By Loretta Cozart

Liberty Mountain: The Revolutionary Drama opens for its eighth season this Friday, September 15. The play shares the personal trials many families faced during the period of the Battle of Kings Mountain in the South during Cornwallis’ Southern Campaign.
When the Herald visited with Bob Inman and Jim Champion last week, Bob shared a significant fact about the victory at Kings Mountain. “When the battle was won, it swayed people to the patriot cause, helping them recruit more participants. The victory turned the tide in favor of the patriot cause and swayed public sentiment,” he said.
   Nobody wants to back a losing cause, especially against the British, one of the most powerful and technologically advanced militaries in Europe and the world. To do so could mean the loss of everything a family had worked so hard to achieve or the loss of the family altogether. Many settlers were unwilling to take that risk by fighting until people saw that it was possible to defeat the British. The Battle of Kings Mountain gave them that hope.
   The battle took place eight miles south of Kings Mountain and is the pivotal historical event for which the city took its name. Many descendants of this battle remain in the community and embrace that history in name and spirit.
   When asked about this season, Jim Champion said, “I am hopeful for this year.” And Bob quickly pointed out that a sophisticated marketing effort is underway under Jim's supervision. “Thanks to our sponsors, we have funds for a robust marketing plan utilizing geotargeted marketing.” Geotargeting creates more relevant, targeted promotions to engage consumers.
   “In addition, Albemarle is a new sponsor,” Jim adds. “Thanks to them, every fourth grader in Cleveland County received tickets for them and a parent. Every fourth grader in Cleveland County can see the play this year, around 1,400 students. That is huge.”
   “Moving to the Fall allowed us to do a school drive. This year, three schools from Gaston, Cleveland, and Cherokee Counties will join us for three school-day performances. That accounts for another 750 students who will see the play,” Jim said. “The sponsorship from Albemarle helped us accomplish our goal for an educational component with the play.”
   “The Patrick family is our Founding Sponsor, and they support us in all ways, and we are very thankful for their support.” Another key sponsor this year is the City of Kings Mountain Tourism and Development Authority.
   “This year, we have included the Catawba Indians into the play, as well. Because many lived in this area and traded with the settlers,” Bob added. “We have done the research and cannot prove that the Catawba Indians participated in the battle. But we do know that they interacted with the settlers and would have traded with them. They are also very much a part of this story.”
  When asked about the cast, Bob said, “We have 26 cast members this year, and they are the most experienced theater cast, top to bottom, that we have had so far. They know what they are doing, hit their marks, and do a wonderful job.”
   In addition to the play, Jim has lots going on with the theater. And moving to the Fall put an increased workload on the Liberty Mountain committees. “I think it will be a rewarding season for us, and we will accomplish what we set out to do: Educate, entertain, and have a great show.”
   The theater remains under renovation, so Jim asks patrons to “excuse our dust.” They will have the facility ready for the performance, but due to supply and demand issues, new doors will not be installed until after the season.
   Performances are on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, September 15,16,17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, October 1, 6, and 8. Performance Times: Friday: 7:30 p.m., Saturday: 3:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., and Sunday: 3:00 p.m. Joy Performance Theater is 202 S. Railroad Ave. Kings Mountain, NC 28086.


 

Farmall, John Deere, Cub Cadet, Lenar…….What do all these tractors have in common? They are headed to the LIVE at Patriots Park Downtown Cruise-In!
The City of Kings Mountain invites tractor enthusiasts to fill the streets of Downtown with tractors, tractors and more tractors, Saturday, October 14th.  The Cruise-In will coincide with the Dirty Grass Soul concert scheduled on the same day. All makes and models of our returning cruisers are still welcome as well. 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 5:00pm followed by the
concert at 6:00 pm.
With live music, cool rides and great food, celebrate Fall with us October 14th in Downtown Kings Mountain.
Want to participate in the Cruise-In? No registration or fee required. It’s FREE!

The GFWC Kings Mountain Woman’s Club will host a “Meet the Candidates” forum on Monday. September 25 at 6:00 p.m. at their clubhouse at 108 East Mountain Street.
This is one of the last opportunities for citizens to hear candidates present their platforms and to speak with them directly before the November election.
The moderator will introduce each candidate running in the current election, and each has 3 minutes to speak.
After all presentations are completed. attendees can talk personally with candidates.
The Meet the Candidates Forum is sponsored by the Civic Engagement and Outreach Community Service Program of the GFWC NC Kings Mountain Woman’s Club, chaired by Ann Bennett.
In 1905, women in the community organized the Kings Mountain Civic League to help care for Mountain Rest Cemetery, among other needs. In 1923, the league joined the Federation of Woman’s Clubs. Ida Pauline Mauney Neisler donated the land on East Mountain Street, and in 1932, the newly completed Kings Mountain Woman’s Clubhouse opened. For the last 118 years, it has served as a hub for civic and community gatherings.

By Loretta Cozart

Saturday, September 16, is the last Saturday for the Kings Mountain Farmers’ Market this year. Thanks to many folks, especially The Davidson Association, the farmers’ market was a big success this year. “We’ve had a great summer, and we want to close the season on a high note,” said Tamra Moody.
Once the KM Farmer’s Market opened on June 3, more and more participants and citizens returned to support local businesses and buy fresh fruits and vegetables from the farm. In addition, meats, honey, flowers, sauces, artwork, bakery goods, and food trucks supported the market.
Corporate sponsors included Cleveland County, City of Kings Mountain, Kings Mountain Rotary Club, NC State Extension, Albemarle, and The Davidson Association.
Davidson Alumni Resource Center, Inc. is a nonpartisan 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Trick or Treat, Bags of Sweets, Ghosts, and Goblins Will Walk Down the Street!

