By Loretta Cozart

On Tuesday, October 11 at 6 p.m. on C-19, Cleveland County Board of Education school board candidates participated in a live forum at Cleveland Community College’s studios at the Bailey Center. Andy Dedmon and Mike Philbeck moderated the forum.
Eight candidates are running for four seats during this election cycle, seven of whom participated: Danny Blanton, Aaron Bridges, Phillip Glover, Dena Greene, Ronnie Grigg, Meghan Hoppes, and Coleman Hunt. Walter Scott Spurling was unable to attend.
The questions were developed by a committee representing the forum sponsors and were not available to candidates prior to the event.
Candidates were asked a variety of questions: Questions ranged from their top three priorities for Cleveland County Schools, their support of mandatory masks and remove learning, whether they supported the quarter-cent sales tax, their thoughts on the next top three priorities for CCS, whether they favor partisan elections on even number years, and what if anything should be done to improve the quality of school meals.
A hot button question regarded their position on parental rights regarding critical race theory, LGBTQ+ and appropriate library materials, among other issues. Other questions included the adequacy of school safety and ways to improve, the candidates understanding of what is allowed to be discussed in closed sessions and if the candidate agrees to only discuss that which is lawful in closed session.
Incumbents were asked to name an accomplishment they are most proud of, and challengers where asked what one thing they would like to accomplish in the next four years. The final question was regarding the fact that Cleveland County Schools opened schools nine days prior to that allowed by the state this year. Candidates were asked is this clear violation of NC law a good example to teach the children.
To hear the candidates’ answers to these important questions facing Cleveland County Schools, tune into www.c19.tv and scroll to the bottom of the menu and click on the button labeled “Cleveland County Board of Education Candidates Forum.” Repeat telecasts will also air on Spectrum C19 over the following weeks leading up to election day.

Everyone’s favorite brainless scarecrow is on his way to Kings Mountain in a new Wonderful Adventure to Oz.
Who is this scarecrow?
The Scarecrow was Dorothy’s first friend in Oz. Created in a cornfield in Munchkin County, Dorothy stumbled across the Scarecrow as she and her dog Toto were off to the Emerald City to find the Wizard of Oz. Needless to say, she was stunned to meet a talking scarecrow. You don’t see talking scarecrows in Kansas. Regardless of how stunned she was, Dorothy and the Scarecrow became fast friends and they both decided to visit Emerald City together.
The Scarecrow thinks he doesn’t have any brains. He is actually one of the wisest men in all of Oz. The Scarecrow is so smart; the Wizard, upon leaving Oz, names him his successor.
Want to meet the Scarecrow? Take a journey to Patriots Park, Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29 as the City of Kings Mountain turns the park into the merry ole Land of Oz. Walk down the Yellow Brick Road and visit with, the Scarecrow, Dorothy, and other favorite characters from the classic story, while trick or treating along the way. The Wonderful Adventure to Oz begins each night at 6:00 p.m.
For more information on the Wonderful Adventure to Oz, access the Special Events Department’s website at www.kingsmountainevents.com/adventure-to-oz.
There is no place like home in Kings Mountain.

By Loretta Cozart

Last week, Carolina’s own Queen City News. WJZY FOX 46, featured Kings Mountain during their 5 p.m. broadcast. Anchor Alicia Barnes kicked off the coverage from Patriots Park, showing footage of the downtown area and introducing more in-depth stories done by reporter Maureen Wurtz. Kings Mountain Middle School’s cheerleaders ended the first segment, throwing the story back to the studio and Brien Blakley cheering, “Back to you Brian!”
Segments included downtown history, Bill Ware and his love of trains, Mayor Neisler sharing info about the city, and Dale Lieser who shares his gift of music at Summit Place.
The next segment began with an introduction and a comment that downtown history is an emotion, a feeling of community that we all strive for in life. It began with images from Patriots Park, Railroad Avenue, and along Mountain Street.
The story featured interviews with several merchants. UnCommon Artisans shop owner Cobb Lahti was interviewed and described her shop saying, “I try to make my little corner of the world as happy as I can.” Iris Hubbard, of 133 West, shared that it is the people of Kings Mountain that make it so special.
One of the most humorous portions of this segment was an interview with Jim Champion who manages the Joy Theater. As luck would have it, during the interview a train passed and Jim handled it in stride, stressing the importance of projection during theatrical challenges such as that. He also chuckled saying that his wife and children often joke with him that he is having an affair with “Joy,” because he spends so much time at the theater.
The segment ended with these words, “Community is what  so   many  people search
for; community is about Joy,” bringing all the interviews full circle.
Other segments included meteorologist Tara Lane giving her weather forecast from the Gateway Trail. The trail was also featured is another segment, and Trail Coordinator Shirley Brutko was interviewed.
Mayor Scott Neisler was interviewed by Alicia Barnes, and he shared how the business community has diversified since the 80s, moving away from our original textile background. He said, “Diversification is the key to Economic Development.” He highlighted Albemarle Lithium’s potential for the city and mentioned special events coming to town throughout October.
  Perhaps the most touching segment was about Dale Lieser, a man who lost his sight when he was just 9 years old. He learned music using Braille and shares that gift with the residents of Summit Place for 45-minutes each month. Dale shared, “I see colors when I hear pitches.” Wurtz concluded that segment saying, his performance is a shared experience that is not seen but felt. Residents at Summit Place are thankful for Dale and for sharing his musical gifts with them.
   Indeed, Kings Mountain is a special, a place, a feeling of community, an emotion, joy shared by many people who call this place home.

