Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office continues their search for Asha Degree, a nine-year-old who went missing on February 14, 2000.
Since her disappearance, Cleveland County Sheriff's Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation have followed hundreds of leads and conducted hundreds of interviews.
Sheriff Alan Norman issued the following plea to the community asking for their help in finding Asha Degree, “Our search for Asha Degree won't stop until we find her. Our goal has always been to uncover new information to help us find Asha. And we still need your  help.”
“During the next 30 days, teams of detectives and agents from the CCSO, the FBI, and the SBI may contact you for an interview,” he said. “Our goal is to speak to anyone in the community who may have encountered Asha in her daily life. Even if you think you don't have information that is helpful, you may know something that could be a key to our case. 9-year-old Asha was last seen walking along Highway 18 on February 14, 2000.”
There is a combined reward of up to $45,000 for information to find her. We know our community cares deeply about Asha, help bring her home.

By Loretta Cozart

Streetscape work on W. Mountain Street continues, as sidewalks are being poured and stamped. The project is running late, as this section was to be completed by the end of July. Nonetheless, merchants are pleased for the progress and hopes are high it will be finished quicker than expected.
Merchant Iris Hubbard is holding a contest that ran through the end of July asking her patrons to guess when W. Mountain Street will reopen. Winner gets a free lunch for six. If multiple guests choose the same date, a drawing will be held between them.
Other merchants have kept their chins up during this time, struggling with rents and loss of revenue. On Tuesday, August 11, city council discussed a low or no-interest loan for merchants who struggled during this period. Details will be shared as soon as they are known.

By Loretta Cozart

If you drove by Kings Mountain Police Department recently, you noticed a police vehicle out front with a large, digital thermometer next to it. The display is to remind everyone not to leave a child alone in a vehicle. That warning is especially important in hot weather.
Outside, the temperature on July 30 before noon was 85.5 degrees. Inside, the vehicle’s temperature soared to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 53 percent of hot car deaths are because an adult accidentally leaves a child in a vehicle.
“In 2019, we saw the highest number of deaths, 53, because children were forgotten, according to Jan Null, who has been tracking vehicular heatstroke deaths since 1998,” NHTSA’s website reports. “Among the trends he discovered over the years:
• About 46% of the time when a child was forgotten, the caregiver meant to drop the child off at a daycare or preschool.
• Thursdays and Fridays — the end of the workweek — have had the highest deaths.
• More than half of the deaths (54%) are children under 2 years old.”
The average number of children who die after being left in a hot vehicle in NC is 36. However, in 2018 that number soared to 52.
As temperatures heat up during the summer, Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey reminds North Carolinians of the dangers of leaving children and pets inside cars.
“The fun of summer can quickly become tragic if parents mistakenly leave their child or pet inside a car,” said NC Department of Insurance Commissioner Causey. “It only takes 10 minutes for the temperature to rise to dangerous levels, so be sure to look before you lock.”

City Manager Marilyn Sellers updated the Council on the major budget highlights for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 during a special meeting held on June 14. The budget ordinance before them was $53,904.833.
Highlights of the budget included:
• No property tax rate increase, which remains at .43 cents per $100. Each penny on the tax rate generates approximately $190,000. The city has one of the lowest rates in the region and the state and no change is recommended at this time. The city must continue to evaluate annually, given the economy and inflation and increase in recurring costs and the ability of the Electric Fund to transfer monies. City of Kings Mountain is approximately 8 cents below their peer group average as defined by the Local Government Commission and we offer more services. The city offers several services, the tax rate is lower and there are very few in their peer group that operate their own water source, Moss Lake, and operates the Senior Center and a municipal library. Kings Mountain is one in two cities in NC that operates five utilities. The city is proud of its rate and all that it offers the citizens.
• No proposed adjustments to City General Fund fees
• No proposed Electric rate increase
• No proposed Water rate increase
• No proposed Wastewater rate increase
• No proposed Natural Gas rate increase
• No proposed Sanitation or Stormwater rate increase at this time, but Sellers noted that on June 9th, she received a notice from Cleveland County that tipping fees for landfill disposals will be increasing 10%, but the city had already prepared  the  budget.  The city manager spoke with the County Manager, and he agreed this was late notice but there was a delay in the results of the outside landfill study. He stated that if this is a hardship then we could make it effective mid-year in January. So, we are currently evaluating and will bring a recommendation. It looks like this is an impact of $25,000-$30,000 annually.
Important items discussed during the year included: The city is in the process of completing an UDO, Comprehensive Plan, setting up a Strategic Plan to be led by an outside consultant as requested, 3rd party Comprehensive Plan Pay & Classification Study, Utility infrastructure upgrades, Project South, Grant received in the amount of $39 million for new wastewater project to provide wastewater needs to the southeastern portion of Cleveland County and this is huge, a major economic project.
   The city completed the loop system at all three major utilities, $1.8 million EPA Grant received for sewer improvements, new Economic Incentive Policy to retain and attract new businesses, implemented Open Gov – an online permitting system to allow automation of codes and planning development permits, thus allowing developers and citizens expedited review processes.
   The city has seen many downtown investments: Trackside Hall, Stonewright Properties, sale of McGinnis building and many others, a lot of subdivisions are being reviewed now, completion of the Kings Mountain Boulevard line extension from Phifer Road to Kings Mountain Intermediate School, completing the transmission easement right-of-way to the new substation, #5, located on Kings Mountain Boulevard, integration of the AMI project with the NorthStar Billing Software, completion of the final Duke purchase power agreement – tis resulted in a  refund of almost $700,000, I-85 natural gas connection to York Road station in progress, new second gate station with a 5-year payback, more aggressive ordinances dealing with minimal housing and new non-residential code.  Clint Houser, Codes Director, reported that thus far in this current budget year, 7 dilapidated structures have been demolished, 10 minimal housing conditions abated, 66 junk vehicles removed, 225 community appearances violations abated, and they conducted over 1700 building inspections and issued 727 building permits. LED lighting changeover project is in progress, Phase IIA of Streetscape is in progress, improved concerts and growth of Special Events at the park and amphitheater, new subdivisions on the horizon, casino development and progress with all the utility deadlines met for the pre-launch facility, expansion of that facility, improvements being made at Exit 5 by the DOT – Staff has been working with the DOT, Benestar was completed – the infrastructure and now it has been sold to a larger company, several promising Economic Development inquiries with about five spec buildings. The city is very fortunate that they have not had to partner to bring these spec buildings in the county, they have been coming to the city, including one 300,000 square foot building, 1.2 million square foot building, which is the largest in the Southeast in progress, street paving project is almost complete – and the city is getting ready for the next phase.
   City Manager Marilyn Sellers said she “could go on and on but we are a really blessed city.” She said that she is proud to be city manager. She thanked the management team and the staff who have worked diligently to produce budget requests that are responsible, and she is proud. She also said city employees have a lot of passion and pride for the community. She also said, “Thanks also to Nick Hendricks, Assistant City Manager, for his expertise in utilities and the projects. Thanks to Chris Costner, Finance Director, for his financial expertise and for the great audits we have received. We have so much to be proud of.” She also thanked City Council for their leadership.

