

• $17 million in grants for exceptional children’s services

• $50 million to the Lost Wages Assistance Program

• Help for more families to qualify for scholarship programs

• Additional $45 million for small business grant program

• Bipartisan priorities like the PPE+NC program

• Elimination of education wait lists for kids with disabilities

• $40 million investment in broadband and home connectivity

• Higher enrollment in virtual education options for families

• $44.5 million for hurricane recovery from four major storms

• $38 million on direct services for behavioral health

• Support for safe voting with $5 million for elections boards

Kings Mountain native Sarah Lee Owensby, along with Paul Schadt and Geof Knight at WKKT 96.9 The Kat, have been nominated for a Country Music Award for Major Market Broadcast Personality of the year.

Sarah Lee began working at WKKT two years ago and had this to say of the award, “To say I’m honored is an understatement! Thank you for the opportunity to share my life every morning, for encouraging me, motivating me, and believing in me. God is good y’all. With Him all things are possible. To all the dreamers, keep dreaming!”

After 20 years of service, Commander Thomas Keith Morrow, II is retiring from the United States Navy.

A native of Kings Mountain, he graduated from Kings Mountain High School in 1996. He went on to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering–Aeronautical Systems. He also holds an Executive Masters in Business Administration degree from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Masters of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.

Commander Morrow is a Naval Aviator with over 1,900 flight hours in the T-34, TH-57, and H-60 aircraft. He completed flight training at Naval Air Stations Pensacola (FL), Corpus Christi (TX), and Whiting Field (Milton, FL), earning his “wings of gold” in 2002. After training as an SH-60B Seahawk helicopter pilot, he joined the HSL-46 “Grandmasters” at Naval Station Mayport near Jacksonville, FL.

While there, he deployed on board USS NICHOLAS (FFG 47) in support of the Global War on Terrorism in 2003 and on board USS DOYLE (FFG 39) conducting Counter-Narco Terrorism operations in 2005. Commander Morrow also served on board USS WINSTON S CHURCHILL (DDG 79) and was recognized as part of the 2005 Naval Helicopter Association’s Region 3 Aircrew of the Year.

After graduating from the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center’s Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor (SWTI) course in 2006, Commander Morrow reported to Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) Weapons School, Atlantic where he served as an instructor pilot and program manager for multiple tactical training programs. While there, he earned the distinction as the most qualified pilot in the Wing, and in 2008 he was recognized as the HSM Weapons School, Atlantic Instructor Pilot of the Year. Commander Morrow then returned to HSL-46 where he served as the squadron’s Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor and Training Department Head.

In 2010, Commander Morrow joined the HSL-48 “Vipers” and served as the Training and Planning Director prior to deploying in 2012 and again in 2013 as the Officer-in-Charge of aviation operations and maintenance on board USS HUÉ CITY (CG 66), “shotgun” escort for the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) and Carrier Strike Group EIGHT.

After completing back-to-back deployments to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Arabian Gulf Security operations, Commander Morrow returned home to serve as the squadron’s Director of Operations and Logistics and was recognized as the 2013 HSL-48 Officer of the Year.

Following a year at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, RI, Commander Morrow joined the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Financial Management and Comptroller, Office of Budget (FMB) at the Pentagon in Washington, DC in 2014 where he has served as the Senior Financial Manager for the readiness portfolios, providing operations and maintenance funding for all of the Navy’s ships, aircraft, and shore facilities.

Commander Morrow’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), and numerous unit and campaign awards. He is married to the former Elizabeth George from Reidsville, NC and together they have two daughters, Lyla and Caroline.

By Loretta Cozart

Owner Iris Hubbard and executive chef Evan Garr have worked hard for this day, the grand opening of 133 West on Mountain Street.

The old Grayson’s Jewelry, later the home of Kings Tavern, has undergone a total transformation. Inside, the restaurant is tastefully decorated in a monochromatic black and white, with pops of color from flowers placed throughout.

The Senior Park next door was gutted and a beautiful patio with performance stage added. Plantings and benches soften the hardscapes and invite passersby to stop in and take a break from the heat.

For three weeks, Hubbard and Garr have worked through the soft opening, followed by limited hours last week. Starting Wednesday, Sept 2, the restaurant will begin normal hours, serving lunch, dinner, and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are only required for parties of six or more.

On Saturday, Sept. 5, singer-songwriter Scoot Pittman will perform on the patio between 1 pm and 4 pm. “We hope folks will join us this week to celebrate our grand opening. Stop in on Saturday afternoon to relax and listen to music on the patio with us,” Hubbard said.

Hubbard and Garr have sifted through customer comment cards to hone the menu from items offered during the soft opening. They describe their menu as a modern and creative approach to southern cuisine.

Their Grand Opening menu offers a variety of southern dishes, Fried Green Tomato, Pork Rinds with Smokey Cheese Dip, Brie & Crackers, and Filet & Grits - an 8 oz certified angus beef filet mignon atop their house made grit-cake dressed with fresh arugula salad. They have Shrimp & Grits, too. These aren’t your mama’s grits. They also have a 3-course pairing menu and a menu sure to please the kiddos.
— KM Herald

Governor Roy Cooper today announced August 24 that $175 million will be made available to help North Carolinians with rental and utility payment support in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19 has strained family finances across North Carolina, and many people are struggling to make ends meet,” said Governor Cooper. “People need a safe, stable place to call home, especially during this pandemic, and we must help keep people in their homes and keep their utilities on while our economy recovers.”

Today’s announcement includes three programs designed to work together to help people avoid eviction and pay their bills, per the Governor’s direction.

Eviction Prevention and Utility Payments: Approximately $94 million of the funding will be disbursed by the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) to support rental and utility payments and prevent evictions for those with a demonstrated need. The funding will be distributed to eligible community agencies around the state that will work directly with North Carolinians on an application and disbursement process. The fund includes $28 million from federal Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funding and the remaining $66 million from CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) money.

Crisis Response and Housing Stability: About $53 million of the funding is designated for the Emergency Solutions Grant-Coronavirus (ESG-CV) Program through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). The federal ESG-CV money is intended for families experiencing homelessness or who face a more immediate risk of homelessness and will be distributed by similar community agencies handling NCORR’s program. This innovative model will help streamline the process for families. Once a person applies, local community agencies will determine which program they are eligible for and then complete the application quickly.

“Families in crisis don’t have time to spare, and our state agencies are coordinating a plan to make it easier for people to get the support they need,” said Governor Cooper.

Information about how people can apply for the NCORR program and the ESG-GV program will be shared once the programs have launched in the coming weeks.

“During this crisis, it is more important than ever that government work smarter and faster to deliver relief to people facing eviction and utility disconnection. NCORR is proud to be partnering across agencies to make the most of federal funds in North Carolina,” said Chief Operating Officer Laura Hogshead.

“Having a stable, safe place to live is fundamental to well-being and health. We continue to prioritize supporting people in meeting basic needs as part of our COVID response,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen.