It is time to register for the Kings Mountain Christmas Parade, scheduled for December 3, at 3:00 pm in downtown Kings Mountain.
Want to participate? Participants may register online by accessing the “Kings Mountain Christmas” website at www.kingsmountainchristmas.com.  Participants must pay for an entry in the parade at the time of registration. For more information, or assistance with registration, please contact Angela Padgett, Special Events Coordinator at 704-730-2101 or via email at specialevents@cityofkm.com.
Over 100 entries are expected. More exciting information concerning this special parade will be available soon. Deadline to register for the parade is November 11.

She survived a tornado and escaped from a witch’s castle. Now, Dorothy Gale is on her way to Kings Mountain in a new Wonderful Adventure to Oz.
Who is this, Dorothy Gale?
Raised by her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em, Dorothy lives on a farm in Kansas. Her best friend is a terrier named Toto, who loves to get into mischief. He especially likes to aggravate a mean lady named Elmira Gulch.
Dorothy’s other friends include farmhands, Zeke, Hunk and Hickory. She helps them around the farm as much as she can. She tries to stay away from the pigs.
Dorothy loves to sing. “Over the Rainbow” is her favorite song.
Want to meet Dorothy and Toto? Take a journey to Patriots Park, Friday, October 28th and Saturday, October 29th at 6:00 pm as the City of Kings Mountain turns the park into the merry ole Land of Oz. Walk down the Yellow Brick Road and visit with Dorothy, Toto, and other favorite characters from the classic story, while trick or treating along the way. The Wonderful Adventure to Oz begins each night at 6:00 pm.
For more information on the Wonderful Adventure to Oz, access the Special Events Department’s website at www.kingsmountainevents.com/adventure-to-oz.
There is no place like Kings Mountain.

By Loretta Cozart

Come out this Saturday, October 15, for a fun time and support the 3rd Annual White Plains Shrine Club Ride for the Children. Motorcycles, Side by Sides, Classic Cars, even the family minivan, are all welcome.
Registration is at 11 a.m. at American Legion Post 155 on E. Gold Street. Kickstands up at noon. Barbecue will be served after the ride. 50/50 drawings, and more.
Stops include Baggerz, Four Lanes, CityCade, UVA, and back to Post 155. The total route is 101 miles.
Gold sponsors include Butlers Auto Service, Scism and Son Body Shop, Champion Construction, and Carolina Salvage.
Proceeds benefit crippled and burned children at the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Greenville, SC. It is a fun time for a great cause.

The voter registration deadline is October 14, for general elections taking place on November 8. After October 14, only same-day registration during one-stop early voting is available. In North Carolina, the civilian voter registration deadline is 25 days before Election Day.
If you miss the registration deadline, you may be eligible to register and vote or make changes to your voter registration, anything other than party affiliation, and vote during the early voting period.
If you’re eligible to register to vote, North Carolina offers two primary ways to register:
• Online or in person at the DMV.
• Use N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) services. Existing DMV customers may submit a voter registration application online. Learn more at Complete Your Registration Online Through the DMV.
• Note: Certain agencies, including the DMV, are required to offer voter registration services. For more information, visit the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) page.
• By mail.
• Fill out the English N.C. Voter Registration Application (fillable PDF) or the Spanish N.C. Voter Registration Application (fillable PDF) and submit it by mail. Learn more at Complete Your Registration by Mail.
•  Note: The federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) allows certain voters an expedited means to register and vote by mail-in ballot.
   You can check our registration online by visiting: https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering/checking-your-registration.

