By Loretta Cozart

It was a busy year in Kings Mountain as the community saw improvements to the downtown district. The Streetscape project took longer to complete than originally estimated, but for many merchants the result was worth the struggle. COVID continued into its third year, with variants causing additional challenges. Growth brings a new water treatment facility to the Dixon community and expansion of the Albemarle Lithium mine. What was old is being made new again, retaining our history and making new memories for future generations. Below are some of the highlights from the Kings Mountain’s year in review taken from the headlines of the Kings Mountain Herald.
January: Austin Page and Brandon Teague were arrested for scamming investors of millions of dollars in a Ponzi scheme through their company, D&T Investment Group, based in Kings Mountain. Cleveland County’s COVID-19 cases in one week were 1,241 and daily hospitalizations were 22. On January 16, four inches of snow fell, blanketing the town and, with MLK Day the following Monday, disruptions were minimal. Cleveland County School Board accepted a bid on Central School for $750,000 from Mike Brown, and the upset bid process began. Later in the month, Central School Renovation Partners, LLC submitted an upset bid.
Mauney Memorial Library asked for help seeking artifacts related to the he Hord Mansion, which will celebrate its centennial in 2023. NCDHHS requested federal aid, as COVID numbers put a strain on hospitals across the state. Longtime KM Hall-of-Fame Coach Jimmy Littlejohn passed away at the age of 80.
February: A third bid cycle for Central School reached $909,665 early in the month. The process started with sealed bids and Mike Brown won with an offer of $750,000. David Stone then offered $825,000. and Mike Brown upset that bid with a second bid of $866,300. Central School Renovation Partners, LLC ultimately won the bid for Central School.
An announcement was made by StoneWright Realty for The Imperial Lofts on W. Mountain Street. The project will have six loft-style apartments and retail space below. KM native and businessman, Don Crawford died at the age of 90. A proposed water treatment plant
in the Dixon Community was unveiled at a public meeting at the Patrick Senior Center.
March: Project South, as the new water treatment plant project was named, brought a second public meeting on March 15. Biscuitville opened for business on York Road and the drive thru lines stretched for a half-mile. Candidates for city and county elections began filing for their respective offices. Centers for Disease Control relaxed their mask mandates, but Cleveland County kept those precautions in place due to higher numbers. Cleveland Community College expanded its Pharmacy Technician Academy. Southern Arts Society unveiled their “Hats Off” exhibit. Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame announced their first class of inductees.
Mauney Memorial Library’s new roof was installed, protecting the building for another 100 years. Keith Corporation cleared land on Canterbury Road to build the largest speculative building in the southeastern United States. Albemarle Lithium held a community meeting to discuss the possibility of reopening the mine near downtown Kings Mountain. It was announced that Kings Mountain rescue squad would close later in the year due to a decision by Cleveland County Board of Commissioners to consolidate services. The COVID BA.2 Omicron variant saw a rise in case numbers and the need for a vaccine for this strain of the virus.
April: Streetscape was scheduled to kick-off on April 11, but due to inclement weather that didn’t happen until April 18. Albemarle Lithium held their town hall meeting in city council chamber to a packed crowd. The overflow crowd filled the lobby as citizens asked questions of company executives close to the project. Kings Mountain High School held a Ukraine fundraiser in response to Russia’s invasion on February 24. Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office seized $700k in drugs in a driver’s license check on Battleground Avenue. Roadwork continued near Catawba Two Kings Casino, as stormwater runoff was addressed. Dr. George Plonk died at the age of 103.
May: Page and Teague pleaded guilty of a $4M Ponzi scheme. Earth Day drew thousands to Gateway Trail trailhead on Battleground Avenue. Pickin’ in the Park resumed on May 19. The Thursday afternoon event continued throughout the summer and fall. National Day of Prayer was held at City Hall. Mayor Neisler was named President of NC League of Municipalities. The McGinnis property on Battleground Avenue, held since the 1950s, sold to U180, a Charlotte based firm. Utz bought the Benestar facility for $38.4M. Officer Carl Roper was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. North Elementary School raised $5,360.78 for Relay for Life.
June: Kings Mountain High School graduated 234 seniors in its 2022 class who were awarded $3M in scholarships. Twenty-eight KMHS students graduated from Cleveland Community College, and six earned degrees. Kings Mountain observed Memorial Day remembering those who died in service to our country. Kings Mountain man Gregory Travis Gene Hopper, and an accomplice were charged in several smash and grab Dollar General robberies. Twenty-nine seniors graduate from Pinnacle Classical Academy with over $3M in scholarships.
KMPD Police Chief Lisa Proctor retired after 30 years of service to the community. Juneteenth was celebrated by the community in Patriots Park. Downtown business owners were upset with the City of Kings Mountain of the Unified Development Ordinance and went toe-to-toe sharing their grievances at several city council meetings. A huge tree fell across E. King Street, blocking access to town for hours as crews worked to clear the road.
Liberty Mountain returned to the Joy Performance Center for its seventh season. COVID vaccines became available for children 6-months and older. Renovations continued at the Cornwell House at Kings Mountain Historical Museum. Kings Mountain Daylilies were in bloom. Renovations near completion on the W.A. Mauney House on Battleground Avenue. The issue of painting downtown buildings came up again as merchants argued that they need to be given more discretion regarding the appearance of their buildings. COVID shots because available to children under 5-years old. Monkeypox case reported in NC. 