Local Government Funds: Another $28 million of federal funding will be administered by local governments through the North Carolina Department of Commerce. This money also comes from the federal CDBG-CV program and will be administered by incorporated municipalities under 50,000 residents and counties under 200,000 residents that apply to participate. Local governments are encouraged to prioritize the money locally to help their residents pay rent and outstanding utility bills. In addition, the funds may provide support for internet access, food distribution, COVID-19 testing and diagnosis and employment training for health care workers.

“The Commerce Department has a long history of collaborating with our local government partners to administer federal resources during times of crisis,” said Commerce Secretary Anthony Copeland. “As a ready conduit for vital assistance to North Carolina communities, our CDBG program has proven its value many times over.”

The application process for local governments to apply for the Commerce-administered funding has opened. Eligible local governments who would like to apply for the Commerce CDBG-CV program can contact the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Program.

2020 Marks the 21st Anniversary
of this Special Event 

The year 2020 marks the 21st anniversary of BeachBlast, Kings Mountain’s Carolina Beach Music Festival. The City of Kings Mountain celebrated online with a virtual event featuring DJ Johnny B’s Beach and Boogie and 2019 CBMA Group of the Year, Too Much Sylvia.

Viewers were invited to put on their favorite beach attire, grab their snacks and drinks and tune into the City of Kings Mountain Special Events Facebook page for this special event. Over 8,000 viewers tuned in with watch parties thrown all over the country, including: Montana, Florida, Wyoming, Georgia, West Virginia, Knoxville and many more.

Many viewers participated in Beach Music trivia with over 1,200 interactive comments made throughout the show. “This was by far one of the best virtual events I had ever seen,” says John Barkley aka Johnny B. “Beach Music fans may not have been able to attend in person, but they showed up tonight on Facebook and I cannot be more thrilled for the Special Events Department. They have worked so hard to make this event spectacular.”

BeachBlast is nominated for the 2020 Carolina Beach Music Festival awards for Event of the Year, as well as the 2020 Cleveland County Best of the Best Event of the Year.

Mary Elrath commented, “Sure wish we could do this in person. Watching in Black Mtn., NC. Watch party in full swing.” Randy Orton wrote, “Enjoying from Bozeman, Montana.”

Cassie Biddix shared, “Johnny B we’re tuned in over in Blacksburg, SC! Wish we could be there in person!! Jake, Anita, Will, Fld, Jennifer and Marshall!! By the pool having adult beverages and burgers and dogs.”

For more information concerning the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department call by phone at 704-730-2101 or visit their website at www.KingsMountainEvents.Com.

By Janet Hart, City of Kings Mountain

The City of Kings Mountain distributed more than 5,000 face masks on Thursday, August 27 at the Patrick Senior Center.

Gaston County donated 15,000 face masks to the City of Kings Mountain from their allotment from North Carolina Health and Human Services.

There were 225 cars that came through the City’s drive-thru mask distribution and the people in each car received two or more packs with five masks in each pack. Multiple churches and community organizations also picked up hundreds of masks for their members.

The City of Kings Mountain will hold additional mask distribution events in the next few months. Wearing a face mask is one of the precautions that leading health officials cite as ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

“We appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the health and wellness of our community by giving away face masks,” said Janet Hart, Marketing and Communications Director for the City of Kings Mountain. “Everyone who picked up face masks was so happy that they could  get extra masks for family members, neighbors, and friends,” Hart added. “It’s wonderful to see how people are helping each other.”

Beginning Saturday, September 5, at 12 noon, Kings Mountain’s emergency warning sirens will be tested along with all of the warning sirens in Cleveland County. After that, on the first Saturday of each month at 12 noon, Cleveland County 911 Communications will test the emergency warning system for the entire county. This testing will help ensure that the sirens operate during a true emergency.

“It is imperative that the emergency warning system for the entire county be reliable and available to warn the public of pending severe weather 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” said Perry Davis, Emergency Management Director for Cleveland County. “The addition of Kings Mountain’s siren to the system utilized by the rest of the county is a vital piece of that coverage,” Davis added.

Kings Mountain Fire Department’s sirens have been reprogrammed to communicate on the same frequency as Cleveland County and have been through initial testing. September 5 will be the first countywide test that includes Kings Mountain’s sirens.

According to Cleveland County’s Assistant 911 Communications Director Stori McIntyre, “Cleveland County Communications is excited to partner with Kings Mountain Fire Department to provide lifesaving notifications during inclement weather.”

“We are happy that we could use our existing equipment and still become part of the system already in place throughout the county,” said Chief Thomas Harmon of the Kings Mountain Fire Department. “Cleveland County’s 911 Communications Center can simply transmit on one frequency and activate every emergency warning siren throughout Cleveland County simultaneously,” added Chief Harmon. “Now, Kings Mountain will be a part of that system.”

In addition to the monthly testing, the sirens will be activated for tornado warnings only. The sirens will not be used to alert the public of tornado watches, only tornado warnings. A tornado warning signifies that a tornado has been spotted and is in the area.

The sirens will also not be used to alert people of watches or warnings for thunderstorms, severe weather, wind, lightning, or winter weather.

“We do not want people to become immune to the sound of the siren,” said Chief Harmon. “We want people to understand that if they hear the siren, they should seek shelter from a tornado immediately,” Chief Harmon added.

“The siren testing on the first Saturday of each month is a great time for the public to review their emergency weather preparedness,” said Chief Harmon. “We hope that this will lessen some of the confusion during severe weather alerts.”

Chief Harmon continued, “Instead of people calling the fire station or 911 when the siren activates to find out what is going on, they should immediately take precautions for potentially dangerous weather.”

Tornado preparedness information can be found on multiple websites including the American Red Cross, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Centers for Disease Control, and the National Weather Center.

“As always, if you have questions about weather preparedness before a weather event occurs, you are welcome to call your local fire station,” added Chief Harmon.

By Loretta Cozart

Wayne King attended his fifth Republican National Convention last week as a North Carolina Delegate, but this year’s convention was very different than in prior years. Starting on Saturday, August 22, King spent three days in Charlotte doing party business before traveling to Washington to see President Trump’s acceptance speech.

“The Republican Convention was a lot different than in prior years, due to the Coronavirus. In Charlotte, about 350 delegates attended, along with Republican National Committee employees,” King said.

On Thursday, King traveled to Washington, DC with 1,000 invited guests and members of congress to attend President Donald Trump’s acceptance speech on the South Lawn of the White House. “I learned that this wasn’t the first time a president accepted their party’s nomination at the White House,” said King. Attending with him were his girlfriend, Nikki Massey, and son, Noah King.

“Noah really enjoyed seeing the president and his acceptance speech. There were not many kids there and Noah noticed,” King said. “I think President Trump laid out a positive vision and reviewed the challenges and accomplishments of his first term.”

King had served as Chief of Staff for NC Congressman Mark Meadows who resigned his office on March 30 to serve as Chief of Staff for President Trump. Currently, King works for Fidelis Government Relations in Washington, DC.