In celebration of the 83rd anniversary of the theatrical release of the Wizard of Oz, on Friday, October 28th and Saturday, October 29, at 6:00 p.m., the City of Kings Mountain will transform Patriots Park, in downtown Kings Mountain, to the magical Land of Oz as the City hosts The Wonderful Adventure to Oz.
Journey down the Yellow Brick Road while meeting your favorite oz characters and trick or treating along the way. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs or blankets! An outdoor screening of The Wizard of Oz will begin at 6:30 pm each evening.
October 29th, Liberty Falls Amphitheatre will turn into the Emerald City as the Band of Oz takes the stage at 6:30 pm as well. Admission is free.
There will be candy, costumecontests, photo opportunities and more! There is no place like Halloween in Kings Mountain.
For more information, call the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department at 704-730-2101, or visit their website at www.KingsMountainEvents.Com/adventure-to-oz.

By Loretta Cozart

On Tuesday, September 20, at 12:30 p.m., Rebecca Hinson, owner, and CEO of Skyeline Construction LLC, was joined by the Cleveland County Chamber and local dignitaries for her company’s ribbon cutting for their first home built in Kings Mountain at 707 West Mountain Street.
The 1,600 sq. ft. three-bedroom two bath home is in in-fill project in the West End Historic District where new construction is rare, and most homes were built between 1882 and 1955.
Rebecca is a native of Kings Mountain and graduated from Kings Mountain High School. She brings 15-years of executive leadership in the real estate industry to her business.
Rebecca is the daughter of James and Vanilla Hinson, and the granddaughter of Mary and John Parker of Kings Mountain.

In celebration of the 83rd anniversary of the theatrical release of the Wizard of Oz,  the City of Kings Mountain will transform Patriots Park, in downtown Kings Mountain, to the magical Land of Oz as the City hosts The Wonderful Adventure to Oz. The event will be held  Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29 at 6:00 p.m.
Journey down the Yellow Brick Road while meeting your favorite oz characters and trick or treating along the way. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs or blankets! An outdoor screening of The Wizard of Oz will begin at 6:30 pm each evening.
On October 29, Liberty Falls Amphitheatre will turn into the Emerald City as the Band of Oz takes the stage at 6:30 p.m. as well. Admission is free.
There will be candy, costume contests, photo opportunities and more! There is no place like Halloween in Kings Mountain.
For more information, call the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department at 704-730-2101, or visit their website at www.KingsMountainEvents.Com/adventure-to-oz.

City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department is proud to present The Great Pumpkin Parade scheduled for Friday, October 28.
The parade, intended for little pumpkins ages 0-years-old to first grade, will travel from City Hall beginning at 10 a.m. to the Gazebo at Patriots Park. After the parade, little ones will enjoy activities sponsored by area businesses, sing-a-longs, music, inflatables and much more! We hope to see you there!
For more information, call the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department at 704-730-2101, or visit their website at www.kingsmountainevents.com.

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Special to the Herald

Cleveland Community College cut the ribbon at one of their newest buildings on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022 welcoming everyone present to the new Speaker Tim Moore Advanced Technology Center.
Speaker Moore was of course present, along with a host of state, local, and college officials, dignitaries and VIPs who came to get a glimpse at the outside and inside of CCC’s latest jewel in their campus’s crown.
The opening remarks were given by Dr. Jason Hurst, President of Cleveland Community College, who gave a brief history of the college as well as a cost amount of the building and its equipment – $17 million ($5 million of which is wrapped up in the equipment inside the classrooms). Paula Vess, spokesperson for CCC, said, “The cost of construction was $12 million; if you include the new equipment purchased it’s about $17 million.”
Dr. Hurst continued, “We are fortunate to have a delegation who serves us well.”
He also thanked everyone present who had a hand in bringing the building project to fruition, noting that, “…six years ago the (CCC) Board approved the building’s construction,” adding that the overall project, “…spans (the tenure of) three (college) presidents.”
Architects for the project were Holland & Hamrick, represented at the event by Mr. Patrick McMurry, who Ms. Vess noted was “the principal designer on the project.” Construction work, Vess noted, was done by Cherryville’s Beam Construction, under the guidance of President Susan Lewis and VP Justin Boheler.
Speaker Moore, for whom the building is named, took the podium, and mentioned Sen. Ted Alexander and Rep. Kelly Hastings for their work and support in seeing the building come to pass.
Bill Turpish, chairman of the CCC Board of Trustees, greeted everyone and said, “This day has been a long time in coming. This (ATC) building is more than just a new building on campus. It provides an opportunity to change students’ lives by being able to compete in the real world.”
Golden LEAF Foundation President and CEO, Scott Hamilton, said their group always looks at projects that receive their funding as investments.
In addition to those already mentioned, others present at the event and who also spoke briefly were Dr. Bill Carver, President of the N.C. Community College System Office; Mr. Kevin Gordon, Chairman of the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners; and Ms. Kristin Reese, Executive Director of the Cleveland County Economic Development Partnership.
Ms. Vess said that classes have already started meeting in the building, so it is now fully open.
She also noted, “The programs housed in the Speaker Tim Moore Advanced Technology Center are: Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Industrial Systems, Facilities Maintenance, Machining, and Mechanical Drafting.”
Rep. Hastings commented that, “Innovative projects like this one and others in our area and across the state help our efforts to make it possible for people to achieve economic security,” adding, “I am honored that the people trust me enough to allow me to be part of the team that supports these and other innovative and necessary projects.”
For more information on this building and its classes and other Cleveland Community College information, visit their web site at www.clevelandcc.edu.

