At approximately 7:14 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the Kings Mountain Fire Department (KMFD) received a dispatch call reporting a fire in the woods behind Cleveland Ridge Apartments, located at 206 E. Gold St., Kings Mountain, NC.
Upon arrival, responding units discovered that the source of the fire was an abandoned house, which was fully engulfed in flames.
Despite the challenging conditions posed by strong winds, KMFD took immediate and decisive action to control the fire. Firefighters prevented the fire from spreading into the wooded area behind the property and ensured no evacuations were necessary within the apartment complex.
A statement released by KMFD shared, “The cause of the fire is currently undetermined, though preliminary investigations indicate that arson is not currently suspected. The Kings Mountain Fire Department extends special thanks to all the on-duty firefighters and off-duty personnel who were called in to assist. The Kings Mountain Police Department, Oak Grove Fire Department, and Bethle-hem Fire Department also played crucial roles in successfully managing the incident.”
Fortunately, no personnel or citizens were injured during the fire, and the situation was resolved without further incident. The Kings Mountain Fire Department remains committed to providing the community with a timely and professional emergency response.
Anyone with additional information is asked to please contact the Kings Mountain Fire Department at 704-734-0555 Arson not suspected in East Gold Street house fire

By Loretta Cozart

In a Facebook Post by Gaston County Police, North Carolina consistently ranks within the top 10 states for human trafficking. Charlotte ranked #1,
How often and how many? In a 1-year period, from July 2020 to June 2021, a total of 368 human trafficking victims were served by state-funded sexual assault agencies, according to the NC Department of Administration.
 In 2022, the state Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received a total of 18,873 cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 48% increase from the year 2021. Even more shocking, this is a 383% increase since 2019.
According to a brochure by the North Carolina Faith & Freedom Coalition, Human Trafficking is one of the most prevalent crimes and forms of victimization in the world. Human Trafficking is the second most prevalent crime in the United States, second only to narcotics.
According to the FBI, between 60% and 70% of trafficked children in the US come from child social services or foster care programs.
According to the US Department of Justice, the average age a child first becomes a victim of sex trafficking is between 12 and 14 years old. And 84% of those in sex slavery were first sexually abused as children.
To fight human trafficking, you need to know the warning signs:
• Appearing malnourished
• Showing signs of physical injuries and abuse
• Avoiding eye contact, social interaction, and authority figures/law enforcement
• Seeming to adhere to scripted or rehearsed responses in social interaction
• Lacking official identification documents
• Appearing destitute/lacking personal possessions
• Working excessively long hours
• Living at the place of employment
• Checking into hotels/motels with older males and referring to those males as boyfriend or “daddy,” which is often street slang for pimp
• Poor physical or dental health
• Tattoos/branding on the neck and/or lower back
• Untreated sexually transmitted diseases
• Small children serving in a family restaurant
• Security measures that appear to keep people inside an establishment – barbed wire inside of a fence, bars covering the insides of windows
• Not allowing people to go into public alone or speak for themselves
   Everyone has a role to play in combating human trafficking. Recognizing the signs of human trafficking is the first step to identifying a victim. Remember to SEE. CALL. SAVE.
Do not at any time attempt to confront a suspected trafficker directly or alert a victim to your suspicions. Your safety, as well as the victim’s safety, is paramount. Instead, call local law enforcement directly by dialing 911. Or, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline is 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.

A tragic incident occurred early Friday morning, January 31, on U.S. 74 in Shelby, resulting in the death of a pedestrian. According to Shelby Police, the man was struck by three vehicles while walking eastbound at the intersection with Ingles and Walmart around 4:45 a.m. Police Chief Brad Fraser reported that the victim was wearing dark clothing and was walking in the road when he was hit. The east side of the highway was closed from Earl Road to Fast Stop for at least two hours as the fatality was being investigated. As of January 31, at 11:30 a.m., the police were still trying to identify the victim, and no charges have been filed at this time.
The incident highlights the risks pedestrians face on busy highways and the importance of exercising caution when walking near traffic.