-30-
 

The popular 7th Inning Stretch Festival is returning to Uptown Shelby on August 6, after a two-year absence caused by the COVID-19 virus. The festival is sponsored by The American Legion Department of North Carolina. The festival is held the Saturday before the games begin to celebrate our community for all their hard work each year for ALWS.
This year’s headliner concert will feature country music artist Josh Turner, a native of South Carolina, and a multi-platinum-selling star. For nearly two decades, he has been one of country music’s most recognizable voices, selling more than 8.5 million units and amassing more than 2.5 billion global streams. His wife Jennifer plays keyboards and sings background vocals with the band.
In December 2001 Turner made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry and received a standing ovation for his original song “Long Black Train.” His album by the same name was certified gold within a year of its release; the song spent more than 40 weeks on the Billboard country charts.
A secondary stage with local performers will feature Tangerine Trees, a Beatles
tribute band, Justin Clyde Williams, marine veteran performing blue grass and rock n roll, and Diz Viola, a local contemporary Christian singer.  The Giggle Box Circus will perform and living statues will interact with the crowd. Gymnasts, kids’ crafts, two inflatables manned by Cleveland County YMCA staff, stilt walkers, mascots from local athletic teams, and more, will mean twice as many activities for the younger set than in any other year.
For more information about the festival visit www.7thInningStretch.cc or call 704-600-6599.

The Uptown Shelby Association’s annual summer concert series continues in July with 80z Nation! Join the fun at the Bobby Bell Pavilion, located at 126 W Marion Street in Shelby, from 6-9 pm on Thursday, July 21.
Come dressed to party in your favorite 80’s outfits: big hair, neon, spandex, colorful makeup, or your favorite punk jacket! Shelby Alive concerts are free, thanks to the generosity of these sponsors: American Restoration, City of Shelby, Steffes, BWF, Nissan of Shelby, Go Big Print, HomeTrust, Backstage Productions, and Cormetech.
80z Nation is an authentic cover band that does one thing — delivers a high-energy, professional show to people who love the 80s. 80z Nation is composed of six experienced musicians, led by a husband and wife team and backed by a band who, collectively, have performed hundreds of shows throughout the southeast. This band incorporates audio/visual elements, style, and lights into a professional performance featuring the best pop songs of the decade. https://www.80znation.com/

