By Loretta Cozart

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) began accepting applications from the general public for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) on January 2. For the 25 counties that Hurricane Helene heavily impacted, including Cleveland County, the NC General Assembly has appropriated additional Disaster Energy Assistance funding to help households with heating costs and repairs during the colder winter months.
Beginning January 15, applications for these additional Disaster Energy Assistance funds will be accepted for eligible households residing in one of the 25 identified disaster counties during and after Hurricane Helene. These counties are Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties.
Households can apply for both LIEAP and the Disaster Energy Assistance funding. Households with heating services or systems that require repairs, are currently inoperable, have been disconnected or are at risk of having their services disconnected can also apply for the Disaster Energy Assistance funds.
Eligible households will receive assistance based on household circumstances and needs.
“Our friends and family in western North Carolina will feel the impacts from Hurricane Helene for years to come,” said Carla West, Division Director of Human Services for Child Support, Economic Services, Aging, and Operations. “We are only midway through winter, and these funds are critical to keep residents safe and warm as they continue to recover and rebuild.”
Disaster Energy Assistance is a temporary emergency program that helps eligible households and families afford energy heating services after a natural disaster or an emergency. The program helps eligible low-income households provide, restore or continue heating sources. Disaster Energy Assistance is available until funds are exhausted.
Individuals in one of the identified 25 disaster-declared counties can apply in person or via telephone with their local county Department of Social Services. Local residents should contact the Cleveland County Department of Social Services at 130 South Post Road in Shelby, NC 28150, or call (704) 487-0661.
To be eligible for Disaster Energy Assistance, a household must have at least one U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen and have income equal to or less than 60% of the state median income, have lived in one of the identified 25 disaster-declared counties during Hurricane Helene and are currently living in one of those counties, and have been impacted and suffered a loss because of Hurricane Helene.
Disaster Energy Assistance was created after NCDHHS appropriated $9 million in state funds from the NC General Assembly to help these disaster areas with heating-related costs and repairs after Hurricane Helene.

 

By Loretta Cozart

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) began accepting applications from the general public for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) on January 2. For the 25 counties that Hurricane Helene heavily impacted, including Cleveland County, the NC General Assembly has appropria ...read more

In the coming weeks, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will automatically send up to $1,400 in special payments to approximately 1 million taxpayers. The money will be directly deposited into eligible people’s bank accounts or sent by paper check.
The IRS is sending $1,400 stimulus checks to individuals who missed earlier stimulus payments and to eligible people who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. In the coming weeks, around 1 million taxpayers will receive the money automatically, either by direct deposit or through a mailed check.
The IRS announced the special step after reviewing internal data, which showed many eligible taxpayers who filed a return but did not claim the credit. The Recovery Rebate Credit is a refundable credit for individuals whodid not receive one or more  Economic Impact Payments (EIP), also known as stimulus payments.
   No action is needed for eligible taxpayers to receive these payments, which will go out automatically in December and should arrive in most cases by late January 2025. The payments will be automatically directly deposited or sent by paper check; eligible taxpayers will also receive a separate letter notifying them of the payment.
   “The IRS continues to work hard to make improvements and help taxpayers,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “These payments are an example of our commitment to go the extra mile for taxpayers. Looking at our internal data, we realized that one million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complex credit when they were actually eligible. To minimize headaches and get this money to eligible taxpayers, we’re making these payments automatic, meaning these people will not be required to go through the extensive process of filing an amended return to receive it.”
   The payments vary depending on several factors, but the maximum is $1,400 per individual. The estimated total amount of payments will be about $2.4 billion.
   The IRS also reminded taxpayers who haven’t filed 2021 tax returns they might be eligible as well, but they face an April 15, 2025, deadline to file their returns to claim the credit and any other refund they might be owed.
   Most taxpayers eligible for EIPs have already received their EIP or Recovery Rebate Credit.
   These new payments for the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit are only going to taxpayers for whom IRS data demonstrates that they qualify for the credit. Qualified taxpayers are those who filed a 2021 tax return but whose data field for the Recovery Rebate Credit was left blank or filled out as $0 when the taxpayer was actually eligible for the credit.
   Taxpayers who qualify but did not claim any portion of the credit on their 2021 tax return should receive these payments by late January 2025. The payment will be sent to the bank account listed on the taxpayer’s 2023 tax return or to the address of record.
   An IRS letter will be sent to the taxpayer receiving these 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit payments. If the taxpayer closed their bank account since filing their 2023 tax return, taxpayers do not need to take any action. The bank will return the payment to the IRS and the refund will be reissued to the address of record.
   For questions regarding eligibility and how the payment was calculated, see 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit Questions and Answers at https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-recovery-rebate-credit-questions-and-answers.
   The IRS reminds taxpayers who have not yet filed their 2021 tax returns that they may be eligible for a refund if they file and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by the April 15, 2025, deadline.
   Eligible taxpayers who did not file must file a tax return to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit, even if their income from a job, business or other source was minimal or non-existent.
   Any Recovery Rebate Credit received does not count as income when determining eligibility for federal benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
   As the 2025 tax filing season approaches, the IRS is committed to helping taxpayers understand and claim the credits and deductions for which they are eligible, including Coronavirus tax relief. Many taxpayers are unaware of tax credits and deductions for which they are eligible or face other barriers keeping them from claiming them. The IRS will remind taxpayers about these credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, during the 2025 filing season

