By Alan Hodge

This past weekend’s winter storm failed to deliver much snow, but there was enough ice to make things interesting.
Weather forecasters started warning folks about the approaching storm late last week with predictions of wintry precipitation totals of several inches of sleet and over half an inch of ice. The predictions included possible widespread power outages and advice to stock up on rations, bottled water, blankets, lanterns, propane, kerosene, and all the usual stuff.
Weather maps showed the massive storm spread across the southeast, fed by large amounts of moisture from the Gulf region and arctic air from the Great Lakes- the classic Carolina wintertime catastrophe casserole.
Friday and Saturday saw food stores mobbed and stripped of water, bread, milk and other staples. Bags of de-ice pellets were snapped up as soon as they appeared. The gold standard- electrical generators- flew out of home improvement and hardware stores. The NCDOT and local governments brined, salted, and sanded roads and bridges.
The ice started falling late Saturday afternoon. Given the fact that the ground was dry and temperatures did not get out of the 20s, the ice stuck like glue and by dark the ground was white.
Everyone held their breath regarding the possibility of electrical outages. Duke Energy had rounded up over 10,000 linemen and equipment from places as far away as Canada in case lines came down from falling tree limbs or ice accumulation. Television weather broadcasters were in their element constantly showing radar maps with where the storm was hitting and how hard.
On Sunday the ice fell in fits and spurts. It was nowhere near as much as the storm of 2002 that paralyzed our region for a week. Late Sunday afternoon, around six o’clock, the show was over. Total accumulations were about an inch of sleet and half an inch of ice.
Monday dawned brightly sunny and cold, but the temperature quickly rose above freezing and by noon many main roads were clear with a few icy spots in the shade. Backroads were still slick. Schools and many businesses were closed.
After a cold start, Tuesday’s sunshine dried out nearly all streets.
During the storm, Duke Energy’s online outage map showed scattered results in our area. Kings Mountain proper had just a few places without juice. The Light Oak area near Shelby had a considerable number of outages. Other places that took a minor hit included Crouse and Lowell in Gaston County. Crews got everyone back up in record time.
This coming weekend there’s a chance- just chance mind you- of snow. Early forecasts say about a 30 percent chance. The City of Kings Mountain wants folks to be ready and has put out the following tips on its Facebook page- https://www.facebook.com/cityofkingsmountain
• City of Kings Mountain Electric and/or Water customers should call (704) 734-0333
• City of Kings Mountain Severe Road Conditions should call (704)-734-0444
• Duke Energy Electric customers should call (800)-769-3766
• Rutherford Electric Membership Corporation customers should call (800)-228-5331
• To report a possible natural gas leak, please evacuate the area and call 911
Be sure to follow the city website at www.cityofkm.com and  Facebook page, where updates will be made when available.
Duke Energy also sent out bulletin warning folks about after-storm scammers. It’s on the City of Kings Mountain  Facebook page.
The Duke Energy Power Outage map and other information is very useful at https://outagemap.duke-energy.com/#/home
Finally, here’s some safety tips for winter weather events-https://www.readync.gov/winter-weather
The bottom line? Be ready and safe for whatever Mother Nature throws at us for the rest of this winter. Hopefully it will be nothing.

 