If you haven’t yet done so, you need to enroll your child for the new school year. The first day of school for Cleveland County Schools is August 17.
New students or incoming kindergartners who reside in the Cleveland County School District should present an official birth certificate (not the hospital's record of birth), and a certificate showing that the student has received the required immunizations.
Transferring students should also provide a transcript or report card from the previous school year to document grade placement. Kindergartners should pass a physical examination - a physician's signature is required on a form provided by the school system.
Kindergartners must be 5 years old on or before August 31. If a child is homeless or is identified as being homeless, he or she shall be immediately enrolled in and allowed to attend school, even if the child or his or her parents cannot produce such records.
In addition, parents must show proof of residency (lease or real estate document, power bill, etc.). Visit http://www.clevelandcountyschools.org/parents/enrollment to download Proof of Residence Verification Forms.
Cleveland County Schools cannot and will not refuse to enroll any student based on his or her immigration status of the status of his or her parent.
North Carolina law requires every child to be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, red measles (rubeola), rubella and (German measles). Children under 5 must be immunized against Hemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and a Hepatitis B vaccine is required for children born on or after July 1, 1994.
To obtain a transfer for a child into Cleveland County Schools from a district outside of Cleveland County, parents must complete an Application for Change of Pupil Assignment Form available from the Central Administrative Office or any of the schools. Each year, the applicant must reapply.
A check for $1414 must be submitted with the application. Out-of-district students attending Cleveland County Schools will be assessed an annual tuition of $1414.
Parents must also obtain a formal release from the school system that the child is assigned. Although the superintendent may give temporary approval of the transfer request, final approval is granted by the Board of Education. The Board also will grant requests for transfer to other school systems if it feels a student's need can be better met elsewhere.
Applications for transfers to other school systems also are available at the Central Administrative Office or from any of our schools.

By Loretta Cozart

The Pauline Store, at 205 Walker Street, will soon be demolished. City of Kings Mountain Code Enforcement Director Clint Houser met with the owner last November. At that time, the owner agreed to remove the building in 180 days; that deadline passed on June 11. Houser asked city council to approve demolition of the walls that remain of the structure, and they unanimously approved his request. In a subsequent interview with
Houser, he said the building should be demolished in the next few weeks.
The store served the community for decades and was owned by several merchants over the years including R.C. (Lum) Gantt, James Dewey Allen, and Charlie and Mary Spearman.

By Loretta Cozart

The man who shot and killed Mt. Holly Officer Tyler Herndon was sentenced to life in prison without parole by Superior Court Judge David Phillips after pleading guilty to the crime on Tuesday, July 5.
Joshua Funk, 24, who had been charged with multiple crimes, had no words for the family when asked by the judge. Funk was charged with first degree murder and eight other crimes.
Herndon’s family members addressed the court, including his father, Mark Herndon, who said, “The pain is unimaginable.”
Officer Herndon, 25, lost his life in the line of duty while responding to a breaking and entering at a Mt. Holly car wash. Shots were exchanged between the suspect and Mt. Holly police, including Tyler Herndon on December 11, 2020. He had been a member of the Mount Holly Police Department just shy of two years.
Officer Herndon and his family are from Kings Mountain. His parents are Mark and Debbie Phillips Herndon, his paternal grandparents are Ray and Jean Herndon. His sister is Lindsey Herndon of Charlotte.