 

In the coming weeks, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will automatically send up to $1,400 in special payments to approximately 1 million taxpayers. The money will be directly deposited into eligible people’s bank accounts or sent by paper check.
The IRS is sending $1,400 stimulus checks to individuals who missed earlier stimulus payments and to eligible people who did not clai ...read more

 In one of his first acts as the newly-elected Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, Speaker Destin Hall announced Friday the formation of the "Select Committee on Hurricane Helene Recovery" to address the ongoing needs of communities affected by the storm.
The bipartisan committee will focus on assessing recovery efforts, identifying gaps in resources, and ensuring state and federal assistance is delivered efficiently to those in need. Members will work closely with local leaders, emergency management officials, and nonprofit organizations to support recovery and rebuilding efforts.
“Hurricane Helene caused widespread devastation across North Carolina, and it’s our duty to ensure impacted communities have the resources they need to rebuild stronger than before,” said House Speaker Destin Hall.
He continued, “We are fully committed to Western North Carolina and will see this recovery through to the very end, and this committee will play a vital role in providing the oversight and leadership needed to ensure a strong and lasting recovery.”
Speaker Hall has appointed Rep. John Bell and Rep. Dudley Greene co-chairs of the committee. Rep. Jennifer Balkcom, Rep. Mike Clampitt, Rep. Karl  Gillespie, Rep.  Jake  Johnson, Rep. Ray Pickett, and Rep. Mark Pless have been appointed Vice Chairs.
Other committee members include: Rep. Paul Scott, Rep. Kelly Hastings, Rep. Kyle Hall, Rep. Phil Shepard, Rep. Mitchell Setzer, Rep. Frank Iler, Rep. Sarah Stevens, Rep. Keith Kidwell, Rep. Larry Strickland, Rep. Donny Lambeth, Rep. John Torbett, Rep. Donnie Loftis, Rep. Brian Turner, Rep. Carolyn Logan, Rep. Steve Tyson, Rep. Jeff McNeely, Rep. Harry Warren, Rep. Jay Adams, Rep. Charles Miller, Rep. Shelly Willingham, Rep. Eric Ager, Rep. Erin Paré, Rep. David Willis, Rep. Hugh Blackwell, Rep. Howard Penny, Rep. Allen Buansi, Rep. Garland Pierce, Rep. Laura Budd, Rep. Lindsey Prather, Rep. Carla Cunningham, Rep. Reece Pyrtle, Rep. Allison Dahle, Rep. James Roberson, Rep. Jimmy Dixon, Rep. Stephen Ross, and Rep. Blair Eddins.
   The Select Committee on Hurricane Helene Recovery will commence its work immediately. It will provide regular updates and recommendations to the General Assembly, and an appropriations bill is expected to follow shortly.
   On October 15, 2024, FEMA added twelve counties to the list of North Carolina counties adversely affected by Hurricane Helene, bringing the total to 39. Cleveland County has been named a North Carolina Disaster County.