On July 19, 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for President shortly after midnight in a radio address and in front of newsreel cameras, according to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

In 1932, television was in its infancy and Roosevelt said he was using all means necessary “to break foolish traditions” by being the first nominee to accept their party’s nomination at the convention. He asked delegates to stay an extra day and flew with his family to Chicago to accept the nomination in person.

By Loretta Cozart

Iris Hubbard’s long awaited 133 West just completed its soft opening, a period of tasting and training of staff during which she and executive chef Evan Garr tested their menu while maintaining required social distancing.

For dinners, patrons were served a five-course meal and were then asked their opinion regarding each item.

Sunday Brunch had fewer items, but the same attention was paid to the patrons and the items they tasted.

“Evan and I touched every table. We asked everyone for honest feedback and some items just didn’t make the cut,” said Hubbard.

Full dinners will be served between August 26 to 29, with Sunday brunch.

Beginning September 2, full lunch and dinner will be served. Brunch will be served both Saturday and Sunday and reservations will only be required for parties of six or more.

On Saturday, Sept. 5, KM singer-songwriter Scoot will perform between 1 pm and 4 pm. “We offer Saturday brunch because we think folks will appreciate the opportunity to relax and listen to music in a casual atmosphere on Saturday’s while music is played on the patio,” Hubbard said.

The restaurant serves a farm-fresh seasonal menu sourced locally and prides itself on freshness and seasonality. The décor is unique, unlike any seen in Kings Mountain restaurants and exemplifies Hubbard’s flair in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can relax and enjoy chef inspired meals.

The restaurant is lovely, and from the comments left on 133 West’s Facebook page their guests wholeheartedly agree. Guest Amanda White wrote, “Everything was great! The restaurant looks amazing! Can’t wait to come back for brunch on Saturdays.”

The restaurant is located at133 West Mountain St., Kings Mountain.

By Loretta Cozart

Tony Coppola bought 238 Pizzeria last week and it opened under new management at 4 pm Monday. The new name will be Terra Mia 238 Streets of Naples.

Coppola is a native of Italy and the former general manager of Portofino Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria. In June 2019, he and partners opened Reginella Italian Pizzeria & Grill on South York Road in Gastonia. His second restaurant, Terra Mia, opened in McAdenville this year.

At Terra Mia’s website they shared, “Tony Coppola is the business owner and brings many years of experience to the area from owning other restaurants. Tony worked alongside his father for many years as they owned and operated successful Brothers Pizza Restaurants from the Eddington New Jersey area.”

“It's a place offering high quality Italian meals at excellent prices. If you love Italian food, you will love Terra Mia! Last year, Reginella Pizzeria in Gastonia opened. Reginella Pizzeria was just voted Gastonia's best pizza award in 2019. Plans are also underway for another Terra Mia to open in Belmont in September of 2020 as well as another new location in Kings Mountain,” the website shared.

“At Terra Mia, Tony prides himself on providing fresh pizza dough made in-house, three rotating varieties of pasta prepared fresh every day, and meat from Piscataway, New Jersey. Those ingredients will be used within a menu that includes staples such as pizza, homemade sandwiches, and a variety of classic Italian dishes.”

Be sure to stop in and welcome the owners of Terra Mia 238 Streets of Naples, Kings Mountain’s newest Italian restaurant.

The City of Kings Mountain will be giving away 15,000 free face masks on Thursday, August 27 from 9 am – 3 pm in a drive-thru event at the Patrick Senior Center located at 909 E. King Street in Kings Mountain. Gaston County had surplus masks and offered them to the City of Kings Mountain through an allotment from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

“The Mayor and City Council appreciates the opportunity to partner with Gaston County to distribute these face masks to help protect our citizens from COVID-19,” said Kings Mountain City Manager Marilyn Sellers. “The safety of our community members is our top priority.”

Individuals, churches, community groups, nonprofits and small businesses are encouraged to get face masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19. 

Since March 2020, Kings Mountain has had more than 350 people test positive for the Coronavirus. Wearing a face mask when you are in close proximity to other people is one of the precautions that health officials recommend, along with social distancing and hand washing.

“Last week, we distributed 5,000 face masks donated by Uniquetex in Grover to hundreds of people who needed masks for themselves and their family members,” said Tabitha Thomas, Patrick Senior Center Director. “Since then, we have heard from more people who need masks, so we appreciate having more masks to provide to the community.”

Individuals will get a minimum of five masks per person. These masks are available to anyone who needs them. If you are with a group, you can get a larger quantity of masks, while supplies last. If you are a group leader and can pick up masks at the Patrick Senior Center before Thursday, please call 704-734-0447.

By Janet Hart, City of Kings Mountain

Eighteen-year old James Levi Keever, from Kings Mountain, NC is a young man on a mission to build a career as a firefighter. He was driven from an early age and learned to work hard in order to succeed. 

“From the age of 12, I have maintained some form of employment, from cutting grass to cleaning offices,” said Keever. “Through my high school years, I worked part-time and full-time hours in a retail store, and then, in contracting,” Keever added.

Keever attended high school at Narrow Way Christian School, until his junior year. At that point, he transferred to Cleveland Community College (CCC) through a dual enrollment program to receive credit hours towards his high school diploma and a college degree.

“At the age of 15, I joined Kings Mountain Fire Department’s Junior Firefighter Program and that’s when I realized the passion that I had for the fire service,” said Keever.

“Early on young Mr. Keever exhibited all the traits required of a firefighter – smart, respectful and hard working,” said Kings Mountain Fire Department Chief Thomas Harmon.

During the winter of 2019-2020, Keever attended a 6-month long Emergency Medical Training (EMT) class and obtained his National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician Certification, as well as legal recognition in the state of North Carolina in April of 2020.

During the summer of 2020, Keever graduated from high school and then attended Cleveland Community College’s Firefighter Academy. “The academy is a ten week program that not only tests the candidate’s intellectual ability, but also tests their physical ability and fortitude,” said Chief Harmon.

Upon graduation from CCC’s firefighter academy, Keever obtained his North Carolina Firefighter Certification, as well as a Hazardous Materials Operations certification. While going to school, Keever worked as a volunteer firefighter for the Kings Mountain Fire Department.

“The classes that Levi has taken and the certifications that he has earned are quite the accomplishment,” said Chief Harmon. “These courses and certifications require hard work and intelligence, and Levi has excelled in both all areas,” added Harmon. “Levi earned the same credentials that are required of a career firefighter while he was still in high school.”

This fall, Keever plans to continue pursuing an associate degree in Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology at CCC.

“I hope to graduate in the summer of 2021,” added Keever, “and I look forward to becoming a full-time firefighter.”

“I have no doubt that Levi will be successful,” said Chief Harmon, “I am so proud of what he has accomplished, and I look forward to watching him build a career as a firefighter and seeing the benefits the he adds to Kings Mountain Fire Department.”

