By Loretta Cozart

With Christmas less than ten days away, many are scrambling for those last minute gifts. Many Kings Mountain merchants offer unique gifts for that special someone on your Christmas list. Downtown Kings Mountain’s Main Street Program is incentivizing your next shopping trip. If you spend $25 downtown between now and midnight December 24, you can be entered to win $250 in Main Street Bucks Just text a photo of your receipt to 704-734-8549. Winner will be notified on Dec. 28.
 If you have not shopped in downtown in a while, check out the shops and make a day of it. With the new restaurants, you have many options from which to choose for lunch. Kick-off your day at Revolution Brewhouse for a cup of coffee and breakfast sandwich to fuel your day of shopping.
Downtown has many boutique shops that offer one-of-a-kind gifts. Whether you need unique engraved gifts, from cutting boards to key fobs, Mountain Holiday has you covered. The shop also sells a wide variety of collectibles, gifts, seasonal, and holiday decorations. They also carry a line of men’s grooming products and tools that make shaving an experience… and less of a chore. Stop in to listen to their Corinthian Bells; that alone will put you in the holiday spirit.
Everyone wants gifts from Dellinger’s Jewel Shop. Kings Mountain’s hometown jeweler has served the needs of generations of families as their trusted jeweler for brilliant diamonds, beautiful
fine jewelry, elegant watches,  treasured gifts, custom made styles and expert jewelry repairs.
Just down the block is Uncommon Artisans, a shop that carries an eclectic range of handmade items: candles, home goods, jewelry... items for body and mind. The feature curated permanent artists and rotating artists, bringing unique gifts for that hard to buy individual on your list.
For the crafty person, consider Carolina Cotton Company, home to a diverse selection of premium quality fabrics in a wide range of colors and prints. They have novelty fabrics, sports teams, floral and landscapes, tribal prints, or bold contemporary designs? There is something there that will inspire creativity. Their fabric is cut with rotary cutters to prevent ripping or tearing and carefully packaged.
If you are looking for alternative ways to garden, check out Inorganics Plus. If hydroponics interest you, stop by and chat. Their company is based on the belief that their customers’ needs are the grassroots of their business and of the utmost importance. If you would like to try your hand an organic gardening, or you know someone who does, be sure to stop in.
If you are in the need of a manicure, pedicure, or both, Elle & Co. provides salon and spa services, including their lash lounge. Take a moment to pamper yourself and relax.
Jack & Georgia serves the fashion needs of teen girls and young women in the Kings Mountain area. Whether you daughter, niece, or granddaughter are hard to shop for, especially if they enjoy trendy fashions, you are sure to find a gift to make them smile. They carry accessories, dresses, outerwear, pants, sets, shoes, and a variety of other items.
Uptown Girl Boutique carries fashion items for the slightly older, yet fashion conscious shopper. Uptown Girl Boutique provides upscale fashion that you can wear anywhere. They carry clothing including pants, tops, dresses, outerwear, sets, tops, and accessories for petite to curvy women.
   Trackside Traders offers a bit of everything, from furniture, to clothing and accessories. Their newest addition is their ladies clothing boutique. They feature a variety of stylish clothing in sizes from XS to 3x. They look for unique clothes and accessories and strive to have new items arriving each week. While there, be sure to step next door for tasty beverage.
And remember those smaller boutiques setup at Kings Mountain Historical Museum and Southern Arts Society. If you are looking for unique art, items to brighten every room in your home, or a book for local history lovers, these are the places to shop. A portion of your purchase supports the mission of each of these organizations.
 If the family wants new furniture for the holidays, be sure to visit Farmer’s Furniture to decorate any room in your home, setup a home office, or purchase outdoor furniture or lawn equipment. These folks are close by and have a variety of items to meet your needs.
Downtown is home to two hardware stores that have supplies for whatever DIY or holiday project you might tackle: Bridges Hardware and Hometown Hardware. Both have a plethora of tools and workwear that make great gifts. And if you need any help with your project, just stop in and ask the experts to get your project done right.
Family Dollar is on the edge of downtown, but they have a variety of items including last minute gifts,  cosmetic and gift sets, toys, wrapping paper, household needs, small electronics, groceries, and snacks. They are conveniently on your way and are budget friendly.
If you know someone who enjoys older items, not necessarily antiques, but items that are a flash to the past, visit Cash Pro Pawn and Cleveland Music, Kings Mountain Thrift, or 2nd Appreciation. All have a variety of items to make that special someone on your list smile this Christmas.
While downtown, be sure to check out the variety of dining options. We have two new restaurants, 133 West and Tara Mia. But tried and true options are available also. If you have not eaten downtown lately, you may be surprised by the choices you now have
Whether you chose to grab a pizza at Papa Johns or Domino’s or prefer to dine-in at 238 Cherokee Grill, Mountain View, Sub Factory, Thai Hut Restaurant, or Mountain View, you cannot go wrong. If you time your meal right, you can enjoy the lights downtown and in Patriots Park for Christmas.
Shopping local can save you time, gas, and money. And it helps the community, your friends, your neighbors, and your family. In fact, 62% of U.S. small businesses reported that they need to see consumer spending return to pre-COVID levels by the end of 2020 in order to stay in business, as reported in Amex-commissioned 2020 Small Business Recovery Research poll. When you Shop Small this holiday season – and all year long – you can help create a big impact and help the community in the big way.