July: Independence Day was celebrated at Patriots Park. City of KM’s natural gas expansion continued from York Road to Gage Road. KMPD Assistant Chief Chris Moore steps up as Interim Chief. Catawba Two Kings Casino celebrated its first anniversary. KMPD Public Safety Access Point (PSAP) offers quick response times and serves as a lifeline to the community. Merchant’s patience grows short with Streetscape progress. The man who shot and killed Ofc. Tyler Herndon was sentenced to life in prison without parole. The law for private bars ended in NC, eliminating the $1 membership fee some establishments were required to charge.
   Josh Turner headlines Seventh Inning Stretch Festival. Real to Real Film Festival held at Joy Performance Theater. COVID numbers in Cleveland County rise to medium levels. Pauline Store to be demolished. KMHM held WWII Living History Day. Looking back, Roberts Store was a staple for many in the north section of town. National Night Out draws many to Patriots Park. Merchants continued to be frustrated with the city over downtown issues. A Kings Mountain Drug House was closed by CC Sheriff’s Office. Property in the 600 block of Piedmont Avenue lists for $1.6M. Neighbor 2 Neighbor Foundation Purple Black and Gold Semi-formal Ancestral Dinner held at Patrick Senior Center. Otis Falls, 95, passed away on July 26. He was a well-known businessman operating a gas station downtown for decades.
   August: City of Kings Mountain sets budget at $53.9M. Catawba Two Kings Casino on hold during investigation. City announces that utility rates are coming due to rising costs to the city. Larry Hamrick, Sr. honored by KM Rotary. The Ormand Family held their 125th family reunion. YMCA received $750k grant supplemented by $200k from City of KM. Streetscape continued with sidewalks being poured along the 100 block of W. Mountain Street. Catawba Two Kings Casino donated $12K to local non-profits. Lawrence Etters is KM’s Blueberry Man, growing 104.5 quarts this year. Kings Mountain Football celebrated 100-year of football on the gridiron. CCSO seized $1M in drugs at the Oak Grove Road exit. BSA Troop 92 backpacks Philmont Scout Ranch. Police Chief Gerald Childress took office.
   September: Nuevo Pacto Wesleyan Church launched at East Gold Street Wesleyan Church on September 3. Catawba Two Kings Casino opened an onsite sportsbook prior to the pro football season. Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame held their inaugural induction ceremony at the Don Gibson Theater. Cleveland County Health Department held a free drive thru COVID test distribution for the community. Olivia Wilson was crowned KMHS Homecoming Queen for 2022. Streetscape work began in the 200 block of W. Mountain Street. Michael Worley was hired as City of KM’s Economic Development Manager. An RV Park in the Dixon Community was denied by county commissioners. Cleveland Community College’s Advanced Technology Center was named for NC House Speaker Tim Moore.
   October: Testa Hospice House closed due to staffing issues according to Hospice of Cleveland County. Boyce Memorial ARP Church held their annual Pumpkin Patch to supply the community with all the pumpkins they need for fall decorations and baking. Patriots Park tuned into the Merry Ole Land of Oz near Halloween. Girl Talk Ministry began its second year. Kings Mountain was featured on Queen City News.
  Contractors with Streetscape kept merchants aware of the progress and challenges they faced during the second part of Phase 2A. BSA Troop 92 camped and canoed at Lake James. Childress was sworn in as the new KMPD Police Chief. ARC Ministries plants a new church in KM. Dr. Robert W. Eng received a lifetime achievement award from President Biden. Albemarle Corporation secures DOE grant for U.S. based lithium facility supporting the domestic Electric Vehicle supply chain. Greg Shull receives Distinguished Rotarian Award. The flu vaccine is available at Cleveland County Public Health.
   November: The Great Pumpkin Parade kicked-off Halloween festivities. Wizard of Oz event was a huge success in Kings Mountain. Murphy’s 28th Annual Toy Run occurred on November 19. RSV continues to be a big issue for young children this year after several years of mask mandates. KMHM welcomed back the trains on November 2. A house fire on Fulton Drive causing significant damage. STI named an outstanding employer by Governor Cooper. Two commercial buildings on Battleground Avenue in downtown had their facades painted. Woman’s Club Breakfast with Santa drew a huge crowd this year.
   Local elections for Cleveland County School Board saw Danny Blanton re-elected and newcomers Aaron Bridges, Ronnie Grigg, and W. Scott Spurling replacing Coleman Hunt, Dena Green, and Phillip Glover. Central School was rezoned as Kings Mountain’s first mixed use project.
   A Veteran’s Day observance was held on Nov. 11. Streetscape continued to progress, and final touches were going into place just prior to Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. KM Crisis Assistance Ministry continued to help citizens in need. Kings Mountain’s Christmas Tree lighting ushered in the holidays. Albemarle Lithium secured grants to build a lithium concentrator facility in KM. A painting by Shirley Brutko was selected as the cover of new book.
   December: Santa opened a new workshop in Kings Mountain. Kings Mountain Christmas Parade kicked-off the holidays in town. City Manager Marilyn sellers was honored by city council for 34 years of service to the community. She stepped down as city manager on Dec. 31 and will assist the new city manager through the end of January 2023. Two local non-profits benefit from Catawba Two Kings Casino’s share change program. Jim Palenick was selected as Kings Mountain’s new city manager. GFWC KM Woman’s Club installed new officers. Wreaths Across America honored veterans at Mountain Rest Cemetery. Two statues dedicated to Ofc. Tyler Herndon in Mt. Holly. YMCA’s Jingle Bell Rockin’ Run draws 423 runners. Santa made a special visit to Kings Mountain Historical Museum on December 9 to get last minute Christmas wishes from the children who attended.
   Catawba Two Kings Casino faces stiff penalties and possible temporary closure after receiving a Notice of Violation. Catawba Indian Nation, Sky Boat Partners, LLC, and Sky Boat’s owners, officials, managers, and consultants could face civil penalties not to exceed $57,527 per day per violation. Austin Page and Brandon Teague pleaded guilty for Ponzi scheme. Defendants were sent home on house arrect and could face prison time and civil penalties of $250k each.

