National Night Out
Aug. 3 at Patriots Park

The City of Kings Mountain will celebrate National Night Out, Tuesda3y, August 3, at the Gazebo in Patriots Park.
This special event gives the community the opportunity to meet local law enforcement and first responders while offering food, music and a variety of family friendly activities.
Community Partners such as Safe Kids of Cleveland County and Kings Mountain YMCA, will be on hand with games and activities as well. Special guests include Cleveland Community College’s Yeti mascot and Chase from Paw Patrol.
National Night Out is an annual event designed to strengthen communities by encouraging neighborhoods to engage in stronger relationships with each other and with the local law enforcement partners.
Great food, fun games, inflatables and much more are available! All the fun starts in Patriots Park at 6 pm. Patriots Park is located at 220 South Railroad Avenue. Due to this special event, a portion of Railroad Avenue and West Gold Street surrounding Patriots Park will be closed beginning at 5:30pm, August 3, and remain closed or barricaded until 9:30 pm. Please use extreme caution when traveling in the area due to the increase in motor vehicles and pedestrians. Please plan to travel different roads if you are impacted by this change.
For more information on National Night Out, 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.

Equus Partners received approval for 300,000 sq. ft. shell building
and financial incentives

By Loretta Cozart

During last month’s city council meeting, Equus Partners received approval from Kings Mountain City council to construct a 300,000 sq. ft. shell building and to provide financial incentives for Project Joe. The item had been continued from the May City Council meeting.
Planning Director Stuart Gilbert shared some background on the project, reminding City council that in March 2020 Council approved a spec building on the site with financial incentives. In the interim, a new economic development policy was put into place. “The former project was for a manufacturing building, but the new project is for a warehouse/distribution center. City council’s approval allows Equus Partners to receive financial incentives in either case,” Gilbert said.
Tom Johnson, attorney for Equus Partners spoke in favor of the project and thanked City council for considering the request.
Councilman Allen made the motion to approve a developer agreement to construct the 300,000 sq. ft. shell building and provide financial incentives. City council voted unanimously to approve. The closest access point to the property is from Sara Lee Access Road near Hanes Brands.

Screen shot 2021 07 29 at 9.47.15 am — The Joy Theater Complex. Photo by Loretta Cozart

KMLT announces
renovations at the Joy

To become one of the leading entertainment venues in the region

Kings Mountain Little Theatre, its officers, and Board of Directors announce their next major project for the Joy Performance Center and the Liberty Mountain Garden. A major project that many, especially the Ladies, have been hoping for is a restroom renovation and expansion. The time is now!
This major renovation will enhance the original Joy Theater design elements for the façade, will extend the lobby area, and add bathrooms. All these elements will be features of the project. The Joy and the Liberty Mountain Garden are already a cornerstone of downtown Kings Mountain. This project will transform the complex into one of the leading entertainment venues in the region!
KMLT will soon celebrate 20 years at the Joy. During those years KMLT has accomplished a great deal with the generous support of the community, allowing them to successfully complete numerous projects to enhance their facility.
   The campaign allows for a one-time donation or up to a five-year pledge with a variety of giving levels.
The campaign’s goal is ambitious, approaching $595,000. However, they have already received initial pledges from local families that are helping make this monumental campaign a reality. KMLT’s officers and Board are 100 percent in support of the project with their pledges.
   KMLT is a tax-exempt, 501c3 non-profit and will provide a receipt for any donation.
   Please contact Jim Champion for further information at jim@kmlt.org or 704-730-9408. Kings Mountain Little Theatre appreciates your support.

Scenes from KM’s LIVE
at Patriots Park Concert and Cruise-In

Patriots Park was filled to overflowing during last week's Concert and Cruise-in featuring D.J. Jim Shaefer and the Voltage Brothers.

Photos by Loretta Cozart and Angela Padgett

Mayor posing with the dukes of hazard car

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Screen shot 2021 07 22 at 9.29.02 am — Pictured left to right: Mike and Bryan Butler in front of the new eight-bay facility at 404 E. King Street. Photo by Loretta Cozart

Butler continues the family’s
reputation for quality auto service

By Loretta Cozart

When Mike Butler decided to open Butler’s Garage in 1995, little did he know that his son, Bryan, who was about to graduate college at UNC-Charlotte, would follow in his footsteps twenty-four years later. Mike started the business after taking early retirement from Winn-Dixie when the Kings Mountain store announced it was closing. He opened a one-bay garage at 205 E. King Street and over the years, the business expanded to three-bays.
“Opening a garage wasn’t such a far reach for my dad. His father, Claude ‘Smokie’ Butler, was a backyard mechanic who taught his kids mechanical BUTLER
work; they had a garage on their property. Dad started buying equipment and pretty soon he was doing a lot of the pre-work with Kings Mountain Auto Sales, getting their cars ready to sell. They kept him really, really busy. His reputation just grew from there. He always had cars in the lot and had the reputation for hiring good mechanics,” Bryan said of his dad.
After college, Bryan became a commercial relationship banker with a huge territory in western NC and worked in that field for 25-years. I did a lot of driving,” he recalls. “One day, dad came to me and said he was going to retire. Mom had retired and he was ready to do so, too. The more I thought about it, I thought maybe I could take the business, grow it, and have someone run it for me. My wife, Stephanie, was supportive of me and said we were in a good place in our lives to try and that I should go for it. When I asked dad about it, he said he thought that would be cool.”
Two years later, Bryan and Stephanie bought a lot at 404 E. King Street, just down the block from the shop’s old location. “The rest is history. I disappeared from the banking industry and started doing this. I just wish I had done it 10-years earlier.”
Mike now helps in the business. “I put dad on special projects. He’s my go-to-guy for the motors and the bigger jobs that we get around here; I don’t think I’ve ever seen him happier. To be able to work with my dad now is really great, because I had been away from Kings Mountain for a long time.”
Butler’s Tire and Auto Service currently has eight-bays, with a mechanic working in each. They shop specializes in full-service work and are one of a few in town that do. “We do everything, from tires, to engines, to transmissions. Some places won’t do valve cover gaskets, but we do it all - including tires. We are a one-stop-shop,” Bryan said. “And we keep all the work in-house.”
“We bought all-new ROTARY® equipment when we opened this shop. They are well-known for lifts and alignment machines. And we are the only shop in town with a zero entry lift, so low cars like Corvettes can drive straight onto the lift and not worry about rubbing. People who lower their cars can come here and to get alignments and things like that.”
Bryan says he focuses on customer service, offering a 2-year warranty on most repairs. “We are a good old family business with a good reputation. If someone is unhappy about something, they can just come talk with me. I’ll be glad to have a conversation with them and make it right.” Bryan said, “Our reputation is something I want to continue to build upon. That’s why we have been for around so long.”
When asked where he sees the business going, Bryan said, “I feel we are going to continue to grow. We’ve got two-acres here and have plenty of room if we want to expand. I am always looking for other ventures, like popular franchises that might be a hit here. I own the property next to me it has good road frontage on King Street. So, I keep my options open.”
“But my first job is to make sure this place does really well. So far, it’s been really good. We are growing every month and that’s all you can ask for,” he said. “I am excited I am part of the future here. If I’m going to do this, I’m going to do it right. I want everyone to come here and feel comfortable while they sit in the lobby. Customers can watch TV and enjoy a free water or coffee. If you have to get your car fixed, and you have to stay here, I want you to be comfortable. This is my vision built on my father’s reputation.”
When asked about the 1948 Ford he drives around town, Bryan shared the story. “We moved back to Kings Mountain about a year ago and we were looking for a house with property. We came across the Herndon residence and went to see it. That truck was in the garage. So I asked, ‘Does the truck come with the house?’” It did, and Bryan didn’t have to do anything to the truck; he drives it as he found it. “All I did was put stickers on the side and put gas in it. That’s it. It is definitely a conversation starter.”
Bryan Butler and wife Stefanie now live in Kings Mountain with their two boys, Ethan, 20, a junior at Virginia Tech, and Corbin, 9, who is in the fourth grade. One day, Bryan may have a similar conversation with his sons about taking over Butler’s Tire and Auto Service. But for now, he’s glad to be back home in Kings Mountain with his family carrying on the family tradition in a business his father started over 25 years ago.

Appalachian Gear Company ramps
up production with new KM facility

Appalachian Gear Company, an outdoor lifestyle company specializing in American-made performance apparel and gear, is proud to announce its expansion into a new manufacturing facility in Kings Mountain. The move allows the brand to significantly increase production of its award-winning All-Paca™ products, while creating jobs in the Charlotte metropolitan area.
Over the past 30 years, Appalachian Gear Company’s founders watched apparel manufacturing leave the United States. Since getting started in Charlotte in 2018, App Gear Co has always manufactured 100% of its fabric in its own facility, with product assembly taking place at various factories across the Southeastern U.S. As demand grew for the brand’s unique performance Hoodies, Crews, accessories, and gear, it became clear it was time to find a larger space that could accommodate the pace of manufacturing needed to keep up. As a result, App Gear Co’s founders returned to their roots and relocated to historic Kings Mountain, where they started their first-ever manufacturing operation. By staying in North Carolina, App Gear Co is able to have better oversight of the manufacturing process, ensure the production of higher quality garments and gear, and guarantee employees have a safe working environment.
“App Gear Co really started growing two years ago as more people began to find out about us, and then COVID struck,” says John Gage, co-founder of Appalachian Gear Company. “Ironically, 2020 was the year that our brand’s public awareness exploded, and we really struggled to keep up with demand in the face of global supply chain issues that impacted our flow of raw material from Peru. I know to a lot of folks, the decision to find a bigger, better space to grow our business in the midst of all that was unthinkable, but we just see it as staying true to the entrepreneurial spirit that helped us start the brand in the first place.”
Appalachian Gear Company is an outdoor lifestyle company specializing in performance-based clothing and equipment manufactured in the United States. We combine decades in the textile industry with countless miles logged on trails across the country to introduce innovative and environmentally friendly products that provide performance and value. Our All-Paca garments are made from 100% Alpaca fiber and deliver unmatched breathability, comfort, and performance with less impact on the environment than synthetics. We understand the importance of Getting Out and Staying Out, and believe time spent in the outdoors leads to a happier, healthier life. Learn more at appalachiangearcompany.com.
Production has commenced at the new facility, with a ribbon cutting ceremony in the plans for July. For more information, visit appalachiangearcompany.com.

Screen shot 2021 07 22 at 9.26.31 am — Pictured left to right: John Gage and Mike Hawkins in the new KM plant.

Screen shot 2021 07 22 at 9.26.38 am — Workers install machinery in new Kings Mountain facility. Photos by Appalachian Gear Company

Screen shot 2021 07 22 at 9.55.22 am — One of many products offered by Appalachian Gear Company is their All-Paca Beanie.