(December 2, 2020 Issue)


Medicare Open Enrollment is officially open and will run through December 7, but the deadline is fast approaching. More than 60 million people with Medicare can review health and drug plans and make changes to their healthcare coverage for next year, based on their financial and medical needs, from the comfort of their homes.
With Medicare Advantage (or private Medicare health plans) and Part D prescription drug plan premiums at historic lows – and hundreds of healthcare plans now offering $35 monthly co-pays for insulin – there are plenty of reasons to compare coverage options.
   As part of this year’s open enrollment, CMS also reminds people with Medicare to get their flu shot, beware of open enrollment scams, and seek virtual assistance if they need it to enroll in a plan amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
   “I hope everyone with Medicare takes time to review their health and drug coverage for next year,” said CMS Administrator Seema Verma. “There are more plans than ever to choose from, many new benefits, and historically low plan premiums. You may well find a plan that’s a better fit for you and save yourself some money in the process. Shopping for plans is easy with Medicare Plan Finder.”
During Open Enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries can compare coverage options like Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and choose health and prescription drug plans for 2021. Medicare health and drug plan costs and covered benefits can change from year-to-year. CMS urges Medicare beneficiaries to review their coverage choices and decide on the options that best meet their health needs. Over the past three years, CMS has made it easier for seniors to compare and enroll in Medicare coverage. The redesigned Medicare Plan Finder makes it easier for beneficiaries to:
• Compare pricing between Original Medicare, Medicare prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policies;
• Compare coverage options on their smartphones and tablets;
• Compare up to three drug plans or three Medicare Advantage plans side-by-side;
• Get plan costs and benefits, including which Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits;
• Build a personal drug list and find Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage that best meets their needs.
Highlights for 2021 Open Enrollment include:
   A 34 percent decrease in average monthly premiums for Medicare Advantage plans since 2017. This is the lowest average monthly premium since 2007. Beneficiaries in some states, including Alabama, Nevada, Michigan, and Kentucky, will see decreases of up to 50 percent in average Medicare Advantage premiums. More than 4,800 Medicare Advantage plans are offered for 2021, compared to about 2,700 in 2017. Similarly, more Medicare Part D plans are available, and the average basic Part D premium has dropped 12 percent since 2017.
Medicare beneficiaries can join a prescription drug plan that will offer many types of insulin at a maximum copayment of $35 for a 30-day supply. More than 1,600 Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans are participating in the Part D Senior Savings Model for 2021. People who enroll in a participating plan could save up to an estimated $446 a year in out-of-pocket costs on insulin. CMS has added a new “Insulin Savings” filter on Medicare Plan Finder to display plans that will offer the capped out-of-pocket costs for insulin. Beneficiaries can use the Medicare Plan Finder to view plan options and look for a participating plan in their area that covers their insulin at no more than a $35 monthly copay.
   Free, personalized counseling on Medicare options is also available through the nonprofit State Health Insurance Assistance Program or calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
   Finally, CMS urges people with Medicare to practice safety measures to guard against identity theft during open enrollment. Beneficiaries should not give their Medicare card or Medicare number to anyone except their doctor or people they know should have it. CMS removed Social Security numbers from all Medicare cards last year to reduce fraud and protect beneficiaries from identity theft. Even with this change, people with Medicare should guard their Medicare card like they would a credit card. They should also check their Medicare claim summaries for errors and questionable bills and report fraud to Medicare’s toll-free customer service center at 1-800-MEDICARE or online.

(December 2, 2020 Issue)

Believe it or not - the holidays are fast approaching. This holiday season enjoy a family classic, The Nutcracker, the all-time favorite story of Clara’s magical trip to the land of sweets, presented by Kimberla's School of Classical Ballet. The Nutcracker will be performed on Friday, December 4th at 7pm, Saturday, December 5th at 2pm and 7pm and Sunday, December 6th at 4pm at The Joy Performance Center in Kings Mountain.  Tickets are $12 each in advance or $15 at the door for general admission seating and $85 in advance or $100 at the door for a mezzanine seating cluster of 4 with hor d'oeuvres. Only 100 tickets available to each performance. Tickets are  available by calling 704-300-4130 or at  https://sites.google.com/site/kimberlasclassicalballet/nutcracker-tickets
Experience this magical storybook ballet with your family and friends or escape one evening to dream with your children for our 11th annual production of The Nutcracker.  Hope to see you there!