 

By Loretta Cozart

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) began accepting applications from the general public for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) on January 2. For the 25 counties that Hurricane Helene heavily impacted, including Cleveland County, the NC General Assembly has appropriated additional Disaster Energy Assistance funding to help households with heating costs and repairs during the colder winter months.
Beginning January 15, applications for these additional Disaster Energy Assistance funds will be accepted for eligible households residing in one of the 25 identified disaster counties during and after Hurricane Helene. These counties are Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties.
Households can apply for both LIEAP and the Disaster Energy Assistance funding. Households with heating services or systems that require repairs, are currently inoperable, have been disconnected or are at risk of having their services disconnected can also apply for the Disaster Energy Assistance funds.
Eligible households will receive assistance based on household circumstances and needs.
“Our friends and family in western North Carolina will feel the impacts from Hurricane Helene for years to come,” said Carla West, Division Director of Human Services for Child Support, Economic Services, Aging, and Operations. “We are only midway through winter, and these funds are critical to keep residents safe and warm as they continue to recover and rebuild.”
Disaster Energy Assistance is a temporary emergency program that helps eligible households and families afford energy heating services after a natural disaster or an emergency. The program helps eligible low-income households provide, restore or continue heating sources. Disaster Energy Assistance is available until funds are exhausted.
Individuals in one of the identified 25 disaster-declared counties can apply in person or via telephone with their local county Department of Social Services. Local residents should contact the Cleveland County Department of Social Services at 130 South Post Road in Shelby, NC 28150, or call (704) 487-0661.
To be eligible for Disaster Energy Assistance, a household must have at least one U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen and have income equal to or less than 60% of the state median income, have lived in one of the identified 25 disaster-declared counties during Hurricane Helene and are currently living in one of those counties, and have been impacted and suffered a loss because of Hurricane Helene.
Disaster Energy Assistance was created after NCDHHS appropriated $9 million in state funds from the NC General Assembly to help these disaster areas with heating-related costs and repairs after Hurricane Helene.

 

In the coming weeks, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will automatically send up to $1,400 in special payments to approximately 1 million taxpayers. The money will be directly deposited into eligible people’s bank accounts or sent by paper check.
The IRS is sending $1,400 stimulus checks to individuals who missed earlier stimulus payments and to eligible people who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. In the coming weeks, around 1 million taxpayers will receive the money automatically, either by direct deposit or through a mailed check.
The IRS announced the special step after reviewing internal data, which showed many eligible taxpayers who filed a return but did not claim the credit. The Recovery Rebate Credit is a refundable credit for individuals whodid not receive one or more  Economic Impact Payments (EIP), also known as stimulus payments.
   No action is needed for eligible taxpayers to receive these payments, which will go out automatically in December and should arrive in most cases by late January 2025. The payments will be automatically directly deposited or sent by paper check; eligible taxpayers will also receive a separate letter notifying them of the payment.
   “The IRS continues to work hard to make improvements and help taxpayers,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “These payments are an example of our commitment to go the extra mile for taxpayers. Looking at our internal data, we realized that one million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complex credit when they were actually eligible. To minimize headaches and get this money to eligible taxpayers, we’re making these payments automatic, meaning these people will not be required to go through the extensive process of filing an amended return to receive it.”
   The payments vary depending on several factors, but the maximum is $1,400 per individual. The estimated total amount of payments will be about $2.4 billion.
   The IRS also reminded taxpayers who haven’t filed 2021 tax returns they might be eligible as well, but they face an April 15, 2025, deadline to file their returns to claim the credit and any other refund they might be owed.
   Most taxpayers eligible for EIPs have already received their EIP or Recovery Rebate Credit.
   These new payments for the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit are only going to taxpayers for whom IRS data demonstrates that they qualify for the credit. Qualified taxpayers are those who filed a 2021 tax return but whose data field for the Recovery Rebate Credit was left blank or filled out as $0 when the taxpayer was actually eligible for the credit.
   Taxpayers who qualify but did not claim any portion of the credit on their 2021 tax return should receive these payments by late January 2025. The payment will be sent to the bank account listed on the taxpayer’s 2023 tax return or to the address of record.
   An IRS letter will be sent to the taxpayer receiving these 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit payments. If the taxpayer closed their bank account since filing their 2023 tax return, taxpayers do not need to take any action. The bank will return the payment to the IRS and the refund will be reissued to the address of record.
   For questions regarding eligibility and how the payment was calculated, see 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit Questions and Answers at https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-recovery-rebate-credit-questions-and-answers.
   The IRS reminds taxpayers who have not yet filed their 2021 tax returns that they may be eligible for a refund if they file and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by the April 15, 2025, deadline.
   Eligible taxpayers who did not file must file a tax return to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit, even if their income from a job, business or other source was minimal or non-existent.
   Any Recovery Rebate Credit received does not count as income when determining eligibility for federal benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
   As the 2025 tax filing season approaches, the IRS is committed to helping taxpayers understand and claim the credits and deductions for which they are eligible, including Coronavirus tax relief. Many taxpayers are unaware of tax credits and deductions for which they are eligible or face other barriers keeping them from claiming them. The IRS will remind taxpayers about these credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, during the 2025 filing season