The voter registration deadline is October 14, for general elections taking place on November 8. After October 14, only same-day registration during one-stop early voting is available. In North Carolina, the civilian voter registration deadline is 25 days before Election Day.
If you miss the registration deadline, you may be eligible to register and vote or make changes to your voter registration, anything other than party affiliation, and vote during the early voting period.
If you’re eligible to register to vote, North Carolina offers two primary ways to register:
• Online or in person at the DMV.
• Use N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) services. Existing DMV customers may submit a voter registration application online. Learn more at Complete Your Registration Online Through the DMV.
• Note: Certain agencies, including the DMV, are required to offer voter registration services. For more information, visit the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) page.
• By mail.
• Fill out the English N.C. Voter Registration Application (fillable PDF) or the Spanish N.C. Voter Registration Application (fillable PDF) and submit it by mail. Learn more at Complete Your Registration by Mail.
•  Note: The federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) allows certain voters an expedited means to register and vote by mail-in ballot.
   You can check our registration online by visiting: https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering/checking-your-registration.

By Loretta Cozart

On Saturday evening, September 17, Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame (CCMHF) celebrated the rich history of the county at the Don Gibson Theater in Shelby during its inaugural induction of prominent musicians and individuals dedicated to the love of music in the community.
Prior to the induction ceremony, a dinner was held in the theater’s gathering space and entertainment was provided. Vice President of the CCMHF Angela Padgett said of the event, “I am overwhelmed by the positive response and support of the community. We had no idea the turnout would be this good, this being our first year. The committee is pleased that we have such dedicated support from the community.”
Master of Ceremonies Sarah Lee Owensby, morning co-host of 96.9 The Kat, introduced The KAT Awards Presenter Teen Miss Mountie Cindi Stinchcomb following opening remarks by CCMHF President Phil Weathers.
CCMHF Board member Jeff Champion presented their first inaugural Hastings Award to Calvin and Terresa Hastings. The couple donated the WOHS property to the Hall of Fame for use of as the organization’s home. Both Don Gibson and Earl Scruggs once performed at the station, and the building was an integral part of the music scene in Cleveland County for decades.
Board member Andrew Fulton introduced two hit records being inducted by artists from Cleveland County: Patty Loveless’ “Timber I’m Falling in Love,” and Alicia Bridges “I Love the Nightlife.” Crimson Rose performed both songs.
CCMHF’s 2022 Inductees were honored individually. First recognized was J & K Music Shop, owned by JB and Kathleen Lewis and Herman and Dean Dawson. The shop was located at 127 W. Graham Street in Shelby for 30 years and the music from 45rpm records filled homes in the community.
Accepting the award was Candace Humphries who later commented, “Last night I had the honor of accepting the plaques for my great aunt and uncle, JB and Kathleen Lewis and my grandparents Herman and Jean Dawson, who owned and operated J&K Records, as they were part of the inaugural class of inductees into the Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame. Thank you, Phil Weathers, and the board of the Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame for remembering and honoring them.”
Bobby Rogers, owner of Bobby’s Records and Rogers Theatre, was also inducted for his contributions to the community. Accepting the award on behalf of the Rogers Theater Restoration Project were Montana Judd and Brittany Payne, owners of the Rogers Theatre. Montana noted that Bobby Rogers was actively involved int the community and was the last surviving member of the Shelby Optimist Club.
   Sarah Lee Owensby presented the award to Theron Feemster, with whom she attended Kings Mountain High School. Describing Feemster, she reminisced about his days as a drummer in the high school marching band and noted, “When he performed, that was the most lit that band ever was!” She went on to share that Feemster and his family helped many by sharing their love of Jesus and reminding everyone, “With God, all is possible.”
In his senior year, Feemster was accepted into the Berkley School of Music. The caveat was that he had to be able to read music, which at the time he could not. However, he taught himself to read music in a brief time and went on to college. While there, he laid down some beats in his dorm room and his roommate shared them with a friend in the music business. From that, Feemster’s beats became the theme song for Men in Black II.