“You can’t stop the music”

One of the City of Kings Mountain’s most exciting festivals, BeachBlast, has been modified this year because of COVID-19 group size restrictions. In place of the festival, the City is planning a virtual beach party on August 22.

“Nothing is stopping us from having a party online,” said Special Events Director Christy Connor. “COVID can’t stop the music!”

The City of Kings Mountain invites you to join them online on Saturday, August 22 on the city’s special event’s Facebook page for a virtual beach party. Celebrate the 21st anniversary of BeachBlast with DJ Johnny B and a concert by the 2019 Carolina Beach Music Association’s Group of the Year, “Too Much Sylvia”.

“Tune into the City of Kings Mountain Special Events Facebook page to enjoy your favorite beach music, shag on your porch and have a fun watch party with us,” said Connor.

This beach party starts at 6 pm and will be packed with entertainment, music, games and fun until 9 pm.

You can “Like” the City of Kings Mountain Special Events Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cityofkmspecialevents to view this exclusive event.
 

By Janet Hart, City of Kings Mountain

The City of Kings Mountain has selected Darren Graves to fill a newly-created position as a Codes Enforcement Officer. Graves is transferring from his position as Equipment Operator in the City’s Public Works Department into this position. So, there is not an increase in total employees or total expenses. 

In this role, Graves will primarily focus on insuring compliance with three primary state laws: minimum housing standards, building codes for new construction and junk cars on residential properties.

“The City of Kings Mountain is a beautiful city in which to live, work and play, but we do have pockets of the city that need cleaning up,” said Mayor Scott Neisler. “The City Council has made it a top priority to address those areas.”

Graves will be assessing dilapidated properties and enforcing citations for non-compliance. Property owners will be cited for violations and will have 30-90 days to comply with the citation, depending on what issues are being cited. Enforcement could include fines, condemning the property as uninhabitable and demolition of the property if it is unsafe and not brought into compliance.

Property owners with junk cars could be subject to fines, or have the vehicles towed by the City, if they do not remove the vehicles within a specified time.

“These dilapidated properties pose a health and safety issue and they can attract criminal activity.” added City Manager Marilyn Sellers. “We want to showcase Kings Mountain as a city that is attractive for economic and residential investment.”

For more information about the City of Kings Mountain’s Codes, please visit www.cityofkingsmountain.com.

Abdul Rashid Gangoo, M.D., F.A.C.P., an internist who subspecialized in infectious diseases, retired on August 1, 2020 after practicing medicine in Kings Mountain for forty-one years.

Dr. Gangoo was born and raised in the city of Srinagar in the picturesque valley of Kashmir. He grew up with four siblings all of whom still reside in Srinagar. Upon graduating from Government Medical College, Srinagar in 1968, he was employed by the Indian government’s health services. In 1972, he moved to the United Kingdom and worked at Poole General Hospital in Dorset, England and later at St. David’s Hospital in Cardiff, Wales. He then immigrated to the United States in September 1973 and joined Long Island Jewish Medical Center’s medical residency program in Internal Medicine. 

He spent his first two years of residency at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens, New York City and his third year at Queens General Hospital. From 1976 to 1978, Dr. Gangoo was enrolled in a two-year fellowship training program in Infectious Diseases at Nassau County Medical Center (affiliated with the State University of New York at Stony Brook).

After completing his fellowship, Dr. Gangoo and his wife Firdous left the hustle and bustle of New York City and moved to Cherryville, North Carolina in September 1978 before settling in Kings Mountain in March 1979. For Dr. Gangoo, the slower pace of life that Kings Mountain offered was a very welcome change from his years amidst the frenzy of New York City. “A calmer and quieter atmosphere is much more suited to my natural disposition and personality,” he says.

Dr. Gangoo was the first internist in Kings Mountain and the first infectious diseases specialist in Cleveland County. He joined the medical staff of Kings Mountain Hospital (KMH), Cleveland Regional Medical Center, and two hospitals in Lincoln County. He established his medical practice at a clinic located at 810 W. King Street which he shared with Dr. George W. Plonk, a well-established and beloved surgeon, and has been seeing patients at the same location ever since.

“It’s been an honor to serve the Kings Mountain community. I am so grateful to have been warmly embraced by this town, and I am indebted to my patients for entrusting their medical care to me,” he shares.

“The most heart-warming and rewarding part of practicing medicine in Kings Mountain has been forming and building long-standing relationships with patients and their families. Being able to treat three generations of a family is an incredibly unique experience. My patients have, in turn, treated me as a part of their family as well. There is a certain level of trust, rapport, and comfort that has developed over time,” he said.

Dr. Gangoo served as President of the Cleveland County Medical Society from 1998 to 1999. He has also held the position of Chief of the Medical Staff at Kings Mountain Hospital for several years. In 2007, he had the honor of being elected a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.

The landscape of healthcare has changed drastically in the past several decades, including the management of small and rural hospitals. Dr. Gangoo witnessed this first-hand when Kings Mountain Hospital transitioned to Carolinas HealthCare System-Kings Mountain in 1995 and more recently to Atrium Health Kings Mountain. In 2015, Carolinas HealthCare System-Kings Mountain received national recognition when it had been named as one of the country’s “Top Rural Hospitals” by The Leapfrog Group.

Since 2015, however, certain patient services were gradually phased out, and more recently, the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit was downgraded to a Progressive Care Unit. “I would like to see specialized inpatient and outpatient services and the ICU return to the hospital once again so that it can better serve the needs of Kings Mountain. The care services a hospital provides ought to align with the needs of the community.”

In addition to thanking all of his patients, Dr. Gangoo wishes to express his gratitude to his fellow physicians who have helped him with patient care. He is especially indebted to Dr. Everette Thombs, Dr. Martin Stallings, Dr. Christian Anderson, Dr. Cornelius Okonkwo, Dr. Temidayo Adelekun, and Sigrid Smith of Charlotte Area Health Education Center for their friendship and support. He also would like to thank all of the former and current nurses and technicians, hospital staff members, and hospital administrators. “Their tireless hard work and dedication made my job easier.”

Last not but least, Dr. Gangoo is thankful for his office staff members: Julie McDaniel, Kathy Brooks, Janet Burns, Sherry Sellers, Amber Norman, and his wife Firdous for their invaluable contributions in caring for their patients. “This practice simply would not have been possible without them.”

In his retirement, Dr. Gangoo plans to spend more time with his wife and children, Talia and Basit, and pursue his hobbies of gardening, woodworking, and painting. “I wish all of my patients and members of the community the best of health. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives.”
 

By Janet Hart, City of KM

In 1982, Robert Bolin left his hometown of Kings Mountain to join the U.S. Army. After his tour of duty was over with the Army, he decided to move back home.

“When you have a passion for your hometown, you want to help in any way that you can,” said Bolin.

Since he loved food, Bolin decided to open a restaurant. The first restaurant was 238 Cherokee Grill which opened in 2010. Next, came 238 Pizzeria in 2016.