In one of his first acts as the newly-elected Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, Speaker Destin Hall announced Friday the formation of the "Select Committee on Hurricane Helene Recovery" to address the ongoing needs of communities affected by the storm.
The bipartisan committee will focus on assessing recovery efforts, identifying gaps in resources, and ensuring s ...read more

The Kings Mountain Fire Department’s Station One reopened on December 26, following a comprehensive mold inspection and clearance testing. The City of Kings Mountain shared the update on its official Meta (Facebook) page.
“We are grateful to announce that Fire Station One has been cleared to reopen today following a thorough inspection. All crews, including all off-duty firefighters, were notified in sufficient time, allowing them to report to Station One this morning,” the city’s statement read.
The announcement also highlighted the inspection results, stating, “The analytical results and visual inspection have provided clear evidence of no elevated spore counts or visual concerns, confirming that the building has passed all clearance testing. We appreciate the patience and support of our community during this process.”
The city announced Fire Station One’s temporary closure on November 4 after mold was discovered in the building. During the closure, firefighters and equipment relocated to Fire Station Two at 1207 Shelby Road. The department assured residents that emergency services continued without interruption despite the disruption.
“Fire Station One has temporarily relocated to Fire Station Two due to the discovery of a possible environmental health risk involving the presence of mold,” the city’s earlier statement explained. “The health and safety of our firefighters and the entire community is our top priority, and we are taking immediate action to address and remediate this situation. If you have an emergency, please continue to call 911 as usual.”
Kings Mountain Fire Chief Greg Main confirmed that an industrial hygienist conducted an indoor air quality assessment at Station One on October 25, 2024, after staff reported concerns about mold.
 “The results were concerning enough that we were concerned for the health and safety of the firefighters,” Main said. “They’re in the station 24/7, so the decision was made to relocate them until a remediation plan is in place.”
Station One, built 45 years ago, has been a key part of the Kings Mountain Fire Department’s history. The department, which dates back to 1924, remains committed to fire prevention, education, training, and emergency preparedness.
City officials expressed appreciation for the community’s patience throughout the closure and remediation process. With Station One back in operation, firefighters continue to serve the area, ensuring the safety and well-being of Kings Mountain residents.

The Kings Mountain Fire Department’s Station One reopened on December 26, following a comprehensive mold inspection and clearance testing. The City of Kings Mountain shared the update on its official Meta (Facebook) page.
“We are grateful to announce that Fire Station One has been cleared to reopen today following a thorough inspection. All crews, including all off-duty firefighters, ...read more