During and after a winter storm, crews in affected areas work around the clock to monitor changing weather conditions and treat roads.
The N.C. Department of Transportation has more than 1,900 trucks that can be equipped with plows and spreaders to remove snow and ice. If needed, NCDOT moves trucks and equipment to areas more affected by a storm.
Depending on conditions, crews might pre-treat roadways with a mixture of water and salt called brine to help prevent ice from bonding to the pavement. After plowing roadways, crews use salt and sand – or a mixture of both – on road surfaces. Salt helps melt ice and snow, and sand provides extra traction.
Brine
Brine, a solution of water and 23 percent salt, is used to pretreat roadways in dry conditions when the temperature is above 18 degrees. The decision to pre-treat roads is made 24 to 48 hours before a storm.
Brine must be applied when it is not raining. Rain dilutes the solution and washes it off the road, making it ineffective.
Among several benefits, brine:
• Lowers the freezing temperature of water to about 18 degrees (-8 degrees Celsius).
• Prevents snow and ice from bonding with the road's surface.
• Keeps snow from being compacted by traffic, which can turn it into ice.
• Is more effective and coats roadways better than plain salt or sand.
• Gives crews time, since brining can occur up to 48 hours before a storm.
• Costs 15 cents per gallon to produce. One mile of a single lane of road can be treated for about $6. Rock salt costs about $14.38 to treat the same stretch of road.
Brine is made by loading a hopper with salt and water and agitating the ingredients until the solution is 23 percent salt. The solution is pumped into a holding tank and loaded onto trucks to be sprayed on roads.
NCDOT crews will sometimes use a brine blend with 10 percent calcium to remove snow and ice during and after a winter weather event. This solution can be used in combination with rock salt when temperatures are lower to keep the salt working longer.
Salt & Sand
Crews use salt and sand to help clear roads when a storm hits. After plows clear as much snow as possible, a mixture is spread on roads, with special attention given to freeway ramps.
Salt helps to melt the remaining snow and ice. Sand helps break up the ice and adds extra traction for vehicles.

 

 Cleveland County is currently seeking residents to serve on the Planning Board, the Board of Adjustment, and the Historic Preservation Commission. These boards play a critical role in land-use decisions, community development, and the preservation of the county’s historic and cultural resources.
Board and commission members review property and development information, attend public meetings, and participate in public hearings to help ensure decisions are fair, lawful, and thoughtfully made.
Board Responsibilities
• Board of Adjustment - Conducts public hearings and makes decisions related to zoning matters, variances, and other issues that affect property rights and land use within Cleveland County.
• Historic Preservation Commission - Works to protect and preserve the historic properties, cultural heritage, and architectural character of Cleveland County and its municipalities. 
• Planning Board - Serves in an advisory role to the Cleveland County Board of
Commissioners by providing planning and policy recommendations related to land use, growth, and development. Applicant Qualifications
Applicants must:
• Be a resident of Cleveland County
• Be able to review detailed information and make objective decisions
• Be willing to attend meetings and participate in public hearings
• Demonstrate fairness, integrity, and sound judgment
Experience in planning, zoning, land use, law, real estate, construction, or public service is helpful but not required. Training will be provided.
Interested residents may apply online by visiting the Cleveland County website at www.clevelandcounty.com and selecting ‘Boards and Committees’ under the Government section. Completed applications will be reviewed by the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners.
Upcoming Events:
• Spangler Library Check Presentation - Tuesday, January 27 | 9:00 AM, 112 Piedmont Drive, Lawndale
• Board of Elections Ribbon Cutting - Tuesday, January 27 | 10:30 AM, 827 W. Marion Street, Shelby
• Waco VFD/EMS/CCSO Joint Base Opening - Saturday, January 31 | 10:00 AM, 1523 Cherryville Road, Cherryville
• Board of Commissioners Meeting - Tuesday, February 3 | 6:00 PM, 311 E. Marion Street, Shelby
• Sweetheart Saturday - Saturday, February 14 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM, 311 E. Marion Street, Shelby
• Household Hazardous Waste Day - Saturday, March 7 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, 200 S. Post Road (Health Department), Shelby

 