Feemster described that his creativity comes from God talking to him in the quiet moments. He shared, “If God created you – he only creates masterpieces. So never think of yourself as less. You are beautiful to God and to me.” He performed and improvisational song on the spot, drawing his energy from the crowd.
Hugh Dover was inducted into CCMHF by Andy Foster, former announcer at WOHS. Hugh was married to Sue Haynes for 57 years. He served his county in WWII and was assigned to the War Crimes Trial as a member of the guard. During his time at WOHS, he often invited Don Gibson and Earl Scruggs to perform at the radio station. He is most beloved for singing “Happy Birthday” to those celebrating birthdays in the community.
   Executive Director of the Don Gibson Theater Stan Lowrey honored Don Gibson who recorded 350 songs, 96 of which charted. Twenty-three of his songs were in the top-ten, and six songs went to #1. Dale Brittan and Randy Saxon performed “Blue Blue Day.” The Carolina Band performed “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Sweet Dreams,” and “Oh, Lonesome Me.”
The final inductee was Earl Scruggs, presented by Earl Scruggs Center Board of Director JT Scruggs who said, “Earl was very humble. Of this award he would simply say, ‘This is great.” Earl Scruggs loved to come back home and love to talk about Cleveland County. He shared that Earl was an innovator and liked trying new things. He never sat still. Aside from Elton John, the Earl Scruggs Review, a collaboration between Earl and his sons, was the most popular acts on college campuses in the 1970s.
Randy Escobedo became friends with Earl in the 70s and strived to play the banjo like him. Earl once shared with Randy that, after developing three-finger picking style at 10-years-old, he “ran through the house yelling to his family, ‘I got it, I got it!’”
Randy performed “Earl’s Breakdown,” “Flint Hills Special,” “Foggy Mountain Breakdown, and “The Ballad of Jed Clampet.”  The Jacktown Ramblers performed “I Wonder Where You Are Tonight,” “Groundspeed,” and “Tickle the Tomcat’s Tail.”
Concluding the event was a final jam session performing, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” including the entire company, Chris Ferree and the Medicine Show, The Dancing Fleas, and Bobby Hicks.
Members of the Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame include President Phil Weathers, Vice President Angela Padgett, Treasurer Patti Weathers, Secretary Mary Fox, and board members Jeff Champion, Ryan Fox, Andrew Fulton, Mike Hayes, Ronnie Whisnant, and Tommy Burns.

By Loretta Cozart

City of Kings Mountain hired their new Economic Development Manager Michael Worley about a month ago and, he has made great strides to meet with businesspeople in town. He is familiar with Kings Mountain, having gone to high school in Gastonia and is from the Chapel Grove/Crowders Mountain area of Gaston County.
Michael comes to Kings Mountain with a diverse background, giving him a unique perspective in his new role with the city. His own experiences in a variety of business helps him understand the challenges if running a business.
He has been in sales and marketing since 1999, when he started out selling Kirby vacuums door to door, earning top awards, and winning trips across the world. Michael has managed various businesses in some form since starting a mail order catalogue in 2001. He later became a lead pastor in Dunn, NC, and graduated from Southeastern Theological Seminary.
In 2013, Michael started an antique business and became interested in auctions; he has  held  an Auctioneer
License since 2016. Since 2017, he is a REALTOR/Broker and has practiced Real Estate.
He and his wife started a brick-and-mortar auction business in Dunn, NC in 2018 and a year later began pursing online sales and marketing. As he pursued this new venture, he shifted to virtual auctions.
He now runs an online consulting business with a partner that helps both brick and mortar, as well as virtual business get more clients through innovative marketing techniques. Since 2020, they specialize in helping business move toward their identity and who they specifically need to target to grow. He is also a public speaker for public, private, and business events.
Throughout his career, Michael has worked with several government officials on various projects as a consultant to better serve the community during economic downturns as well as prosperous times.
   He and his wife, Tabatha currently live in Kings Mountain and have two small children: Lily-Ann, 7 and Micah, 4. “My ties to Kings Mountain go back as far as I can remember. And my ties to Kings Mountain have gotten deeper as I married a Kings Mountain Mountaineer, Tabatha,” Michael said. If you see him out and about in town, be sure to stop and welcome him to Kings Mountain.