See photos in this week's Kings Mountain Herald (January 4, 2023 issue)

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain’s American Legion Post 155 veteran’s breakfast is scheduled for Saturday, January 7, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the post home on East Gold Street.
Veterans and guests can order a made-to-order breakfast of eggs, bacon, liver mush, gravy, grits, biscuits, toast, coffee, and juice.
Members of three American Legion branches, Auxiliary, Legion Riders, and Sons of the American Legion volunteer to take requests, deliver orders, and clean up afterward.
All veterans are invited to this free breakfast. Others are welcome to attend for a small donation that helps fund future breakfasts.

By Loretta Cozart

Brightstar Touring Theater presents Meet Dr. King on Monday, January 16, at 2 p.m. at the Joy Performance Theater at 202 Railroad Avenue in Kings Mountain.
Meet Dr. King is an introduction to the life and work of one of America’s most influential men. This show is perfect for younger audiences, serving to introduce students to major concepts of Black History like freedom, integration, and equality.
This performance helps young people begin to understand the importance of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. Follow along as the play takes us from Dr. King’s life as just a young boy experiencing racism for the first time, to meeting his wife, Coretta, to becoming a pastor and finally a national inspiration.

Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office delivered presents to children and young adults identified through their victim specialist division. These children are identified throughout the year in cooperation with our community partners.
This year the Sheriff’s Office brought gifts to 160+ children from 55 families in hopes of making their Christmas special.
This great undertaking would not be possible without donations from numerous organizations, individual donors, and specifically John and Buffy Murphy of Murphy's Toy Run who have always been great partners for this event.

Did you hear the news? Santa and his elves scoured the countryside high and low to find a location for his new workshop.
After seeing Patriots Park through his magical snow globe, Santa and his elves decided to build his workshop right here in Kings Mountain.
After receiving many visitors last weekend, Santa will open his workshop back up for two more weekends: Friday and Saturday Dec. 9 - 10 and Friday and Saturday December 16 - 17.
It will open each evening at 5:30 p.m. and close at 8:30 p.m.
Bring your camera and your best smile. Santa is looking forward to seeing you!