The City of Kings Mountain will host its annual “Great Pumpkin Halloween Parade” on Tuesday, October 31. Children 0-7 and their parents are invited to gather at the City Hall Plaza, at 101 W. Gold Street, at 9:30 a.m. to line up for this spectacular spooky parade. At 10:00 a.m., the foot parade, led by Mayor Scott Neisler, will travel to the Gazeboo at Patriots Park for a howling good time.
Kings Mountain Marketing, Tourism and Events Department, Mauney Memorial Library’s Harris Children’s Department, in cooperation with Dance Magic Studio, Cleveland County Childcare Connections, and Partnership for Children, will provide entertainment, games, Halloween stories, songs, sing-alongs, and fun for all.
Local merchants are encouraged to dress in costumes to greet the children
and hand out candy along the parade route.  Tables will be provided at Patriots Park for businesses to give away candy and treats.
Afterward, children and parents are welcome to stay and play, have a picnic lunch, take photos with the Peanuts game in Linus’ pumpkin patch or dine in one of the convenient downtown restaurants.
The parade will start at the City Hall Plaza and continue to Battleground Ave., Mountain St., and South Railroad Ave. and end at Patriots Park.
 For additional information, call 704-734-0333 or visit www.cityofkm.com.

 

By Loretta Cozart

 The curtain will open on Friday, September 15, and Bob Inman’s play, Liberty Mountain: The Revolutionary Drama, will begin its eighth season. For the first time, Bob will perform the role of Reverend Samuel Doak.
“I may be a little creaky, but I’ll be up there in some regard during the battle itself. I’m the oldest cast member this year, and my eighteen-year-old grandson, who plays Caleb Martin, is the youngest,” Bob shares with a smile.
Liberty Mountain shares the personal trials many families faced during the Battle of Kings Mountain. When asked why he wrote the play, Bob replied, “When I was in school, Revolutionary War history was all about Saratoga, Brandywine, Bunker Hill, Lexington, and Concord. There was nothing taught about the Southern campaign.”
When he decided to write a play about the Battle of Kings Mountain, he, Jim Champion, and Caleb Sigmon agreed that the story
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LIBERTY

From Page 1A
 had to be historically accurate. So, Bob did his research and leaned heavily upon the works of three historians: UNC-Charlotte Professor Dan Morrill, USC Professor Walter Edgar, and one of Bob’s college professors at the University of Alabama, John Pancake. “These three men wrote seminal works that helped me tremendously in writing the play,” Bob said.
But the story is also personal for Bob because he descends from Col. James Williams, the highest-ranking officer at the Battle of Kings Mountain. William’s two sons were with him and participated in the battle. “Williams was shot by a Loyalist who didn’t want to surrender, and he died the next day in Rutherford County. His body was later exhumed, and he is buried on the grounds of a library in Gaffney, SC,” Bob explains.
The creative team has also been working hard to keep the story fresh for those who may have seen the play in years past, so several new scenes have been added this season. They follow two rules when adding new scenes: First, the play must be historically accurate, and second, it must entertain keeping in context with rule number one.
Bob shares his thoughts on the Revolutionary War in the South, “This area, here, Tennessee, Virginia, they were backwoodsmen. They didn’t have much, so the King could not do much to them. They just wanted to be left alone and didn’t want the King, or anyone else, telling them what to do.”
“In some respects, this was also a religious war. People immigrated from Europe and brought their faith, especially the Scots Irish, who were mistreated in Ireland. This is a story of faith in God and faith in the whole idea of a nation,” he said. “Militias were small groups of 100 to 200 men. The story is also about people who often acted independently together.”
When asked what he hopes the audience takes away from this performance, Bob replied, “I want the audience to feel like this is a modern play, that how we live as Americans today depends on the outcome of the battle. The British had been doing great: Charleston, Camden, The Waxhaws, and Charlotte, and were getting ready to go North. If they had not turned the tide of success, we might be singing God Save the King, were not for the Battle of Kings Mountain.”
   “This story impacts how Americans live today, and everyone needs to appreciate that. We feel like this country has been given to us,” Bob said. “It was not given to us; we had to fight for it. That is what the Battle of Kings Mountain is about. People were fighting for their homes, their families, and their faith, and I want people to understand that this affects all of us right now. It’s not just something that happened 200-plus years ago. Good people rose up for a common cause.”
   “America has gone through periods of difficulty, and we are in a period of difficulty right now, but somehow, we have always muddled through. Today, we have divisions over political ideology, and I’m sure people did during the Revolution, too. But they got together and got the job done. And we can do that today.”
   Performances for Liberty Mountain are each weekend beginning September 15, at the Joy Performance Center, 202 S. Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC 28086
   This year’s performances are scheduled for:
•    Friday, September 15,  at 7:30 PM
•    Saturday, September 16,  at 3:00 PM
•    Saturday, September 16,  at 7:30 PM
•    Sunday, September 17,  at 3:00 PM
•    Friday, September 22,  at 7:30 PM
•    Saturday, September 23,  at 3:00 PM
•    Saturday, September 23,  at 7:30 PM
•    Sunday, September 24,  at 3:00 PM
•    Friday, September 29,  at 7:30 PM
•    Saturday, September 30,  at 3:00 PM
•    Saturday, September 30,  at 7:30 PM
•    Sunday, October 1,  at 3:00 PM
•    Friday, October 6,  at 7:30 PM
•    Sunday, October 8,  at 3:00 PM
   Group discounts and VIP packages are available.
   Kings Mountain Little Theatre, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit, produces the play. Gilbert and Jancy Patrick are the Founding Sponsor. Albemarle is the Presenting Sponsor. Kings Mountain Tourism Development Authority is a Major Sponsor. The creative team is Sigmon Theatrical, LLC, Artistic Director Caleb Sigmon, and Bob Inman.
   For more information, visit KMLT.org or LibertyMountainDrama.com, tickets@kmlt.org, or call 704-730-9408.