 

 In one of his first acts as the newly-elected Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, Speaker Destin Hall announced Friday the formation of the "Select Committee on Hurricane Helene Recovery" to address the ongoing needs of communities affected by the storm.
The bipartisan committee will focus on assessing recovery efforts, identifying gaps in resources, and ensuring state and federal assistance is delivered efficiently to those in need. Members will work closely with local leaders, emergency management officials, and nonprofit organizations to support recovery and rebuilding efforts.
“Hurricane Helene caused widespread devastation across North Carolina, and it’s our duty to ensure impacted communities have the resources they need to rebuild stronger than before,” said House Speaker Destin Hall.
He continued, “We are fully committed to Western North Carolina and will see this recovery through to the very end, and this committee will play a vital role in providing the oversight and leadership needed to ensure a strong and lasting recovery.”
Speaker Hall has appointed Rep. John Bell and Rep. Dudley Greene co-chairs of the committee. Rep. Jennifer Balkcom, Rep. Mike Clampitt, Rep. Karl  Gillespie, Rep.  Jake  Johnson, Rep. Ray Pickett, and Rep. Mark Pless have been appointed Vice Chairs.
Other committee members include: Rep. Paul Scott, Rep. Kelly Hastings, Rep. Kyle Hall, Rep. Phil Shepard, Rep. Mitchell Setzer, Rep. Frank Iler, Rep. Sarah Stevens, Rep. Keith Kidwell, Rep. Larry Strickland, Rep. Donny Lambeth, Rep. John Torbett, Rep. Donnie Loftis, Rep. Brian Turner, Rep. Carolyn Logan, Rep. Steve Tyson, Rep. Jeff McNeely, Rep. Harry Warren, Rep. Jay Adams, Rep. Charles Miller, Rep. Shelly Willingham, Rep. Eric Ager, Rep. Erin Paré, Rep. David Willis, Rep. Hugh Blackwell, Rep. Howard Penny, Rep. Allen Buansi, Rep. Garland Pierce, Rep. Laura Budd, Rep. Lindsey Prather, Rep. Carla Cunningham, Rep. Reece Pyrtle, Rep. Allison Dahle, Rep. James Roberson, Rep. Jimmy Dixon, Rep. Stephen Ross, and Rep. Blair Eddins.
   The Select Committee on Hurricane Helene Recovery will commence its work immediately. It will provide regular updates and recommendations to the General Assembly, and an appropriations bill is expected to follow shortly.
   On October 15, 2024, FEMA added twelve counties to the list of North Carolina counties adversely affected by Hurricane Helene, bringing the total to 39. Cleveland County has been named a North Carolina Disaster County.