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain Police Department's Communications Department operates and manages the local 911 Public Safety Access Point, or PSAP. These facilities are the first point of reception of a 911 call by a public safety agency. A primary PSAP must be capable of receiving and processing enhanced 911 calls from all voice communications service providers. KMPD’s 911 PSAP responds quickly for calls answered and response times.
Ninety-eight percent of the time, 911 calls get answered in 10 seconds or less. The average time it takes a telecommunicator to respond, from pick up to dispatch, is one minute and 16 seconds or less. Once received, telecommunicators determine the caller’s need and handle it themselves or transfer the call to the correct agency.
Kings Mountain recently completed a remodel of the city's 911 PSAP under Chief Lisa Proctor. PSAP Manager Andy Underwood took the task of updating the city's communications center. After his death, the city named the facility in his honor. Lynn Slycord currently serves as KMPD’s PSAP Manager.
Major updates to the bycommunication center include moving to 911 ESInet and ensuring the most up-to-date technology when calling 911 allowing people to communicate by phone, text, and video; and the Mindshare radio upgrade, with comprehensive features and flexibility to expand, which was a one-time investment that allows full interoperability to communicate with neighboring agencies. State 911 funds paid for most of these updates.
  Kings Mountain is considered a primary PSAP, and the telecommunicators take calls for police, fire, and medic. All Kings Mountain police officers are trained as first responders, dispatched if the telecommunicator determines it necessary. If a call is for fire or medic, the telecommunicator transfers the call immediately to that agency and then monitors the conversation to determine if police are also needed. The telecommunicator dispatches police calls, among other duties. According to Chief Lisa Proctor, 85 percent of the calls to the PSAP are for police service.
  Telecommunicators are skilled in taking vital information all while dispatching officers, checking plates or names for hits or warrants, or updating officers through the time of arrival with any information the citizens provide in as little time as possible.
  Cleveland County transfers approximately 100 calls from Cleveland County Communication to KMPD and for police calls or to assist EMS or KMFD, and Gaston County Communications transfers 25 to calls. Shelby Police average less than 5 transfers per month.
  Approximately 150 calls are transferred from KMPD 911 PSAP to Cleveland County for EMS and Kings Mountain Fire Department calls for service per month. While transferring these calls to neighboring agencies, the telecommunicator stays on the line to obtain information quickly and to send officers who are equipped with instruments such as AEDs and Narcan, to implement life-saving measures minutes before EMS or Fire First Responders arrival.
  KMPD's 911 PSAP is also responsible to take after hour public works calls for City of Kings Mountain. The 911 PSAP answers all after hours utility calls, ensuring the citizens receive a live person and not an automated answering service or virtual receptionist. This ensures citizens get a person when calling for after-hours electric, gas, water, and street emergencies. These after-hours calls are routed to the correct utility and cut down on the response time of the after-hours utilities to the citizens. Radios are also monitored for all utility workers for their safety.
  Kings Mountain Communications Telecommunicators also provide the Police Department with clerical skills. All NCIC entries are done in house at one of the 3 terminals. Entering Missing and Wanted persons, BOLO information for stolen cars, suspect vehicles are sent out to a minimum of a 50-mile radius to immediately notify neighboring jurisdictions to look out for the well-being of our citizens and their property. Amber and Silver alerts are done in compliance with SBI policy to ensure the safe return of our loved ones, and all other entries for guns, and other articles are maintained in the communications center.
  Kings Mountain 911 received almost $80,000.00 in state funding for fiscal year 2023. The North Carolina 911 board makes funding decisions on each individual Primary PSAP. These monies are used to pay for the maintenance, upkeep, implementation of emerging technologies and replacement of equipment used in the call taking process. With each year monies trend up and down depending on spending and needs of the PSAP. Using the NC 911 Board planning tool the PSAP is forecasted a 5-year rolling average for Kings Mountain Police PSAP funding in the amount of $111,000.00. This is adjusted and accounted for with our 5-year Strategic Technology Plan.
  Having a PSAP in Kings Mountain maintains continuity for the citizens and officers. It also ensures that citizens will get a live person who is in touch with the identity of the community, certified, skilled, and knowledgeable about the city and its geography. This helps to reduce dispatch time and response time in these emergencies.
  The Primary PSAP means that citizens can visit the police department 24-hours a day to relay information in person to a dispatcher, rather than to someone over a phone in the department lobby.
  Kings Mountain telecommunicators have passion for their work, and most were born, raised, and live in the city. The citizens they serve are their family, friends, and neighbors. Telecommunicators are servants at heart and want nothing more than to serve the citizens in their time of need, and to work with the officers to ensure that everyone goes home at the end of shift. The PSAP employs citizens of the city, offering generous salaries and benefits.
  Having a PSAP in Kings Mountain also maintains continuity for the citizens and officers and ensures that the citizens of the Kings Mountain will get a live person who is in touch with the identity of the community, certified, skilled, and knowledgeable about the city and its geography. This helps to reduce dispatch time and response time in these emergencies.
  Housing the PSAP at Kings Mountain Police Department is an asset to the city and the citizens for the safety and protection over lives and property. City of Kings Mountain is fortunate to be operating its own Primary PSAP. Having local telecommunications with highly trained and skilled professional ensures that the citizens get an employee within the city, other than an outside agency, providing them with the quality of service they expect and deserve in the quickest time possible.

By Loretta Cozart

Citizens celebrated the nation’s 246th birthday on Saturday, July 2 at Patriot’s Park, and Deal Park Walking Track in Kings Mountain, participating in a variety of activities throughout the day and enjoying music, fun, and fellowship together.
Thousands gathered in Patriots Park to enjoy inflatables, activities, and a variety of food and beverages during the day-long celebration. At 6:30 p.m., the Voltage Brothers played as both young and old danced to the music. At 9:45 p.m., a patriotic light show filled the skies above the Patriots Park as Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam danced with the crowd.
The largest fireworks show between Charlotte and Asheville began at Deal Park Walking Track at 9:45 p.m. Throughout city, fireworks could be seen and heard, as the community celebrated the nation’s independence together.

See more photos in B section of July 6, 2022 issue of KM Herald. 