City of Kings Mountain (COKM) is proud to announce that Jim Palenick has accepted an offer to lead the City of Kings Mountain as the new City Manager.  Jim will be relocating to Kings Mountain after the New Year’s holiday.
Marilyn Sellers is currently serving as City Manager where she has served for seventeen years. At the May 5 budget work session, Sellers informed City Council that she did not wish to renew her contract coming up in September. After 34 years of service to the City of Kings Mountain, Marilyn was ready for retirement.
Her retirement announcement came at a time when there are over 100 vacancies in NC for City Managers. Due to the urgency to find a qualified candidate, City Council reached out to Developmental Associates to coordinate a nationwide search for the role. That in-depth search takes time. Sellers graciously agreed to work through January to assist with a smooth transition.
COKM partnered with Developmental Associates for the City Manager search process. Developmental Associates is an organizational development company that partners with governmental, educational, and non-profit organizations for executive recruitment. Developmental Associates conducted a nationwide search for candidates for our City Manager position.
Of the 31 initial applications received, 21 met the minimum qualifications. Fifteen applicants were selected for phone interviews. Five completed an assessment center and three were selected for onsite interviews with city council.
The Assessment center is a means of gathering relevant information, under standardized conditions, about an individual’s capabilities to perform in a high-level managerial position. While City Council recognized the value of partnering with Developmental Associates, the team also wanted to have a Kings Mountain connection that truly understands what makes Kings Mountain unique.
Shearra Miller, Executive Director for Cleveland County Arts Council and Kings Mountain resident, agreed to represent the citizens of the City of Kings Mountain on the Assessment board. Her insight and participation in the two-day process was instrumental in selecting the final candidate.
Jim Palenick was born and raised in Allegan, a small  town   of 4,500   in Southwest Michigan, His Dad worked in a factory for 43 years and served as a reserve Sheriff Deputy. His mom was a homemaker who volunteered in her local church. Jim and his two brothers were the first to attend college.
   Jim graduated Summa Cum Laude from Western Michigan University with a B.S. in Public Administration and Economics. He went on to earn an MPA from WMU with Honors and began his career in local government administration.
That career spans over 30 years in public service, Jim has served the cause of fiscal stewardship, economic sustainability and Community and economic development and redevelopment as an innovative and entrepreneurial, local government leader.
   Jim’s career began with small communities in his home state of Michigan. From there, he moved to Rio Rancho, New Mexico, a small town with a big company—Intel. As Intel grew, the city grew as well. During his tenure, Rio Rancho was listed as one of the fastest growing cities in the US and multiple municipal projects were completed:  Examples include: $47M multi-purpose Event Center arena; $17M City Hall built; New Central Library; Aquatic Center; $100’s of Millions in new streets, water, and sewer infrastructure
   Jim first came to North Carolina when he accepted the City Manager position in Gastonia, North Carolina in 2007 (Population 73,000). Gastonia had 934 employees and a $186M operating budget with a full range of services, including an airport, museum, and golf course. In 2012, Jim accepted the Chief Administrative Officer position in Dallas, NC where he served for 4 additional years.
   Since his time in NC, Jim has moved back to the Mid-West and spent a few years in Racine, Wisconsin and Middletown, Ohio – both communities of 50-70K citizens.
   Jim has been a full member of the International City and County Management Association (ICMA) for over 30 years and earned the designation of ICMA-Credentialed Manager in 2009. Along the way Jim has served on the Boards of Chambers of Commerce; Downtown Development Authorities; Convention & Visitors Bureaus; Economic Development Corporations; Community Development Authorities; Tax Increment Financing/District Boards; and County Planning Boards and Dispatch Authorities. He has been a member of multiple Rotary clubs and served as a Rotary Board member.
   Jim enjoys following sports and is a lifelong Michigan Wolverine and a long-suffering Detroit Lions fan. He enjoys NBA and college basketball and loves watching the History channel. Jim is divorced and has 1 adult son, Austin, who lives and works in Washington, DC.
   Jim enjoys hiking, biking, reading, cooking, and travel. Some of his favorite travel spots are Santa Fe, New Mexico and Greenville, SC.
   City Council unanimously selected Jim Palenick as the new City Manager.

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain Christmas Parade stepped off right on time at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, despite rain earlier in the day. Crowds gathered along the parade route, along Battleground Avenue from East Gold Street, and turning onto King Street at the Overhead Bridge, then continuing to Deal Steet.
Kings Mountain High School’s football team was the Grand Marshal of the event this year, and supporters turned out in black and gold apparel to show their support and love for a team that worked so hard this season to earn a 13-1 record. It is a season that will be long remembered as one of the best for KMHS and the community.
One hundred -plus parade entrants helped make the event special, and included KMHS marching band, the Carolina Panther Top Cats with Sir Purr, the Gastonia Honey Hunters with their mascot BAM. The parade was filled with music from dance troops, Dance Magic, Dance Reflections, KM Elite, KM Optimist Club, and Fine Line Dance Company and the event lasted over an hour and a half.
A Christmas parade wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Santa, and this year’s event did not disappoint. As anticipated, Santa arrived right on time to ring in the Christmas season in Kings Mountain!
City of Kings Mountain debuted Santa’s Workshop at the Gazebo in Patriots Park where children visited him to share their Christmas wishes. He’ll be back again on December 9-10 and Dec. 16-17 in case your child missed speaking with jolly Olde St. Nicholas in person. Special Christmas dates for Lines for Santa’s Workshop stretched far for this new attraction. There is no charge to visit Santa.
The Christmas festivities continued downtown Saturday evening, as twinkling Christmas lights illuminated city streets with Mayor Scott Neisler’s signature Downtown Christmas Fantasy Light Show where
a dazzling  display of lights synchronize to music playing on your car’s radio (tune into 87.9 to enjoy the show!)
   Many patrons strolled through Patriots Park to see the Costner’s Christmas Lights Extravaganza, and Santa’s Workshop. Liberty Mountain Garden located at the Joy Performance Center was the sight of  the Downtown Holiday Market. Local Vendors featured goods and crafts, and, of course, the extremely popular Bela Express Train Rides returned for another season. Holly Jolly Hayrides debuted downtown. All this and more will continue Saturdays, December 10 and 17.
    All this and more in  can be found in downtown Kings Mountain for two more weekends, both Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