By Alan Hodge

“Everyone has a story to tell, but they don’t know they have it.”
That’s what Regina Baynard tells folks who take part in the “Your Story, Your Way” journaling program held the first and third Wednesday of each month from 11:30am-12:30pm at the H. Lawrence Patrick Senior Life and Conference Center, 909 E. Kings St., in Kings Mountain.
The program lets participants share stories from their life and learn how to chronicle them not only for their own pleasure but for anyone they care to share them within this or future generations.
Baynard, who was born on a farm in Ohio in 1948, has been volunteering to lead the class for about two years. She comes by her love of writing naturally.
“My mother was very creative,” Baynard says. “She was a poet, an artist, and very musical. I inherited my love of poetry from her.”
Baynard put her writing skills to work at an early age.
“When I was in eighth grade we had a poetry contest,” she said. “Some of the other kids asked me to write poems for them. The teacher said it was curious how so many of the entries were similar.”
More recently, Baynard has been working on her own life journey story. She has taken photos of her family and herself going back many, many, decades and is penning an epic poem describing the scenes. So far, the work has filled two large albums.
Baynard is sharing her talent with “Your Story, Your Way” participants.
“We start by writing a sentence or a word and just let it flow from there in free association,” she said. “That can trigger memories. Some people will want to publish their story, some want to share with their family, some simply enjoy writing.”
Last week, two ladies showed up for the program, Gayle Tapy from Gastonia and Marlene Newman from Kings Mtn.
Tapy is basing her journal work on a book her father, a US Navy WWII veteran, had started writing, but never finished, about his wartime adventures.
“He told one story about the ship he was on taking government gold from Poland to America,” she said. “I started thinking about what other things he must have done and use my imagination to write them down. This helps me try to understand what he did.”
Newman grew up in Kings Mtn. Last week was her first time taking part in the program.
“I like to write and just want to see where the spirit directs me,” she said. “I especially want to write about the things I have seen in Kings Mtn.”
Newman also has another rich source for journal material.
“I was a missionary in Africa for forty years,” she says.
Baynard says the “Your Story, Your Way” program is open to any Patrick Senior Center-eligible person who cares to take part.
“I hope to grow it,” she says. “I want people to write down their beliefs. The story is in them.”
For more information on “Your Story, Your Way” as well as the plethora of other fantastic programs offered at the Patrick Senior Center, visit https://www.cityofkm.com/213/Senior
-Services or https://
www.facebook.com/Patrick
SeniorCenter/

The community is invited to a conversation on downtown revitalization with Steve D’Avria, Senior Vice President of the Gaston Business Association, on Thursday, January 22, at 5:30 p.m., in the Kings Mountain City Hall Council Chamber.
Join KM Forward for an insightful and timely discussion with Steve D’Avria. As a driving force behind the Gaston Business Association’s operations and continued success, Steve brings firsthand experience and practical insight into what it takes to build vibrant downtowns.
Steve will share proven strategies and real-world methods that have fueled downtown revitalization in Gastonia, highlighting what works, why it works, and how these approaches can inspire other communities.
 Whether you’re a business owner, community leader, or simply passionate about the future of Kings Mountain’s business community, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
If you want to take a deeper dive into proven methods for revitalizing the heart of the community, please join this insightful discussion. KM Forward looks forward to seeing you there!

 

 Kings Mountain Forward, with Kings Mountain Little Theater, is excited to launch Second Saturday Movies, a new family-focused initiative that begins January 15 and runs through June.
On the second Saturday of each month, families are invited to gather at the historic Joy Theatre, 202 S. Railroad Avenue in downtown Kings Mountain, for a fun, welcoming family experience.
Each month, a beloved, family-friendly movie will be available free of charge and open to everyone. To make the experience even sweeter, adults attending with children will receive free admission, a small popcorn, and a drink.
As of this press release, only two primary sponsorship opportunities remain available at $600 each:
• January: Inside Out 2 - The Skillet and 133 West
• February: Superman 2025 - Coldwell Banker Mountainview Real Estate
• March: How to Train Your Dragon - Gutter Guys, Inc.
• April: Despicable Me - Edward Jones, Heather Siak
• May: The LEGO Batman
• June: Zootopia 2 –
Supporting sponsorships include Social House by Royal T, Harris Funeral Home, Inc., Ronald's Garage, Mountaineer Motors, Bridges Hardware, Darrell L. Keller, CPA, PA, The Imperial Mercantile, Foothills Historic Preservation, Jolly Realty, C & C Heating, Cooling and Insulation, LLC, and Southern Arts Society, Inc.
Primary and supporting pponsorships are open to all Kings Mountain businesses and offer an affordable way to demonstrate community support.
• Primary sponsors receive excellent visibility and recognition, including:
• Their business name displayed on the Joy Theatre marquee before their sponsored film
• Featured placement in event materials
• Online and on-screen promotion
• Recognition as a Supporting Sponsor for the remainder of the season
Supporting Sponsorships provide an affordable way to show community support. For just $25, Supporting Sponsors receive recognition:
• In event materials
• In online promotions

 

Kings Mountain Police Department sent a special thank you message to Fallston Elementary Students, “Thank you, Fallston Elementary School, for the beautiful Christmas cards! Your creativity and kind words brightened our day here at the Kings Mountain Police Department. We appreciate the time and effort you put into each card, they brought smiles to all of us and reminded us of the joy and spirit of the season.” (Photo / KMPD FB Page)