 

By Loretta Cozart

On August 30, the Gaston Gazette published a story about the condemnation of the building at 124 W. Mountain Street in Kings Mountain. The story stated, “At the July 25 meeting, Kings Mountain City Council agreed to give $2,500 to Lahti as ‘a business that had been displaced by city actions.’”
The Herald reached out to City Manager Jim Palenick for comment regarding the article and received the following statement, “Upon recognizing that the building that housed the Uncommon Artisans and Medusa Coffee Company businesses was deemed to be unsafe, no longer allowable for occupancy, and in such state of disrepair as to require City Council action to order repairs or face demolition, I personally approached KM Forward, through their Board President, David Stone, to inform him that the Businesses would have to find an alternate location because City Council action was likely imminent.
   “I felt KM Forward was best suited to assist the
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From Page 1A
to-be-displaced businesses in finding a suitable site for relocation within the Kings Mountain Downtown. Mr. Stone then immediately approached the Uncommon Artisans owner, Ms. Lahti to inform her of the likely pending Council action and to offer assistance in securing an adequate location in Kings Mountain to relocate.
   “Further discussions between the City and KM Forward resulted in the City and KM Forward agreeing, and City Council approving (on July 25th), that the City of Kings Mountain would approve an amendment to our contract with KM Forward to increase their contractual compensation by $2500, with the understanding that KM Forward would, in turn, match that amount with an additional $2500 in its own funds, to provide for up to $5,000 total in Grant assistance to aid in covering portions of expenses, including possible increases in rent, toward relocating the Uncommon Artisans and Medusa Coffee to an alternate relocation site within Downtown Kings Mountain.
   “There was to be no payments or stipends to the displaced businesses simply because of displacement, but rather the City and KM Forward came together to create, in essence, an economic development grant opportunity that would be available if and when a suitable relocation site was identified, and the business(es) moved thereto. The Grant funding rests with KM Forward and any determination of eligibility for, or distribution of said monies rests with that entity.
   The Herald also requested a statement from KM Forward’s David Stone, and received this reply, “In my capacity as President of KM Forward, I want to share that the facts the city manager outlined are consistent with how the city engaged KM Forward.
   “KM Forward immediately reached out to the business owners of Uncommon Artisan and Gold Medusa Coffee to communicate the impending condemnation. KM Forward pulled together also to try to assist by asking the city to provide the businesses with 30 days to vacate which the city granted in the July city council meeting. We also contacted other property owners to try and connect the business owners with potential leasable space in the city of Kings Mountain.  
   “Lastly, KM Forward, recognizing that this condemnation was not the first the city has initiated on a downtown property, determined the need to support businesses impacted by condemnations, and created a Condemnation Grant program.  
   “The condemnation grant is available to businesses in the Central Business District who become impacted by building condemnations when the building owners don't maintain their buildings. The guidelines for that program have been emailed to the business owner. If the business owner meets the terms of the condemnation grant which require that they relocate in the Central Business District, they can apply for the grant.
   “Please note that this is the first grant program established by KM Forward and as a new organization with the mission to  Build a community of citizens and business leaders to advocate for Kings Mountain as a place to live, play, shop, explore, and invest. Promoting the economic, social, and cultural environment throughout the city, we plan over the next year to identify other opportunities to support the economic development of our local business community.”
   If you want to watch the video, visit vimeo.com/showcase/cityofkm, click on the July 25 meeting, and click the blue “Start Watching” button.

 

By Loretta Cozart

   On Monday, October 9, at 6 p.m., Mountaineers for a Better Community (KM Better) will host a candidate forum at Central United Methodist Church’s Christian Activity Center at 113 S. Piedmont Avenue in Kings Mountain.
   KM Better is a non-profit and nonpartisan organization encouraging community education and transparency to promote a forward-thinking vision for the future of Kings Mountain.
The forum will include mayoral and city council candidates, providing an excellent opportunity for citizens to learn more about the city's issues and how each candidate plans to address those challenges while keeping the
See FORUM, Page 5A
forum growth of the local economy at the forefront.
   The forum will also allow candidates to share their vision for Kings Mountain and why they are running for office. This free event is open to the public.  
   During the forum, candidates will answer questions critical to the community. The event will be recorded during the forum and later air on Cleveland Community College’s C19.
   Early voting will occur from October 19 through November 4; election day is Tuesday, November 7. Kings Mountain Polling locations are Patrick Senior Center, 909 E King Street, Kings Mountain, and Mauney Memorial Library, 100 S. Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain. It is important to note that photo IDs are now required for all municipal elections.
   If you do not know your Polling Place, visit the Cleveland County Board of Elections at 15 Patton Dr. in Shelby or call (704) 484-4858. 
   KM Better has three main goals:
• To foster conversations with the community about our collective future – what it holds and how we get there. We will always prioritize transparency, accountability, and engage-ment when it comes to City Government.
• To add knowledgeable voices to important conversations – to ensure that ALL citizens are involved and educated when it comes to important issues facing our city.
• To create change – for the better. This comes from engagement and education, but also col-lective action towards a forward-looking vision for Kings Mountain.
   For more information about Mountaineers for a Better Community, please visit https://www.betterkm.com.

On Wednesday, August 16, Officer Ronald Hamrick was issued his oath of office by Mayor Scott Neisler. Sergeant Buddy Black was promoted to Patrol Captain and Corporal Jason Dee was promoted to Patrol Sergeant.
“Kings Mountain Police Department is excited to welcome Officer Hamrick to our family, and we appreciate the continuous leadership and dedication of Captain Black and Sergeant Dee,” KMPD shared on their Facebook page.

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain Crisis Ministry (KMCM), an emergency organization sponsored by the Kings Mountain Ministerial Association, helps individuals and families in need in our community. With summer requests high, and school back in session, the ministry is asking the community for help.
As of the end of July, KMCM has served as many people as they did during the entire year in 2022. And five months remain in the year.
According to Executive Director Lisa Harrison, “We are seeing record numbers of people needing food and
 as soon as we get a big food order in, it’s all gone within a day or two! We really could use anything, but here are some of the most needed items:
• Peanut Butter
• Jelly
• Spaghetti Sauce and pasta
• Canned vegetables
• Canned meat-tuna, chicken, Spam, salmon, Vienna sausages, etc.
• Cans of soup
• Canned Fruit or Fruit cups
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Rice
• Oatmeal
• Grits
• Crackers
• Boxes of Cereal
• Paper towels and toilet tissue
• Sugar
• Flour
Cooking oil
• Shampoo
• Soap
• Razors and Shaving cream
• Bibles
KMCM is a Second Harvest Food Pantry and receives donations of fresh produce, deli, and bakery items from Food Lion and Walmart. They receive can goods from many businesses, churches, and individuals that hold food drives and donate food monthly. Local realtors leave door hangers, and many individuals support the mission through them.
The ministry receives funding from local churches, individuals, United Way, the City of Kings Mountain, grants, charitable organizations, and fundraisers. The City of Kings Mountain provides office space and facilities at the YMCA free of charge.
Those applying for assistance must meet certain criteria and provide all the following items: driver’s license or picture ID of all adults in the household, Social Security CARDS of all in the household (adults & children), proof of income/money received in last 30 days, copy of DSS Food Stamp Letter, proof of residency (correct name & address), and proof showing why in crisis - any receipts, statement, etc.
Anticipating greater needs from people, and due to rising inflation, KMCM is looking for partners, both individual and corporate, to become monthly donors. For more information or to make an online donation, visit www.kmcrisisministry.org.
   The Kings Mountain Crisis Ministry is located on the back, right side, of the YMCA building. Visitors can park at the outside pool area. The ministry is open for donations, food, clothes, and financial assistance on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Call 704-739-7256 to make an appointment. Items needed are clothing and linens. No furniture or other household items are accepted.
   Board member Ricky Yow is also a member of Battleground Community Church that supports KMCM and suggests if people want to make donations outside the ministry’s hours, donors can call 704-734-5419 and schedule a time to drop-off donations at 309 S Battleground Avenue instead. They will take them to the ministry.
   “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – MATTHEW 11:28