The downtown will much brighter November 23rd as the City of Kings Mountain ushers in the Christmas season with the second annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Unveiling Ceremony in Patriots Park. This special event will be filled with music, stories and so much more! What are we unveiling this year? You will have to attend and find out. The ceremony begins at 6pm. Patriots Park is located at 220 South Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain.

The Kings Mountain Historical Museum needs your help! They are coming up on the 20th year for the Toys, Games & Trains Exhibit at the museum. This annual exhibit fills the museum with a model train display assembled by local “S” Gaugers, as well as railroad memorabilia, and antique toys and games.
If you didn't already know, this train layout
belongs  to  Mr.  Bill  Ware (pictured), and he has devoted 19 years of volunteering to setting up his train layout in the museum for visitors to come reminisce over and experience. We know here at the museum how much this enchanting Christmas memory, and Bill Ware, means to the community!
To continue this tradition this year, they need volunteers to help Bill with running the trains during the day at the museum which would run from November 25th-December 31st (and maybe extending into January 2023 another week.) The museum will be open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm. We will be closed Christmas Eve and are always closed on Sundays and Mondays.
No experience necessary, just a desire to learn and work with trains. Additionally, anyone that can help initially with the set up and the taking down at the end, would be greatly appreciated. Please respond if interested, or email the director at kmhmdirector@outlook.com, or call the museum at 704-739-1019.

North Pole Express Classic Carriage Ride Experience tickets go on sale Nov. 18 at  2 pm. Visit: www.kingsmountainchristmas.com. Scroll down and click on Magical Carriage Rides. There are two ticket options available. Tickets sell out quickly, so be sure to act quickly when sales open.
Enjoy an imagination-filled expedition on a horse-drawn carriage, led by one of the North Pole’s very own magical conductors. Take in the sights of twinkling Christmas lights as your enchanted golden ticket unlocks a series of magical events along the journey. Surprises wait around every bend, and wonder will fill the eyes of all those who still believe.
Two different interactive show packages are offered for those either snuggling up for a date night, or larger groups with excited children and their families. Both shows are offered on both carriages.
Magical Carriage Ride Package 1
Max capacity 8 adults, or fewer adults plus additional children. •  15 minutes
Experience the magical Christmas lights in Downtown Kings Mountain with a very special Christmas guest. Your ticket purchase reserves the carriage for your group of up to 8 adults, or fewer adults plus additional children.
Magical Carriage Ride Package 2
Max capacity is 4 adults, or fewer adults plus additional children. •  15 minutes
Bring your group to experience the magical Christmas lights around downtown Kings Mountain. Your ticket purchase reserves the entire carriage for your group for 15 minutes. You may bring up to 4 adults, or fewer adults plus additional children.
Check-in: If you have not checked-in 5-minutes before your scheduled departure time the conductor will consider your reservation forfeited. No refund will be available. Don’t forget to dress warmly in case of cold weather.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!  City of Kings Mountain is looking forward to Kings Mountain Christmas Parade to be held December 3.
The Home for Christmas Parade will impact various roads beginning on Gold Street, at the intersection of Highway 161; west down Battleground Avenue (216); east on business 74, then south on Deal Street.
A Kings Mountain Christmas would not be complete without Christmas festivities in our Downtown. Each Saturday evening, December 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17, between 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Downtown Kings Mountain will turn into a Christmas wonderland of fun and excitement.
Various roads along West Mountain Street, South Railroad Avenue, West Gold Street, and South Cansler Street will be impacted.
Please use extreme caution when traveling on these roads due to the increase in motor vehicles, pedestrians, parade participants, and carriage and hayrides. Please plan to travel different roads if you are impacted by these changes. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

