By Loretta Cozart
 
Toneika Stephens-Young, whose stage name is Neika Simone, is a Kings Mountain native bringing  Kings Mountain Smooth Jazz Festival to town on Saturday, May 13, at Joy Performance Center, at 202 S. Railroad Avenue.
So far, there are five confirmed performers, ranging from vocalists, to a grammy nominated saxophonist. Opening the show is V Siren, followed by Black Coffee Quartet, Tryon Parks, and Simone. The performance also features saxophonist Jakiem Joyner. The event host is Comedian Ketta Keet. The lineup is guaranteed to bring an exciting evening of Smooth Jazz.
Many of Simone’s family members, including her parents, still reside in the area. Her parents are Charles and Pasty Stephens, and her brother is Michael Stephens. Growing up, she attended Mt. Olive Baptist Church, where she sang in the youth choir. She
attended  Kings  Mountain District Schools: Bethware Elementary, Central School, Kings Mountain Middle School, and she graduated from Kings Mountain High School in 1993. She sang in the Pop-Choir at Central and Kings Review in high school. She attended Elizabeth City State on a scholarship majoring in music.
While in college, friends asked her if she had ever thought about jazz. But it wasn’t until she moved to Richmond, Virginia that she took the time to really listen to that genre of music.
“As a teenager, I was shy and stayed with things that were most comfortable. In Richmond, I met a group of performers and with them, I began to grow as a singer and accept my own voice,” Simone said.
Hype Magazine described Simone’s work stating, “Released on February 3, 2022, the tantalizing four-track EP covers relatable emotions from opening oneself up to the sweet cravings of new love, unpacking the complicated nuances of infidelity, to setting boundaries after a break-up. With lyrics and melody written entirely by Simone, her work has been described by SmoothJazz.com as having ‘powerful vocal range, a dynamic expanse of emotions, an intoxicating rhythm diversity and a hypnotic gift for intimate and inviting songwriting.’ Her major influences aside from Nina Simone include Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn and Nancy Wilson.”
   Simone shared the reason for bringing this performance home, “I see Kings Mountain progressing as a city. What is going on downtown is exciting and I feel the time has come to bring an annual Smooth Jazz Festival event here. The folks in our lineup are top-rated musicians and Joy Performance Theater is an excellent venue in which to host such an event. Friends keep asking me, ‘Where are you performing? When are you playing?,’ so it makes sense that I to bring my music home and share it with the community.”

David and Marie Brinkley, longtime donors who have contributed to the advancement of Gardner-Webb University, continue to see their recent investment flourish. The Brinkley Amphitheater, a 900-seat venue, is progressing.
“According to our construction schedule, we are looking at being able to host our first show this fall,” said David Wacaster, director of operations for Facilities and Maintenance.
   The finished project will engage students and the community while also adding an inviting and welcoming presence to Main Street and the South entrance to campus. The Brinkley Amphitheater will provide a new place to present performing arts, outdoor worship services, Webbstock events and other summer concerts.
This new venue is part of a larger outdoor complex. In the second phase of development for the site, Gardner-Webb intends to construct a Main Street-facing building adjoining the amphitheater that will house both a campus shop and a nationally    recognized eatery open to the public.
   The Brinkleys provided the lead naming gift, and according to GWU’s Vice President for Advancement Nate Evans, additional support for the outdoor performance complex came from a $500,000 budget appropriation from the North Carolina General Assembly, with endorsements from the Boiling Springs Town Council and the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners. Several other university donors have also generously provided financial contributions towards this project. 
The Brinkleys have a strong philanthropic background and pledged to give portions of their income to making a difference in the community. “Every day when I say my prayers, I ask the Lord to give me opportunities that I can share my blessings,” David Brinkley stated.
In addition to their gifts to various organizations in Cleveland County and Kings Mountain, N.C., where they live, the Brinkleys have financially supported several projects at Gardner-Webb. Most recently, they donated money toward a new Runnin’ Bulldog sculpture at Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. In the past, they have provided gifts for Gardner-Webb academic programs, the Marching Bulldog Band uniforms and the Brinkley Softball Stadium.
When the opportunity presented itself for them to contribute to the amphitheater project, they were excited about the possibilities of a new performance venue for the University. They believe that the amphitheater will give the University exposure and open doors for opportunities for people in the region to become more familiar with the town of Boiling Springs and Gardner-Webb University.

By Loretta Cozart

M. E. Brown Enterprises, LLC, the former owner of Hounds Drive-in, Michel E. Brown listed as agent, has purchased 61.53 acres in northern Cleveland County.
The property was once the site of Challenger 3 Golf & Amusement, and later Oak Mills, at 1650 N. Post Road/Hwy. 180 in upper Cleveland County. The sale was recorded on February 28.
On February 19 Hounds Drive-in announced it would close, and according to NC Secretary of State, Hounds Drive-In Theatre, LLC has been dissolved.
Deer Brook Golf Club, LLC  adjoins the property on three sides. A church and residences are across the street. No plans have yet been announced for the property.   