By Loretta Cozart

During the Kings Mountain City Council meeting on December 10, an item was brought before council members for a vote, effectively reducing the Kings Mountain Housing Authority (KMHA) board from seven members to five.
The justification for not replacing the two board members whose terms end on December 31 was, “This has been a very complex and complicated matter involving a schedule of reviews and submissions to HUD that may take up to the end of March 2025, but will likely be completed sooner than that date. Two seats on the current Housing Authority board are set to expire on December 31, 2024. Any new or reappointment of these terms would be brief. The board can function with only five members, so it seems reasonable to reduce the number from seven members to five.”
Councilman Tommy Hawkins made the motion not to replace these members, seconded by Jay Rhodes.
Mayor Wagman shared with council members that he is in the process of removing two KMHA board members. He said, “Last month, I was speaking with our City Attorney, Mickey Corry, about the removal of two board members. I started that process on November 9, to which I received a letter from the attorneys for Kings Mountain Housing Authority, and I did pause that process for a short time. I did restart that process. So, there is potentially a hearing on the 19th or 20th of this month. I will work with our city clerk for that.”
He continued, “My recommendation for H, because what will happen is you will have four positions come up in one month that would be  vacant. My recommendation would be to move this one month. That is just a recommendation. There is a motion on the floor. So, with that, we can vote. I wanted full transparency. Thank you for your time.”
Returning to the vote, Mayor Wagman explained, “The motion was made to accept H, just as it is. I was just suggesting the other."
The City Council voted unanimously to reduce the KMHA board to five members.
   The Herald contacted City Attorney Mickey Corry regarding Mayor Wagman’s intent to remove two additional board members from the KMHA board and learned that while the mayor has always appointed members to that board, no board member has ever been removed in 50-plus years.
   According to the city clerk, no hearing regarding the removal of KMHA board members was held on December 19 or 20.
   The KMHA board includes Dale Greene, Keith Miller, Sarah Lee Wagman, Dr. Gregory Greer, Batina Oates, Steven Garland, and Paul Brently. Upon HUD’s approval of the Kings Mountain Redevelopment Commission, the KMHA will be immediately dissolved.
   The Kings Mountain Redevelopment Commission is anticipated to manage all KMHA properties on or before March 25, 2025. On September 3, the city council unanimously approved naming Veronica Williams as Interim Executive Director of the Kings Mountain Redevelopment Commission. Williams has experience bringing troubled housing authorities back into compliance in various municipalities, most recently in Lancaster, SC.
    KMHA has been scrutinized this year, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is conducting an audit that will be released soon. The Herald requested a copy of that audit, when released, and will share HUD’s findings.

 

By Loretta Cozart

During the Kings Mountain City Council meeting on December 10, an item was brought before council members for a vote, effectively reducing the Kings Mountain Housing Authority (KMHA) board from seven members to five.
The justification for not replacing the two board members whose terms end on December 31 was, “This has been a very complex and complicated matter involv ...read more

During its November 14 City Council meeting, the Planning Department provided updates on several commercial projects in different planning and development stages. These include hotels, fast-food restaurants, and other ventures set to shape the local area.
City Planning Director Henry Earle noted the scale of activity, stating that 2.2 million square feet of commercial space and 2.9 million square feet of industrial development are either proposed, underway, or recently completed. “There’s a lot happening here,” Earle said.
Boutique Hotel: The
Cobblestone Hotel
Preliminary work for a boutique hotel, The Cobblestone Hotel, is underway on West Gold Street, near the town hall. Earlier this year, land was cleared, and grading was completed. City Manager Jim Palenick mentioned plans to collaborate with Cleveland County to fund a parking deck using shared occupancy tax revenues. Palenick highlighted the need for additional parking downtown, noting that space for surface lots is limited.
Candlewood Suites
on York Road
    A 2.5-acre site at 707 York Road has been proposed as the location for a Candlewood Suites hotel. The property owners have expressed interest in the project, but according to the planning department, no detailed plans have been finalized.
Chick-fil-A and
Mobil Gas Station
A Chick-fil-A restaurant and Mobil gas station are being considered for a four-acre site at the intersection of York Road and Innovation Drive. The planning department described the project as being in the early stages, with no formal plans yet submitted.
Fast Food expansions on York Road
Several fast-food restaurants are in various stages of development along York Road:
• Cook Out: Construction is currently underway near Starbucks, Biscuitville, and Taco Bell, with grading activities ongoing.
• Zaxby’s: Proposed near Waffle House, just north of Exit 8, this project is in the commercial review phase and undergoing a traffic impact analysis.
Southern Artisan Spirits: Cardinal Gin Distillery
Southern Artisan Spirits plans to open a distillery and tasting room at 1033
See UPDATES, Page 5A
From Page 1A
York Road. The building construction is complete, and the business is awaiting its ABC license. According to its website, the company focuses on small-batch, organic distillation.
RipTide Car Wash
   A RipTide Car Wash is planned for Shelby Road. The project, submitted to the planning department in April, is currently in the construction planning phase, with the building permit process expected to follow.
Continued Growth in Kings Mountain
These projects reflect ongoing development activity in Kings Mountain, with a mix of hospitality, dining, and service businesses contributing to the city’s expansion. Development plans are fluid now, with more updates from the city to follow.