 

By Loretta Cozart

The holiday season arrives in downtown Kings Mountain on Saturday, December 6, 2025, starting with the inaugural Christmas on Piedmont event, followed by the beloved Kings Mountain Christmas Parade and an evening full of festive activities.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., families can enjoy the inaugural Christmas on Piedmont event. a free, fun-filled day of music, crafts, history, and holiday magic hosted by the Kings Mountain Historical Museum in partnership with the City of Kings Mountain, Nutty for Nutcrackers Museum, and Rebel Panda Studio,
Christmas on Piedmont transforms Piedmont Avenue into a winter wonderland. Live music from the Carolina Thunder Mugs sets a festive tone, while hands-on arts-and-crafts activities allow attendees to create nutcracker- and Christmas-themed ornaments. Nutty for Nutcrackers will also debut its fourth Nutcracker room, showcasing collectible holiday displays sure to delight visitors.
Young visitors can meet the Mouse King and other inflatables, while foodies will enjoy local favorites like Iron City BBQ. History enthusiasts can step back in time with living history demonstrations, including hearth cooking, blacksmithing, woodworking, and Revolutionary War encampments celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The holiday excitement continues at 3 p.m. with the Kings Mountain Christmas Parade, featuring over 100 floats, local performance groups, and marching bands. The grand procession winds from Deal Street to Railroad Avenue and concludes at Patriots Park, where Santa Claus makes a special appearance, officially ushering in the holiday season. This isn’t just a parade, but a day-long celebration for families, friends, and neighbors to gather, laugh, and make holiday memories together.
After the parade, Patriots Park transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, horse-drawn carriage rides, “Holly Jolly Hayrides,” Bela Express train rides, interactive holiday characters, Santa’s Workshop, and a live nativity. The Christmas Light Extravaganza continues nightly through New Year’s, illuminating the park with over a million lights set to music.
Organizers encourage attendees to arrive early, dress warmly, and bring cameras to capture the festive moments. Parking is available downtown and near Patriots Park, though street closures will be in effect during the parade.
Whether a longtime local or a visitor seeking a charming small-town holiday experience, Christmas on Piedmont and the Kings Mountain Christmas Parade promise a magical day of laughter, lights, and lasting memories. Plan ahead and make the most of this full day of holiday cheer!
For more information, contact City of Kings Mountain Marketing, Tourism & Events Department, at 704-730-2101, or visit https://www.kingsmountainevents.com/

Small Business Saturday is November 29, and Kings Mountain Forward is excited to bring together local shops and encourage our community to shop locally—with a little added incentive! Shoppers can take care of their shopping needs that day and have a chance to win three valuable prizes.
Here’s how it works:
For every purchase at participating businesses, customers will receive one entry ticket into a drawing with three prize experiences:
• Date Night Experience (valued at $520)
• Family Night Experience (valued at $510)
• Outdoor Experience (valued at $450)
Participating businesses will collect their customers’ tickets and deliver them to 133 West by 7 p.m. The drawing will be held at 7:15 p.m.
To check out this year’s participants, scan the QR code for the updated list. New merchants will be added throughout the week.
If you are a merchant in Kings Mountain and wish to participate, contact Kings Mountain Forward at 704-259-8960.
Kings Mountain Forward thanks the community for supporting local businesses. Together, let’s move KM Forward and make this Small Business Saturday one to remember!