Screen shot 2021 07 22 at 9.55.15 am — Getting the facility ready. (Photos by Appalachian Gear Company)

Community partners host a free Healthcare
Olympics resource drive-thru event

On Thursday July 29, from 3 – 5 pm, the Cleveland County Health Department, Department of Social Services, and other community partners are hosting the Healthcare Olympics, a drive-thru community resource fair with free giveaways including, but not limited to diapers, wipes, medicine lock boxes, goodie bags, and more!
The event will take place in the front parking lot of the Cleveland County Public Health Center located at 200 S Post Rd, Shelby. Come learn more about the services offered at the Cleveland County Health Department and Department of Social Services, Safe Kids Cleveland County, Child Care Connections, Cleveland County Partnership for Children, Medicaid Transformation, and more! The event is open to everyone.
Safe Kids Cleveland County will be demonstrating the dangers of hot cars. Diapers were donated by March of Dimes and Seventh Generation.
“Due to our involvement in the COVID-19 response, the Cleveland County Health Department has had more interaction with county residents and community partners than ever”, said DeShay Oliver, Deputy Health Director. “However, we want people to know that while disease prevention and mitigation is a major role of public health, we offer a broad array of health services at the health department. This drive-thru is an opportunity for the health department and many of our community partners to educate community members about the services available to them while also providing free resources to help support healthy lifestyles in a COVID-friendly and convenient drive-thru format.”
For more information, call 980-484-5336 to speak with Nurse-Family Partnership Nursing Supervisor, Dashé Lawton.

Never leave a child alone in a car, not even for a minute

In response to the latest hot weather, Kings Mountain Police Department has partnered with Safe Kids Cleveland County to host a Hot Car Awareness event.
Using a large digital thermometer to display the temperature inside and outside a vehicle, Chief Lisa Proctor and Detective Sergeant Lance Hamrick demonstrate how temperatures can quickly climb to dangerous levels. The Kings Mountain Police Department used the display to show the difference in a car’s temperature one hour apart. The photos show the drastic change in a very short period. Last year, a total of 26 kids died in the North Carolina, related to being left in hot cars. Since 1990, 212 children have died across the US.
As evidenced in the display, a vehicle parked outside with temperatures in the high 80s, can see temperatures rise inside the vehicle at 88.4 degrees to 133 degrees in one hour. At the two-hour mark, the car’s internal temperature reached 145 degrees.
“The unfortunate thing is that these tragedies are completely avoidable,” said Jessica Crawford Safe Kids Coordinator for Cleveland County. “By taking simple steps, we can help one another prevent the tragedy of child heatstroke.”
In the last 20 years, Safe Kids from all over the world have partners with agencies such as Kings Mountain Police Department to bring awareness and prevent deaths to children ages 0-18. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, children are more at risk of heatstroke as their body heat rises three to five times faster than an adult.
On an 80-degree day, the inside of a closed car can, within minutes, exceed 100 degrees. Cracking a window does not help keep the inside of a car cool.
Awareness campaigns, such as Safe Kids N.C.’s “Look Before You Lock” campaign, along with hot car displays, help educate the public on the grave dangers of leaving a child in the car for just one minute.
Detective Hamrick stated, “we feel it is our duty to not only protect our smallest citizens but to help prevent unnecessary injury and death when possible.”
Please spread the word to never leave a child alone in a car not even for a minute.
Safe Kids North Carolina reaches out to parents, caregivers, and children to prevent childhood injuries. For more information, visit www.ncsafekids.org.
The display was moved to Patriots Park for the car show and concert last weekend to bring additional awareness and exposure to more people in other communities as well.

Library renovations
now complete

During the last year, Mauney Memorial Library has undergone some much needed renovations, including a new roof, plasterwork, paint, window restoration, new storm windows, and new flooring. The efforts taken by the city have returned the luster to this community landmark.
One of the first projects was to restore the windows throughout the home, and there are more than forty of them. Each window had to be removed and taken off-site to clean, remove years of old paint, repaint, and Library reglaze. It was a painstaking process, but worth the effort.
Storm windows were also installed and are allowed under the house’s designation with the National Historic Register because the original windows are single-pane, and the storms will help protect them. The cost to restore the windows and add storms was approximately $75,000 - $80,000.
Library Director Christina Martin explained the process, “All the windows were marked and each one removed. After the windows were restored, each window was returned to its original space. We learned that a small detail in each window indicated the wealth of Dr. J.G. Hord. The window company owner came to give us an estimate and he touched this little piece of gingerbread and asked, ‘Do you know what that means? It means they had money.’”
The small pieces of gingerbread in each window were hand carved, which took time and added to the cost of the home. The house was built in a time when Kings Mountain had fewer than 3,000 people, and the majority of the homes in town were built by the mill at a cost of $1,200 or less. Yes, Kings Mountain did have its share of nicer homes at the time, but the majority were modest dwellings for millworkers and shopkeepers. Without records, it is unclear the exact cost to build the Hord Mansion, but from the home’s detail one can see that Dr. Hord was a wealthy man.
Another project undertaken by the city was new flooring. The mansion’s original floors are wood, which give and flex when walked upon. In years past, tile was installed over the wood, but it cracked due to flexing. Now the entire main floor of the original 1923 mansion has luxury vinyl plank flooring installed. It continues from the front door throughout the original structure. The house also had two additions, one in 1988 and the other in 2000. “Our plan is to extend this flooring to those areas when the budget allows to give the three areas a single cohesive look,” Martin said.
Another touch to unify the facility is new paint. The original home has been painted a lovely blue/gray paint color and the trim repainted white. It adds a soothing mood to the space and encourages readers to relax and enjoy their time at the library. The front room to the right of the foyer is now a reading room. In years past, it housed the card catalogue and, later, four computers. Now seating once again invites readers to sit and read.
Last spring, the roof was replaced. The original tiles had seen better days and water was leaking into the house, so much so that plaster on the ceilings and walls had to be replaced in several rooms upstairs after repairs were complete. The new roof is metal, made with a similar pattern and color to the original clay tiles. This roof should protect the structure for decades, if not longer.
“We are getting away from paper signs here at the library. Using the Cricut machine that we have in our MakersSpace, we made signs in-house that gives Mauney Memorial Library a more polished look. We utilized the city’s new color scheme and that adds a nice touch, too,” she said.
When asked about the genealogy collection, Martin replied, “We have the history and genealogy in the main collection. However, any items that we only have one of are housed in our archive room upstairs and visitors can request to see those files. We have filing cabinets filled with family histories and church histories upstairs to keep them safe.”
Aside from the roof and windows, the front columns of the Hord Mansion were also repaired, due to cracks in the stucco. A pink substance was put on them as part of the repair process. “Several folks called us about that, and we reassured them it was only temporary,” Martin shared.
Most visitors do not go upstairs in the library, but these rooms once housed a teacherage and apartments for a time. Now they serve as an office, storage, archive, and a break area. Over the years, the floors became worn, and the roof leaked allowing water to enter. The ceilings and walls have been replastered and the floors refinished. And city employees have taken an interest in the project. “Every light fixture up here period to the 1920s. Lights on either side of the hallway are cast. One is stamped 1914 and the other 1920. One of the guys in public works is an antiques collector and he found two crystal lights from a house built in 1920 and he gave them to us. He is a good friend of the library,” said Martin.
The parlor, a smaller room sandwiched between what were once two bedrooms, sits behind the Juliette balcony seen from the front of the house. Before the renovation it was a work room, with a copier and other office equipment stored there. After restoration, it has taken its place again as a parlor just outside the Librarian’s office. The room has been replastered and repainted, and the floors now restored. Martin shared, “When guests and dignitaries visit, as did city council last week, we welcome them in the parlor. It is the little jewel of this home. The transformation is just amazing and it is now a relaxing space.”
“During the renovation, some molding was missing upstairs, so Darryl Dixon took a piece to Cleveland Lumber and they made us new molding to match,” Martin said. “I was really impressed with their work, I must say.”
Future renovation plans for the library include replacing the shingles roofing on the additions with a metal roof also.
We would also like to extend the luxury vinyl flooring to the additions too, to give better flow to the entire house.
“When the question comes up if we are moving anytime soon, I tell people we aren’t going anywhere. This is where we are going to be,” Martin says with a smile.
While the library bears the name of Jacob S. Mauney, the Mauney’s never lived in this home. Dr. J.G. Hord built this home for his family in the early 1920s. It is believed to be the first building in town designed by an architect, but no plans exist, and the architect’s name is not known. Two years were required to build the house. After its completion in 1923, Mrs. Hord was known to have beautiful roses and flowers in formal gardens on the property. The Hord family was large and social, and the house offered a great vantage point from which to watch President Hoover’s 1930 ride through town, which one of the Hord daughters remembers doing. Dr. Hord died three years after moving into the house.
In 1947, the children of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob S. Mauney decided to buy the Hord mansion and donate it to the city in memory of their parents as a home for the library. It was a fitting memorial to the couple who had been so actively involved in the education and betterment of Kings Mountain.

Screen shot 2021 07 22 at 9.33.32 am — Two-story columns on the front porch had to be repaired and repainted as part of the renovation.

Screen shot 2021 07 22 at 9.34.05 am — Due to a leaky roof, the plaster failed and had to be redone. This is the parlor before renovation.

Screen shot 2021 07 22 at 9.33.55 am — Luxury vinyl plank tile has been installed throughout the original 1923 mansion’s downstairs footprint.

Screen shot 2021 07 22 at 9.34.14 am — Signs for the library using the city’s new color scheme, are made using their MakerSpace Cricut machine.

Screen shot 2021 07 22 at 9.34.31 am — After renovation, the parlor has been replastered and restored to its proper use as a quiet spot for family members to relax. The library uses it for a gathering spot and to welcome guests.

Screen shot 2021 07 22 at 9.33.27 am — Two chandeliers, which are period to homes of this age, were donated to the library. Photos by Loretta Cozart