 

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain’s NC BeachBlast Festival attracted large crowds downtown on August 18th and 19th. This family-friendly event offered music, food, and activities for all ages. The festival began at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 18th with CBMA Award Winners DJ Eric Bowman and Too Much Sylvia. The following day featured performances by Jim Quick and Coastline, Cat5 Band, Swinging Medallions, and Band of Oz. Children and adults alike stayed busy with various activities provided by the City of Kings Mountain Special Events.

See more photos on page 5A of the August 23, 2023 issue of KM Herald

By Loretta Cozart

Susie Graham has worked in Cleveland County Schools for 33 years, but this year may be her most memorable. This year will also be special for her daughter, Cailyn Van Buren, who just moved from teaching fifth grade to becoming assistant principal at Bethware Elementary School.
As the staff returned to work this month, Susie posted on her Facebook page, “I attended my yearly beginning of school administrative meeting today—something I’ve done for many years. While I can’t recall everything about the earlier years, this is one I will never forget because today, I was blessed to attend with my daughter as she begins her administrative journey. She has worked hard to become an education leader and, this year, will serve as an assistant principal at the elementary level. Seeing her walk into the room in a leadership role made this Mama’s heart swell. Cailyn Van Buren, you make me so proud.”
Looking back, Susie says, “It was a defining moment.
I can’t explain the feeling to anybody how that felt to watch her walk in and sign in as an administrator. I would have never guessed that would happen.”
The experience was an important one for Cailyn, too. “I felt excited and nervous to attend the meeting. Excited about the new adventure that I had worked hard to achieve and to know I was attending a meeting with my mom that I had heard her talk about for years. This was a defining moment in my career, knowing the hard work is paying off.”
Susie started her career as the PE teacher at Grover and began coaching at Kings Mountain High School in 1991. She moved to the high school to teach and continued coaching. “When Cailyn and her brother Caleb were born, I started teaching,’ she said. “I had Caleb right before I started. And then her while I was at Grover and I was coaching, so they became gym rats. They were everywhere. I mean, I’ve got pictures of them sleeping on bleachers because they were with me.”
Susie became the Assistant Principal at Grover for ten years, moving on to Shelby for one year as assistant principal and then to Union as an Assistant Principal for eight years. She is the Transportation Coordinator for Cleveland County Schools and has been in that role for seven years.
So, it isn’t surprising that Cailyn, and her brother Caleb, would gravitate toward work in Cleveland County Schools because, in a way, that is where they grew up. Susie says, “My son Caleb works in maintenance. The school system means so much to him that that’s where he wanted to work because he knew that was a good place to be.” Many families work in Cleveland County Schools, according to Susie, and hers is no different. “Cailyn is an assistant principal, her husband Eric is in technology, my daughter-in-law Amber is a teacher assistant at Grover, and Caleb is the plumber for maintenance,” she said. For them, working for Cleveland County Schools is a family affair.
   The bond between Susie and Cailyn was evident as they spoke. “We know we are in our safe place with each other. She can call and tell me how she feels. And I can call to share how I feel, and we know it will be all right between us,” Cailyn said.
   “Mom coached me throughout the years, so there were times we had to put aside our mother-daughter relationship. She was the leader and told me what I needed to do to fix things. We have a relationship and can be honest with each other and don’t take it personally. She has taught me to take criticism to improve myself and use it to my advantage.”
   When asked about the transition from the classroom to administration, Cailyn said, “It’s going to be an adjustment for a while. And I have great leaders that I’m working with who are paving the way to help me lead.”
     Even though Cailyn is now a wife, mother of two, and assistant principal, she and her mom always talk on their way to work. “Every morning, we have our car conversation on the way to school, and it has always been that way,” Cailyn said. This mother and daughter, now peers in the workplace, have an unshakable bond called love and a defining moment that will last a lifetime.

 

By Loretta Cozart

   This year’s Davidson Health Fair focused on balance, as all aspects of life impact your health. Taking care of your health is crucial for living your best life. The event was held at Mt Zion Baptist Church Life Center in Kings Mountain and featured educational resources from various organizations.
   Another key is monitoring your health through annual checkups to ensure you live your healthiest life. Learning about disease prevention and taking an active role in keeping yourself healthy impacts your longevity. As we age, it is necessary to monitor blood pressure, and cholesterol, among others, to keep your
body balanced and working efficiently.
   The Davidson Association invited Kintegra, Cleveland County Health Department, and NC Cooperative Extension, along with Atrium Care Solutions, Alzheimer’s Association, Carol Moletta w/Outreach Broker Medicaid, Cleveland County Drug Free Communities, Common Ground Café, Faith Community Health Ministry Atrium, 4-H Youth Program, Health Chiropractic, Healthy Cooking Class, Josh Shelton w/Edward Jones, Kings Mountain Farmers Market, Lupus Foundation, Master Gardeners, Meditation Class, Minority Health Council, Partners Health Management, Sarcoidosis Foundation, Sickle Cell Disease, Starr Project-Youth Suicide Prevention, and TLK Candles to participate.
   Citizens can utilize annual physicals, sick visits, and chronic disease management like diabetes and high blood pressure by visiting Cleveland County Health Department’s Primary Care Center at 200 S. Post Road in Shelby. They accept private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare. Uninsured individuals will be billed based on income and the number of people in their household. The Health Department also has a dental clinic. For more information, call 980-484-5261.
   Davidson Alumni Resource Center, Inc is a nonpartisan 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