The Kings Mountain Fire Department’s Station One reopened on December 26, following a comprehensive mold inspection and clearance testing. The City of Kings Mountain shared the update on its official Meta (Facebook) page.
“We are grateful to announce that Fire Station One has been cleared to reopen today following a thorough inspection. All crews, including all off-duty firefighters, were notified in sufficient time, allowing them to report to Station One this morning,” the city’s statement read.
The announcement also highlighted the inspection results, stating, “The analytical results and visual inspection have provided clear evidence of no elevated spore counts or visual concerns, confirming that the building has passed all clearance testing. We appreciate the patience and support of our community during this process.”
The city announced Fire Station One’s temporary closure on November 4 after mold was discovered in the building. During the closure, firefighters and equipment relocated to Fire Station Two at 1207 Shelby Road. The department assured residents that emergency services continued without interruption despite the disruption.
“Fire Station One has temporarily relocated to Fire Station Two due to the discovery of a possible environmental health risk involving the presence of mold,” the city’s earlier statement explained. “The health and safety of our firefighters and the entire community is our top priority, and we are taking immediate action to address and remediate this situation. If you have an emergency, please continue to call 911 as usual.”
Kings Mountain Fire Chief Greg Main confirmed that an industrial hygienist conducted an indoor air quality assessment at Station One on October 25, 2024, after staff reported concerns about mold.
 “The results were concerning enough that we were concerned for the health and safety of the firefighters,” Main said. “They’re in the station 24/7, so the decision was made to relocate them until a remediation plan is in place.”
Station One, built 45 years ago, has been a key part of the Kings Mountain Fire Department’s history. The department, which dates back to 1924, remains committed to fire prevention, education, training, and emergency preparedness.
City officials expressed appreciation for the community’s patience throughout the closure and remediation process. With Station One back in operation, firefighters continue to serve the area, ensuring the safety and well-being of Kings Mountain residents.

By Loretta Cozart

During the Kings Mountain City Council meeting on December 10, an item was brought before council members for a vote, effectively reducing the Kings Mountain Housing Authority (KMHA) board from seven members to five.
The justification for not replacing the two board members whose terms end on December 31 was, “This has been a very complex and complicated matter involving a schedule of reviews and submissions to HUD that may take up to the end of March 2025, but will likely be completed sooner than that date. Two seats on the current Housing Authority board are set to expire on December 31, 2024. Any new or reappointment of these terms would be brief. The board can function with only five members, so it seems reasonable to reduce the number from seven members to five.”
Councilman Tommy Hawkins made the motion not to replace these members, seconded by Jay Rhodes.
Mayor Wagman shared with council members that he is in the process of removing two KMHA board members. He said, “Last month, I was speaking with our City Attorney, Mickey Corry, about the removal of two board members. I started that process on November 9, to which I received a letter from the attorneys for Kings Mountain Housing Authority, and I did pause that process for a short time. I did restart that process. So, there is potentially a hearing on the 19th or 20th of this month. I will work with our city clerk for that.”
He continued, “My recommendation for H, because what will happen is you will have four positions come up in one month that would be  vacant. My recommendation would be to move this one month. That is just a recommendation. There is a motion on the floor. So, with that, we can vote. I wanted full transparency. Thank you for your time.”
Returning to the vote, Mayor Wagman explained, “The motion was made to accept H, just as it is. I was just suggesting the other."
The City Council voted unanimously to reduce the KMHA board to five members.
   The Herald contacted City Attorney Mickey Corry regarding Mayor Wagman’s intent to remove two additional board members from the KMHA board and learned that while the mayor has always appointed members to that board, no board member has ever been removed in 50-plus years.
   According to the city clerk, no hearing regarding the removal of KMHA board members was held on December 19 or 20.
   The KMHA board includes Dale Greene, Keith Miller, Sarah Lee Wagman, Dr. Gregory Greer, Batina Oates, Steven Garland, and Paul Brently. Upon HUD’s approval of the Kings Mountain Redevelopment Commission, the KMHA will be immediately dissolved.
   The Kings Mountain Redevelopment Commission is anticipated to manage all KMHA properties on or before March 25, 2025. On September 3, the city council unanimously approved naming Veronica Williams as Interim Executive Director of the Kings Mountain Redevelopment Commission. Williams has experience bringing troubled housing authorities back into compliance in various municipalities, most recently in Lancaster, SC.
    KMHA has been scrutinized this year, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is conducting an audit that will be released soon. The Herald requested a copy of that audit, when released, and will share HUD’s findings.