Football is back! What better way to celebrate 100 years of Mountaineer football than to attend the Kings Mountain High School Homecoming Parade at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, September 16th?
The parade will begin at First Baptist Church in Kings Mountain and travel down Mountain Street and Railroad Avenue, ending on Gold Street at Patriots Park.
Roads will close early for this event. Please use extreme caution when traveling in this area due to the increase in motor vehicles and pedestrians. Please plan to travel different roads if you are impacted by this change.
   Go Mountaineers!

The Patrick Senior Center in Kings Mountain will host a yard sale, bake sale and craft sale fundraiser this Friday, September 16, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event will be held inside and outside, rain or shine.
The public is welcome to come shop that day.
The Patrick Center will have a bake sale table at the event and will be accepting baked goods to sell at the table. If you would like to donate a baked good, please call the Patrick Center or bring it by on the morning of the sale.
Come enjoy a morning of shopping while supporting their efforts to feed seniors in need in the Kings Mountain area. The Patrick Center is located at 909 E King Street in Kings Mountain.

By Loretta Cozart

For a brief period of two days, Mountain Street and Cherokee Street were open for traffic. The 100 block of W. Mountain Street saw traffic moving through and local business owners were excited to see cars flowing by, if only for a brief time.
Beginning on Monday, September 12, the 200 block of W. Mountain Street saw the next phase of Streetscape begin and traffic blocked between S. Piedmont Avenue and Cherokee Street. This phase is slated to completed by October 31.
City officials, including City Manager Marilyn Sellers, Special Events Director Christy Conner, and Economic Development Manager Michael Worley visited the shops communicating their plan and keeping the shopkeepers appraised of the situation. In addition, representatives from Green
Construction communicated with owners how they planned to handle this phase of the project.
The south side of W. Mountain Street will have work done first, as crews check underground utilities and make necessary upgrades. When the south side of the street is completed, crews will work on the north side and repeat the process. Next, sidewalks will be removed, and work will begin to install catch basins and  run conduit for the electrical. Once curb and gutter are installed, sidewalks can be poured and  the final steps of installing the streetlights, filling the planters with dirt, and adding mulching can be completed. Hopefully by then, the time will be right for fall plantings.
City officials admit that they tackled the worst part of the project in the first phase, knowing that the intersection of Cherokee and Mountain Streets was an unknown as to what they might find below the surface. They are optimistic that the next section will be significantly easier, and they will be finished by the end of October.

By Loretta Cozart
 
Nuevo Pacto Wesleyan Church held their Inaugural Service on Saturday, September 3 at 2:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center of East Gold Street Wesleyan Church at 701 East Gold Street, in Kings Mountain.
East Gold is honored to host this developing congregation of Hispanic Christians! In less than one year, they have established a core group of approximately 20 committed Kingdom building laborers.
Pastor Scott Whitney of East Gold Street Wesleyan Church formally welcomed the new church and celebrated their partnership in ministry together in Kings Mountain. District Superintendent Reverend Jerry Lumston was present to welcome the new church to the North Carolina West District of the Wesleyan Church and welcomed Pastors Jose Rodriguez and Elizabeth Padrón, as pastors of the new congregation.
Mayor Scott Neisler was present to welcome the new church to the City of Kings Mountain.
The church’s Board of Directors were presented at their August 28 service and the first three members baptized on August 27 are Manuel Alexander Guerra Yero, Yumy Martinez Santana, and Arielys Mendez.

By January Costa
KMHM Director and Curator

Every September, Kings Mountain Historical Museum hosts a fundraiser to generate revenue necessary to support our programming. The Annual Reverse Raffle and Auctions has been acclaimed the “best event of the year in Kings Mountain” and this 19th annual fundraiser will be held in-person at the Joy Performance Center.
The  event will be held on September 17. “We anticipate a sold-out event with 300 tickets bought by individuals throughout the region, and we offer a Grand Prize of $10,000.”
This year the 19th Annual Reverse Raffle and Auction will be back to the tradition again of the reverse raffle for prizes. Each ticket is $125 which gets two people into the event with drink tickets, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. It also includes a 1 in 300 chance of winning the $10,000 Raffle Prize, along with other raffle items! Unique auction items and great raffle prizes are included in this year’s event.
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.
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 and Instagram.