By Loretta Cozart

On Saturday, August 19, Kings Mountain Forward hosted a meet-and-greet from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Garden at Joy Performance Theater downtown during the NC BeachBlast Festival, so the community and business owners could learn more about the organization. So, what is Kings Mountain Forward, who is involved, and what do they stand for?
According to the handout shared, KM Forward’s mission is to build a community of citizens and business leaders to advocate for Kings Mountain as a place to live, play, shop, explore, and invest. They promote the economic, social, and cultural environment throughout the city. Any small business in Kings Mountain is welcome to join them to support all Kings Mountain businesses and gain networking connections and publicity for members and their local businesses.
Officers of KM Forward are President, David Stone, VP Vicki Thompson, Secretary Kiamesha Young, Treasurer Mary Grace Keller, and Past President Jimmy Magar.
Non-officer Board Members include Sandie Dee, Jim Champion, Beth Allen, Paul Ingram, City of KM Marketing, Tourism, and Events Susan Mosk, Committee Chairs Cindy Souza, and Jimbo Thompson.
Jimbo Thompson chairs the Central Business District Standards Committee and members include David Stone and Russ Putnam.
Cindy Souza chairs the KM Small Business Promotion Committee and members include Chris Gibby, Taylor Caldera, Sky Smith, Jewel Reavis, Ellis Noell, Iris Hubbard, and Vicki Thompson.
Phil Dee chairs KM Small Business Economic Development, and members are Sandie Dee and Steve Padgett.
Jim Champion chairs Build a Strong Business Community, and members include Beth Allen, Paul Ingram, Tim Miller, and Jimmy Magar.
David Stone chairs the Kings Mountain Forward RBM Program (Commercial Real Estate redevelopment, rehabilitation, and maintenance).
“We look at Kings Mountain like a wheel with spokes. We have our central business district, but we are also interested in driving business and economic development down our major thoroughfares, like Battleground Avenue, Cleveland Avenue, Highways 161 and 216, and King Street, from the Patrick Senior Center west to the by-pass. We are concerned with how we should market Kings Mountain and effectively drive people to our city,” Stone said.
If you would like to know more about KM Forward, please speak to a board member for more information. KM Forward is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

The first City of Kings Mountain Citizens Academy will be held in the Fall of 2023 and will consist of fifteen citizens who are chosen through an application process. The application link is available at CityofKM.com, under Administration, or by visiting the City Clerk’s office at City Hall.
The academy will be a commitment of eight weeks and consist of six weekly sessions, attendance at the Thursday, October 12 Work Session, and a graduation ceremony during the Council meeting on Tuesday, November 28.
The proposed date of the first session is Thursday, September 28.  Each session will begin with a light meal at 5:30 pm at the assigned weekly location.
Staff will form a curriculum of instruction that will blend small group discussions, field trips, and presentations that will provide the citizen with valuable information to help them better understand all City functions.
The City of Kings Mountain Citizens Academy is designed in the spirit of transparency, openness, and participation.  The citizens are the City’s stakeholders, and they have a right to participate to be involved in the governance of their communities. Citizens will learn about how municipal government is structured, as well as gain knowledge of the different factors that impact the decision-making process for Staff and Council.
This academy will be a positive avenue for citizens to interact with Council and
Staff that they are not accustomed to seeing when they pay their utility bill at City Hall. While the goal is to provide participants with good information and convey a positive image of the City of Kings Mountain, this may also be an opportunity for them to ask questions about where their tax dollars are being spent and how their utility rates are determined. It is important for both Council and Staff to be prepared to answer these types of questions and address their concerns.
The City Council first expressed interest in creating a Citizens Academy in the spring of 2018 to educate the citizens of Kings Mountain about the goals and objectives of their city government and to familiarize citizens with how City government operates.   Another goal of the academy was to inform citizens on how they might become involved in decisions that have a direct impact on them and their community by serving on one of the City’s many boards and commissions.
CITIZENS ACADEMY
Fall 2023
Schedule of Sessions
Sessions will begin at 5:30 pm. Dinner will be provided.
Council Meetings begin at 6:00 pm.

Session I September 28 Introductions - Welcome Message from Staff/Mayor/City Council Members, Overview of the Citizens Academy, Municipal Government
and City Manager Form of Government (Administration & HR), H. Lawrence Patrick Senior Center, 909 E. King Street

Session II October 5 Fiscal Services: - Finance, Customer Service and Information Technology, City Hall, 101 W. Gold Street, Council Chambers, Council WS October 12 Council Chambers, City Hall

Session III October 19 Development Services: - Planning, Inspections & Codes and Marketing, Tourism & Events, 101 W. Gold Street, Council Chambers

Session IV October 26 Public Safety – Police and Fire - Public Safety Training Room – KMPD, 112 S. Piedmont Avenue

Session V November 2 Public Infrastructure (Water, Moss Lake, Public Works, - Stormwater and Cemetery), Energy Services (Gas and Electric), Public Works Conference Room, 1013 N. Piedmont Avenue

Session VI November 16 Cultural Enrichment – Library, Senior Center and Recreation - Mauney Memorial Library,  100 S. Piedmont Avenue, Graduation November 28 City Council Chambers

 

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain has a downtown restaurant once again! The Skillet, at 238 Cherokee Street, held a soft opening on Wednesday, August 2, and is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. with plenty of parking outside. They are closed on Sunday.
Currently, the restaurant is dine-in only, with no to-go orders being offered. “That will only be for a short time, as the staff becomes acclimated,” said owner Iris Hubbard. “We’ll add that shortly, once we get settled in.”
The restaurant is a casual, family-friendly concept, with country music playing in the background. Customers seat themselves, and the atmosphere is welcoming. Folks can choose to sit at tables, or the bar made from reclaimed wood near the kitchen and watch as their orders are being prepared.
The tables are covered in paper, so children can create masterpieces while they wait for their meals. A special display for their artwork is right across from the bar seating.
To control costs, omelets, skillets, pancakes, and sandwiches aren’t made to order. What you see on the menu is what you get. “It helps us prep and keeps our pricing affordable,” Iris said. w
But they do offer build-your-own biscuit options. Basic biscuits are offered with scrambled egg and cheddar cheese. And you can add meat for a small upcharge.
Iris wants folks to know, “We serve good old breakfast food all day, with a great family atmosphere.”
The Skillet is Iris Hubbard’s second restaurant in Kings Mountain, along with 133 West.