While both restaurants share some similarities, they are definitely different. 238 Pizzeria has a casual atmosphere and serves a variety of pizzas and Italian foods. Whereas, 238 Cherokee Grill is more upscale and serves steak, fish, burgers, wraps and salads.

Both restaurants are located in downtown Kings Mountain, but 238 Cherokee Grill is not actually on Cherokee Street. It’s located at 222 S. Railroad Avenue next door to Patriots Park and 238

Pizzeria is located at 238 Cherokee Street.

If you get confused, just follow the amazing smell of garlic, onion and Italian spices to either restaurant. The restaurants are only about a block apart.

“Having both restaurants in downtown Kings Mountain is the primary reason for our success,” said Bolin. “We get tremendous business when the City of Kings Mountain has special events in the Park and festivals downtown.”

In the past six months, the City of Kings Mountain has canceled or modified all of its festivals and special events because of COVID-19 restrictions that limit crowd sizes and require social distancing.

“Our inside dining has been negatively affected,” Bolin said. “COVID-19 restrictions have required us to reduce dine-in traffic, stagger tables at six feet intervals and have customers wait outside at times,” added Bolin.

“However, the volume of takeout orders has been unreal,” said Bolin. “Plus, we can take food over to Patriots Park for customers who want to eat lunch or dinner in the Park.”

Both restaurants have survived COVID-19 because of the community’s support.

“We believe that when you support the community, they will support you in return and the community of Kings Mountain has been so good to us,” Bolin added. “We appreciate their support.”

For more information or to view menus, please visit www.238CherokeeGrill.com or www.238Pizzeria.com.

By Loretta Cozart

Local businesses Uniquetex, LLC and their sister company, Ecoguard Inc., donated 5,000 masks for distribution in Kings Mountain and Grover within the next two weeks.

Masks will be distributed through a concerted effort between Uniquetex and Ecoguard, Kings Mountain Herald, City of Kings Mountain’s H. Lawrence Patrick Senior Center, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Wat Lao Temple.

The purpose of the distribution to get masks into the hands, and on the faces, of Kings Mountain and Grover residents as Coronavirus numbers continue to rise. Facemasks are one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others from the Coronavirus.

Distribution sites and times are listed below. Walk-ups are welcome.

City of Kings Mountain will distribute masks at the H. Lawrence Patrick Senior Life and Conference Center at 900 E. King Street on Thursday, August 13, in drive thru fashion from 9 am to 4 pm. Drive around the front of the Patrick Center around to the back under the canopy to pick up. Phone: Phone: 704-734-4489

Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 220 N. Waterson Street, will distribute masks on Sunday, August 16 from 2 – 3 pm via drive thru in front of the Family Life Center.

Ebenezer Baptist Church will distribute masks on Sunday, August 16 from 10 am to 1 pm, and again on Saturday, August 22 from 10 am to 1 pm.

Wat Lao Temple will distribute masks within the Laotian community to those in need. Sak and Tawny Athithang are coordinating the distribution. 704-619-2035.

Town of Grover will inform citizens regarding their mask distribution in a note included the power bill, according to Mayor Roy Dyer. 704-937-9986

“Supporting our local community is an important part of the business, and Uniquetex and Ecoguard are committed to going above and beyond,” said Director of Public Relations Lina Sheng. ”We are thankful that our local government agencies help distribute these masks to the needed groups and we sincerely wish our residents to be safe and healthy!”

In addition, Ecoguard donated tens of thousands of masks to the state governments of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Kentucky, as well as local small businesses and non-profit organizations.

As the pandemic became an increasing threat, the company realized how critical and necessary it was to produce high quality PPE locally. As a result, Uniquetex’s sister company Ecoguard, Inc. was formed in February, with only one mission and that was to produce face masks.  Both companies continue to provide high quality PPE during the coronavirus pandemic.

Kings Mountain Special Events announced that the 21st anniversary of Beach Blast, scheduled for August 22, will be held virtually via their Facebook page.

“With all the challenges our community has faced adjusting to the restrictions during these difficult times, the Special Events staff challenged themselves to think outside the box and collaborate unique ways to bring fun to your doorstep,” said Special Events Director Christy Conner.

“COVID-19 may have challenged our on-site festival, but it can’t stop the music,” Conner said.

Check the Special Events Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/CityofKMSpecialEvents or call 704-730-2101 for the itinerary and special announcement.

 (See more photos on page 4 in the August 5, 2020 edition of KM Herald)

By Loretta Cozart

In 2018, David and Janet Stone purchased the Frank Rickert Summers home at 1220 N. Piedmont Avenue, built in 1928. Together the Stone’s are slowly bringing the grand home back to life. They moved into the house in December 2018.

Bonnie Elouise Mauney was born on January 26, 1897, the daughter of Andrew Mauney and Candice Virginia Miller. Bonnie went to college in Charlotte there she met Frank Summers, who worked at the Charlotte Observer during that time. Frank also served in WWII prior to their marriage.

Frank and Bonnie Summers were married on September 28, 1925 and purchased 12 acres on N. Piedmont Avenue from W.A. Mauney. Renowned architect Hugh Edward White of Gaston County was contracted to draw the architectural plans for their 3,166 square foot Tudor Revival home.

According to The National Register of Historic Places multiple property documentation form filed by David Foard Hood honoring The Architecture of Hugh Edward White and White, Streeter & Chamberlain, 1921-1939 Gaston County, North Carolina, “The buildings which White designed in the period from late 1926 until 1930 were similar in scale and appearance to those produced by the firm of White, Streeter & Chamberlain. In short, he (White) continued to design houses and other nonresidential buildings for virtually the same clientele which had earlier patronized the partnership. The three houses he designed in 1927-1928 are large, important residences for Gastonia and Kings Mountain businessmen.”

It is suspected White also designed the Kings Mountain Graded School (Central) extension in 1924, according to Hood’s application. Past research also confirms that Bonnie Summers served as the city’s first woman principal at Kings Mountain Graded School in that timeframe. It is not known if White knew the Summers from that project or other projects in Gaston County.

According to the Hood documentation, “The F. R. Summers House (#122) in Kings Mountain is similar in spirit; however, its appearance is very different. Its red brick elevations are heightened in tone by the rusty-red metal Casement windows and the rust and cream half timbering; fieldstone is used for the main chimney.”

Elevation drawings of the F.R. Summers house were found in the Hugh Edward White family archives held by White’s son. “We were excited to find that Mr. White’s architectural drawings, and we now have copies. We have learned a lot about the house from those original drawings.”

During the last two years, David Stone and his family have painstakingly restored the home. “The kitchen has seen the most work. All the electrical was knob and tube, which had to be replaced. Most of the home’s water, sewer, and electrical run into the house through the wall behind the kitchen range. So, we had to rip that wall out in the kitchen to get everything updated. After remodeling the kitchen, that work is hidden and other original plastered walls were preserved,” Stone said.