(November 12, 20202 Issue)

City Offices were  closed Wednesday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Garbage Service Wednesday & Thursday will be one day later.
City Offices will be closed Thursday & Friday, November 26 & 27 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. Garbage service for Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday will be one day earlier. The
City Offices will be closed Thursday & Friday, December 24 & 25 in observance of the Christmas Holiday. Garbage Service for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will be one day earlier.
All trash should be placed in bags and inside the garbage container for collection. If you have questions about additional trash collection, please call Public Works at 704-734-0735.

(November 11, 2020 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

City council heard an update on Kings Mountain’s Comprehensive Plan during their Oct. 27 meeting.  Presenting were President Gary Mitchell and Senior Associate-in-Charge Kelli McCormick of Kendig Keast Collaborative. The Comprehensive Plan helps the city and others make sound and coordinated decisions regarding the future of the Kings Mountain community.
The project kick-off
occurred in April, just after the COVID-19 pandemic began, resulting in a delay to their original timeline.
In May, Kendig Keast held a remote introduction meeting with city council, referred to as the startup and early engagement phase, during which town meetings and listening sessions were to be held. This phase deadline was shifted to end in October and town meetings were removed from the plan.
Phase 2 addressed Kings Mountain Today, consisting of advisory group meetings, reviewing the existing city report, and leadership workshops. This phase was shifted to June – November.
Kings Mountain Tomorrow, Phase 3, includes advisory group meetings and the future-focused portion of the plan. This phase was changed to December through April 2021.
Finalization and Adoption is the last phase in which implementation strategies, a public open house, a leadership workshop, and final hearings and adoption would be addressed. This is now scheduled for  April to May 2021.
COVID-19 has caused many issues with timelines and Phase 3 and Phase 4 may by pushed back even further, should the Coronavirus continue into 2021.
An online survey was conducted and 218 individuals from Kings Mountain, Grover, Shelby, and Cherryville responded. According Kendig Keast, the response percentage is on average with most surveys they conduct.
Approximately 30 respondents were not from Kings Mountain. About 115 people lived in the city for more than 20 years. The number of people who lived in the town 1–5 years was about 35. Twenty people respondents lived in Kings Mountain for 6–10 years. And about 18 people lived in the city for 11-20 years.
Respondents reported that they worked in Gaffney, Charlotte, Shelby, Kings Mountain, Belmont, Stanley, or were retired. A few respondents also work remotely. Other municipalities were mentioned, but only one of two people worked in those communities.
The top five priorities, according to those who took the survey were, (1) ongoing downtown enhancements and improvements, (2) public safety (police, fire, ambulance service), (3) more leisure/entertainment options, (4) safety when walking/biking, and (5) more shopping choices.
When asked what “small town feel” Kings Mountain needs to preserve, respondents indicated they wanted a traditional downtown, local shops/restaurant vs. chains or fast food, community events / family activities, control traffic, maintain low crime rate, and that it be a walkable place.
The majority of people felt the city needs more housing options. The top five indicated a need for more downtown residential, followed by move-up mid-level housing, large-lot housing for people to live in the city but be separated from their neighbors, more housing options for seniors to stay in Kings Mountain, and attached housing types like patio homes or townhomes.
When asked what public service contributes most to quality of life, the top five included public safety, infrastructure, downtown development, parks / recreation / trails, and economic development.
In evaluating the community’s character, Kendig Keast evaluated communities comparing three components: paving, open space, and buildings.  A community with more buildings was considered Urban. Towns with an equal amount of buildings and open space was considered Suburban. And a city with more pavement and buildings than open space was considered Auto Urban. They urge Kings Mountain to address character and balance of paving, open space, and buildings in its plan for the future.
Even in areas where seas of pavement currently exist, planning can make way for future improvement to balance it with trees and plantings.
Strategic priorities for Future Kings Mountain Phase were identified as:
 • Housing - More supply, options, mid-market rental, condition of older housing stock, and more living opportunities in/near Downtown.
• Downtown - Continue to enhance (businesses, restaurants, mixed use, aesthetics), find our niche to attract/retain next generations and keep our leisure activity and spending here (along with jobs).
• Economic Development - Keep building industrial base, more local job options, support business startups especially Downtown.
• Beautification - Overall aesthetics, upkeep, and better streetscapes.
• Natural & Cultural Resources - Park / trail improvements, protect lakes, tap into heritage tourism and National Park visitation.
• Growth & Land Use - Pace of growth we can manage while maintaining what makes life good in Kings Mountain, more connected community.
• Education –-Technical and higher education to support area economy and higher-level jobs, improve quality of life and reduce poverty.