The City of Kings Mountain is honored to host its annual Veterans Day Parade and Observance, Thursday, November 11 at 10:30 a.m. downtown.
This special event will begin at the intersection of West Mountain Street and South Railroad Avenue at the corner of the Joy Theatre, with a parade to Patriots Park being led by Loch Norman Pipe Band. A service, featuring a five-minute presentation entitled
“Recognition of Service”, music by Vintage Vibe, Christy Walker and the Loch Norman Pipe Band, and a keynote address by Mr. Jim Medlin, will then be held at the Liberty Falls Amphitheatre.
A wreath ceremony at the War Memorial located in Patriots Park will follow. “The Veterans Day Observance is a very special event in our city,” states Scott Neisler, Mayor of Kings Mountain. “It’s a time to acknowledge those who put their lives on hold to defend our country! We owe them a debt of gratitude for our freedom.”
To host this event, a portion of South Railroad Avenue and West Gold Street will be closed beginning at 9:00 a.m. and remain closed or barricaded until 11:00 a.m. Please use extreme caution when traveling on Railroad Avenue and West Gold Street due to the increase in motor vehicles and pedestrians walking. Please plan to travel different roads if you are impacted by this
 change. The city thanks you for your cooperation in this matter.
In case of inclement weather, the observance will be held at American Legion Post 155 located at 613 E. Gold Street in Kings Mountain. The parade will be canceled.
City of Kings Mountain encourages everyone to support our veterans by attending the observance. For more information or to participate in the parade, contact the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department at 704-730-2101, or visit their website at www.KingsMountainEvents.Com. 

According to a Charlotte Observer article dated November 6, Catawba Two Kings Casino hasn’t satisfied federal regulators as an investigation into its business dealings nears the end. At issue is the legality of its business dealings, and specifically who profits from it.
In March, National Indian Gaming Commission Chief Compliance Officer Tom Cunningham told Catawba Nation Chief Bill Harris that a ground lease between the tribe and Kings Mountain Sky Boat Partners, LLC, granted the company “management authority” over the casino operation and had not been approved by the gaming commission chairman.
Violations could result in the issuance of a notice of violation, a civil fine assessment, and/or an order of temporary closure to the Nation and Sky Boat as the manager of the Tribe’s gaming, the Observer reported.
The article went on to share, “Doug Brown, a Cleveland County business owner, and early investor in the Catawba Casino project, said the gaming commission has warned interested parties of too much involvement from non-native people. He unloaded all financial interest in the project over the last year fearing the project’s impending failure, he said. ‘I don’t know if they’re going to be able to build the casino,’ Brown said.”
Brown’s name is also connected to E5 Holdings, LLC, owner of property directly across Kings Mountain Blvd. from the casino site. This is the same property the Herald reported on July 22, 2020. At the time CHT Enterprises, LLC became the managing member of E5 Holdings, LLC, along with members Eddie Holbrook, Stuart Legrand, and Douglas Brown.
As of February 2022, the Annual Report filed with the Secretary of State in Nevada, those details had not changed, and Eddie Holbrook, Stuart Legrand, and Douglas Brown remain listed as officers. CHT Enterprises, LLC also remains listed as the registered agent.
The Observer reached out to Chief Bill Harris on  the matter. “The Catawba Nation continues to work closely with the National Indian Gaming Commission on its review of our casino resort project and necessary agreements, and we are working to follow its recommendations as required,” Catawba Chief Harris said in an emailed statement on Saturday.
   “With regard to the agreement between the Catawba Nation and Kings Mountain Sky Boat Partners, we actively proposed a number of pathways to resolve NIGC’s objections and are continuing to revise the agreement in response to NIGC. We are hopeful this can be resolved in the coming weeks,” Harris said.
   The investigation is scheduled to end by December 31. With only seven weeks remaining in the year, the fate of Catawba Two Kings Casino hangs in the balance. If the Catawba retained sole proprietary interest in the project and got permission for management contracts, they should prevail.
   The article concludes, “Both are key requirements of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, a law passed in the 1980s to shield tribes ‘from organized crime and other corrupting influences (and) to ensure that the Indian tribe is the primary beneficiary of the gaming operation.’

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain Fire Department responded to a report of smoke near Fulton Drive on Friday, Nov. 4. Engine 284, Engine 283, and Ladder 1 were dispatched, and the call was then upgraded to a working residential structure fire.
The home was significantly damaged. No one was home at the time of the fire. The cause is under investigation. KMFD were first dispatched to “smoke in the area” reported by a caller one block away. Then neighbors called 911 to report the actual fire. Kings Mountain Fire Departments thanks those alerted them to the situation.
Engine 284 handled suppression, Engine 283 provided the water supply, and Ladder 1 was primary.
Kings Mountain received automatic aid from Bethlehem VFD and Grover VFD. No injuries reported, all units returned to service.

City Offices will be dosed Friday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Garbage collection for the entire week will be on the regular schedule.
For those planning ahead, City Offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 24 and 25 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. Garbage collection for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will be one day earlier.
City Offices will be closed Friday, December 23 and Monday, December 26 in observance of the Christmas Holiday.
Garbage collection for week of December 26 will be delayed one day.
The City Offices will be closed Monday, January 2, 2023, in observance of the New Year Holiday. Garbage collection will also be delayed one day.