On September 7, the Catawba Two Kings Casino opened an on-property sportsbook ahead of the pro football season, bringing sports wagering to greater Charlotte and a new option for sports bettors in the Carolinas.
The temporary casino now features a branded Catawba Two Kings Casino sportsbook, agent/teller services with betting voucher redemption, as well as 30 betting kiosks in the sportsbook and throughout the facility. The sportsbook is open 24 hours daily, and the betting kiosks can be accessed at any time during the casino’s 24/7 operating hours.
Patrons can now place wagers on an array of sports, including auto racing, baseball, basketball, boxing, football, golf, hockey, mixed martial arts and soccer.
“We’re very excited to bring a sportsbook and betting kiosks to the Catawba Two Kings Casino so our loyal patrons can enjoy sports wagering,” said Trent Troxel, vice president of the Catawba Nation Gaming Authority.
“We also anticipate that a new audience in the Charlotte region and beyond will discover the casino as they come to wager on their favorite teams.”
The Catawba Two Kings Casino opened in July 2021 with 500 gaming machines and expanded in December to 1,000 gaming machines, including electronic table games. Several additional prefabricated modular structures have been added to the temporary facility to accommodate the sportsbook.
The Two Kings sportsbook and kiosks are powered by International Gaming Technology (IGT) under an agreement with the Catawba Nation Gaming Authority. Delaware North is also advising on the sports betting operations at Catawba Two Kings Casino.
The Catawba Nation will operate sports betting at the casino under the terms of its compact with the State of North Carolina.

September 11, 2022, marks the 21st anniversary of 9/11, a series of attacks on America that began the morning of September 11, 2001. To commemorate the incredible heroics of that fateful day, the City of Kings Mountain will honor the military and first responders on Saturday, September 10, during the LIVE at Patriots Park Concert Series featuring FREEBIRD: The Ultimate Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute and the Dirty Grass Soul. The concert is scheduled to begin at 6:00  p.m.
Men and women, who serve or have served in the military or as a first responder, are encouraged to attend and bring their families to this special event.
A Cruise-In, also hosted by the City of Kings Mountain, will begin at 5:00  p.m. Agencies all over Cleveland County are encouraged to bring a service vehicle to the Cruise-In. To register, contact the Special Events Department at 704-730-2101.
This year, September 10th is sure to be memorable in Kings Mountain. Please join us to salute all our community heroes.
Patriots Park is located at 220 South Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain. For more information on the Concert 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.
See page 3A for road closure information.

September 11, 2022, marks the 21st anniversary of 9/11, a series of attacks on America that began the morning of September 11, 2001. To commemorate the incredible heroics of that fateful day, the City of Kings Mountain will honor the military and first responders on Saturday, September 10th during the LIVE at Patriots Park Concert Series featuring FREEBIRD: The Ultimate Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute and the Dirty Grass Soul. The concert is scheduled to begin at 6:00  p.m.
Men and women, who serve or have served in the military or as a first responder, are encouraged to attend and bring their families to this special event.
A Cruise-In, also hosted by the City of Kings Mountain, will begin at 5:00  p.m. Agencies all over Cleveland County are encouraged to bring a service vehicle to the Cruise-In. To register, contact the Special Events Department at 704-730-2101.
This year, September 10th is sure to be memorable in Kings Mountain. Please join us to salute all our community heroes.
Patriots Park is located at 220 South Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain. For more information on the Concert 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.

Several roads in the Downtown area will be impacted during the City of Kings Mountain Special Events Department 2022 LIVE Music at Patriots Park Concert Series and Cruise-In, Saturday, September 10.
Railroad Avenue, West Gold Street surrounding Patriots Park and a portion of West Mountain and South Cansler Streets will be closed beginning 2:00 p.m., September 10th and remain closed or barricaded until 11:00 p.m. Further information regarding road closures is listed below.
• Partial Barricade placement will begin at 8:00 a.m. – some roads will still be accessible during this time, but vehicles must be moved by 2:00 p.m.
• Additional Barricade placement will begin at 2:00 p.m.
• Roads closed at 2:00 p.m. and remain closed until 11:00 p.m. (ALL unauthorized vehicles will be towed after 2:00 p.m.)
• Arrival time for Cruise-In participants will begin at 4:00 pm with the Cruise-In beginning at 5:00 p.m.-Concert will begin at 6:00 p.m.
• Participants in the Cruise-In and concert goers, must use thoroughfare King Street to Cansler Street for access to Railroad, Mountain, and Gold Street
Motorists are urged to use extreme caution when traveling through Downtown Kings Mountain due to the increase in motor vehicles and pedestrians walking. Please plan to travel different roads if you are impacted by this change.