By Loretta Cozart

On Friday, March 31 at 4 p.m., Shelby Police Chief Jeff Ledford retired, signing off for the last time after 30-years of service with the department.
He was quick to thank others for pointing him toward a career in law enforcement. After graduating from Kings Mountain High School in 1986, he began his path into public service when he joined the Kings Mountain Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter at the age of 18.
Chief Ledford was born, raised, and continues to live in Kings Mountain. He is the son of the late Harold and Rachel Ledford.
“My Godfather was David Corn, and he had a heavy influence on me. He had worked at Kings Mountain Police Department before going on to the state to instruct officers in use of the Intoxilyzer. On his advice, I studied Criminal Justice and went into the Police Academy in 1991. He introduced me to Shelby Police Department, and I began my career here in 1992. I was promoted to chief fifteen years ago and have been fortunate to work my entire career in one place.”
When asked if any event in his career stands out in his mind, Chief Ledford answered saying, “I’ve spent the last couple of months reflecting about that and there is not one single moment that was the moment. I would have to say that moment is made up of lots of different moments, if that makes sense?”
“It is made up of all the people I’ve worked for. I came up under some good leaders and mentors. They helped me, and not just people from Shelby. Those I worked alongside watching what they did every day, it was just humbling to watch,” he said.
“Lots of moments in the last five years stand out, watching how officers have handled and worked with groups in the community. And this was before the time that the national narrative was police being against the community. The people I work alongside take customer service very seriously, engaging the community. It is amazing how the community has rallied around us. We have had our dark days, but I have been blessed for 30-years to be part of this group.”
According to Chief Ledford, the program he takes immense pride in is Partners for Change, started in 2012. He feels this group has strengthened community relations and community cohesion. “I didn’t do this myself,” he was quick to point out. “This group was formed by several pastors, community leaders, and me. We didn’t just have 10 to 20 people involved for our quarterly lunches, we had 80 to 100.”
“To see people come together in a room for lunch and conversation. I ask myself, ‘Had we not done that, where would we be?’ I have learned that it takes years to build trust and relationships, but that trust can be lost in a minute. We held a lunch yesterday to thank everyone, and to say that we aren’t through yet; we have more work to do.”
“Here, I have seen law enforcement who really cares about the community, Shelby Police Department, Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, Kings Mountain Police Department, and Bessemer City Police Department. I have been blessed to work among the best in this business. When you work with people like that, you realize you are lucky to have found such a good place to be.”
When asked what his plans are for retirement, Chief Ledford shared that he had spoken to several retired officers earlier in the day. “Talking to them, I realized I wouldn’t be where I am today were it not for them putting me on this path.”
Chief Ledford’s initial plans include a family trip to the coast for a couple of weeks. “I have to catch up on a few things I’ve put off. Family, they are the people who paid the price the most. They have sacrificed for me. And the person who tolerated the most was my wife, Kendra. I have a debt to repay to her.”
My son, Jarrett, just graduated. He is a prosecutor and the Assistant District Attorney. I’m passing that public service torch on to him. My daughter Bailey is a student at Campbell University, and I plan to go watch her cheer there. She is working on a Marketing Major, and now it’s my turn to cheer them both on.”
   Chief Ledford paused, “Today is bittersweet, especially when I do my final sign-off. I’ve watched others do it and didn’t understand how hard that is to do, until I was preparing for it myself. I look forward to the next chapter. I just know it is going to be hard to close this one. At 4 pm, I’ll say for the last time, ‘Shelby, I’m 10-42,’ the code used to indicate an officer's end of tour. “If I can get through that, then I’ll be off to the coast.”

By Loretta Cozart

   Kings Mountain Gateway Trail held a ribbon cutting on Friday, March 31 at 3:30 p.m. for the new playground at 807 S. Battleground Ave., in Kings Mountain.
   Shirley Brutko thanked the folks that made the playground possible and introduced Tim Moore, Speaker of the NC House.  
   Speaker Moore spoke about the financial gift from the state that helped make the playground possible and added that 2023 is the Year of the Trails for North Carolina and how important trails are to the state.
   For more information about the Gateway Trail, call: 704-685-3549 OR 704-739-9663 or email Shirley Brutko at “sbrutko@att.net“.