 

By Loretta Cozart

The morning started early for volunteers and corporate sponsors for the free over-the-counter medicine giveaway by NC MedAssist on Friday, August 4, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Kings Mountain.
Volunteers met the day before to prepare 512 pre-orders. Items were sorted, bags filled and alphabetized, and tables set for Friday’s event. Despite all the early work, the group gathered early again the next morning, some with coffee in hand, and with smiles on their faces for what the day would bring.
Workers stayed busy, from when the doors opened until closing time. Everyone worked diligently to fill orders, answer questions, and serve those who attended the event. It was a wonderful day for the citizens of Kings Mountain. By day’s end, another 220 bags had been filled for those who walked in, with a total count of 732 families benefiting from the efforts of all involved.
The event was sponsored by Albemarle Lithium and supported by community partners: The Davidson Association, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, NC Department of Insurance, City of Kings Mountain, WNCAP, and Patrick Senior Center.
NC MedAssist provides OTC medications at no charge to everyone through Mobile Free Pharmacy events such as this one. They are also a nonprofit pharmacy providing access to prescription medications to qualified uninsured North Carolina residents.

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain and Grover schools hold orientation meetings on Thursday, August 10, at various times depending upon the school. Middle School student orientation is on August 14. Students return to the classroom on Wednesday, August 16. Below is a list of schools, meeting times, and details.
Elementary Schools:
• Bethware Elementary School, at 115 Bethware Drive, has its back-to-school orientation and Title I Annual Public Meeting on Thursday, August 10, from 3 – 6 p.m. for Pre-k – 4 grades. Parents and students will participate in a Buccaneer treasure hunt that takes
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them to their classrooms, and to stations sharing information on transportation, telehealth, car riders, etc.
• East Elementary School, at 600 N. Cleveland Ave, holds its drop-in back-to-school and orientation and Title I Annual Public Meeting on Thursday, August 10, from 4 – 6 p.m. Parents are asked to go to the cafeteria at 4 p.m. for the Title I Annual meeting, where they will receive information regarding their student’s classroom assignment. Kindergarten students meet in the gym for orientation.  Grades 1-4 Meet and Greet sessions will be held in their assigned classrooms. Information on transportation, virtual health, etc., will be held in the gym.
• Grover Elementary School, at 206 Carolina Avenue, has its drop-in back-to-school and orientation and Title I Annual Public Meeting on Thursday, August 10, at 10 a.m., and again at 1 p.m. Parents are asked to go to the cafeteria for the Title I Annual meeting, where they will also receive information regarding classroom assignments, transportation, orientation, telehealth, etc.
• North Elementary School, at 900 Ramseur Street, meets for its back-to-school and orientation and Title I Annual Public Meeting on Thursday, August 10, at p.m. for all students, Pre-k through 4th grade. Class assignment letters will be mailed the first week of August.
• West Elementary School, at 500 W. Mountain Street, holds its Meet and Greet from 1 – 2 p.m. and again for a second session from 5 – 6 p.m. Two Title I Annual Public Meetings will be at 2 p.m. and again from 4:30 – 5 p.m.
• Pre-k parents will visit the gym for their required orientation.
• K-4 Meet and Greet sessions will be held in classrooms
• The Title I Annual Public Meeting will be held in the Media Center.
Intermediate School:
   Kings Mountain Intermediate School, at 227 Kings Mountain Boulevard, has a Drop-in Orientation and Title I Annual Public Meeting scheduled for 5th and 6th graders on August 10 from 3 – 5 p.m. in the cafeteria. Parents should visit the gym for bus and car rider information.
Middle School:
  Kings Mountain Middle School, at 1000 Phifer Road, has an orientation for 7th and 8th graders on August 14 at 1:30, or 5:30 p.m. Orientation lasts one hour. Parents should enter the front of the school and proceed to the gym. From there, parents will be dispersed to classrooms.
High School:
   Kings Mountain High School, at 500 Phifer Road, has its orientation on August 10. Ninth graders meet in the auditorium from 5:30 – 8 p.m. Grades 10 – 12 attend a drop-in orientation from 1 – 3 p.m.

The Sights and Sounds of the Beach would not be the same in Downtown Kings Mountain without a Golf Cart Parade.
Golf Cart Parades are all the rage at the beach. The City of Kings Mountain’s Marketing, Tourism and Events Department is adding this fun addition to the 2023 NC BeachBlast Festival, to be held on August 19, and they want you to participate.
Make plans to register your golf cart for the parade by sending an e-mail to specialevents@cityofkm.com. Registration is free.
The Golf Cart Parade will line up Saturday, August 19, at West Elementary. Golf Carts must be lined up and ready to roll by 2:00 pm. West Elementary is located at 500 West Mountain Street, Kings Mountain.
Requirements for this parade are:
1. Golf Carts must be insured.
2. Operators must have a valid Driver’s License.
3. Golf Carts must be decorated with family-friendly beach-themed decorations.
For more information, call the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department at 704-730-2101 or visit their website at www.kingsmountainevents/nc-beachblast-festival.

By Loretta Cozart

Mark your calendar for City of Kings Mountain’s Coffee & Conversation with City Manager Jim Palenick from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Friday, August 18, at Chat-n-Nibble Restaurant at 415 N Piedmont Ave. in Kings Mountain.
If you are interested in what’s going on in Kings Mountain or have questions you would like to ask, meet the new city manager to start a conversation.
Next month, Coffee & Conversation will be held Friday, September 15, at Kings Mountain Family YMCA at 211 Cleveland Ave.