Summer may be ending, but the Cruise-In continues.
On September 10, local car enthusiasts will once again fill the streets in Downtown Kings Mountain with their favorite street or stock cars, motorcycles, and trucks.
The Cruise-In, will coincide with the 2022 Live Music at Patriots Park Concert Series scheduled to 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 start at 5:00 p.m. Want to participate in the Cruise-In? All makes and models are welcome! No fee required. It’s FREE!
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.

By Loretta Cozart

On Friday, August 26, the City of Kings Mountain announced the selection of their newest Police Chief, Gerald Childress, who succeeds Chief Lisa Proctor.
Childress served as the Administrative Lieutenant for the Town of Spindale. Prior to that, he served as the Deputy Chief of the Town of Mooresville for two years after a lengthy career with the Mooresville Police Department.
Childress has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology from Lenoir-Rhyne University and a Master of Arts in Justice Administration from Methodist University.
A statement from the City of Kings Mountain shared that Chief Childress is excited to join the Kings Mountain Police Department and the Kings Mountain community.
With over 26 years in municipal law and extensive administrative experience, he brings solid leadership to the Kings Mountain team. Chief Childress will report to the City Manager, Marilyn Sellers.
The Childress family will be re-locating to the City of Kings Mountain from Newton.

On September 2 – 4, 2022 Shelby Amateur Radio Club (SARC) will host its 66th Annual Shelby Hamfest.  Shelby Amateur Radio club sponsors the annual Shelby Hamfest which is being held at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds on Labor Day weekend!  Shelby Amateur Radio Club began hosting this event in 1957. Shelby Hamfest is an event where Amateur Radio vendors and  manufacturers set up to show their latest products. Campers begin arriving a week ahead of time to visit and fellowship with each other. It is also a place where amateur radio operators who talk on the radio regularly are able to have an “eyeball qso.”   A QSO is a contact between two amateur radio stations.   There is also a flea market for folks to sell their used equipment, antique radios, crafts, etc. The hamfest will have several education
forums  for  attendees  to participate.   There will be amateur radio license testing available throughout the week and on Saturday September 3.  If interested in attending the hamfest this year, admission is $10.00 at the gate and is good for all three days.   There will be a Youth Scavenger hunt on Saturday for those younger than 18.  There are lots of door prizes being awarded this year.    Children 12 and under can attend free. 
The first Shelby Hamfest was held at Brackett’s Cedar Park in 1957 with about 300 in attendance and over the years it outgrew the park moving to the Cleveland County Fairgrounds in 1979.  In the mid 1990’s the attendance had grown into the 10,000s.  In 2008, the hamfest moved temporarily to Dallas Park in Dallas, NC and returned home to the Cleveland County Fairgrounds in 2013.  While attendance has dropped in recent years, the Shelby Hamfest is still considered one of the largest hamfest on the east coast and is the largest in the ARRL Roanoke Division (North & South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia).   Shelby Hamfest attendees come from all over the United States and the world each year and stay in area hotels and eat at local restaurants.   The hamfest has drawn amateur radio operators from as far away as New Zealand, Turkey, India, Great Britain and Sweden.  
Some of the proceeds from the Hamfest go towards maintenance and upkeep of the club’s 6 repeaters.   These repeaters are available for service to the Cleveland County Emergency Management and other served agencies such as the American Red Cross should a disaster occur in the county.  Some of the proceeds are donated to local and deserving charities.  In past years,
The Shelby Amateur Radio Club donated to Salvation Army, Cleveland Rutherford Kidney Association, Crossroads Rescue Mission, Life Enrichment Center, Council on Aging, ARRL Spectrum Defense Fund and other organizations in and around Cleveland County. 
Shelby Amateur Radio Club holds its monthly meetings at the Red Cross Building in Shelby on the Second Tuesday of each month (Except December) at 7:00 PM. 
For more information related to the Shelby Hamfest, please email chairman@shelbyhamfest.org or call 980-295-5151.  If you or someone you know is interested in becoming part of this growing service, secretary@shelbyhamfest.org  or see http://www.shelbyarc.org or http://www.shelbyhamfest.org.