By  Allyson Parker

Mauney Memorial Library (MML) located at 100 S. Piedmont Ave in Kings Mountain, NC, now offers study rooms for use. These new study rooms available for use mark the end of a year-long project to help better the Kings Mountain community.
Christina Martin, the Cultural Enrichment Director over Library Services, Senior Services and Recreation for the City of Kings Mountain (COKM), played a crucial role in making the project a reality. Martin stated, “Having private study room service has been a need for a long time and it is wonderful that it is now available for community members.”
The study rooms were created through extensive work and funded by grant money made available by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, utilizing funds from the Library Service and Technology Act. For the other funding, Martin mentioned wanting to give a special thank you saying, “There was a grant match and last year when I wrote the grant, the Neisler Foundation and Beam Construction donated monies to MML and they were used as the match for the grant.”
When Martin was asked about her involvement in the process, she added, “I did the majority of the work from researching modular study rooms, writing the grant, doing all grant activities associated with receiving the grant, ordering, paying for and scheduling the installation.”
Martin also noted that others played crucial roles in making these rooms possible saying, “COKM’s wonderful building maintenance team got the spaces ready for the rooms to be placed in, repainted the Teen Zone room as part of this project and installed a way to lock the single room that the manufacturer did not have available.”
In the same comment Martin provided further thanks to Cathy Herring stating, “Cathy Herring, COKM purchasing administrator assisted with processing the financial and contractual aspects of the project.”
The study rooms are sound proof and feature a table, seating, and come equipped with charging ports for USB and USB-C cables. Each room also includes a fan to help air circulation in the space.
 Study rooms use will be made available during standard library operating hours. Rooms will close 15 minutes prior to the library closing.
According to Martin, the rooms are, “ideal for online interviews, students testing, studying or researching. The multi-person one is a great space for all kinds of group collaborations from study groups, group projects, committee meetings and planning sessions.”
The opening of the new study rooms comes at a perfect time, the part of the year that students will be gearing up to study for final exams. 

By Allyson Parker

On November 4, 2025, Kings Mountain residents turned out to fill three open seats on the City Council. Polls were open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Mauney Memorial Library and Patrick Senior Center, giving voters a chance to engage with candidates and learn about their priorities.
Chris Pullen, candidate for Ward 3, greeted voters and shared his goal of building trust between local government and citizens. His wife, Chandra, emphasized that trust is the foundation for advancing community initiatives.
Curtis Pressley, an At-Large candidate for Ward 3, attended with his wife, Katie Champion, and campaign volunteers. Pressley’s group highlighted priorities such as transparency and community food access. Katie Champion stated that she feels area citizens should never have to worry about food or basic needs.
KM student Amanda Smith campaigned for Scott Neisler, sharing, “Scott really cares and works hard for the citizens of KM. I’m impressed by his dedication and commitment to our community.”
Phil Dee added, “Everyone has a voice, and everyone should bring that voice to the table.”
Ke’Shawn Strong, a candidate in Ward 3, shared his priorities, stating, “My most important fight is for senior citizens and our youth. Their healthcare and medical care are so important—they should never have to suffer.”
The election results reflect a mix of experienced leaders and new voices, shaping a bright future for Kings Mountain as the newly elected council members prepare to take office.
When voting ended and ballots were counted, the top three vote-getters were preliminarily announced: Scott Neisler, At Large; Tyler Fletcher Ward 2 and Heather Lemmond Ward 3.
According to an official Cleveland County Board of Elections supervisor, the canvassing period will conclude on November 14, 2025, at which time the winners will be officially confirmed.
Here is the list of candidates and their vote totals:

At-Large, KM City Council
• Scott Neisler – 761 votes
• Phil Dee – 428 votes
• Curtis Pressley – 354 votes
• Bruce W. King – 34 votes
• Jason Nail – 27 votes
• Write-In – 10 votes

Ward 2
• Tyler Fletcher – 73 votes
• Mike Butler – 69 votes
• Tim Sanders – 43 votes
• Write-In– 4 votes

Ward 3
• Heather Lemmond – 110 votes
• Ke’Shawn A. Strong – 83 votes
• Chris Pullen – 65 votes
Write-In – 0 votes

Cleveland County Water Board Commissioners
The vote-getters’ totals are as follows :
• Amy Elliott Bridges – 1,578 votes
• C.J. Pete Pedersen – 1, 312 votes
• Don Melton – 1,051 votes
• Michael Mull (Write-in) ––246 votes
• Rondall Roper, Jr. (Write-in) –131 votes
Write-In (Misc) – 114 votes
Dewey Cook (write-in) –15 votes.