By Loretta Cozart

Liberty Mountain: The Revolutionary Drama has returned to the Joy Performance Center at 202 S. Railroad Avenue for its seventh season. And for one actor, Liberty Mountain is more than a play. It is a family tradition.
Jeremy Trent Homesley of Cherryville has been cast in roles of Liberty Mountain since the first season, “I was drawn to the play for a combination of reasons: the opportunity to do theater and my love of history. I was working in Kings Mountain at a fabric company and Director Caleb Sigmon, and his wife Katy, came in to purchase fabric for the costumes that first year.”
He went on to say, “I had been thinking about auditioning and when Caleb and Katy walked through the door, it cinched it for me. I auditioned and was offered the role of Ferguson that first year. My wife Ashley says that I originated the role in the world premiere!” He reprised his role for three more seasons before taking a hiatus. This year, he has taken up the role once again.
   One might wonder why Jeremy decided to play Ferguson. He explains, “You must do the role justice, with honor and respect for the human who existed and was well-known. If you are going to embrace the story, you have to embrace all parts of it. And what an interesting person he was! He is a vital part of this story.”
   “Ferguson was Scottish, and people living here weren’t a lot different,” Jeremy says, referring to the Scots Irish who were Ulster Protestants who come to America from Ulster in Northern Ireland in search of land and religious freedom.
   “Many settlers here had Scottish and Irish accents,” Jeremy said. “And Ferguson, I think, represented the old world to them. I’m sure it was tempting to choose to side with him and stay loyal to the King.”
   Many who chose to oppose the crown had come to America with a chip on their shoulders, victims of poverty and hardship in Ireland and blaming their British landowners. They came to the colonies seeking both land and freedom to worship as they pleased.
   When the war moved south, both violently and suddenly, settlers were forced to choose sides. And that was not an easy task because their very lives, and the lives of their families, depended upon which side they chose. But a choice had to be made.
   This dilemma is key to understanding how civil war came to the Carolina backcountry in 1780. The story is real for many whose family members included both Loyalists and Patriots, whose ancestors founded this region, and the descendants who continue to live in Kings Mountain today. For many, the battled pitted brother against brother. To them this story is a part of their family history and Liberty Mountain brings their story to life.
   Over the years, the play has evolved. Jeremy says, “With Bob’s writing at the heart, the story has stayed true and has driven everything in a very consistent way. What has changed is this: what started as a traditional theater experience has now been combined with an outdoor theater experience. Over time, those two experiences have met in the middle.”
   He explains, “You can see how open the stage is because of our combat and choreography. The use of projection allows us to free up our stage. In the first two years, we had traditional set pieces and the stage was very cluttered. The fight scenes were limited because of space and access. By meeting in the middle and using a few moving set pieces, we keep the stage open like a traditional outdoor drama.”
   Jeremy Homesley, a native of Cherryville, is married to Ashley DeMar and together they have a son, Roan, named for Roan Mountain that is mentioned in the play. “We met during Liberty Mountain, and I proposed to her on the stage after one of the shows.” Jeremy says, “To us, Liberty Mountain is a family tradition.” His parents are Scott and Robin Homesley, also of Cherryville.
   This year’s performance features 21 actors, who share the story of people who lived in the backcountry of North and South Carolina, including the Martin family, who faced many tragedies in Scotland, Ireland, and America that lead them to support the Patriot cause. At times, the realities of their lives are too much to bear.
   Speaking of the actors, novelist, screenwriter, and playwright Bob Inman says, “I am so proud of this year’s cast. They are, youngest to oldest, professional, not just for Liberty Mountain, but for any play I’ve ever run. They are really, really, good.”
   “By the end of the first week, they had everything down. I mean everything, the fight scenes, the whole bit. The second week was just cleaning up,” he added. “They were able to run the whole play on the Friday night of the first week of rehearsal.”
  Liberty Mountain is an exciting, immersive story that keeps guests on the edge of their seats. Action on stage spills out into the audience as they become part of Continental Congress, hearing debates between colony delegates who determine the nation’s path toward independence.
   Gun and sword fights are action packed, as the drama unfolds before your eyes. Characters dressed in authentic period clothing with long rifles take you back in time over 241 years ago.
   Liberty Mountain performances are on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Sunday, July 17. Only two weekends remain to experience the drama that is Liberty Mountain. Fridays and Saturdays have 7:30 p.m. performances. Matinee performances run Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. The box office opens one hour before each performance. Tickets are available online at www.LibertyMountainDrama.com, by phone, 704-730-9408, or at the box office for walk-ups.
   Come 30-minutes early to attend our educational weapons display and other activities or stay after the show to Meet the Cast for autographs and photos. Adding to your revolutionary experience is a display of Revolutionary War historical portraits by renowned artist, Thomas Kelly Pauley.
   Questions should be directed to jim@kmlt.org or call the box office at 704-730-9408.
   Liberty Mountain is produced by Kings Mountain Little Theatre, Inc. with Gilbert and Jancy Patrick as the Presenting Sponsor. It is also funded in part by a grant from the Kings Mountain Tourism Development Authority.