“The front foyer had a boiler, which was removed. Doing so left a hole, which we have covered with a strategically placed piece of furniture. As for the new HVAC system, we used the original boiler vents for returns and avoided having to install modern vents in the hallways,” he said. “It also maintains the original look of the home.”

There are several hammered copper light fixtures used throughout the house. “One was missing, but we found a replacement on eBay. Later, we found several others like it at the Mauney home. We aren’t sure why the family bought extras, but they really must have liked them,” Janet Stone commented.

“The fireplace in the living room is just beautiful. We restored the fireplace and lined the flues so we can enjoy the fireplace when the weather is cool. People who spent time in the home when the Summers’ family owned it tell us that that fireplace can really put out the heat,” David Stone said.

“Probably the biggest challenge we faced during the renovation was replacing 300 panes of glass in the casement windows throughout the house. There are 900 panes, and we had to clean the casement windows and replace at least 300 panes, glaze, and repaint. That was a big job,” Stone said.

“The big project for this year has been landscaping. We had to address water issues and overgrown vegetation. We still have work to do, but it is much improved,” Stone said.

On the south side of the house, above the sunroom, a porch overlooks the pool and property. The porch once had a canvas roof according to White’s drawings. Stone shared, “When we peeled away layers of material, we found the original canvas roof. The work there continues there. We are replacing the metal rails with those of the original design. This is definitely a work in progress as we prioritize and tackle the most important tasks first.”

“I’ve always enjoyed old houses,” David Stone shared. “When Janet and I first got married, we lived in Mount Holly. Then we bought a farmhouse up in Statesville and that was the first home we remodeled. I figure if Janet can live with me through a winter of remodeling, without heat or a kitchen, we can handle anything. It was a mess.”

When asked why he takes on these projects, David Stone replied, “I have a passion for remodeling. I don’t care anything about sports; you won’t catch me at a football game. I love taking projects, like this one and the Mauney house, that are in disrepair and bring them back to life. There is a sense of accomplishment that comes from this work and that I love. Aside from remodeling, we shop for antiques and hardware to match those used in the original house that need replacing.

While remodeling the downstairs bath, David noticed a stain on the floor matched the same footprint from a sink in the garage bathroom. “We determined the sink had been moved to the garage. The date on the sink is 1928, so we know it is original to the house and we are glad we could return it to its original spot in the house”

Despite all the work the Stone family does restoring their property, they do take time to enjoy their new home on Piedmont Avenue. A covered deck on the back of the house has a view of downtown Charlotte on a clear day. “We’ve enjoyed the fireworks of Gastonia, Belmont, Mount Holly from this deck,” Stone said.

By Loretta Cozart

Dellinger's Jewel Shop is one of the most trusted names in jewelry in the Kings Mountain region and sells high-quality, hand-crafted, fine jewelry.

A family of jewelers that spans four generations, the Dellinger’s have been in the jewelry business since 1890. They opened their first store in Cherryville, followed by a store in Kings Mountain in the 1950s. The Dellinger’s built the current store located at 112 West Mountain Street in 1974.

“Our location in downtown Kings Mountain has been a key to marketing our business because of the higher volume of people who visit downtown,” said owner Lew Dellinger. “Plus, the businesses in downtown Kings Mountain are a community within a community and we support each other.”

Dellinger's Jewel Shop’s is known for their high ethical standards, knowledge of jewelry products and services, fair pricing and providing value to their customers.

“Our relationship with our customers lasts a lifetime. We have served multiple generations of families and pride ourselves on the personalized service we provide our customers,” added Dellinger. “Our integrity is important to us and we appreciate the trust that our customers have in us.”

Dellinger’s Jewel Shop was closed for six weeks during the COVID-19 business shutdown.

“It was a tough time,” said Dellinger. “When we reopened we wanted to celebrate our 130th anniversary, so we had a 50% off sale and the community response was absolutely tremendous.”

Dellinger hopes that all of the businesses in downtown Kings Mountain can rebound and he looks forward to seeing the downtown area grow into a hub of dining, shopping, events and festivals.
 

By Janet Hart, City of KM

Are you planning to close in your carport to convert it to a garage? Are you building a deck on the back of your house? Are you trying to stay cool during these hot days, but your air conditioning system is withering in the heat? If you are planning work on your home or property, you may need to get a permit before your project begins.

The City of Kings Mountain wants to make sure property owners know that it is important to check with the building Codes Department before starting any project to find out if a building or zoning permit is required. Building and zoning laws are set by the State of North Carolina and municipalities have adopted those laws into local ordinances. To find out if a project requires a permit, contact the City of Kings Mountain’s Building Codes Department at 704-734-4599.

Obtaining a permit helps ensure that work being performed meets building code standards.

“It’s for your safety and protection,” said Clint Houser, Director of City of Kings Mountain’s Building Codes Department, “For example: if you are building a deck, it’s important that the deck be structurally sound so that no one is injured by substandard work.”

Permit applications are available online at the City of Kings Mountain’s website – www.cityofkm.com, under Your Government, then click on Code Enforcement. The direct link to the permit application is: https://www.cityofkm.com/154/Permit-Applications-Forms

Permits can be obtained by emailing the application to the email address on the application - tammy.scruggs@cityofkm.com. Permit applications can also be submitted in person to the City of Kings Mountain’s Building Codes Department, located at 1013 N. Piedmont Avenue in Kings Mountain.

“We can usually fulfill a residential permit on the same day that an application is submitted,“ said Houser, “but certainly within one to three days.”

Anyone who fails to obtain a permit before a job begins will pay a penalty fee equal to twice the cost of the permit.

“We want to make sure that homeowners know that a permit may be needed for certain types of home repairs and improvements,” added Houser. “Doing unpermitted work on your home, can invalidate warranties and cause issues when reselling a home.”

For more information about obtaining residential building and zoning permits, please contact the City of Kings Mountain’s Building Codes Department at 704-734-4599.

by MICHAEL E. POWELL

Special to Herald

Last Wednesday, July 22, representatives from the Catawba Indian Nation, located in Rock Hill, S.C., and the City of Kings Mountain, and from Cleveland County, met to break ground for the Catawba’s Casino Resort Project.

The group of individuals met at 10:30 a.m., at the Catawba’s 16-acres of land set aside for the casino, just off Exit 5 on I-85, the actual address being 260 Dixon School Rd., Kings Mountain.

In a Monday, July 20, media release from Tribal Administrator Elizabeth Harris, there was limited space available due to COVID-19 restrictions, and the expected mask and social distancing guidelines and rules were in place.

Catawba Chief William “Bill” Harris, after brief introductions of all those who were invited to speak and take part in the auspicious occasion, said, “We are privileged to work with the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners and the City of Kings Mountain. We are also pleased to be working with Delaware North as well as Sky Boat Development.”

Chief Harris spoke about the history of the Catawba Nation and the tribe’s close historical ties with first the English during the French and Indian War, then with the Colonial Americans, when they later took up arms against the British in the Battle of Kings Mountain.