The City of Kings Mountain is continuing to work with the North Carolina Division of Water Quality, engineers and environmental consultants to address recent taste and odor concerns reported in some areas. These issues have been linked to secondary contaminants within the water system.
The City’s Public Utilities Department encourages residents to report any instances of taste or odor directly to the department. In the past two months, the City has received seven direct reports. Each of these homes were visited by city staff, and water samples were collected for analysis.
It is important to note that taste, odor, and color are considered secondary contaminants by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to EPA guidelines:
•Secondary contaminants are not considered a risk to human health but may affect the aestheticquality of water.
•If secondary contaminants exceed these guidelines, water may appear cloudy or have an undesirable taste or odor. However, the water remains safe to drink and does not pose a healthrisk.
Residents should also be aware that temporary discoloration of water can occur as a result of Public Services staff flushing fire hydrants in your area. Flushing helps clean and maintain the water lines but can cause short-term color changes. This is a temporary condition; however, if you have any concerns, please reach out to the City for assistance.
For questions or to report a water quality concern, residents are encouraged to contact the City of Kings Mountain Public Utilities Department at 704-734-4531, or submit a report online at https://cityofkm.com/RequestTracker.aspx.

Bikers are invited to join Murphey’s 31st Annual Toy Run to be held this year on Saturday, November 22.
The proceeds from the charity event will go to the Shriners’ Burn Center, Oxford Orphanage, Masonic Home for Children, Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, and Kings Mountain Police Department.
Riders will meet at 11:00 a.m. at 114 Camelot Court in Kings Mountain. Bikes will roll out under police escort from the Scooter Shed at 12:00 p.m.
The participation fee is $10, plus a new toy donation, per person. Riders will enjoy free barbecue after the ride.
From Shelby, travel Highway 74 East, then turn right onto Bethlehem Road. Go about 5 miles. You will pass the Fire Department on the left. Turn left on Phifer Road. The first road to the left is Camelot Court. This is where Murphey's Scooter Shed is located.
From Gastonia, take I-85 to Exit 5. Take a right. Go to the 2nd stoplight and take a left on Phifer Road. Murphey's Scooter Shed will be on the right.
Event organizers are also calling for sponsors for the event, posting on its social media (Meta) Facebook page, “We are keeping the T-shirt sponsorship open till September 30th. We have lost several sponsors this year! If you or someone you know would love to make a difference in a child’s Christmas, please reach out. With your help, we can help more children and their families! Murphey’s Annual Toy Run appreciates all our sponsors, and it makes a difference to a child!”
Call (704) 739-4707 or (704) 477-5762 for more information.
The event rain date is Sunday, November 23.

By Loretta Cozart

The city’s Codes Enforcement Department has announced a strict enforcement campaign targeting junked and nuisance vehicles on properties within city limits, beginning in November and continuing through December.
A vehicle is classified as “junked” if it does not display a current license plate and meets any of the following criteria: it is partially dismantled or wrecked, cannot move under its own power, or is more than five years old and appears to be worth less than $500.
Owners must relocate junked vehicles to an approved property outside the city limits. Alternatively, vehicles may be stored inside a completely enclosed structure, such as a garage or building (carports and temporary structures do not qualify). One junked vehicle may remain in the rear yard if it is fully covered by a suitable cover designed for its size and model.
Nuisance vehicles are those deemed a health or safety hazard, including vehicles that harbor pests, have overgrown vegetation, collect standing water, accumulate combustible materials, pose physical dangers, or have sharp edges. The City Council may also declare other vehicles as public nuisances.
Owners must remove nuisance vehicles from city property or eliminate the hazardous conditions. If the vehicle still qualifies as junked after these conditions are addressed, it must meet the requirements for junked vehicles.
Vehicles found in violation will receive a Pre-Towing notice, giving owners seven days to resolve the issue. If not abated, the city will tow the vehicle and issue a Post-Towing notice with the towing company’s information. Owners must contact the company and pay any fees to retrieve their vehicle.
For more information, contact the Inspections and Codes Department at (704) 734-4561.