City of Kings Mountain
adopts new Unified Development Ordinance

By Kimberly Herndon,
Senior Planner,
City of Kings Mountain
Planning Department

On Tuesday, June 29, City Council adopted the City of Kings Mountain Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The UDO provides regulations for land use and development in the City of Kings Mountain and its Extra Territorial Jurisdiction. The new ordinance replaces the City of Kings Mountain Zoning Ordinance, originally adopted in December of 1996, and the City of Kings Mountain Subdivision Ordinance, originally adopted in April of 1996, and all of the subsequent amendments. These ordinances had long served the community. With changing times, it was time for the ordinances to changes as well.
   The need for a UDO came about as a result of a number of factors. In 2019, the North Carolina General Assembly adopted a complete reorganization of the state’s planning and development regulations. State standards from 1905 to present day were revised, consolidated, and clarified. The new Chapter 160D mandated that every city and county development regulation in the state to be updated by January 1, 2021. Due to the effects of Covid 19 a six-month extension was allowed, thus bringing the new deadline to July 1, 2021. The City of Kings Mountain UDO became effective on July 1, 2021 in compliance with the state law.
   The city planning staff worked with Kendig Keast Collaborative, a consulting firm known for their work in land use codes and specializing in performance zoning. Bret Keast, Principal, and Kelli McCormick, Senior Associate, worked with the city planning staff to evaluate the existing city ordinances and draft a new unified ordinance to carry the city into the future. A series of community meetings were held via Zoom and in-person. The City Planning & Zoning Board hosted public input sessions, board workshops, and participated in joint workshops with city council. Edits and public hearings continued until the time the ordinance was adopted.
   One goal of the UDO process was to make the code more user friendly and understandable. The entire ordinance was moved to EnCode Plus software. The use of EnCode allows the ordinance to be easily accessed by any from the city’s web site. The code is now a searchable document and can easily lead users to the sections in which they have interest with a simple search by topic. Reference sections appear as interactive links for easy access to charts, tables, and diagrams. Definitions are also linked to text for clarity.
Another feature of the software is its link to the official zoning map. Once updated, users can search by property address and easily access zoning information as well as information linked to the Cleveland and Gaston County GIS databases. The map function will go live once the official zoning map is updated with the proper zoning terminology.
   The UDO replaced the old Euclidian zoning model that had been used since the 1990’s with a hybrid zoning classification system that merges aspects of Euclidian zoning with performance based zoning. In so doing, the zoning classifications were changed.
   An example of this type of update that effects residential properties is in the difference between the old Residential-10 zoning and the new Suburban Residential Classification. Residential 10 (R-10) zoning was converted to Suburban Residential (SR). The Suburban Residential (SR) classification now allows for three different development types based upon the desired character of a neighborhood. Standard lots (S) is most similar to the old R-10 designation. Cluster (C) and Planned (PL) are additional designations in this classification that allow for higher density development upon compliance with additional development standards. This approach allows housing to be addressed with residential standards, allow for clustering, and bonus techniques compatible with resource protection and quality design.
   The UDO and the related Official Zoning Map are the first steps in moving the development and land uses forward. The City of Kings Mountain and surrounding ETJ are currently experiencing record growth and development requests. Ensuring that land use compatibility is maintained, and that growth is managed in a controlled fashion are critical to community development and sustainability. Development guidelines can often be perceived as difficult or overbearing. In reality, good development is always welcome in a community and encouraged. Development increases the tax base, allows for variety of housing options, new commerce, new jobs, and quality of life.
   The UDO can be accessed on the City of Kings Mountain website on the Community Planning & Economic Development page. The link is: http://online.encodeplus.com/regs/kingsmountain-nc-update/
   The UDO and official zoning map did not make broad scale changes to zoning classifications. If your property was zoned residential prior to July 1, 2021 it is still zoned residential today. The name of the zone has changed. Some changes have been made in allowances and setbacks within zoning classifications. A table of uses is included in the UDO that outlines what uses are permitted in each of the zones. Some uses require special use permits and other uses are limited. Terms and definitions are included to provide clarity. Questions and concerns about land use and the UDO may be addressed to the planning office.
   Zoning permits, rezoning applications, subdivision requests, address requests, and text amendments will be handled as in the past. Forms for such requests continue to be available online. In the near future, these forms will be moved to OpenGov, a new online format being implemented by city staff. At that time, all new applications will come through the online portal and be reviewed by staff.
   A new zoning map will be generated in conjunction with the comprehensive plan that is being written. The City of Kings Mountain had paused its work on the Vision 2040 Comprehensive Plan due to Covid 19 and the inability to host community input sessions in person. The planning staff has restarted these efforts and will work to complete the new plan by the end of 2021/early 2022. Based upon the findings of the comprehensive plan and analysis of existing land uses, economic forecasts, development needs of the community, and supply of undeveloped land, the zoning map will be updated to meet the needs of the future of the community. Public input is welcomed as this process moves forward.

The Voltage Brothers to appear
LIVE in Kings Mountain July 17

Concert third show of the
LIVE at
Patriots Park
Concert Series

It’s Electric! The City of Kings Mountain welcomes legendary entertainers The Voltage Brothers to Patriots Park and the Liberty Falls Amphitheatre, July 17, 2021 for the third concert of the Live at Patriots Park Concert Series.
Founded in 1969, The Voltage Brothers celebrate 52 years in show business covering five decades of Motown, Rhythm and Blues, Beach, Classic Rock, and much more!
The group has traveled the world with renowned artists such as, Frank Sinatra, Kool & The Gang, Gladys Knight and the Pips and Earth, Wind & Fire. “We are so excited to be back in North Carolina,” says Ray Williams original member of The Voltage Brothers. “We have so many friends in the area and greatly appreciate the support.”
Named the Country’s number one #1 show band, The Voltage Brothers have performed at nine Super Bowls and played George W. Bush’s 2000 Presidential Inauguration.
The Voltage Brothers are not the only legends who will take the stage July 17. The City of Kings Mountain will welcome Magic 96.1 well-known DJ and member of the Band of Gold, Jim Shafer, as Master of Ceremonies as well. Shafer will open the show at 6:00 pm. The Voltage Brothers will follow at 7:00 pm.
A Cruise-In, also hosted by the City of Kings Mountain, will begin at 5:00 pm. Want to participate? All makes and models are welcome.
Food trucks, concessions, games and beverages will be available as well.
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.

Screen shot 2021 07 14 at 3.16.49 pm — Jim Shafer

Charlotte radio legend Jim Shafer to appear in Kings Mountain July 17

The City of Kings Mountain will welcome Shafer, who, along with Greg “Eggman” Moore and Liz Luke, was a part of Magic 96.1 FM’s morning show “Shafer and The Eggman”, as Master of Ceremonies for The Voltage Brothers concert, Saturday, July 17, 2021.
Born in upstate New York, Shafer’s radio career has taken him to St. Louis, Tampa, Cleveland, New York, and Charlotte.
Having spent nearly 25 years in Charlotte radio, Shafer is no stranger to the music scene either. In 1996, he founded the popular group, The Band of Gold. Three years later The Band of Gold was headlining Kings Mountain’s very first BeachBlast Festival. The band continues to tour.
Shafer continues to work in radio serving as a volunteer DJ on WSGE 97.1 FM, Gaston College’s on campus radio station. He also serves as Master of Ceremonies for the Carolina Beach Music Association Awards.
The Voltage Brothers concert is a part of the LIVE at Patriots Park Concert Series and Cruise-In hosted by the City of Kings Mountain. Jim Shafer will open the show at 6:00 pm. The Voltage Brothers will follow at 7:00 pm.
The Cruise-In will begin at 5:00 pm. Want to participate? All makes and models are welcome.
Food trucks, concessions, games, and beverages will be available as well.
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.

Pickin' At The Park continues Thursday evenings downtown

Thanks to the City of Kings Mountain and Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame, Thursday nights in Downtown Kings Mountain sound much sweeter this summer. The two have partnered to host Pickin’ At The Park, an acoustic jam session running every Thursday night at the Gazebo in Patriots Park. The music starts at 6:00 pm, so bring your lawn chair and join the fun. All pickers are welcome if you want to participate.
Patriots Park is located at 220 South Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain. For more information on Pickin’ At The Park, contact the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department at 704-730-2101, or the Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame at 704-860-4068.

Screen shot 2021 07 14 at 3.18.33 pm — Pickers gather at the Gazebo in downtown Kings Mountain Thursday evenings at 6 pm, weather permitting. Photos Angela Padgett

Screen shot 2021 07 14 at 3.18.28 pm — Pickers gather at the Gazebo in downtown Kings Mountain Thursday evenings at 6 pm, weather permitting. Photos Angela Padgett

Virtual 18th Annual
Reverse Raffle & Auction, chance to win $5K

By January Costa,
Director and Curator

Be a part of the development of KMHM! Please support the museum during this time to help us with our fundraising efforts! Proceeds go toward the everyday operations of the museum.
Every September, Kings Mountain Historical Museum hosts a fundraiser to generate revenue necessary to support our programming. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions on the museum this year, and the need to social distance for safety measures, we are continuing the reverse raffle and auction this year in an online format. The museum will not have an in-person event as we have in prior years.
This year the 18th Annual Reverse Raffle and Auction will be back to the tradition again of the reverse raffle for prizes with a ticket drawing to be posted online on September 18, 2021, through our social media. Tickets are on sale for $100 to be entered into the drawing for door prizes and the chance to win $5,000!!!
The online auction will start on September 10 and run until September 19 and is open to all bidders. You can find the auction link at:
https://www.32auctions.com/KMHMfundraiser2021
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased from Board Members, calling the museum, emailing the museum at kmhmdirector@outlook.com or by mailing a check to Kings Mountain Historical Museum, P.O. Box 552, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.
Each ticket is $100. It also includes a 1 in 300 chance of winning the $5,000 Raffle Prize, along with other raffle items!
This event is a great opportunity for local business owners to showcase their business while investing in the community. Kings Mountain Historical Museum is currently welcoming event sponsors as well as in-kind donations for auction items. The Museum is recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit tax-exempt organization; donations are tax deductible as permissible by law. To find out more about sponsorship and donation opportunities, please call 704-739-1019 or email kmhmdirector@outlook.com.
For more information, please visit our event page:
https://www.kingsmountainmuseum.org/annual-fundraiser You can also call (704) 739-1019 or follow us on Facebook & Instagram

Heavy traffic heading to
Downtown Kings Mountain

Shuttle Service
to be offered to Concert/Cruise-In goers July 17th, 2021

Heavy traffic is expected in Downtown Kings Mountain, July 17, 2021 as the City of Kings Mountain hosts the third concert and Cruise-in of the summer at Patriots Park.
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, Kings Mountain
• Patrick Senior Center located at 909 East Kings Street, Kings Mountain
• Cherokee Street Parking-located at South Cherokee Street
• Parkdale Mill-500 South Railroad Avenue
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.

City announces road closures
for Concert Series and Cruise-In

The City of Kings Mountain Special Events Department will host a Concert Series and Cruise-In, Saturday, July 17, 2021. Several roads in the Downtown area will be impacted during the events. Railroad Avenue, West Gold Street surrounding Patriots Park and a portion of West Mountain and South Cansler Streets will be closed beginning 2:00 pm, Saturday July 17, and remain closed or barricaded until 11:00 pm. Further information regarding road closures is listed below.
• Partial Barricade placement will begin at 8:00 am – some roads will still be accessible during this time, but vehicles must be moved by 2:00 pm
• Additional Barricade placement will begin at 2:00 pm
• Roads closed at 2:00 pm and remain closed until 11:00 pm (ALL unauthorized vehicles will be towed after 2:00 pm)
• Arrival time for Cruise-In participants will begin at 4:00 pm with the Cruise-In beginning at 5:00 pm-Concert will begin at 6:00 pm
Participants in the Cruise-In and concert goers, must use travel from King Street to Cansler Street for access to Railroad Avenue, Mountain and Gold Streets
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 this change.
For more information on the Cruise-In or Concert Series, 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.

Scenes from Red, White & Boom!

Kings Mountain celebrated our nation’s independence with Red, White, and Boom this past Saturday, July 3. The crowds gathered at Patriot’s Park and and the Deal Park Walking Track in Kings Mountain. They enjoyed food from the food trucks, inflatables and music performed by ACE Party Band. The fireworks display began at 9:45 pm.