(November 11, 2020 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain City Council voted 5-2 in favor of an ordinance allowing alcohol to be served in restaurants as early as 10 am on Sundays during a special called meeting on Thursday, Nov. 5. All councilmembers were present, and Jay Rhodes and Keith Miller cast the dissenting votes.
This topic had been voted on during the October 27 City Council meeting, however it was brought before council to be re-voted because the ordinance was not officially passed due to a lack of 2/3 majority of the actual membership on the date of introduction.
Under the voting rules in G.S. 160A-75, if the date on which the board votes on the ordinance is regarded as the date of introduction, an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the actual membership of the council is required to adopt the measure. If an earlier date is deemed to be the date of introduction, a majority of the members of the council would be sufficient.
   City Attorney Mickey Corry addressed council explaining, “After the Oct. 27  meeting, we took a closer look an decided out of an abundance of caution city council should vote on this ordinance again. It may be overkill, but we decided it best to for city council to vote again.”
  Atty. Corry also explained that the ordinance would impact all businesses in Kings Mountain that have a license to sell alcohol. Councilman Jay Rhodes asked, “Convenience stores?” Corry clarified saying, “Convenience stores, grocery stores, wherever there is a permit for the sale of (alcohol). This ordinance covers them all.”
   Originally this provision of the ordinance only applied to restaurants, but it was revised to apply to any licensed permit holder, including retail businesses.  Breweries, bottle shops, and other retails businesses that have the necessary permit to sell malt beverages, unfortified wine, fortified wine, and mixed beverages for on premises and/or off premises consumption may now sell such beverages beginning at 10 am on Sunday when the local government adopts the necessary ordinance.
   Speaking in favor of the ordinance at the Oct. 27 city council meeting was Iris Hubbard, owner of 133 West on Mountain Street. “133 West is open Thursday through Sunday and employs four full-time and 15 part-time employees. The ability to serve alcohol during brunch on Sunday would be a game changer for us.”
   The ordinance is a result of 2017 legislation known as SL 2017-87, specifically Section 4, commonly known as the brunch bill, that passed on June 28, 2017 and was signed into law by Governor Cooper on June 30 and is subject to local government approval.
   In accordance with G.S. 18B-1004(c), a city may adopt an ordinance allowing for the sale of malt beverages, unfortified wine, fortified wine, and mixed beverages beginning at 10 am on Sunday pursuant to the licensed premises’ permit issued. Shelby and Gastonia adopted the brunch bill in August 2017.
   “This bill basically was passed, by the state, to accommodate tailgating in Charlotte during Panther games on Sunday. Within a year of passing other local cities passed it as well,” said Mayor Scott Neisler. “The restaurant business is already a tough business and I think as a city we have to support our restaurants, so they have no barriers to success. There has been a lot of questions surrounding this bill as to who would qualify. Interpreting ABC laws can be hard. If you have a business that possesses an ABC permit, I invite you to contact our ABC officer at the police department to get clarification on your specific situation.”

With a historic amount of early votes still to be counted, the US Presidential vote is unsettled in a nail-biting race between President Donald Trump, Republican, and former Vice-President Joe Biden, Democrat.
According to the Associated Press North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Democrat, won re-election defeating Republican Dan Forest.
NC Senator Thom Tillis, Republican, in a closely-watched race with challenger Cal Cunningham, Democrat, claimed victory Tuesday as the US Senate race  in North Carolina remains too close to call..

With a historic amount of early votes still to be counted, the US Presidential vote is unsettled in a nail-biting race between President Donald Trump, Republican, and former Vice-President Joe Biden, Democrat.
According to the Associated Press North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Democrat, won re-election defeating Republican Dan Forest.
NC Senator Thom Tillis, Republican, in a closely-watched race with challenger Cal Cunningham, Democrat, claimed victory Tuesday as the US Senate race  in North Carolina remains too close to call..

(October 28, 2020 Issue)

Early voting continues for four days at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 220 N. Watterson Street, in Kings Mountain.
Evening hours today (Wednesday) through Friday are 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday hours are 1-5 p.m.
 No ID is required except for those registering who can also cast their vote at the same time.
Safeguards are in place as voters cast their ballots including masks for all poll workers and voters who don’t bring their own, single-use pens for voters to mark their ballots, sanitation stations and protective barriers. The site is professionally cleaned throughout the 17-day voting period and election workers routinely sanitize all surfaces.