 

Kings Mountain utility customers can now pay their bills more easily with the new KMpay Utility App. This app is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Simply scan the QR code for your device to install the app on your smartphone or digital device.
Through the city’s customer web portal, residents can:
• View billing statements
• Make online utility payments
Getting Started:
    To use the portal, you must first register your utility account. You will need your account number from your bill statement. If you need help signing up, call the office at (704) 734-4617. Note: The previous “QuickPay” option is no longer available.
Payment Options:
The City of Kings Mountain accepts: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Venmo, Google Pay, Apple Pay
A transaction fee of 2.95% (minimum $2.95) applies to these payment methods.
You can also pay by eCheck for a $0.95 fee per transaction.
Other Ways to Pay:
• City Hall Kiosk: Pay using any online option or with cash. If you pay with cash, the full amount will be credited to your account, as no change is given.
• Phone Payments: Use the city’s Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system by calling toll-free (855) 844-0495.
For questions or more information, contact the customer service department at (704) 734-4617 or email customerservice@cityofkm.com.

By Loretta Cozart

Gail Hunter and her husband, Norris Hunter, own Doane’s Carolina Café at 105 S. Cansler St., in Kings Mountain, NC.  “Everyone calls him by his nickname, Doane. We live right here in the great city of Kings Mountain, North Carolina. I’ve been here my whole life. I went to Davidson Elementary, then Central, graduated from Kings Mountain High in 1972, and later attended Gaston College. Doane attended Compact and graduated from Kings Mountain High School back in 1969.
When asked what inspired the couple to open a restaurant, Gale answered, “Doane’s been cooking chicken for 25 years at Bynum Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church. One day, someone said, ‘You ought to open a café and serve that chicken.’ We were both retired, and we said, ‘Well, why not?’ Just a few days a week. That was five years ago, October 1.
Cooking for a restaurant takes a lot of work. “We serve fresh whole flounder, straight from the coast, croaker, whiting, and perch. We also serve fried chicken, wings, chicken tenders, corn dogs, and bologna sandwiches. But our thick-cut, bone-in pork chops? That’s our best-seller,” Gale shares with a smile.
“And then there are the sides. You know, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, collard greens, slaw, fries, hushpuppies, fried okra, and those crispy fried green tomatoes. People love my collard greens. For dessert, we offer pound cake and red velvet cake with nuts.
“My mom and dad moved here from Shelby back in 1952 and built our home on Cherokee Street. We had a great neighborhood. You could walk to town to shop; we had lots of stores, including an A&P and B&B Grocery. Folks here knew your name. And they still do,” she said.
“When I was younger, I worked in Gastonia and Charlotte, but I ended up spending my career right here in Kings Mountain at Foote Mineral for 24 years. I'm not used to a big, big, big, big city. Growing up, this was just a tight-knit community.
For Gale and Doane, it’s all about community. “When people walk into our café, it’s like coming home. Old classmates come in, neighbors from back in the day, church friends, young families. And everyone has something in common: good food and good memories.”
Good food brings the community together - always has, always will.

 

The Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort is hosting its “Topping Off Ceremony” on Monday, October 27th at 10:00 a.m., according to a post on the Catawba Nation’s social media page, Meta (Facebook).
This marks the placement of the final structural beam for the casino project. It is a celebration framed as both a cultural milestone and a construction achievement.
The social media post encouraged community members and stakeholders to “Come out and join us!”
A topping off (or topping out) ceremony is a traditional milestone in construction that marks the moment when a building’s structure reaches its highest point. It is both symbolic and celebratory, with roots going back over a thousand years. It signifies the completion of the building’s frame, often when the final steel beam or roof truss is placed. After this, the project shifts from heavy structural work to interior systems and finishes.
The casino is roughly a $1 billion project, spanning 2 million square feet when complete, featuring a 24-story hotel with 385 guest rooms and a casino complex with 4,300 slot machines and 100 table games at full build-out. The facility will include 11 dining outlets, 11 bars with a center bar and sports bar, players’ lounge, 2700-space parking garage, and 800 exterior surface parking spaces.
Opening of the introductory casino (Phase 1) with approximately 1,350 slots, 20–22 table games, a restaurant, bar, and sports betting kiosks is expected in the Spring of 2026, replacing the current temporary facility. The full resort launches in 2027.
To RSVP for the “Topping Off” event, sign up online at https://www.twokingscasino.com/rsvp. RSVP by October 17th.
If you have questions regarding your RSVP, please get in touch with VIP Services at vipservices@twokingscasino.com.
The Two Kings Casino is located at 538 Kings Mountain Boulevard near Exit 5 on Interstate 85, just north of the South Carolina state border.