Photos Provided

Fabulous Fable Forest
at Patriots Park July 14

Mark your calendar now for this fun family-friendly event. Members from the audience perform alongside two actors (equipped with a gigantic trunk full of puppets, costumes, and props) to bring classic fables like "Tortoise and the Hare", "Lion and the Mouse", and "The Boy who Cried Wolf" to life! This program will take place at Patriots Park Amphitheatre on July 14 at 10 am.
This interactive production is sure to be a hit and leave your audience laughing for weeks. The show is full of silly comedy, interactive games, and engaging storytelling. The audience will be on the edge of their seats, laughing the whole way. You've never seen these fables presented like this before.
For questions, or to join our Friends of the Library, email info@mauneylibrary.org or call the library at (704) 739-2371. The Friends of the Mauney Memorial Library thank the community for its continued support. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Mauney Memorial Library is located at 100 S. Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC.
For the latest in library news and events, visit www.mauneylibrary.org.

Scenes from Catawba Two Kings Casino Ribbon Cutting

See photos on pages 4A and 5A in the July 7 issue of KM Herald.

And with the cutting of the ribbon the casino officially opens — Catawba Nation Chief Bill Harris cuts the ribbon to open Catawba Two Kings Casino as tribal leaders and dignitaries look on. See more photos of the event on page 4A and 5A. Photo by Catawba Nation

Catawba nation members pose with chief harris (center) and assistant chief jason harris to the right

Catawba nation members pose with chief harris

Elizabeth harris tribal administrator of the catawba nation

Crowds gather in a long line to enter the casino

Dignitaries chat before the ribbon cutting

Mayor neisler welcomes the catawba nation and speaks of the project's seven year history

Media and dignitaries converge after ceremony concludes

Tribal members sing the welcome song to begin the ribbon cutting ceremony

Woman’s Club holds another indoor yard sale this Saturday

By Anne Gamble

GFWC NC Kings Mountain Woman’s Club holds its annual Indoor Yard Sale at the clubhouse was so successful, they decided to continue it this Saturday, July 10, from 7 am until noon. All proceeds go directly into our Sallie Southall Cotten Scholarship Fund.
The Woman’s Club gives a $1,000 scholarship each year to a senior boy or girl attending a 4-year university in North Carolina.
Huge variety of items from household, craft, home decor, toys, and clothing. Come early so you do not miss out on the best selections.
The GFWC NC Kings Mountain Woman’s Club, and club president, Denise Cobb, invites the public to join us in raising funds for the future. “We value our students in Kings Mountain and want to support them in their pursuit of a 4 year degree at a North Carolina institution.”
See GFWC NC Kings Mountain Woman’s Club Facebook page, gfwcnckm, for more information and updates.
Kings Mountain Woman’s Club is located at 108 East Mountain Street.

Catawba Nation and government leaders celebrate opening of
Catawba Two Kings Casino

sino pre-launch facility in Kings Mountain opened to the public at noon on July 1, after Catawba Nation Chief Bill Harris cut a ceremonial ribbon with tribal, local, and state government leaders.
The 500-slot temporary facility was built in only four months using prefabricated modular structures on part of a 17-acre site just off Interstate 85, about 35 miles west of Charlotte. The facility, which will be open 24 hours daily, is providing an initial opportunity for patrons in the Charlotte region and beyond to game with limited food and beverage services and other guest amenities.
For the Catawba Nation, July 1 opening represented the culmination of three decades seeking to finally benefit from the federal service area of six North Carolina counties, including Cleveland County, that it was assigned by Congress in 1993 to recognize the tribe’s aboriginal and historical ties to the state.
“Catawba Two Kings Casino represents the righting of a historical wrong for the Catawba Nation,” Chief Harris said. “But it is also so much more. It represents a prosperous future and renewed kinship between the Catawba Nation and the many communities that now occupy Catawba ancestral lands, including Kings Mountain, Cleveland County, and the State of North Carolina.
“For many of us, it represents a bright future – a future with more jobs and educational opportunities. We are thankful for the relationships that have been created in each community, for our partnerships with Delaware Casino
North and SkyBoat Gaming, and for the invaluable leadership that came from local officials in making this project a reality,” Harris said.
Harris was joined at the ribbon cutting by Catawba Assistant Chief Jason Harris, Catawba Council members and Catawba Gaming Commission officials, state and local government officials and representatives of Delaware North, the Catawba’s consultant on the casino project, and SkyBoat Gaming, its developer.
“What an exciting day it is to finally get this entertainment complex open,” Kings Mountain Mayor Scott Neisler said. “It brings so many positive aspects to our community -- job creation, new housing opportunities, support for the Catawba Nation, and a significant economic impact to our community for years to come.”
About 250 people, including a significant number of Catawba Nation members, are employed at the pre-launch facility. It also created construction jobs in the region, with more to come when construction begins on an introductory phase of the $273 million full casino resort.
“This new entertainment facility is another step in creating jobs and economic benefits by making Cleveland County a destination for people throughout the Charlotte region and beyond," Cleveland County Commissioner Johnny Hutchins said. “We thank the Catawba Nation and its partners for seeing this through and look forward to the casino resort’s continued development.”
Construction on the introductory phase – which will be part of the permanent casino and feature an additional 1,300 slot machines, restaurants, and other amenities – is expected to begin by year’s end and will take about a year to complete. The full casino resort project is expected to create 2,600 permanent jobs at full buildout and thousands of construction jobs in the region.
“Delaware North is incredibly proud of our partnership with the Catawba Nation,” said Lou Jacobs, CEO of Delaware North, the project consultant. “Two Kings will be a world-class destination for hospitality and entertainment, as well as an enduring driver of economic opportunity for the region. We are grateful to everyone in Kings Mountain, Cleveland County and the state of North Carolina who helped to make today’s ribbon cutting possible.”
The Catawba Nation’s Tribal-State Compact with the State of North Carolina will allow the state to share in revenues generated by the new casino. The U.S. Department of the Interior’s approval of the compact earlier this year allows the Catawba to conduct Class III gaming, including operating slot machines and table games.
In March 2020, the U.S. Department of the Interior, following a thorough, years-long review, took 17 acres of land into trust status in Cleveland County, North Carolina, for the Catawba Nation. The action recognized the Catawba Nation’s historical and ancestral ties to its aboriginal lands throughout North Carolina, as evidenced by names such as Catawba County and Catawba College, as well as in the six counties, including Cleveland County, specifically identified by Congress as part of the Catawba’s service area. The compact with North Carolina acknowledges this connection to North Carolina as well.
In addition to creating revenue for the State of North Carolina, the casino will help support an education fund that will benefit environmental conservation, provide educational support for members of federal and state-recognized tribes, support local communities on economic development initiatives, and foster employment opportunities on or near Catawba lands.

Screen shot 2021 07 07 at 10.28.51 am — Kings Mountain Police Chief Lisa Proctor with Sgt. Keith Davis and Mayor Scott Neisler. Photo by Karen Tucker

Sgt. Keith Davis retires June 30

By Loretta Cozart

During the June 29 City Council meeting, Sergeant Keith Davis was awarded his service weapon and badge by Mayor Scott Neisler in anticipation of his retirement on Wednesday, June 30.
Sgt. Davis began his employment with the Kings Mountain Police Department on June 7, 2000, as a Patrol Officer. On June 25, 2001, Sergeant Davis transferred to the COPS Division. On July 22, 2002, Sergeant Davis moved to the Patrol Division and on September 26, 2008, he was promoted to Corporal. He remained in the Patrol Division until January 24, 2020, at which point he was promoted to Sergeant and transferred to Lake Patrol and has remained in this position since that date, performing a very dedicated and dutiful service.
“As Sergeant, Davis was a dedicated public servant having conducted himself in a professional manner, earning the respect of those with whom he served, and those he was entrusted to serve, contributing to the betterment of his department and the community as a whole,” said KM Police Chief Lisa Proctor.
It is customary to present an officer with 20 years or more of service with their service weapon and badge worn and/or carried by him.

The Printin’ Press purchased
by Westmoreland Printers

The Printin’ Press, Inc. and Robert Bolin are pleased to announce the sale of the company to Westmoreland Printers, Inc, effective July 1, 2021.
Wes Westmoreland said of the acquisition, “I was born in Kings Mountain, my grandfather, Jim Hambright, graduated from Kings Mountain High School. I am most pleased to have a footprint in the city.” He continued, “Kings Mountain is a growing and vital city in the county, and we fully intend to maintain a presence in town to continue to serve individuals and businesses in the area.”
“I never really considered selling the business to anyone other than Westmoreland,” Bolin stated. “They have a well-established reputation for quality and customer service. My primary goal was to ensure that the customers the Printin’ Press has served for over 40 years would be well served in the future.”
Though his father was a local veterinarian, Westmoreland followed the family legacy of printing, the fifth generation of the family to do so since JF Westmoreland opened a printing company in Thomasville, NC in 1887. Westmoreland Printers was founded in 1999, and is headquartered on East Dixon Boulevard in Shelby.
Westmoreland Printers is the most awarded printing company in the region, having received well over 100 gold, silver, and bronze awards from the Printing Industries of the Carolinas and the International Association of Printing House Craftsmen for quality design and production of both traditional offset as well as digital print. Awarded work includes a wide range of products that varies from business cards to books.
The Kings Mountain office will remain in the same complex that has housed the Printin’ Press at 714 N. Cleveland Ave, and the phone number will remain the same. Hours of operation are from 9 AM until 4 PM, Monday through Thursday, and Friday from 9 AM until 1 PM. More information is available online at WestmorelandPrinters.com.

Wells Fargo’s
KM branch
closing July 14

By Loretta Cozart

Wells Fargo Bank at 125 S. Battleground Avenue will close its Kings Mountain branch on Wednesday, July 14, according to Mike Hughes, Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo State and Local Government Relations, due to more transactions being handled digitally.
Wells Fargo’s ATM will remain open at 1027 Shelby Rd, in the parking lot of Walmart Neighborhood Market.