The intersection of S. Piedmont Avenue and Mountain Street is closed as construction continues in the area. Curb and gutter, along with conduit and electrical have been installed. The project deadline of October 31 has passed, and work is ongoing. Use caution when driving in this area. Parking is available on Cherokee Street and beside Kings Mountain Baptist Church via access beside the old SageSport building.
                                                                                                                                      Photo by Loretta Cozart

By Loretta Cozart

City of Kings Mountain Special Events Department reported that approximately 400 children dressed in their Halloween best joined in The Great Pumpkin Parade. The event kicked off last Friday, October 28 at 10 a.m. at city hall, winding its way through downtown from City Hall to The Gazebo at Patriots Park, by way of Gold St, Battleground Ave., Mountain Ave., and Railroad Ave.
Children dressed as superheroes, first responders, scarecrows, Disney characters, princesses, doctors, nurses, lions, tigers, and bears, oh my!
The Great Pumpkin Parade was the first of many events that wrapped-up late Sunday afternoon.

By Loretta Cozart

City of Kings Mountain’s “The Wonderful Adventure To Oz” event, was a huge success as the photos show.
Families signed up for the costume contest and outstanding creative costumes were worn by everyone this year. The weather was also good for the weekend events, as young and old gather to celebrate with family and friends.

See more photos on page 8A of this November , 2022 issue of KM Herald.                      

Your vote counts. Skip the lines on election day and vote early. Early voting for the November 8th General Election runs through November 5.
• Now through Nov 5 from 8am - 7:30pm
• Saturday, Nov. 5 from 8am - 3pm.
There are three locations where you can vote early in Cleveland County and you can vote at any of the three locations regardless of where you live.
• Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library, 104 Howie Drive, Shelby
• H. Lawrence Patrick Senior Center, 909 E. King St.,  Kings Mountain, NC 28086
• Boiling Springs Town Hall, 114 East College Ave Shelby, NC 28152
   If you are not registered to vote, each of the early voting sites allows same-day registration.  So, you can register and  then go ahead and vote immediately afterward.
If your address has changed or you have moved, you can update your address at the early voting location as long as you still live in Cleveland County.
If you have questions or need more information, please visit the Board of Elections website at http://www.clevelandcounty.com/ccboe/.
If you don’t vote early, be sure to vote on Tuesday, November 8. Polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m.

By Loretta Cozart

GFWC NC Kings Mountain Woman’s Club is proud to announce that Breakfast with Santa is Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Clubhouse at 108 East Mountain Street beginning at 7:30 a.m. Breakfast will be served downstairs in the dining room. Adults are $10, children are $5. Tickets are for breakfast only. Breakfast is served from 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Upstairs, a professional photographer will take your precious Christmas photos. These will be digital and edited. Three poses for $15, or 5 poses for $20. The finished digital product will be delivered within 48 hours of event conclusion. Photos with Santa 8:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m. Payment is made directly to the photographer.
Young children only (no adults may assist or shop) may visit the ELF CLOSET to purchase gifts for mom and dad. All items are 2 for $3. Come with a list, it makes the process quicker for the elves. Elf Closet is open 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Purchase your tickets from club members. See the club Facebook page for more information. https://www.facebook.com/gfwcnckm