New students or incoming kindergartners residing in the Cleveland County Schools district should present an official birth certificate, not the hospital's birth record, and a certificate showing that the student has received the required immunizations.
Transferring students should also provide a previous year’s transcript or report card to document grade placement.
Kindergartners should pass a physical examination - a physician's signature is required on a form provided by the school system. Kindergartners must be five years old on or before the first day of school of the year they will enter school. If a child is homeless or is identified as being homeless, he or she shall be immediately enrolled in and allowed to attend school, even if the child or his or her parents cannot produce such records.
In addition, parents must show proof of residency, like a lease or real estate document, or a power bill.
North Carolina law requires every child to be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, red measles (rubeola), rubella, and (German measles). Children under five must be immunized against Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), and a Hepatitis B vaccine is required for children born on or after July 1, 1994.
Parents can enroll their student online by visiting clevelandcountyschools.org, clicking on Join Team CCS, and scrolling down to Enrollment. Spanish and English applications are available online.

Country artist Chris Lane will headline the music portion of the 9th Annual 7th Inning Stretch Festival Saturday, Aug. 5, in Uptown Shelby. A native of Kernersville, N.C., Lane learned to play guitar after sports injuries led him to curtail his ambition of playing professional baseball.
The singer/songwriter’s debut single “Broken Windshield View,” released in 2014, sold 11,000 downloads in its first week and reached No. 45 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. His debut album, “Girl Problems,” included the singles “Fix,” his first No. 1, and “For Her.” “Fix”
and “Big, Big Plans” went platinum and “I Don’t Know About You” went triple platinum.
Fans on Court Square will also be listening for “Howdy,” “Stop Coming Over,” “Ain’t Even Met You Yet” and “Fill Them Boots.” Off course they hope to hear “Big, Big Plans,” the song he composed to accompany his proposal to his now-wife Lauren Bushnell. The couple married in 2019 and have two sons.
Lane has been nominated for an iHeart Radio Music Award, an ACM Award, Radio Disney Music Award, and a Canadian Country Music Association Award for “Tailgate to Heaven” with  Shawn Austin. Other notable collaborations are “Small Town on It” with Scotty McCreery, “Tequila on a Boat” with Dustin Lynch, and more recently “Dancin’ in the Moonlight” with Lauren Alaina.
On his way to Shelby, Lane will perform in Chicago with Darius Rucker, Jo Dee Messina, Jackson Dean and Drew Green, followed by a performance in Mount Pleasant, Mich., with Kane Brown and Restless Road.
Opening for Lane at 7:00 PM will be singer/songwriter/guitarist Greylan James, a Knoxville native now living in Nashville. In 2018, James was ranked one of the best guitarists in the world under 21 by Guitar Center Magazine’s Brotherhood of the Guitar 100.
James’ songs have been recorded by Chris Young, Blake Shelton, Chris Janson, and Kenny Chesney, whose recording of “Happy Does” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. James is currently playing the No Bad Vibes Tour with Old Dominion, Frank Ray, and Kassi Ashton. His recording of his song
“2 Years Back” is receiving a lot of play on SiriusXM The Highway and he is named a Highway Find, a recognition that carries weight with country music fans.
“We believe we’ve hit another home run with this entertainment lineup,” says Eddie Holbrook, chairman of the local ALWS committee. “When we say thanks to the community for its support of the ALWS, we say it in a big way.”
Music, games, a circus, and just plain fun will lead off the day in Uptown Shelby at 3:00 PM. The 7th Inning Stretch Festival is the opening event for the 2023 American Legion World Series (ALWS), scheduled for Aug. 10-15 at Shelby High School’s Keeter Stadium. For information about the national baseball tournament, visit www.americanlegionworldseries.com. For more information on the 7th Inning Stretch Festival, visit www.7thinningstretch.cc or follow the Festival on Facebook. All entertainment is free; food, beverages, and trinkets must be purchased.
Uptown restaurants and stores will be open most of the day.

Prime Materials Recovery, Inc. announces contracting an SCR 4500 copper rod system from the Southwire Company for installation at its subsidiary, IMC – Metals America, LLC in Shelby, NC.  This new line will be installed in a purpose-built plant at the existing site, marking PMR/IMCs entry into the ETP copper rod market.
   In a separate initiative, IMC will also increase OF copper rod production capacity by purchasing and installing a new line from Upcast OY based in Pori, Finland.
“We are extremely pleased to be partnering with industry leaders like Southwire and Upcast OY with these initiatives.  We look forward to these successful projects and years of effectively serving our customers and these markets,” said Bernie Schilberg, CEO of Prime Materials Recovery.
Sitework is expected to begin in the 3rd quarter of 2023 and will bring 75-80
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 new jobs to Cleveland County, North Carolina.
   PMR and PMH are among the largest nonferrous and polymer merchants, processors, and fabricators in the United States. Headquartered in East Hartford, CT, the companies operate state-of-the-art facilities in Canastota, NY; South Windsor, CT; Willimantic, CT; Jersey City, NJ; Hickory, NC; Shelby, NC; Orangeburg, SC; Miami, FL; and Wilmington, DE.
   IMC – Metals America, LLC is one of North America’s largest producers of Oxygen-free copper rods and produces copper anodes servicing various electroplating applications.

Gaston County Police are searching for Bailey Binsted. She was last seen on June 28, at her DSS Group/Foster home located in the 1300 block of Crowders Mountain Rd. in Gastonia. Bailey is in DSS custody, and she left the group home shortly after learning she was being sent to another foster/group home soon. Bailey may be staying in the Lincoln County area with family members.
Bailey was last seen wearing a brown shirt and tan shorts. She is described as a white female, 15 years old, 5ft 4in tall, 130 pounds, and has brown hair and blue eyes.
If you have seen Bailey or have any information on her whereabouts, please contact the Gaston County Police Department, Det. R.C. Cogdill, or call 911.