Unified Development Ordinance approved
and other business
by City Council

By Loretta Cozart

After months of work involving city staff and consultants, Kings Mountain’s new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) has been approved. The new zoning ordinance replaces former zoning used by the city. All cities within the state had to develop and implement a new UDO that had to be implemented July 1. The motion to adopt was made by Councilman Allen and the vote was unanimous.
Architect Can Fleiger spoke against approval of the UDO saying he was doing so reluctantly. “I favor UDO’s that support neighborhoods and encourage neighborhoods to grow.” His concerns were regarding the term ‘detached residential’ and how that might impact single family housing in Kings Mountain.
Prior to the vote on the UDO, Mayor Neisler said, “I want to thank the folks in our Planning and Development team and consultant Kelly McCormick. You guys have really been working tirelessly, specifically Kimberly, and I think we’ve got a really great plan going forward. Now, is it going to be perfect? If you think this is going to be perfect, you are going to be terribly wrong and terribly disappointed, because it is going to need to be tweaked. The comprehensive plan will follow this, and we’ll be working on that until the end of the year.”
In councilman’s remarks, Councilman Keith Miller made a public apology saying, “Thursday night we had a UDO meeting, and we had some passionate conversations. In the course of that passion, I think I was discourteous to Councilman Allen, Ron Humphries, and our consultant Kelly. I apologize for my intemperance, and I apologize to this body.”
City Manager Marilyn Sellers reported on various projects in town:
• The Meadowbrook waterline project should be complete with paving this week.
• Mauney Memorial Library will start in-person programming after Labor Day, along with in-person story time. Part of the library’s strategic plan was to have an outreach program in the community. They are going to start with Ramseur Park area. That is the park that was built by staff. So, they will be working with the Housing Authority and engaging kids in programs and giving away free books promoting reading and literacy. They will be going there quarterly.
• Mauney Memorial’s 1923 house renovations have been completed and the mayor and city council is invited for a tour on July 12 at 3 pm. The community has shown a lot of support for the library.
• Project CHIPPY (Benestar): Electric infrastructure is 90% complete and the natural gas is about 50% complete. So city staff is meeting the target date and Benestar will be online later this summer.
• The new ball field at the Intermediate School: 90% of the materials have been received. Sellers feels the city is on target to be completed in late August.
• Delivery 5 Distribution and Transmission Project: Moving along as expected, right away acquisitions and site preparations are being solidified. That project is on schedule.
• Streetscape Project: All infrastructure downtown is complete: gas, electric, water, and sewer, with the exception of electrical for new lighting. The streetlight fixtures have been identified, and the cost is being evaluate. came in high, so they identified, and the cost came in high so it is being evaluated.
• The city received DOT hydraulic calculations, so the city is close to meeting all the DOT requirements. The stormwater calculations are actually better with the streetscape. As soon as the city gets DOT approvals the city will go out for bids on the project. The contracts will set the schedule and the city hopes for completion in the fall, depending upon delivery of materials. Wi-Fi is being installed in the downtown area.
During the regular meeting, Councilwoman Annie Thombs made a motion to approve a Developer Agreement to construct a 300,000 square foot shell building and provide financial incentives for PROJECT JOE (Equus Partners). Councilman Butler was absent from the room, but all other council members approved.
Councilman Allen made a motion to adopt an ordinance amending the zoning map of the City of Kings Mountain, NC to rezone property located in the City of Kings Mountain at 1050 York Road, Highway 161. Property being further known as Parcel Numbers 12771 and 63398 and consisting of 0.73 acres and 7.16 acres, totaling 7.89 acres, from Heavy Industrial (HI) to Light Industrial (LI) – Case No. Z-6-5-21. The vote was unanimous.
Councilman Rhodes mad a motion to deny an ordinance to remove property consisting of 7.16 acres, Parcel #63398 located in the City of Kings Mountain along York Road, Highway 161, from the Thoroughfare Protection Overlay District – Case No. Z-5-5-21. That vote was unanimous.
A motion to Adopt an Ordinance approving the Sandee Run Subdivision, Phase I Preliminary Plan – Case No. MJS-17-5-21 was made by Councilman Hawkins. The vote was unanimous.
Council discussed a motion to authorize the Mayor to execute into an agreement for an easement with Albemarle for a 30-ft. wide sewer right of way. Assistant City Manager Nick Hendricks explained, “What we are looking to do is ask the mayor to execute. We are in a time crunch. At the end of Tin Mine Road there was 17-acres of land that the city purchased. Adjoining that acreage, the north side of Rockwood Lithium the was land that we did not purchase. There is a sliver of land that Rutherford Electric has an easement that we are requesting to obtain so we can continue to bring the sewer through that area down through the Hagen property and over to Exit 5 for future development. There would be no cost to the city to do this.” Councilman Rhodes made the motion to authorize the mayor to execute the easement agreement and the vote was unanimous.
This 17.11 acre tract was once owned by the Hagen family but was sold by the city in an upset bid process last year to E5 Holdings.
In the consent agenda, city council unanimously approved the following items:
Authorize the City Manager to sign any additional Budget Amendments relating to end of the year closeout of the 2020-2021 budget in order to ensure statutory compliance for the FY ending on June 30, 2021 (Copies of the Budget Amendments will be available for your review).
Listed below are three budget amendments which require Council approval:
• Budget amendment in the amount of $250,000 to budget additional funds to be transferred to the Workers Compensation Internal Service Fund due to several significant claims that continue to require funding and to increase/replenish fund balance in this account. The city is partially self-insured for Workers Compensation. Council approval is required due to the fact that we are transferring monies between departments/functions.
• Budget amendment in the amount of $570,000 to budget for stop loss revenues received through 5/31/2021. This represents funds paid to the City by our insurance company for amounts exceeding our per person maximum. Council approval is required due to the fact that we are increasing total budget in the fund.
• Budget amendment in the amount of $500,000 to establish budget for transferring funds to the Capital Reserve Fund. This is needed for future capital and to replenish the fund for dollars transferred related to 2020-2021 capital (Streetscape). Council approval is required due to the fact that we are transferring funds between departments/functions.
Reappropriate remaining budget in the 2021-2022 budget to expedite payment of the various vendors/final delivery for purchases/projects in progress at year end.
Adopt a Grant Ordinance for anticipated American Rescue Plan Act funds which have been allocated to City of Kings Mountain in the event funds were received prior to year-end. This is to ensure that the city has complied with the NC Statutory budgeting requirements.
Adopt a resolution, pursuant to N.C.G.S § 160A-31, directing the City Clerk to investigate the sufficiency of a petition for voluntary contiguous annexation from Kenneth F. Davis and Amy C. Davis for property identified as Cleveland County Tax Map 4-59, Block 1, Lot 11U, or Deed Book 1719 Page 1172 and consisting of 29.88 acres, more or less.
Award a Downtown Façade Grant to Gregg and Cheryl Johnson, for property located at 213 South Battleground Avenue, in the amount of $4,540.00.
Adopt a resolution to add language to all downtown grant applications to include a requirement for proof of commercial property insurance which verifies coverage of the property for full replacement value. This is a recommendation from the Main Street Coordinator. Applications are available for review in the City Clerk’s office.
Adopt a Resolution of Intent to consider closing a portion of James Street, which lies between Grace Street and the Norfolk Southern Railroad right of way.
Schedule a Public Hearing for Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. to consider closing a portion of James Street.
Schedule a Public Hearing for Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. to consider an application from Stella N. Putnam (Owner Neisler Brothers Inc.) to rezone property fronting South Battleground Avenue and consisting of approximately 8.93 acres being further known as Parcel #12841 from Residential R-10 to Light Industrial (LI).
Adopt a resolution to receive an Offer to Purchase from Earthfall Production, Inc. for property containing approximately 1.33 acres located near Phifer Road and begin the upset bid process.
Adopt a resolution to amend the number of members on the Kings Mountain Tourism Development Authority from seven (7) members to eight (8) members. This addition will not negatively impact the required ratio of members who collect occupancy tax. This is a recommendation from the Nominating Committee.
Approve the following appointments and reappointments to the Boards and Commissions listed below. These are the Mayor’s recommendations and were approved by the Nominating Committee:
Planning & Zoning Board
Kyle Yarbro – initial appointment to fill the unexpired term of Maury Williams - term expiring 12/31/2022
Moss Lake Commission
Trip Boinest – initial appointment for a Moss Lake POA seat - term expiring 6/30/2024
Main Street Advisory Board
Jim Champion – reappointment for a full term – term expiring 6/30/2024
Christina Bell Hill – initial appointment - term expiring 6/30/2024
Brenda Lovelace – initial appointment - term expiring 6/30/2024
Patrick Senior Center Advisory Board
Cathleen “Cass” Roberts – initial appointment - term expiring 6/30/2024
Regena Baynard – initial appointment - term expiring 6/30/2024
Janie McVay – initial appointment - term expiring 6/30/2024
KMTDA Board
Brenda Lovelace – reappointment for a full term – term expiring 6/30/2024
Chuck Kilroy – initial appointment from Delaware North - term expiring 6/30/2024
KM Transportation Committee
Gerald McMahan – reappointment for a full term – term expiring 6/30/2024
City council closed the regular meeting for a closed session to consult with legal counsel regarding a possible real estate acquisition. No action was taken on this matter when the regular meeting resumed, and the meeting was adjourned.

Two Celebrations… One City
Red, White, and Boom! this Saturday

Celebrate our nation’s independence in an all-new way as the City of Kings Mountain presents Red, White, and Boom! On Saturday, July 3, the City will produce two events simultaneously to honor our country on its 245th birthday and you get to choose which celebration you and your family will attend.
Bring your family to Patriots Park in Downtown for food trucks and inflatables. DJ Tony Cutlass will MC the event from Liberty Falls Amphitheatre. Cleveland County’s own ACE Party Band will take the stage at 6:30 pm. For the first time ever, an amazing patriotic laser light show will take over Patriots Park at 9:45 pm.
The City of Kings Mountain will present their signature, unrivaled fireworks display at 9:45 pm 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.
Many roads within the city will be impacted during this event including Battleground and Railroad Avenues, Cansler, Gold and Mountain Streets in our Downtown, Hwy 161/Cleveland Avenue, and surrounding side streets. Please use extreme caution when traveling these roads due to the increase in motor vehicles and pedestrians. Please plan to travel different roads if you are impacted by this change. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
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.

Heavy traffic anticipated for Red, White, and Boom! Celebration July 3

Heavy traffic is expected in Downtown Kings Mountain, July 3, as the City of Kings Mountain hosts the Red, White and Boom! Celebration at Patriots Park.
Roads impacted in the Downtown during the event will be Battleground and Railroad Avenue, Gold, Mountain, and Cansler Streets. As a result, the City is offering Shuttle Pick-Up and Drop-Off Services at the following locations:
• First Baptist Church located at 605 West King Street, Kings Mountain
• Patrick Senior Center located at 909 East Kings Street, Kings Mountain
• Cherokee Street Parking-located at South Cherokee Street-10 minute walk to Patriots Park.
• Parkdale Mill-located at 500 South Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain-10 minute walk to Patriots Park.
Shuttle Service will only be offered to and from Patriots Park. It will not be offered to and from Deal Park Walking Track. Shuttle Service will begin at 4 PM and end at 11 PM.
The City urges patrons attending the event at Patriots Park to use the shuttle services as parking may 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.
For more information on the Red, White and Boom! Celebrations at Patriots Park or the Deal Park Walking Track, 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.
See page 3A for complete details about Red, White and Boom!