By Loretta Cozart

On Friday, July 1, Kings Mountain Rescue Squad closed for good, marking the end of an era that spanned 64 years serving the people of Kings Mountain and surrounding communities.
During the 60th anniversary celebration in 2018, the Herald covered the event with a special article acknowledging the rescue squad for saving lives and serving the people.
Then Captain John Harris said, “Mayor Neisler attended the celebration, along with Fire Chief Frank Burns. We had three former Captains: Jonie Blanton, Johnnie Hutchins, and Preston Leonard. Many prior EMTs and their families joined us, too.
“For the last 60 years, the Kings Mountain Rescue Squad has served its citizens when their need is the most. The dedication of its members is second to none. Kings Mountain is lucky to have this service,” said Mayor Neisler.
According to Captain Harris, the Kings Mountain Rescue Squad was the first in Cleveland County and the second in the State of North Carolina.
When the squad went into service, it was known as the Cleveland County Life Saving and First Aid Crew, Inc. No matter  the  official name, when citizens need help, they depend upon the Kings Mountain Rescue Squad.
   Their very first call was to a drowning. “During July 1958, we responded to a call of a drowning on Lake James in Nebo, near Morganton,” Harris said. “We had 14 members, a panel truck, and a boat. We logged 1,000-man hours, but the victim was never recovered.”
   “For most folks I’ve worked with here, this job is a labor of love. EMTs see things that pull hard at your heart strings. Most of us have two jobs; we don’t do this for the money. We do it because we love what we do and do our best to help the community,” said Harris.
   Crews worked 12-hour shifts and had two EMTs on every truck. “We often had a third EMT in-training on a ‘ride along’ to sharpen the skills they learned in class. Folks trained with us from all over. Most recently we’ve had trainees from Cleveland Community College and from Gaston, Rutherford, and Cherokee counties,” Harris said.
   “Originally, the Kings Mountain Rescue Squad was located on Parker Street, with only two bays and cramped quarters. That location was their home for 50 years.” Harris said.
   EMTs spend a lot of time together during their 12-hour shifts. Harris said, “Former Captain Jonie Blanton described it best when he said, “We spent more time here than we did with our own families.”
For 60 years, the Kings Mountain Rescue Squad has helped every family in the Kings Mountain in one way or another. They have spent countless hours serving the citizens and saving many, many lives. Sadly, they could not save everyone.
   Harris commented, “When we lose someone, those days are the hardest. But when we do save someone’s life, that is a good day. And when their family members thank us, it makes us love the job even more. It doesn’t get any better than that!”
   Cleveland County Board of Commissioners voted to centrally administer Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Cleveland County during this year’s February 24-25 work session. The county commissioners were presented with recommendations with respect to emergency medical services. The county’s third- party consultant and medical director both recommended moving to a centrally administered EMS.
   Based on those recommendations. the Board of Commissioners decided that centrally administering the County’s EMS providers would be the most effective and efficient way to serve the citizens while meeting the increasing demand for services.
    The decision resulted in the closing of Kings Mountain Rescue Squad. Shelby Rescue, and Upper Cleveland Rescue. The County had granted these nonprofits franchises to operate within the County. At their website, the county stated that these service enhancements, as well as closest unit dispatch, will lead to reductions in response time and a higher level of patient care.
  Donna Rose, Former Director of Operations for Kings Mountain Rescue Squad, pointed out in the March interview that ambulance times would not be any faster because all calls are dispatched through 911. And the change will not enhance patient care either. “All staff receive the same training, no matter if they work for the Rescue Squad or Cleveland County EMS.”
   Employees once on the crew of Kings Mountain Rescue Squad were invited to apply for work with County EMS.
    Jonie Blanton, whose career with Kings Mountain Rescue Squad spanned 20-plus years, pointed out an interview with the Herald, “The rescue squad does far more than just provide ambulance service to the community. We also provide services for a variety of activities in Kings Mountain including concerts and festivals, the annual YMCA Jingle Bell Rockin’ Run, and Murphy’s Toy Run benefiting the Shriner’s Burn Center, Oxford Home for Children, King’s Mountain Police Department’s Toy Drive, and Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department.”
   “We provide classes in first aid and CPR. We have supported local COYID vaccination events and are here for the citizens whenever the need arises. Now we face closure of the Kings Mountain Rescue Squad.” he explained. “We hope the people of Kings Mountain will support us with the county commission, so we can continue providing excellent care for our citizens.”
   This decision by the county commission marks the end of an era for Kings Mountain. The service citizens chose to take on for themselves, are slowly being gobbled up by county government. It remains to be seen if response times will be better. If response times are slower, more will need to be done by the county to improve those times. It is the responsibility, and the duty of citizens to hold their elected officials accountable to see that their interests are taken into consideration.

The City of Kings Mountain’s Natural Gas Division, as part of their Capital Improvement Plan, has installed 3.1 miles of 8” steel natural gas pipeline.
This latest expansion will connect the city’s two natural gas gate stations, from York Rd. to Gage Rd. This expansion also extended underneath I-85 to what will become the city’s eleventh natural gas regulator station.
Once the new Gage Rd. gate station goes online which is anticipated to be the Fall of 2022, the city will then have another way to supply natural gas into the existing system should something happen to the station or feed at either place.
This new expansion greatly improves the city’s already safe and reliable natural gas distribution system. The final expansion stage of a complete natural gas loop around the city will take natural gas up Kings Mountain Blvd to Shelby Road, once this future expansion is completed the city will have completed their second utility to have a distribution loop encompassing the entire outer boundaries of the city.
The city recognized Heath & Associates, Dawn Development, First Cut, and the staff of the Natural Gas Division for the hard work in seeing this project completed.