 

By  Loretta Cozart

Last week, WRAL news obtained a draft bill that would award one company rights to develop three casinos in NC as part of a $1.5 billion dollar investment in the state. The Lumbee Tribe would manage a fourth casino, according to Legislators, even though they currently do not have federal recognition giving them the ability to do so.
 The Lumbee Fairness Act was introduced by Senator Tom Tillis in February of this year, and it still awaits federal recognition.
The proposed bill, which was made public by WRAL states, “There is established the Rural Tourism Incentive Program to be administered by the Secretary of Commerce. The purpose of the program is to encourage and promote tourism in rural counties on the State border and along major transportation corridors.
“The program will allow for Gaming, which is a new and expanding component of the tourism industry and is currently allowed in North Carolina on certain Indian lands. As many contiguous states allow gaming, those industry business opportunities and employment opportunities are being lost to the state.”
In addition to the $1.5 billion dollar investment the three casinos would bring the state, applying companies must also invest at least five hundred million dollars in each district. And to be considered, applying companies must also pay a proposal fee of $25,000,000. If an applicant is accepted, their deposit will be credited to the excise tax applicable to that business. If a company is denied, the fee will be refunded.
On Thursday, July 20, Senator Phil Berger said Chamber leaders continue to talk about whether they should permit casinos on non-tribal lands, authorize, and regulate video gambling machines, or both. When asked the odds of a bill reaching Gov. Roy Cooper’s desk, Berger replied, “I’d say better than 50-50. It's a serious discussion.”
According to WRAL, House Speaker Tim Moore told reporters that the casinos would be in Anson, Nash, and Rockingham counties, with a fourth casino being run by the Lumbee Tribe in the southeastern part of the state even if the tribe does not get its long-sought federal recognition.
Coincidentally, a Baltimore developer has already asked for rezoning 192-acres in Rockingham County, the home county of Senator Phil Berger, before the bill being discussed has even gone through both state legislative chambers.
NC Development Holdings has the same North Carolina address as Baltimore based The Cordish Companies. That company has ten business lines, including casinos which are managed by Joseph Weinberg, Managing Partner, and CEO of Cordish Gaming Group. Weinberg is also listed as NC Development Holdings’ Principal’s Authorized Representative
The Cordish Companies’ other business lines include commercial real estate, entertainment districts, gaming, hotels, restaurants, sports anchored districts, co-working spaces, international development, private equity, and residential.

 

Join CJ and Fidget for The Fun Factory, in Patriots Park, 220 S. Railroad Avenue in Kings Mountain on Wednesday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for this family friendly event.
This interactive program reminds us that when we work together, anything is possible! Young readers will help an incredible factory come to life as gears turn, games unfold, and toilet paper goes flying through the air!
This high-speed show is guaranteed to capture attention with lots of music, interactive play, and a valuable lesson that audiences are guaranteed to remember; that we are strongest when we work together!The Fun Factory is presented by Sigmon Theatrical and hosted by Mauney Memorial Library.

 At approximately 8 a.m., on Monday, July 10, Capt. Jody Seagle of Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office was ambushed on Curt Ledford Road, near Lawndale, by a man who struck him from behind with a metal bar when the deputy stopped to investigate a suspicious vehicle.
During a press conference, Sheriff Alan Norman said, “It’s just senseless, totally senseless. (It was) an attack that came out of nowhere. Before he struck Deputy Seagal, he knew that he was a law enforcement officer.”
The sheriff described this as an unprovoked, vicious assault. The deputy was in route to work when he noticed an abandoned, suspicious vehicle. When he exited his vehicle, the deputy was attacked from behind and assaulted with a piece of metal bar. “It is our desire to have this individual in custody and off the streets,” he said.
“The deputy fired upon the vehicle when he feared the driver would back over him,” the sheriff explained. “It goes to show that he (the attacker) has no regard for the safety and welfare of any individual in North Carolina, or anywhere there is that he is at,” Norman said. Capt. Jody Seagle was transported to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The suspect is a white male, over 6 feet tall, believed to have a full-sleeve tattoos and a possible left-side neck tattoo. He was wearing work boots, black shorts, and a white T-shirt. The suspect vehicle was a beige or tan 4-door Buick, with a square front end. The driver’s side door may have bullet holes.
If you know anything about this incident, please contact Cleveland County Communications Center with information at 704-484-4822.

Auditions for the upcoming fall season of “Liberty Mountain – The Revolutionary Drama” will be held on July 22 at the Joy Performance Center in downtown Kings Mountain at 6:30 p.m. Auditions and interviews will be held for paid roles available for onstage and offstage positions, with the company seeking professional, local, and student talent. The production will be directed by Caleb Ryan Sigmon and is written by former WBTV news anchor Robert Inman.
Performers will be expected to memorize and perform a 60-second monologue of their choice along with an optional 16-bar musical audition. Those acting and singing will be given 90-seconds. They are also seeking musicians – those wishing to play an instrument should prepare a 60-second selection to showcase their musical talent. They are seeking top-notch talent from across the Southeast. Company housing is available for out-of-town performers.
Rehearsals will begin on September 1, with performances running on select dates, September 15 through October 8.
“Liberty Mountain – The Revolutionary Drama” tells the epic true story of the Battle of Kings Mountain, that turned the tide of the Revolutionary War in October of 1780. The show features state-of-the-art
projection technology, live music, epic battle scenes, and other special effects that bring the story of the founding of our nation to life in immersive and thrilling ways.
   Anyone wishing to audition may email material in advance to caleb@sigmontheatrical.com. Virtual auditions are also being accepted for those unable to attend in person. Please send an updated resume and headshot along with your email. Learn more about the production and apply today: www.libertymountaindrama.com.

Four-year terms of four City Council members and the mayor are expiring November 7, 2023, and their seats are among 47 seats up for grabs in 13 municipalities in Cleveland County and the Cleveland County Water Board.
Candidate filing begins Friday, July 7 at 9 a.m. at the Cleveland County Board of Elections, 215 Patton Drive, Shelby, and ends at noon Friday, July 21.
Kings Mountain incumbents are Scott Neisler, Mayor and Council members Annie Thombs, Ward I; Jimmy West, Ward 4; Jay Rhodes, Ward 5; and Keith Miller, At-Large.
In Grover, the mayor and two town commissioners are incumbents. They are Roy Dyer, Mayor, and town commissioners Bill Willis and Richard Smith.
Filing fee for Kings Mountain candidates is $60 for mayor and $35 for commissioners.
Filing fee for Grover’s candidates is $5.
The Kings Mountain Council is a seven-member board and includes three members with unexpired terms. They are Mike Butler, Ward 2, Tommy Hawkins, Ward 3; and At-Large councilman David Allen.
The 2023 off-year election includes gubernatorial and legislative elections in a few states as well as mayoral races and other local offices.