Screen shot 2021 07 01 at 4.23.13 pm — Catawba Two Kings Casino pre-launch facility opens on Thursday, July 1. (photo by Loretta Cozart)

Catawba Two Kings Casino opens July 1

By Loretta Cozart
After years of speculation and discussion, the long awaited Catawba Two Kings Casino, located at 538 Kings Mountain Boulevard, opens to the public on Thursday, July 1. The pre-launch facility, as it is known, is not a permanent facility but one that is intended to get things started.
The 14,700 sq. foot prelaunch facility is being constructed from 23 modular units placed side-by-side to form one large space containing 500 slot machines. The gaming area is about 14,700 square feet and the administration area is about 4,200 square feet. The remaining six units will be used for an administrative area and for restrooms.
The smoke-free facility will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will provide a snack bar, service bar, with an outside area for food trucks and dining. Parking for 650 cars will be available with a capacity of 1,100 people. Smoking is not allowed inside the venue but will be allowed outside in designated areas.
The next phase of construction, called the introductory phase, is slated to begin in January. This phase marks the beginning of vertical construction and will house approximately 1,360 slot machines when completed. The projected timeline for this phase is approximately one-year and should be finished in 2022. A parking garage will be constructed to provide parking for construction workers, to be followed by patrons to Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort once construction is complete.
The final phase of the casino project will include a hotel, table games, and a resort, but no timeline has yet been set as to when that phase will begin. When completed, the total investment estimated by the Department of the Interior is $273 million dollars.
Lead consultant for Delaware North Chuck Kilroy announced that approximately 260 people were hired during two job fairs held in May at the LeGrand Center. “We hire people with upbeat personalities who have connections to the community. People think that working in a casino is like what you see in movies, like Ocean’s Eleven. It’s not. The people that work in casinos are real people who go home; they coach little league, and they lead Girl Scout troops,” Kilroy said. It is estimated 2,600 people will work in Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort when construction is complete.

Screen shot 2021 07 01 at 4.26.28 pm — ACE Party Band will perform at Kings Mountain’s Red, White and Boom Celebration on Saturday, July 3.

ACE Party Band to
highlight Red, White
and Boom Celebration

Band to appear
at Liberty Falls
Amphitheatre,
July 3, 2021

Cleveland County’s own ACE Party Band will highlight the City of Kings Mountain’s Red, White and Boom Celebration scheduled for July 3, 2021 at Patriots Park.
For the first time ever, ACE will appear at Liberty Falls Amphitheatre performing music from all genres spanning over the past 50 years, from Beach and Motown, to Top 40s, Pop, Rock, Hip Hop, R&B, and Country.
Bring your lawn chair, but be prepared to dance! This diverse group of talented musicians is guaranteed to get you up on your feet.
The Red, White and Boom Celebration will begin at 6:00pm with ACE Party Band taking the stage at 6:30pm.
Patriots Park is located at 220 South Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain.
For more information on ACE Party Band or the Red White and Boom Celebration, 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.

Woman’s Club indoor yard sale this Saturday

GFWC NC Kings Mountain Woman's Club holds its annual Indoor Yard Sale at the clubhouse this Saturday, June 19, from 7 am until noon this Saturday. All proceeds go directly into their Sallie Southall Cotten Scholarship Fund.
The Woman's Club gives a $1,000 scholarship each year to a senior boy or girl attending a 4 year university in North Carolina.
Huge variety of items from household, craft, home decor, toys, and clothing. Come early so you do not miss out on the best selections.
The GFWC NC Kings Mountain Woman's Club, and club president, Denise Cobb, invites the public to join us in raising funds for the future. We value our students in Kings Mountain and want to support them in their pursuit of a 4 year degree at a North Carolina institution.
See GFWC NC Kings Mountain Woman's Club Facebook page, gfwcnckm, for more information and updates. They will be posting pictures of special items that will be on sale Saturday.
Kings Mountain Woman’s Club is located at 108 East Mountain Street.

Screen shot 2021 06 16 at 4.30.51 pm — Don Crawford was honored with an 80-year pin from Piedmont Council of Boy Scouts last week. Photo Piedmont Council, BSA

Crawford honored with 80-year pin from Piedmont Council of Boy Scouts

By Loretta Cozart

On Tuesday, June 8, William Donald (Don) Crawford received his 80-year gold pin for his service to the Piedmont Council and the Battleground District of Boy Scouts of America. At the ceremony, Kirk Setzer, Director of Field Service for the Piedmont Council, presented Don with a framed certificate and gold pin.
“Boy Scouts of America, Piedmont Council, presents this certificate in honor of William Donald Crawford for his 80 years of dedication and service to scouting and the Piedmont Council. The youth we serve today will lead us tomorrow,” Setzer said. “In my 28 years of scouting, I don’t believe I have ever awarded an 80-year pin!”
Donald Crawford became a Boy Scout in 1940 and earned his Eagle rank in 1948. At the age of 11, Crawford joined Troop 5 as a Cub Scout and picked up rocks for 5 cents an hour to pay for his uniform. The rocks were used to build the Scout clubhouse at the southeast corner of Cansler and Walker Streets. The rock house is now a private residence.
Governor Mike Easley honored him with the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s highest award to a civilian, in 2006. He is also recipient of the Silver Beaver award, the Order of the Arrow, and Charles Bell award, among many others.
He retired from the US Post Office at Kings Mountain after 22 years after serving as a US Postal Inspector in 1964 and then working as a clerk. He was employed by the National Park Service eight years, including six years at Cape Hatteras National Seashore at Manteo and two years at Kings Mountain National Military Park.
During his long tenure in scouting, he has served Kings Mountain District, Piedmont Council, Battleground District, and Tidewater Council as a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, wood badge Scoutmaster, assistant district commissioner, assistant Council commissioner and member of the Piedmont Council executive board to name a few of the positions he has held.
He has attended 10 national Boy Scout Jamborees. In 1973 and 1977 the national jamborees were held at Morane State Park, PA. He attended as a representative of the National Park Service on the conservation trail and was the Mountain Man firing a flint lock rifle, telling the difference of life then and now. He helped develop a living history program on the site which is still used by the National Park Service at Boy Scout Jamborees.
A life member of Boyce Memorial ARP Church, he previously taught Sabbath School, was Sunday School superintendent, and a past chairman of the board of deacons.
In April 2016, the Piedmont Boy Scout Council honored Crawford with the distinguished National Eagle Scout Association award at a banquet at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory.
Crawford received the Dr. Charles Bell Award at the third annual Friends of Scouting dinner on April 27, 2000, at First Baptist Church. East School was recognized for its contribution to Scouting through its successful Cub Scout program.
That year, Pack 93 was honored as a “Quality Unit” for two straight years. Ninety-eight percent of all registered scouts advanced within the Pack, and over 80% regularly attended their Monday meetings at East School.
Crawford has a legacy of leadership in Kings Mountain, from scouting to his work, religious, and charitable life. His work with youth has impacted thousands who knew him personally, or through the funds his charitable work impacted.
Crawford continues his service to the Piedmont Council of Boy Scouts and is an Executive Board Member.

Screen shot 2021 06 16 at 4.29.59 pm — The city’s new water transmission loop system is complete. Light blue lines are new water and dark blue lines are existing water. The system included installation of 8 miles of 36” water transmission line, and encircles the entire water distribution system totaling 15 miles of 12” to 24” water line. Photo by City of Kings Mountain

City poised to serve present and future customers through 2050
Water transmission loop system project complete

City Manager Marilyn Sellers announced during the May City Council meeting, “The City of Kings Mountain is very proud to announce that the water transmission loop system project is complete. The inspections have been performed, valves turned on, and water is flowing as I speak. This is a monumental accomplishment that has been a 40-50 year goal of past management, water directors and consultants.”
“This sets the City’s reliability standards at a whole different level and a definite economic development driver. We have seen a lot of accomplishments overs the years – too many to list – but this has to be in the top five. We will have some type of ceremony/ribbon cutting to celebrate such a historical event with the date to be announced later. Thank you to our current and past staff along with consultants for the great work in seeing this through to its completion,” she said.
The Complete Water Distribution Project, which made this loop system project possible, cost approximately $40 million dollars and includes the expansion of the T.J. Ellison Water Plant from 8.0 MGD to 12.0 MGD production (and designed to be easily expanded without major infrastructure cost), installation of 8 miles of 36” water transmission line, and encircles the entire water distribution system totaling 15 miles of 12” to 24” water line. The majority of the funding was through interest-free loans, state grants, private development, and current rate payers/users. The last stage of ‘the project that included the transmission loop system was approximately 1.0 million dollars.
All customers will benefit from the loop system. The primary advantage will be to reduce water outages due to multiple water feeds. The City can now isolate each section of the system to keep water supplied to their customers during a line break. Customers will notice improved water quality due to removal of dead ends on the system with improved circulation and there will be consistent water pressure throughout the city now that they have looped the water lines together. The system all allows for increased capacity for future economic development.
The looped system will reduce water outages significantly by having multiple ways to supply water to the community. All customers will experience the same flow, quality, and pressure. The transmission lines are the backbone of the water system, and this is in excellent condition and according to the DEQ Local Water Supply Plan considering the anticipated growth. The city should be poised to serve present and future customers until at least year 2050. The City will continue to address aging distribution lines in top priority areas of the City through the capital improvements plan.

City Council considers proposed $50.5M budget

By Loretta Cozart
In a budget Public Hearing held on Tuesday, June 15, City of Kings Mountain council members considered appropriating fifty million, five hundred seventy-two thousand, three hundred and thirty dollars ($50,572,330) for operating and capital expenses of the city government and its activities for the 2021 – 2022 Fiscal Year beginning July 1.
Budget recommendation highlights show no change in property taxes, no changes to the city’s General Fund fees, no changes to city employees for health insurance, and no employee additions for the 2021 – 2022 fiscal year.
Additional highlights include no electric rate increase, no water rate increase, no wastewater rate increase, and no stormwater rate increase.
While no increase was proposed for the gas rate, the city will review the rate during each month of the fiscal year and a rate increase, if warranted, may be proposed at any time during the fiscal budget year.
There are no proposed medical plan changes for Healthcare benefits for city employees and no increase in cost for medical.
Projected capital outlays from the General Fund that will be funded from general operations and require no financing include: City Hall Projects: $150,000, Payment Kiosk-billing: $50,000; Police Vehicles: $80,000, Fire-vehicle, mower: $50,000, Public Works – electronic entry system: $25,000; Library Roof Replacement: $130,000, Moss Lake (office roof and bathroom renovation: $57,000.
Fifty million, five hundred seventy-two thousand, three hundred and thirty dollars ($50,572,330) appropriated in Section I and is allocated and appropriated to the several funds and departments of government on page 5A in the June 16, 2021 issue of KM Herald.

Special Planning and Zoning meeting called for June 16

At the regular monthly meeting of the Planning and Zoning Board on June 8th, the Planning and Zoning Board decided to hold another public meeting on the Proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to discuss the Planning and Zoning Board members collective thoughts and recommendations to send to City Council on the proposed ordinance and Chapter 160D compliance. The board intends to have a UDO discussion and Draft Zoning Map Review based upon the proposed UDO.
The special public meeting will be held on June 16 at 5:30 pm in City Council Chambers. Members of the Planning and Zoning Board include Chairman Doug Lawing, Ron Humphries, Renee Bost, Ronnie Franks, Maury Williams, Joseph Allen, Bobby Elliot, Donald Adkins, Todd Wilson, Chris Jolly, and Clint Bouldin. The city’s staff include Community Planning and Economic Development Director Stuart Gilbert, Kimberly Herndon, Brian Finnegan, and Tinelle Wallace.