 

During its November 14 City Council meeting, the Planning Department provided updates on several commercial projects in different planning and development stages. These include hotels, fast-food restaurants, and other ventures set to shape the local area.
City Planning Director Henry Earle noted the scale of activity, stating that 2.2 million square feet of commercial space and 2.9 mi ...read more

The Kings Mountain Ministerial Association invites everyone to a CommunityWide Thanksgiving service on November 24 at 6 PM.
The service will take place at First Baptist Church Kings Mountain and includes pastors and
congregations around the
community.
Reception will follow the service in the Christian Ministry Center.
The featured preacher will be Pastor Brad Bridges of Patterson Grove Baptist Church and Dr.
Jonathan Bundon will lead the music.
Additionally, there will be a community choir.
Finally, there will be a love offering to support the crisis ministry center. 100 percent of the proceeds will go to help people in our community.
First Baptist is located at 605 W. King St., Kings Mountain.
See ad on page 2A.

The Kings Mountain Ministerial Association invites everyone to a CommunityWide Thanksgiving service on November 24 at 6 PM.
The service will take place at First Baptist Church Kings Mountain and includes pastors and
congregations around the
community.
Reception will follow the service in the Christian Ministry Center.
The featured preacher will be Pastor Brad Bridges of Patterson Grove Ba ...read more

Small Business Saturday is November 30, and KM Forward is excited to bring together local shops and encourage our community to shop locally—with a little added incentive!
 Here’s how it works:
For every $10 spent at participating businesses, customers will receive one entry ticket into a drawing with three major prizes:
 • $500 gift card
  • $250 gift card
 • $100 gift card
  Participating businesses will collect and deliver their customers’ tickets to the Joy Theatre by 7 p.m. The drawing will be held at 7:15 p.m.
If you are a local business owner and want to join in, email promotions@kmforwardnc.org to sign up by Thursday, Nov. 21. A list of participating businesses will be posted on KM Forward’s social media on Friday, November 22.
KM Forward thanks businesses for being a part of our thriving local business community. They also thank our community for supporting local businesses.
Together, let’s make this Small Business Saturday a day to remember.

Small Business Saturday is November 30, and KM Forward is excited to bring together local shops and encourage our community to shop locally—with a little added incentive!
Here’s how it works:
For every $10 spent at participating businesses, customers will receive one entry ticket into a drawing with three major prizes:
• $500 gift card
• $250 gift card
• $100 gift card
Participating b ...read more

The Kings Mountain Ministerial Association invites everyone to a CommunityWide Thanksgiving service on November 24 at 6 PM.
The service will take place at First Baptist Church Kings Mountain and includes pastors congregations around the community.
Reception will follow the service in the Christian Ministry Center.
The featured preacher will be Rev. Brad Bridges of Patterson Grove Baptist Church and Dr. Jonathan Bundon will lead the music.
Additionally, there will be a community choir. If interested in singing, contact 704.739.3651.The choir rehearsal will be Monday November 18, at FBC Kings Mountain from 7-8:30 PM.
Finally, there will be a love offering to support the crisis ministry center. 100 percent of the proceeds will go to help people in our community.
First Baptist is located at 605 W. King St., Kings Mountain.