Historians agree that the Battle of Kings Mountain in October 1780 turned the tide of the American Revolution and began the series of victories that led to the British surrender at Yorktown a year later. The rugged Patriot frontiersmen who defeated a larger, better-trained force of Loyalists at Kings Mountain secured for all of us the freedoms we enjoy today.
This is the seventh season of “Liberty Mountain,” the Revolutionary War Drama, at the Joy Performance Center in Kings Mountain. It’s a compelling story of the settling of the Carolinas by pilgrims from the Old World who came to our land to build new lives, raise good families, and worship as they pleased. The  production is an action-filled 90 minutes that
intimately portrays the lives of these hardy men, women, and children. It is an immersive experience of special effects, sights, and sounds. Audiences in our previous seasons have come away entertained and inspired.
“Liberty Mountain” features a cast of more than 20 actors in a fast-moving, action-packed drama. Playwright Robert Inman says, “The talented cast and crew bring our audience a production that is true to history, highly entertaining, and inspiring. Every American should know the story of Kings Mountain and the crucial role it played in granting us the freedoms we enjoy today.”
Director Caleb Sigmon has been guiding “Liberty Mountain” since its premier in 2014. He says, “We use the entire auditorium to bring the story to life. We immerse the audience in the action. It’s great entertainment for the entire family.”  The play incorporates authentic weapons and costumes.
“Liberty Mountain” opened on Friday, June 24, and additional performances are on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Sunday, July 17. Fridays and Saturdays have 7:30 p.m. performances. Matinee performances on Saturdays and Sundays begin at 3:00 p.m. The box office opens 1 hour before each performance. Tickets are available online www.LibertyMountainDrama.com, by phone, 704-730-9408, or at the box office for walk-ups.
On Monday, July 4 there will be a special matinee at 3:00 p.m. Liberty Mountain, it’s sponsors, and the cast use this performance to honor our military veterans and serving members with a free ticket to the show. Just let the person at the box office know of your service.
Come 30 minutes early to attend our educational weapons display and other activities or stay after the show to “Meet the Cast” for autographs and photos. Adding to your “revolutionary” experience is a display of Revolutionary War historical portraits by renowned artist, Thomas Kelly Pauley.
   Questions should be directed to jim@kmlt.org or call the box office at 704-730-9408.
   Liberty Mountain is produced by Kings Mountain Little Theatre, Inc. with Gilbert and Jancy Patrick as the Presenting Sponsor. It is also funded in part by a grant from the Kings Mountain Tourism Development Authority.

Celebrate our nation’s independence as the City of Kings Mountain presents Red, White, and Boom! On Saturday, July 2, 2022, the city will produce two events simultaneously to honor our country on its 246th birthday.
Bring your family to Patriots Park in Downtown for food trucks and inflatables. DJ Tony Cutlass and Eric Bowman will MC the event from Liberty Falls Amphitheatre. The Voltage Brothers will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. An amazing patriotic laser light show will take over Patriots Park at 9:45 p.m.
The City of Kings Mountain will present their signature, unrivaled fireworks display at 9:45 p.m. as well from the Deal Park Walking Track (located behind the YMCA) with music that syncs to your radio at 101.1 FM.
Whether you choose to celebrate from Patriots Park (220 South Railroad Avenue) or the Deal Park Walking Track (211 North Cleveland Avenue), Red, White and Boom in Kings Mountain will be a blast.
For more information on both Red, White and Boom celebrations, contact the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department at 704-730-2101, or visit their website at www.KingsMountainEvents.Com/red-white-boom. You may also visit their Facebook page at @cityofkmspecialevents.

On June 30, Chief Lisa Proctor retires after serving over 30 years of service to the Police Dept, City staff, and the citizens of Kings Mountain.
“Congratulations to Chief Proctor and we wish her well in her next chapter in life. Interim Chief, Chris Moore, would like to thank all the citizens of Kings Mountain and the City staff for their support to the Kings Mountain Police Department,” Marilyn Sellers said.
“As the Interim Chief, I would like everyone to know that the standards and Police service to the citizens of Kings Mountain will not change and we will continue to serve with integrity as the city continues to evolve and grow,” Moore said. “Our partnerships with the community will still be of upmost importance to this agency and I hope that you will continue to support our men and women within the agency while we make a transition over to a new Chief of Police for our department.”