Sex offender registries available online

By Loretta Cozart

In NC, there are 20,816 registered sex offenders. As of May 2021, it is estimated that approximately 780,000 offenders are registered nationwide. Offenders are required by law to register and are restricted as to certain areas in which they cannot live, like near schools, churches, or parks.
The North Carolina General Assembly created the North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry in January 1996. This law outlines registration requirements for persons living in North Carolina, non-resident students, and non-resident workers.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation maintains the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry. At the site, the public may search the registry or get statistics on sex offenses in the state. The United States Department of Justice maintains a site as well, at www.nsopw.gov.
You can sign up to receive an email notification when a sex offender reports moving to a North Carolina address within 1, 3, or 5 miles of your home. In fact, you can register multiple North Carolina addresses which will enable you to be alerted when an offender reports moving to a North Carolina address within 1, 3, or 5 miles of any of the locations you register. This enables citizens to sign up to receive email notification if an offender moves near their homes, children’s daycare centers, grandparents homes, etc.
In addition, the public can sign-up for email alerts. When registered sex offenders move into or out of an area, those who have registered for alerts in that area are notified. Visit: https://signup.ncsbi.gov/ to register. Click “Register” on the main page, and then provide a username, first and last name, password, password confirmation, and email address. An email will be sent to you with a validation link. Once you click the validation link, your account will be enabled, and you can add subscriptions.
Victims may receive telephone notifications for any status change of a registered sex offender through the Notification program.
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety website has information for parents, guardians, educators, and law enforcement, including Internet safety tips, an Internet safety video and resource guide, how to schedule a child safety presentation, and information on school safety.
Visit the site to learn more about protecting our children. www.ncdps.gov When using the site, remember the following:
• Because of certain North Carolina General Statute provisions, juvenile offenders adjudicated delinquent of sexually violent offenses are not included in the public Sex Offender Registry.
• The Registry does not include information on those individuals whose sexually violent behavior has not come to the attention of authorities.
• Not every sex offender is required to register.
• Portions of the registry information, and therefore its reliability, are based on information provided by the offender. For example, the offender reports his address, whether they are a student, etc.
• The SBI and county sheriffs attempt to ensure that Registry information is accurate and current. Although the database is updated regularly, information can change quickly.
• Positive identification of a person you believe to be a sex offender can only be made by a fingerprint comparison between that person and the person in the state registry. Other information such as name, date of birth, and other information are not necessarily unique to one individual.
An offender can be found guilty of a Class F felony if they:
• Fail to register
• Fail to notify the last registering sheriff of a change of address
• Fail to return a verification notice
• Forge or submit under false pretenses the information or verification notices required
Any law enforcement officer who is aware of the violation shall immediately arrest the person or seek an order for the person's arrest.

Rotary Bingo Night Saturday evening in KMLT Garden

Kings Mountain Rotary Club is having a Bingo Night Friday, June 18, 5:30 to 7:30 in the Garden beside the Kings Mountain Little Theatre. Tickets are $20.00 for 10 games with prizes for winners. Tickets may be purchased at the door or call Ronnie Franks at 704 460-1571. A cash bar will be provided.

Scenes from KM Cruise-In and Concert

Scenes from KM Cruise-In and Concert
The Cruise-In coincided with the Concert Series that was held this past Saturday, June 5 at Patriot’s Park. The event was sponsored by the Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department. Over 5,000 people attended the event.

Photos from KM Special Events FB

KMHS Graduation

Kings Mountain High School seniors toss their caps into the air, celebrating 13 years of hard work and study. Congratulations to the Class of 2021! See more photos on 5A.

(Photo by Mark Bryson)

Screen shot 2021 06 10 at 10.56.46 am — Pickin’ at the Park will be held each Thursday in Patriot’s Park at 6 p.m.

Pickin’ at the Park continues Thursday

By Loretta Cozart

The sweet sound of acoustic music drifted through the air as the city’s first Pickin’ at the Park took place near the Gazebo in Patriots Park late Thursday afternoon. The joint venture is sponsored by City of Kings Mountain and Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame and will be held each Thursday starting at 6 pm. All pickers are welcome, so dust off that banjo (guitar, fiddle, or mandolin) and join other musicians for some fun on Thursday evening. This is a free event.
If you don’t play and instrument but enjoy acoustic music, feel free to bring a chair and listen.
For more information on Pickin’ At The Park, contact the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department at 704-730-2101, or the Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame at 704-860-4068.

First Baptist’s Dr. Jonathan Bundon
recognized for 15 years service

On Sunday, May 30, First Baptist Church KM recognized Worship Pastor Dr. Jonathan Bundon for fifteen years of ministry at FBCKM.
Bundon is the leader of the music programs of First Baptist, including adult praise ensembles, adult choir, instrumental and band groups, youth choir, senior adult choir and supervision of children’s music. His role of “Worship Pastor” recognizes his emphasis
beyond music itself to the
establishment of the overall worship experience of the church services.
Under his leadership, both the adult choir and youth choir have opened for several Charlotte area ball games, and the adult choir released it’s first CD of worship music last year.
Jonathan’s wife Heather assists in the church music activities and is accompanist for music programs at Kings Mountain Middle School and High School. She is also President of the Parent Teacher Organization of Bethware School.
Dr. Bundon is also a professor of Church Worship Ministry at Gardner Webb University.
In acknowledgement of the Bundons’ years of service, Pastor Dr. Chip Sloan reminisced of the two years of active searching for the one to fill the position of Worship Pastor. The search team, he said, was extremely selective in their goal of finding someone of spiritual depth who was thoroughly capable in both traditional and contemporary musical styles.
“You are not ‘like’ family — you are family” Bundon said to the congregation in appreciation of the recognition, adding that "it is rare to find a church with as much harmony among the membership and among the church staff as this church.” He further acknowledged, “this is the kind of church leadership team that my father (himself a church music minister) prayed that God would lead me into.”
The Bundons arrived in Kings Mountain as a couple, but now have two children: Caleb and Blakely.

Photos by Pat Mahiney

Screen shot 2021 06 10 at 10.57.43 am — Dr. Jonathan Bundon, Heather and children Blakely and Caleb. Photo by Pat Mahiney

Screen shot 2021 06 10 at 10.58.43 am — First Baptist Church in Kings Mountain honored Worship Pastor Jonathan Bundon for fifteen years of ministry at FBCKM. Photo by Pat Mahiney

County Commissioners approve
3.25 cent tax cut as part of
2021-2022 fiscal year budget

Following a public hearing at its June 1 meeting, Cleveland County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted the County’s budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The new budget decreases the property tax rate by 3.25 cents while maintaining, and in some cases enhancing, the services and programs available to Cleveland County’s citizens. The tax rate changes includes a 2.25 cent decrease in the County General Tax rate and a 1.00 cent decrease in the County School tax rate.
“Very few local governments are in a position to enact tax rate decreases in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Chairman Doug Bridges said. “The fact that Cleveland County can do so, while continuing to provide a high level of service to our citizens, is a testament to our team’s fiscal prudence and careful planning.”
The budget process is carried out under the general direction of the Board of Commissioners. With the Board’s guidance, County staff plan for the financial management of over twenty-five County departments. This involves analyzing projected revenues from sources including property and sales taxes, state and federal funds, and grants from partner agencies. Staff then determine how the County can budget the available revenues to provide services and meet policy goals set by the Board of Commissioners.
“When the COVID-19 Pandemic first hit, our team immediately took a ‘ReAct/ReBuild/ReThink’ approach to crisis management,” County Manager Brian Epley said. “This involved a total budget reset in March of 2020. After reacting to the immediate crisis and rebuilding over the last year, the 2021-22 budget process has been an opportunity to rethink how our team can do more with less by incorporating the lessons learned during the pandemic to streamline our operations moving forward.”
One example of the County doing more with less has been its focus on lean operations. “We have been intentionally focused on right-sizing county government,” Commissioner Johnny Hutchins said. “This is evidenced by the budget having grown only a little over 6 percent since 2015.”
The 2021-22 budget also continues the trend of providing competitive wages for County employees. “As commissioners we continue to be committed to positioning Cleveland County Government as an employer of choice,” County Commissioner Deb Hardin said. “Competitive wages, minimal turnover, and an improved benefits package ensure the County can recruit and retain the talent necessary to Make Our Community Better.”
Despite a decrease in the County’s property tax rate, the 2021-22 budget includes significant investments in public safety, economic development, and capital planning. The Board of Commissioners’ commitment to public safety is most evident when analyzed over time. Since 2015, the cumulative investment in the Sheriff’s Department, Detention, EMS, Emergency Management, and E-911 Communications has increased by 39 percent to $19,608,050.
Examples of this investment at work in the new budget are the County’s first year of payment for a full fleet replacement of nine ambulances, a system-wide radio replacement for public safety employees, over $700,000 allocated to the replacement of Sheriff’s Department vehicles, and continued support for the County’s newest EMS base in Casar.
“This Board has prioritized ensuring that our public safety professionals have the best available tools at their disposal to protect and serve our community,” Commissioner Kevin Gordon said. “Before Cleveland County can be somewhere that people can live, work, and play, it first must be a place where people feel safe. We will continue to find cost-effective ways to invest in and support the people who look out for us and our families twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.”
   The new budget also continues the County’s focus on economic development, as the County will again be appropriating funds to the Cleveland County Economic Development Partnership. Working with the Partnership, the County has recently recruited employers including Greenheck Fan Corporation and Benestar Brands. The County, in cooperation with the City of Shelby, is also actively marketing its latest Shell Building Project, which provides an opportunity for yet another major manufacturing employer to set up shop in Cleveland County.
   “Economic development has been one of the Board of Commissioners’ highest priorities over the last ten to fifteen years, and we are now seeing the benefits of that,” Commissioner Johnny Hutchins said. “In addition to projects such as Clearwater and Greenheck, we are also excited at the continued development of the Catawba Indian Nation’s Two Kings Casino Resort. Cleveland County is positioned to be one of the leading counties in North Carolina for economic development in the Twenty-First Century. The benefits of our economic development success include job creation and increased tax revenue, which in turn lessens the tax burden on our county residents.”
   Cleveland County is also staying the course on its five-year Capital Improvement Plan. Using this plan, the County is preparing for future capital needs at the detention center, courthouse, board of elections, and 911 call center. Staff are further beginning the process of co-locating the Health Department and Social Services Department into one location, which will result in further savings for taxpayers.
   “Co-location is very different than operational consolidation,” Epley said. “This is a simple calculation that allows the County to avoid constructing a new building while moving DSS staff out of a facility that is nearing the end of its life. An added benefit to co-location is the ability to capitalize on shared operating costs.”
   The County’s overall financial health has been crucial in allowing the Board of Commissioners to continue to identify and pursue strategic priorities while not burdening taxpayers. As recently as 2017, Cleveland County received a bond rating upgrade from S&P/Moody’s and is now AA+ rated.
“This puts us in the top fifteen percent of counties in the State,” Commissioner Ronnie Whetstine said. “We are in a healthy financial position, with limited debt. As to the debt the County does have, we are positioned to liquidate more than ninety percent over the next ten years.”
The entire 2021-22 Cleveland County Budget, along with budgets for past years, can be viewed online at clevelandcounty.com. Click on County Departments, Finance/Purchasing, Annual Budget.