He spoke of the Catawba’s great King Hagler, who in the 1750s spoke about living in peace, love and friendship with all nations. King Hagler, or Nopkehee, was born about 1700, and died in 1763. He became Chief of the Catawba in 1754.

“We, the Catawba Nation, were there to read the signs and warn the colonists of British attacks,” Chief Harris said, as he continued on the history of the Catawba Nation.

Chief Harris referenced how their nation has developed many partnerships over the many years, bringing it home by referring to the coming casino and its many job opportunities by saying, “Today, we celebrate the thousands of jobs that will be created; we celebrate the economic growth that will come about.”

Regarding that economic growth: it is estimated that a total of $428.1 million will be realized as far as an annual economic impact is concerned. The breakdown is as follows: $308 million (once operational, in per year of direct economic activity and employment of an estimated 2,600 workers); $77.3 million (an additional per year in indirect impact through local purchases from local business); and another $42.8 million per year in induced impact from employer expenditures, according to information provided by London & Associates (February 2020). This same study projects that construction activity alone will generate $311 million, with a “total employment of 2,347 from direct, indirect, and induced effect”, as per that same media release.

Harris continued, “Today the Catawba Nation wants to express it gratitude to Kings Mountain, Delaware North, Cleveland County, and Sky Boat, as well as others as this project unfolds.” Some of those others he talked about include U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham, Richard Burr, Tom Tillis, and Sen. Scott for their 2019 support that encouraged the request to accept the 16 acres of land into trust for the Catawbas. That decision is still being contested by the Cherokee Tribe but the casino continues to move forward, noted Chief Harris, in a March 2020 article in the Eagle.

According to the Project History & Timeline handed out at the groundbreaking, the projected Introductory Phase, complete with 1,300 operational gaming devices is possibly summer of 2021.

Kings Mountain Mayor Scott Neisler, who was one of the project leads, along with Cleveland County Commissioner Johnny Hutchins, was quoted on the handout as saying, “Finally, the Catawbas have the opportunity to perpetuate their culture as a meaningful elevation of their place in North American history.

“Before today, this eight-mile stretch of I-85 had little to offer to locals and tourists. With this project we will become the premier destination between Atlanta and Washington, DC, for entertainment.”

Neisler said at the groundbreaking, “Today, we are standing on official Catawba Nation lands! This is historical Catawba land! We are all Americans, and we are in lockstep with them, and wish them well in the furthering of their culture. I want to thank Chief Harris and others of this Catawba Nation for having us as guests on their land.”

Commissioner Hutchins was quoted on the handout as saying, “Our steadfast partnership with the Catawba Indian Nation has brought us to this moment in time to celebrate their culture and their desire to improve the future of tribe members and those in Cleveland County and the region through jobs, tourism, and economic potential.”

He added at the groundbreaking, “This (casino and its jobs) is going to be beneficial to us all.”

In addition to Hutchins being there for the Cleveland County Commissioners, Chairperson Susan Allen was present as well, as was Delaware North’s Gaming President E. Brian Hansberry, and a host of dignitaries and others. Sheriff Alan Norman and the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department provided security and direction for the event.

Hansberry noted that Delaware North wants “to create a world-class operation here,” and that they were “glad to be working on this.”

In closing, Chief Harris, said, just before inviting everyone to the actual groundbreaking area, “This project will have a huge economic impact on this area!”

Providing tribal music and prayers for the event, along with ceremonial drumming were Jason and Ronnie Beck.

For those desiring more information on the Catawba Nation Casino or the tribe, contact Elizabeth Harris, Tribal Administrator at elizabeth.harris@catawbaindian.net, or call (803) 366-4792, ext. 225.

By Loretta Cozart 

Additional renovation and construction progress is being seen in the downtown area. The patio at 133 West continues is taking shape. A stage as been added, along with decorative concrete work. The restaurant has yet to open, but furniture has been delivered.

Just down the block, Michael Parker’s property, once home of SageSport / Fulton’s Department Store, has seen the addition of joists for the second floor that are almost complete. Every fourth joist is anchored into the wall with eight inch bolts, which helps stabilize the structure and allows for work to be done on the roof next.

McGill’s Service Station has seen cornice and masonry work begin. Once this step is complete, cleaning of the exterior will begin. New owner, Kaimesha Young, shared that she closed on the property July 15.

The Catawba Indian Nation held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new, state-of-the art casino development project today, Wednesday, July 22, at 10:30 am, at 245 Dixon School Road in Kings Mountain, off I-85 at Exit 5.

The event was a celebration for the Catawba Indian Nation and the surrounding community as work begins on this important and long-awaited economic development project. Through construction and completion, the project will employ 4,000 North Carolinians from the surrounding region.

Speakers include Catawba Indian Nation Chief Bill Harris, Delaware North, Gaming President E. Brian Hansberry, Cleveland County Commissioners Chair Susan Allen, and Kings Mountain Mayor Scott Neisler.

Masks are required, and social distancing measures will be in effect. We will be adhering to North Carolina's COVID19 Restrictions on outdoor event capacity.

By Loretta Cozart
Last week, the Herald reported on two parcels of land purchased by the City of Kings Mountain in 2015 in order to provide utilities to NTE Energy, now known as Carolina Power Partners, LLC. Documentation provided by City of Kings Mountain shows the city billed NTE Energy, and NTE Energy paid the city a month later and before the property switched hands.

In a phone call with Kings Mountain City Manager Marilyn Sellers on Monday, July 20, Sellers explained the transaction saying, “We had an agreement with NTE that the city would purchase the property and they (NTE) would, in turn, reimburse us. What happened was that it became a pass through. A payment was received by the city from NTE, and we City paid for the two parcels. We didn’t use taxpayer dollars and the closing fees were included in their payment.”

Reviewing the city’s ledger sheet, City of Kings Mountain billed NTE Energy for $119,723.25 on July 7, 2015 and check was received from NTE Energy in that amount on August 3, 2015. The deed was executed on September 1, 2015 by Atty. Neisler and recorded with the Register of Deeds office on September 3, 2015.

Sellers explained the upset bid process. “Anytime we get a bid on a property, we, as staff, in turn put that on the council agenda to let them know we received a bid,” she said. “When we accept the bid, it starts the process. And, we don’t have to accept it (the bid) after a month. That’s up to council.”

“As for the property having no value, ‘of no use’ would be a better term,” Sellers said. “We looked at several options for the property and decided it was of no use to us. We purchased the 17.11 acre parcel for $69,723.25. We did have the property appraised at $125,000 and we got a bid for $150,000. We are hoping for higher offers and the first bid starts the process. It is up to council and, in the end, they may decide they don’t want to sell it.”

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen were joined today by education and health leaders to announce health and safety plans for K-12 public schools for the new school year. Schools will open for in-person instruction under an updated Plan B that requires face coverings for all K-12 students, fewer children in the classroom, measures to ensure social distancing for everyone in the building, and other safety protocols.