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain Police Chief Lisa Proctor will retire after 30 years and 3 months of service to the city at the end of June. In that time, she has served under six police chiefs, including her husband, Melvin. She has risen through the ranks from patrol officer to chief, serving in various roles in between, as a D.A.R.E. officer, patrol sergeant, and investigation of narcotics, ABC, and child abuse cases.
Throughout her career, she has leaned on her faith to get her through tough cases and interviews and will continue to serve the Lord after her retirement.
In late May, husband Melvin suffered a heart attack. After surgery and prayer, Melvin is doing much better. “While his heart attack didn’t have anything to do with my decision, I can’t stop thinking that it just confirmed that we had made the right decision.”
Chief Proctor attended Basic Law Enforcement Training at Isothermal Community College and graduated in October 1992 with the top score on the state exam. She took a part-time job right out of school at Shelby Police Department. “I even graduated wearing a Shelby Police Department uniform,” she recalls.
While there, she heard of an opening at Kings Mountain Police Department and was interviewed and hired by Warren Goforth on March 30, 1992. Her first job was a patrol officer, and she soon had an opportunity to go to D.A.R.E. school, where she graduated as a top team member.
She recalls that a Sergeants job came open after her training, but just before school started back. And even though she was selected as the top candidate, she felt an obligation to the city to fill the D.A.R.E. role because she did not want to waste the city’s money or let the school children down. She turned down two sergeant promotions to fulfill her D.A.R.E. responsibilities.
A narcotics position opened and she took sergeants exam, and was selected. She took the job and eventually worked in an investigative role in narcotics, ABC, and child abuse cases for 18-years. “I found working the child abuse cases to be the most rewarding. These cases meant so much to me because it has a permanent impact on the victim’s life to help them bring closure,” Chief Proctor said.
“To this day, I remember a case in which I was interviewing a young woman. She was where she was because of things that happened to her during her childhood. I conducted a forensic interview and we talked, and I learned her story. In time, she went on to graduate Gardner-Webb University with honors and has an excellent job now. It blesses my heart. If you can make the difference in a person’s life, it is worth it.”
Chief Proctor has also done undercover work from Kings Mountain all the way to Wadesboro and has done undercover work buying narcotics for Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, Shelby Police Department, Wadesboro Police and everywhere in between. “I love taking drug dealers to jail. I’ve been involved in Operation Sleigh Ride, Operation Street Sweeper, and Blue Thunder; I can’t remember them all. We would arrest from 10 – 50 people at a time,” she said. “We didn’t have a big investigative team then, so I worked those cases. I handled the biggest drug bust in the city by our police department and I am proud of that because it impacted our community by taking those drug dealers to jail.”
Chief Proctor is also proud of the support given to the police department by the community. “It has taken years to develop, and we get support from everyone in the community. What we have here is very special and it is important to continue those relationships,” said Chief Proctor.
“When Chief Tessneer was promoted, he asked me to be his Assistant Chief. After his death, I applied for the Chief’s job and was selected. This job, from patrol to chief, is a calling. If you can stay in this job more than a year or two, it is a calling,” Chief Proctor said.
“As Chief, I was asked about my feelings after an officer’s being shot during a recent press conference. I promise you, to this day I cannot remember what I said. I didn’t think I should answer, but I heard a voice telling me, ‘Lisa, tell him how you feel,” and it just poured out of me. It wasn’t my message, it was God’s,” she said. That video went viral and made national news.
She went on to say, “I’ve never been able to separate my job from my faith. It is humbling to know that the God who created the heavens and the Earth would help me in little things and in big things.”
Once retired, Lisa Proctor will continue serving the Lord through her ministry at Penley’s Chapel Church in Kings Mountain, where she directs the music ministry. In addition, she has been invited to conduct Cowboy Church in October in Oklahoma and hopes to have more invitations, especially since she will have some free time on her hands.
Regarding Chief Proctor’s career, Mayor Neisler said, “We as a community are so lucky to have had Lisa as our Police Chief. She is the first woman police chief for our city, and she has done a stellar job. She is a role model to everyone that with hard work and dedication, you can achieve anything you want in life.”
City Manager Marilyn Sellers said, “Chief Proctor has served the City of Kings Mountain with integrity and professionalism for more than 30 years.  She has touched many lives and I want to thank her for being a true example of what it is to be a public servant. Her leadership has not only made our city safer but better. Her impact will serve the city well for many years to come.”
Assistant Chief Chris Moore was selected to take the role Interim Chief at Kings Mountain Police Department upon Chief Proctors retirement. The city has advertised the position and is taking applications currently.

Have you heard the news?
 For the first time in the 23 year history of the NC BeachBlast Festival, Kings Mountain will welcome a national act to headline the event.
Who is this national act?
The City of Kings Mountain will welcome The Original Drifters to the NC BeachBlast Festival, August 20, 2022.
The NC BeachBlast Festival is a two-day event kicking off Friday, August 19, 2022.
More details including a full line-up coming soon!

By Loretta Cozart

Downtown restaurant, 133 West selected Kings Mountain Gateway Trail as their sponsored non-profit in the month of June for “Taco about Tuesday - Beef Our Community.”
Five percent of Tuesday sales for the month of June will be donated to the Gateway Trail. The restaurant is open 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and looks forward to a great month supporting this Kings Mountain non-profit.
133 West is located at 133 West Mountain Street in downtown Kings Mountain. Due to Streetscape work, West Mountain Street is closed for construction. However, the Cherokee Street parking lot behind the restaurant is open with ample parking. A sidewalk leading from the parking lot provides easy access to the restaurant for dine-in or carryout. For more information, call 704-750-4100.

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, volunteers are needed 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. They will be closed Christmas Eve and are always closed on Sundays and Mondays.
   No experience is  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.

Heavy traffic is expected in Downtown Kings Mountain, June 4, as The City of Kings Mountain hosts the Live Music at Patriots Park Concert Series and Cruise-In.
Roads impacted during the events will be Railroad Avenue, West Gold Street and a portion of West Mountain and South Cansler Streets. As a result, the City is offering Shuttle Pick-Up and Drop-Off at the following locations:
• First Baptist Church-Located at 605 West King Street
• Parkdale Mill-Located at 500 South Railroad Avenue
• Patrick Senior Center-Located at 909 East Kings Street
Shuttle service will begin at 4:00 PM and end at 11:00 PM.
The City urges patrons to use the shuttle services as parking will be scarce in the downtown.
Motorists are urged to use extreme caution when traveling through Downtown Kings Mountain due to the increase in motor vehicles and pedestrians. Please plan to travel different roads if you are impacted by road closures.
For more information on the Concert Series or Cruise-In, contact the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department at 704-730-2101, or visit their website at www.KingsMountainEvents.Com. You may also visit their Facebook page at @cityofkmspecialevents.