City of KM Mayor's Choice Winner

City of Kings Mountain Mayor’s Choice winner for the June 5 LIVE at Patriots Park Cruise-In was this 1960 Edsel Ranger belonging to Steve Bland of Lincolnton NC. See more photos from the Cruise-In and Concert held at Patriot’s Park this past weekend on page 3B (June 9, 2021 Issue)

Photo by Angela Padgett

Screen shot 2021 06 03 at 10.46.40 am — East Coast Party Band to perform on Saturday, June 5. (Photo provided)

East Coast Party Band to
appear LIVE in Kings Mountain

Concert second show of the LIVE
at Patriots Park
Concert Series

It’s time to put on your boogie shoes! The City of Kings Mountain welcomes East Coast Party Band to Patriots Park and the Liberty Falls Amphitheatre, June 5, 2021 for the second concert of the Live at Patriots Park Concert Series.
Based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, East Coast Party Band covers six decades of Rock, Rhythm and Blues, Beach and much more!
The band’s founder, Mark Black, is no stranger to the Kings Mountain area. “I grew up in nearby Clover South Carolina,” says Mr. Black. “However, my mother’s family all live(d) in Kings Mountain. My Grandfather, Ed Bumgardner, started the first youth football program in Cleveland County. I have close ties with Kings Mountain High School as well. I was a Student Teacher there in the Fall of 1988 and studied with Chris and Sarah Cole. It means a lot for me to come back and perform in the area again. My Mother hasn’t seen me on stage since 2005. As you might can tell, I’m excited for my group to take the stage and host a night of fun and musical entertainment.”
Sure to be a fun night indeed, Carolina Beach Music Association Award winning DJ Eric Bowman opens the show at 6:00 pm. East Coast Party Band will follow at 7:00 pm.
A Cruise-In, also hosted by the City of Kings Mountain, will begin at 5:00 pm.
Want to participate? All makes and models are welcome.
Food trucks, concessions, games and beverages will be available as well.
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.

KM Memorial Day Observance

By Loretta Cozart

On Monday, May 31, City of Kings Mountain held a Memorial Day Service at Mountain Rest Cemetery at 10 am. A large crowd gathered to honor and morn military personnel who died in the performance of their military duties.
Loch Norman Pipers performed the Prelude, followed by the welcome and opening remarks by Mayor Scott Neisler.
Kings Mountain Police Department Honor Guard posted the colors and Chief Lisa Proctor gave the Invocation.
The Pledge of Allegiance was let by Lt. Todd McDougal, KMPD-U.S Army, SPC. Miss Mecklenburg County Sophia Kellstrom sang the Star Spangled Banner, followed by remarks by the mayor. The Fulton Family performed Color Me America.
Ric Francis, US Air Force, SrA, of American Legion Post 82 read the Final Roll Call and American Legion Post 155 presented the wreath.
Abraham Ruff, U.S. Army, SGM, recited A Toast to the Flag, followed by Rifle Salute and Taps by Marine Corp League 1164.
Miss Mecklenburg County Sophia Kellstrom sang God Bless America.
Loch Norman Pipers performed an Interlude, and the Colors were Retrieved by the KMPD Honor Guard.
Following closing remarks by Mayor Neisler, Loch Norman Pipers played a Postlude.

Photos by Ellen Devinny

Heavy traffic heading
to Downtown KM

Shuttle Service to be offered to Concert/Cruise-In goers
June 5

Heavy traffic is expected in Downtown Kings Mountain, June 5, 2021 as the City of Kings Mountain hosts the Live 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, Kings Mountain and Cherokee Street parking, located at South Cherokee 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.

Road closures

Several roads in the Downtown area to be impacted on June 5 due to Concert Series and Cruise-In

The City of Kings Mountain Special Events Department will host a Concert Series and Cruise-In, Saturday, June 5, 2021. Several roads in the Downtown area will be impacted during the events. Railroad Avenue, West Gold Street surrounding Patriots Park and a portion of West Mountain and South Cansler Streets will be closed beginning 2:00 pm, Saturday June 5th, 2021 and remain closed or barricaded until 11:00 pm. Further information regarding road closures is listed below.
• Partial barricade placement will begin at 8:00 am – some roads will still be accessible during this time but vehicles must be moved by 2:00 pm
• Additional barricade placement will begin at 2:00 pm
• Roads closed at 2:00 pm and remain closed until 11:00 pm (ALL unauthorized vehicles will be towed after 2:00 pm)
• Arrival time for Cruise-In participants will begin at 4:00 pm with the Cruise-In beginning at 5:00 pm-Concert will begin at 6:00 pm
• Participants in the Cruise-In and concert goers, must use travel from King
Street to Cansler Street for access to Railroad Avenue, Mountain and Gold Streets
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 this change.
For more information on the Cruise-In or Concert Series, 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.

City of Kings Mountain’s
Special Events Dept.
to host Cruise-In

Cruise-In will
coincide with the
concert scheduled
on June 5

Some very cool rides are heading back to Downtown Kings Mountain as the City of Kings Mountain once again hosts the Live at Patriots Park Cruise-In, Saturday, June 5, 2021.
On June 5, local car enthusiasts will fill the streets in the Downtown with their favorite street or stock cars, trucks and motorcycles too. The Cruise-In, will coincide with the Concert Series scheduled on the same day. Roads impacted during the events will be Railroad Avenue, West Gold Street and a portion of West Mountain and South Cansler Streets.
The Cruise-in will begin at 5:00 pm.
With live music, cool rides and great food, you do not want to miss this event!
Want to participate in the Cruise-In? All makes and model are welcome!
For more information on the Cruise-In or Concert Series, 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.

Top students speak out
at KMHS Commencement

Olivia Green is Valedictorian of the Kings Mountain High School Class of 2021 and Emily Poeng is Salutatorian.
The No. 1 and No. 2 academic scholars in the graduating class of 264 seniors gave the keynote addresses at commencement exercises Saturday morning, May 29, at 9 a.m. in John Gamble Stadium.
Green interspersed her remarks with reflections on moments the class shared before COVID defined “our lives.” I am an optimist and I prefer to live by the motto, “Live, laugh and love,’’ she said. Green also challenged the graduates to be the cure of racism.
‘The past two years have been the embodiment of unprecedented times. Each day it seemed a new conflict arose without giving us enough time to recover from the last. From a virus that has taken the lives of 3.5 million people to witnessing incidents that reinforced the notion that racism sadly still prominently exists within our society, she said.
“Injustice runs deep. It’s similar to a virus. It takes on new forms to ensure its survival and it’s our job to be the cure, adding “I want our generation to be defined as unity and peace. I don’t see us as the “lazy generation who will run this country into the ground, a statement that I have heard more than enough,’’ she said. “Prove them wrong, we have big dreams and so much resilience we can accomplish anything and proved it by accomplishing so much in spite of difficult circumstances.”
Motivating the graduates to “be the cure for injustice it’s our job to be the generation to cause the change we want to see in the world.”
“We have the potential to make change and the potential to be the change,’’ she said. As a generation we have been exposed to so much violence, hatred and division that sadly has become the norm. We hear about mass shootings, blatant hate crimes and increasing political divide and this should not be our norm. We must no longer allow it to be,’’ said Green.
‘Let us be the generation that becomes the change, the one who actually creates the reality that we have envisioned for ourselves. If we can accomplish all we did in a time like this, I find it hard to imagine what obstacles could possibly hold us back in the future.”
Green was raised by her mother, Chrissi Green and her grandparents, Gene and Janie Murray. She said her Grandpa inspired her and believed in her “no matter what.” She said her grandparents gave her unconditional support that has helped her to achieve goals. She also signaled out Tara Fliesher, Jenny Robinson, Nicholas Inman, Rayvis Key, and Laura Robinson as teachers who helped her become confident and a person capable of achieving her aspirations. She thanked graduates, teachers and administrators who “tried extraordinarily hard to make the school year fulfilling in spite of the pandemic.
Green is recipient of $380,000 in scholarships and will enter Duke University in the Fall on a full scholarship to major in neuroscience on the pre-med track. She aspires to become a Neurosurgeon. “I would find no greater joy than to dedicate my life to improving and saving many people’s lives through my occupation,’’ she said.
Poeng visited family in Laos, Thailand and Cambodia before her freshman year at KMHS. ‘’I realize how fortunate I am to have free education and clean and available necessities at home, adding, seeing all the homeless children in Southeast Asia who didn’t go to school and instead were selling trinkets on the streets made volunteering and helping children read and interact with others even more vital here in town,’’ said Poeng.
During her sophomore year Emily was a positive role model to young children at Mauney Memorial Library and during her junior year as an AP Chemistry student she entered the US Chemistry Olympiad to gain more exposure to real-life problems involving chemistry and passed a local exam. In the Fall at UNC-Chapel Hill she will major in either Bio-Chemistry or Pre-Pharmacy.
“My uncle, a proud father of a current Yale University student, always told me that knowledge is power. I took his advice and ran with it,” she said.
At KMHS Emily took challenge classes “simply because I wanted to learn more.”
Poeng dedicated her salutatory speech to the Class of 2021, spoke of class colors and her pride of the regional football championship game as a highlight of their lives.
‘While writing my speech I couldn’t help but think about how as children we all begin as “unpolished clay blocks’’ and even as freshmen were s till very much unpolished and naïve in the ways of high school and the experiences it brought. To me we had yet to be “confidently ‘standing statues’ because of the many lessons we had yet to learn from high school before being thrust into the real world.
“Additionally, these four years of high school are only a small puzzle to be a bigger picture of who we are- a missing shard of clay found out of several million, if you will,’’ Emily said. “We are all constantly trying to understand ourselves and who we are as we move into the next chapter of our lives,’’ she added.
“As each new school year opened and a new year started there were times when we were placed into the “licks of fire in the kiln, hardship that can only strengthen or break our stature similar to h ow a clay structure can withstand the heat or crack. The “pinching and rolling” the people in our lives have bestowed upon us are the lessons we have learned that have shaped and molded us and were put to the test to see if we could withstand “the blaze.”
Emily added, “From 2020 to 2021 our class experienced the uncertainty of the future and safety, something I consider hardening of us, yet also tempting, to crack under pressure. Without this invaluable gift, the experiences high school gave us, none of us students would be the people we are today.”

Pickin’ At The Park

Kick-Off set for
June 3 at Gazebo
in Patriots Park

Thursday nights in Downtown Kings Mountain will sound much sweeter this summer as the City of Kings Mountain and the Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame partner to host Pickin’ At The Park.
Pickin’ At The Park is an acoustic jam session which will run every Thursday night at the Gazebo located in Patriots Park. Kick-off to this FREE series begins June 3, 2021 at 6:00 pm.
Bring your lawn chair and join the fun.
Want to participate? All pickers are welcome!
Patriots Park is located at 220 South Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain.
For more information on Pickin’ At The Park, contact the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department at 704-730-2101, or the Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame at 704-860-4068.

About Kings Mountain Herald

Kings Mountain Herald is the paper of choice in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Born 1888, with a focus on hometown news, the Herald continues to bring you the stories that matter. They matter to us because you matter to us. The Kings Mountain Herald is a locally owned and operated publication that has served the community for over 100 years.

Contact Details:

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