 

The Kings Mountain Ministerial Association invites everyone to a CommunityWide Thanksgiving service on November 24 at 6 PM.
The service will take place at First Baptist Church Kings Mountain and includes pastors congregations around the community.
Reception will follow the service in the Christian Ministry Center.
The featured preacher will be Rev. Brad Bridges of Patterson Grove Baptis ...read more

By Loretta Cozart

Cleveland County residents traveling to Tennessee can now use Interstate 26 again, as transportation officials have completed a temporary causeway replacing sections destroyed by Hurricane Helene in September.
The reopening relieves regional travelers, though the devastating storm's impact affects North Carolina communities. The hurricane claimed 101 lives in North Carolina alone, with a total death toll reaching 230 across seven states.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation constructed the temporary fix in just 33 days, using more than 5,000 tons of asphalt and 33,000 tons of rock to create single lanes in both directions.
"This is about making sure that our people in this community and those around are able to access the basic needs that they're trying to get to," said Tennessee Transportation Commissioner Butch Eley.
For Cleveland County residents and businesses relying on I-26—a crucial route connecting Charleston, S.C., through Asheville, N.C., to Kingsport, Tenn.—the reopening restores a vital transportation link. However, some restrictions remain: overweight vehicles and those wider than 10 feet must still use alternate routes.
The reopening has particularly benefited the small town of Erwin, Tennessee, where detoured traffic had created significant delays. "Just to get through town, sometimes it'd take 20 minutes. It should have been a 10-minute drive," said Jeff Simmons, a Riverview Baptist Church deacon who suffered significant damage from the hurricane.
While I-26 has reopened, Interstate 40, another critical route between North Carolina and Tennessee, remains closed due to storm damage. This continued closure affects Cleveland County travelers heading west, who must plan alternate routes.
Last Friday, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) said motorists traveling along I-40 near the North Carolina-Tennessee border could see a partial reopening by New Year's Day. Officials say efforts are underway to open one traffic lane in each direction by January 4, as crews work to stabilize the hurricane-damaged route.
The ongoing project aims to repair a 9-mile stretch of I-40, which suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Helene. NCDOT Division 14 Engineer Wanda Payne expressed confidence in the progress, noting that contract crews are pushing forward on the current stabilization phase. "We are optimistic our contract partners can complete the work, establish one narrow lane in each direction, and create a safe work zone for long-term restoration," Payne said. "Conditions will be tight, but if everyone is patient, we can all get through."
The reconstruction has faced unique challenges. Payne described the area as "a very dangerous work zone" bordering a steep gorge, with numerous obstacles complicating efforts to safely reopen the road. Wright Brothers Construction, the project's primary contractor, faces an incentive deadline of January 4 to complete the initial stabilization and reopen traffic on this key route.
Crews are installing a series of soil-nail walls to prevent further erosion and stabilize the area. Once the soil-nail work is complete, a concrete barrier will be added to separate the single lanes of traffic, spanning five miles from the double-tunnel area in North Carolina to the Tennessee state line. An additional two-lane configuration will be set up for local traffic along a four-mile section within Tennessee.
The NCDOT awarded Wright Brothers Construction an $8.5 million contract for the emergency stabilization, with subcontractor GeoStabilization International handling the specialized soil-nail work. While addressing immediate safety concerns, this temporary fix is only the first phase in a broader, long-term reconstruction project that remains in its early planning stages.
The devastating impact of Hurricane Helene has prompted lawmakers from North Carolina and Tennessee to seek federal agricultural disaster assistance. Although the storm weakened as it reached the mountains in western North Carolina and Tennessee, it still caused catastrophic flooding and infrastructure damage throughout the region.
As the road and interstate reopening dates approach, the NCDOT encourages drivers to be cautious and patient in the narrow work zones under construction. Speed limits in the work zones are set at 40 mph.
Local emergency management officials encourage travelers to monitor traffic conditions and road updates as storm damage repair work continues throughout the region.

By Loretta Cozart

Cleveland County residents traveling to Tennessee can now use Interstate 26 again, as transportation officials have completed a temporary causeway replacing sections destroyed by Hurricane Helene in September.
The reopening relieves regional travelers, though the devastating storm's impact affects North Carolina communities. The hurricane claimed 101 lives in North Ca ...read more