“The most important opening is that of our classroom doors. Our schools provide more than academics; they are vital to our children’s’ health, safety and emotional development,” said Governor Cooper. “This is a difficult time for families with hard choices on every side. I am committed to working together to ensure our students and educators are as safe as possible and that children have opportunities to learn in the way that is best for them and their families.”

The Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit outlines the updated requirements for Plan B. Districts may choose to operate under Plan C, which calls for remote learning only, and health leaders recommend schools allow families to opt into all-remote learning. Modifications have been made to Plan B since it was released in June to make it more protective of public health.

“After looking at the current scientific evidence and weighing the risks and benefits, we have decided to move forward with today’s balanced, flexible approach which allows for in-person instruction as long as key safety requirements are in place in addition to remote learning options.” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, MD. “We will continue to follow the science and data and update recommendations as needed. We ask every North Carolinian to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and follow the three W’s: Wear a face covering when in public, Wait 6 feet apart, Wash your hands.”

Governor Cooper also announced that the state will provide at least five reusable face coverings for every student, teacher and school staff member in public schools. In June, the state provided packs of personal protective equipment to schools that included a two-month supply of thermometers, surgical masks, face shields and gowns for school nurses and delegated staff who provide health care to students.

“Educators and stakeholders across our state have worked tirelessly to reopen our school buildings safely for our students, teachers and staff. Today, we take another critical step towards that goal. We also know families need to choose the option that is best for their children, so all school districts will provide remote learning options,” said Eric Davis, Chairman of the State Board of Education.

“In-person education is important for children, and it happens in the context of a community. This plan strikes the right balance between health and safety and the benefits of having children learn in the classroom. We must all continue with proven measures to reduce COVID-19 transmission like wearing a face covering, keeping distance between people, and frequent hand and surface cleanings so we can move closer to safely re-opening public schools,” said Dr. Theresa Flynn, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, a practicing pediatrician who serves on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Pediatric Society and joined today’s announcement.

Under Plan B, schools are required to follow key safety measures that include:

• Require face coverings for all teachers and students K-12

• Limit the total number of students, staff and visitors within a school building to the extent necessary to ensure 6 feet distance can be maintained when students/staff will be stationary

• Conduct symptom screening, including temperature checks

• Establish a process and dedicated space for people who are ill to isolate and have transportation plans for ill students

• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in the school and transportation vehicles regularly

• Require frequent hand washing throughout the school day and provide hand sanitizer at entrances and in every classroom

• Discontinue activities that bring together large groups

• Limit nonessential visitors and activities involving external groups

• Discontinue use of self-service food or beverage distribution

In addition, schools are strongly recommended to follow additional safety measures that include:

• Designate hallways and entrance/exit doors as one-way

• Keep students and teachers in small groups that stay together as much as possible

• Have meals delivered to the classroom or have students bring food back to the classroom if social distancing is not possible in the cafeteria

• Discontinue activities that bring together large groups

• Place physical barriers such as plexiglass at reception desks and similar areas

More details can be found in the Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit. Read the Screening Reference Guide for schools and the Infection Control and PPE Guidance.

In addition to the announcement about school plans, Governor Cooper shared that North Carolina will remain paused in Safer at Home Phase 2 after the current Executive Order expires on Friday, July 17.

“As we continue to see rising case numbers and hospitalizations, we will stay in Safer at Home Phase 2 for three more weeks,” said Governor Cooper. “Our re-opening priority is the school building doors, and in order for that to happen we have to work to stabilize our virus trends.”

“While all school re-entry plans have their challenges during this pandemic, our superintendents, principals, and other school leaders will continue to prioritize student and staff safety in reopening schools under the cautious parameters outlined today by the Governor,” said North Carolina Association of School Administrators Executive Director Katherine Joyce. “We look forward to continuing work with the Governor, the General Assembly, and other state leaders to ensure our schools have the support needed to get student learning back on track in the safest manner possible in each local district.”

“I recognize Governor Cooper faced a very difficult decision. The good news is that local school boards can now begin to officially put their school reopening plans in motion,” said Brenda Stephens, President of the North Carolina School Board Association. “While the current situation may not be ideal for all, I’m confident North Carolina’s educators will continue to provide students with the best education possible.
 

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain’s Planning and Zoning Board met on Tuesday July 14 to discuss several zoning requests along Dixon School Road near the I-85 interchange.

There was a quorum present and all members of the board were in attendance: CCETJ Chairman Doug Lawing, Vice Chairman Ron Humphries, Todd Wilson, Chris Jolly, Ronnie Franks, Joseph Allen, Maury Williams, Bobby Elliott, Donald Atkins, Renee Bost, and Audrey Cody.

After Stuart Gilbert updated to the board on the Comprehensive Plan and shared a PowerPoint presentation regarding Consistency Statements, the board addressed the two matters of action on the agenda.

Property owner Trent Testa submitted Zoning Request Z-1-6-20, for parcel number 11658 at 259 Dixon School Road in Kings Mountain and asked his property to be rezoned from light industrial to general business. Testa did not attend the meeting.

The second item considered was Zoning Request Z-2-6-20 submitted by members of E5 Holdings, LLC, Eddie Holbrook, Doug Brown, Stuart LeGrand, for parcel number 11650 at 245 Dixon School Road in Kings Mountain, asking the property to be rezoned from light industrial to general business. Nobody representing E5 Holdings, LLC attended.

Prior to public input, Gilbert shared that E5 Holdings had requested annexing paperwork late Tuesday afternoon. He explained, “E5 Holdings wants annexed into the city because City of Kings Mountain has adjacent annexed property.”

Two Kings Mountain residents who live nearby spoke. Marcus Howze of 212 Dixon School Road addressed the board asking, “How will this rezoning affect us?” Chairman Lawing explained, “It should not impact taxes or zoning at this time.” Howze then asked for clarification and Chairman Lawing assured him, “The only parcels impacted are the two parcels we discussed.”

Pricilla Dunlap of Tin Mine Road spoke next, questioning Chairman Lawing’s response to Howze’s, using the phrase, “… at this time.” Lawing explained, “Cities cannot annex properties in the ETJ unless the property owners request annexation.”

Board member Renee Bost made the motion to delay the rezoning decision on both properties until next month. Chairman Doug Lawing explained to the board that if nobody seconded the motion, it would fail. He then asked for a second and a second was not given, so the motion did not carry.

Board member Maury Williams made a motion to recommend approval of both zoning requests and the board voted 10 – 1 in favor of the motion. Board member Renee Bost cast the dissenting vote.

A motion was then made by board member Ron Humphries to send the recommendations to approve both requests on to city council for both the Testa and E5 Holdings, LLC properties, and the board voted 10 – 1 in favor of the motion. Board member Renee Bost cast the dissenting vote.

By Loretta Cozart

The Herald reported on actions taken during the May 26 City Council Meeting in the June 3 edition of the Kings Mountain Herald, sharing the discussion of councilmembers who described two parcels of land as being gifted to the city. The Her