The City of Kings Mountain has planned a variety of events for all ages downtown Kings Mountain on October 28 thru 30. Activities include costume contests, parades, trick-or-treating, movies, live music, hayrides, and fun for the entire family.
The Great
Pumpkin Parade
The City of Kings Mountain will host The Great Pumpkin Parade, Friday, October 28. The parade will begin at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall. Little ghosts and goblins will travel from City Hall to The Gazebo at Patriots Park, by way of Gold St, Battleground Ave., Mountain Ave., and Railroad Ave.
Trick-or-Treat, bags of sweets, ghosts and goblins are walking down the street! After a two-year hiatus, the Great Pumpkin Parade is back. The City of Kings Mountain invites little pumpkins ages 0 thru first grade and their parents to City Hall to begin a spell bounding journey to Patriots Park where music, inflatables and games await at every turn. The parade will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. See you there if you dare!
The Wonderful
Adventure to OZ
   Lions! Tigers! Bears! Oh My! In celebration of the 83rd anniversary of the release of the Wizard of Oz, Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29, at 6:00 p.m., the City of Kings Mountain will transform Patriots Park, in downtown Kings Mountain, to the magical Land of Oz.
Journey down the Yellow Brick Road while meeting Oz characters and trick-or-treating along the way. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs or blankets! An outdoor screening of The Wizard of Oz will begin on October 28 at 6:30 p.m. The adventure and activities include a costume contest on Saturday and a hayride on both nights.
Band of Oz
Liberty Falls Amphitheatre will turn into the Emerald City as the Band of Oz takes the stage at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 29. Look for the Band of Oz and DJs Johnny B and Eric Bowman as they bring the boogie.
   Music with DJ Johnny B and Eric Bowman starts at 6:00 pm. Band of OZ will take the stage at 6:30 pm. Don’t forget your boogie shoes! https://www.facebook.com/CityofKMSpecialEvents/videos/817845512687715
Costume Contest
   Witches and Mummies and Ghosts, Oh My! Don your most uniquely Oz-tastic costume and head to downtown KM October 29 for the Wonderful Adventure to Oz. All ages are welcome to compete in the spookiest costume contest this side of the Haunted Forest. Dress in your Halloween best and follow the yellow brick road to Patriots Park.
Registration is from 5 p.m. until 5:45 p.m., when the parade begins. Winners will be announced during band intermission. You must register to participate in this parade and contest.
Contest Rules: The contest is divided into three age groups: Children (0-14 years), Teens (15-18 years), and Adults (19 and up). Categories include Most Unique, Oziest, Judges’ Choice, and Best Overall Group, with one grand prize being awarded per category.
   Real weapons are not allowed. and fake weapons are subject to search. Costumes must be PG and family friendly. Entrants under 16-years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Use of liquids, messy substances, or overly large prop pieces are not allowed.
All participants will have a chance to parade in front of the judges and have their name and costume announced. Contestants must remain throughout the costume contest to be eligible for a prize.
By registering, all Halloween Costume Contest participants agree to allow the City of Kings Mountain to use their images for promotional purposes. The judges have the sole authority and discretion to select the winners.
Merchant scavenger hunt
   Click Your Heels and Follow the Yellow Brick Road Downtown to the Marvelous Map of Merchants! For one week in October, downtown will turn into the Magical Land of Oz. Using the downtown map, follow the Yellow Brick Road for Oz-Tastic prizes from the Marvelous Merchants in Kings Mountain.
How Do You Play?
1. Visit our Marvelous Merchants on the map and look for some Wonderful Wizardly items straight from Oz itself between Monday, October 24th - Saturday, October 29th, during the normal business hours.   
2. Once you find the item, make sure to take a selfie with it.
3. Using the photo, make a post on Facebook tagging the merchant’s name and the City of Kings Mountain Special Events in your post. Make sure that you use #KMOZ2022
*Contestants must follow ALL the rules and visit each participating business for a chance to win the Grand Prize.
Participating Businesses & The Item You’re Looking For
• 133 West - Wicked Witch of the West
• KM Historical Museum - Wizard of Oz Characters
• Mountain Holiday - Scarecrow
• Sub Factory - Munchkin
• 238 Cherokee Grill - Dorothy Gale
• Uncommon Artisan  - Wizard of Oz in the State Farm Hot Air Balloon
• Farmers Furniture - Flying Monkey
• Royal Tea Cafe - Glenda the Good Witch’s Crown
• Mauney Memorial Library - Wizard of Oz Book
• Revolutionary Fit - Tin Man’s Oil Can
• Amos Insurance - Cowardly Lion
The winner will be drawn and announced on Monday, October 31.
Hayride Adventure
   Rescue the Enchanted Ruby. The Enchanted Ruby has gone missing, and all of Oz needs your help! Climb aboard a hayride and journey into the Wicked Witch’s territory to rescue the precious gem before she uses it to take over the entire land! This theatrical experience is designed for the entire family but be careful… Flying Monkeys and the Wicked Witch of the West may make an appearance!
Mayor’s Nightmare
Before Christmas
Ghostly encounters await you on Sunday, October 30, as Mayor Neisler presents the Mayor’s Nightmare Before Christmas. This spell binding event features two spine tingling movies featuring legendary actors, Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff. Horror classic, “Night of the Living Dead” will follow. The haunting hour starts at 3:00 p.m. Don’t be a scaredy cat! Be there if you dare! There is no place like Halloween in Kings Mountain.
 

By Loretta Cozart

Last Saturday, October 22, Royal T Café held their first Fall Festival at 405 S. Battleground Avenue in Kings Mountain. The café, owned by Taylor Caldera, opened earlier this year, and had their ribbon cutting ceremony with the Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce on June 30. They are located in the former First Citizens Bank building between Farmers Home Furniture and Mr. Tire.
Festival activities included face painting, hayrides, pumpkin painting, making caramel apples, music, and lots of candy being given away at a trunk-or-treat. They even had a bounce house for the children and a costume contest. Families with children streamed in throughout the afternoon to join in the fun.
Regarding the festival, Taylor said, “The event was so good. We are just trying to do some fun things for families at our location. We have several other events planned through the end of the year. We hope to have a carnival around Thanksgiving, and Cookies with Santa before Christmas. Plans are pending. Folks can check our Facebook page for posts as plans are confirmed.”
When asked why she chose the name Royal T Café, Taylor said, “The letters in ‘Royal T’ are in my first name. Taylor is also my mother’s family name. Most people who know me and know my family, think my name is Taylor Taylor. I’m good with that. I’ve made lots of friends here in Kings Mountain over the years, so much so that Kings Mountain now feels like home.”
Taylor grew up in Merced, a small town in northern California, which is much like Kings Mountain. Her grandfather, Al Taylor, lives here and suggested she moved to Kings Mountain to open a business. She studied fashion in college and had a hair salon in Los Angeles before moving to Kings Mountain to open her café.