Last week, KMPD responded to a residence on Garrison Drive in reference to a dispute over services rendered putting out pine straw. Two black males driving a red in color Ford F250 with Georgia plates solicited an elderly citizen to hire them to put pine straw out at $9.00 a bale. The work took approximately one hour to complete when the males provided the citizen with an invoice for $3800.00 after only putting out an estimated 12 to 15 bales of pine straw.
These “SCAMMERS” misrepresented to the citizen that the ($9.00 per bale) was $9.00 per bundle, which was described by the
“SCAMMERS” as the size of approximately a basketball. Fortunately, this dispute/incident was settled at a much lower price between the two parties.
   KMPD warns all citizens of the possibility of this SCAM being conducted in our community. The “PINE STRAW SCAM” is common for the beginning of spring and in early fall.
   Citizens should not feel intimidated to pay an over-inflated price for these types of services. The “SCAMMERS” are typically from out of state and will coerce the citizen in paying thousands of dollars more than what the average price is from reputable lawn and garden businesses.
   Always get the “agreed” upon price and amount of material in writing before allowing services to be done.
   If anyone feels that they or someone they know is a victim of this SCAM contact the Kings Mountain Police Department at 704-734-0444 to report the incident. Also remember that the City of Kings Mountain has an ordinance for door-to-door solicitation in the city. Contact KMPD to report any door-to-door solicitors at any time.

The Kings Mountain Gateway Trail Run was a big success even with a little rain. Over 180 runners signed up for the runs, 10Mile & 5K.
Thirty-five pottery trophies were awarded to the 10Mile runners and 47 were awarded to the 5K runners. The run t-shirts featured the new North Carolina “Year of the Trail” logo for 2023.
Director, Kings Mountain Gateway Trail, Inc. Shirley Brutko said, “Approximately 16 volunteers helped with the run. Starr and Neil Dowell, of  Finish Well Timing, did an awesome job of timing the runners. Taylor Caldera from Royal T Café, as well as Ronnie & Rita Franks, helped with drinks and refreshments for the crowd.”

Kings Mountain’s Easter Egg Hunt kicks off the city’s 2023 event season and what a kick-off it will be! Join them April 6, at 7:30 p.m. for an Egg-citing time at 220 South Railroad Avenue, as children, ages 1 up to 14, are welcome to hunt for colorful eggs filled with candy and toys after dark.
More than 10,000 prize and candy filled eggs will be hidden across Patriots Park. Subway Cleveland Mall are proudly sponsoring four golden eggs to be hidden throughout the park. Inside each golden egg, a lucky egg hunter will find gift certificates redeemable at Subway. The EGGstravaganza will include a petting zoo, compliments of Son Ridge Farms, music, and a visit from the Wendell the Easter Bunny himself. Along with all the fun, Battleground Community Church will provide free hot dogs and local businesses such as, Child Care Connections, Cleveland County Partnership  for  Children, and the Kings Mountain YMCA among others will offer activities for the kids.
Families should gather at Patriots Park at 7:30 pm. Egg Hunt will begin at 8:00 p.m. Parents are encouraged to participate with their little ones.
Don’t forget to bring your Easter basket, flashlight, and camera!
The city acknowledges their 2023 annual sponsors, Albemarle Corporation, and Ronald’s Garage.
For more information, call the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department at 704-730-2101, or visit their website at www.KingsMountainEvents.Com.

For the past 3 years Miranda McDaniel, PE teacher and Teacher of the Year at Grover Elementary, set up a heart obstacle course in which the students participate.
The course is set up into the four chambers of the heart. Students learn how blood flows through their heart, to the lungs, into their body, and back to their heart. Students really get their heart pumping with the obstacle course and love it! Mrs. McDaniel talks to the students about how important our heart is and what we can do to make it strong and healthy.
This year she wanted to do more! So, she decided to do hands-only CPR with 4th graders. At first the students were not sure about it but after talking and learning that at least half of the students in each class knew someone close who had suffered from a heart issue they seemed to be on board. Most thought they were too young and wouldn’t be able to do anything, but the students soon learned just how valuable they might be in helping save a life.  
With the help of Brown Emergency Training Center, we were able to use training manikins with the students to correctly perform CPR. Students worked in groups to help each other make sure they were correctly placing their hands in the right place, pushing hard enough, and at a good pace. Students were really involved and cheering each other on to do their best. The students could
be heard saying “you got this,” "don't give up,”  and “keep pushing.”
Once students felt confident, the class went through an interactive video of a scenario that could happen and worked in teams to deliver CPR. All students learned a valuable skill that we hope stays with them in case they must help save a life.  

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain Gateway Trail will hold their 5K Walk and 10-Miler on Saturday, March 25 at 807 S. Battleground Avenue in Kings Mountain. This race is happening on a beautiful segment of Thread Trail in Kings Mountain, NC and this year's t-shirts will have a special NC Year of the Trail logo on them.
To register, visit runsignup.com, or call 704.685-3549 or 704-739-9663. Email Shirley Brutko at sbrutko@att.net.

By Loretta Cozart

Margaret Horn has seen a lot in her 101 years in Kings Mountain. “I feel like Methuselah,” she said in an interview with the Herald last week. “It is hard to believe that I am 100 years old and about to be 101.”
Margaret was born on March 20, 1922, in the family’s home at 220 Walker Street, to Arthur Wright Huffstetler and his wife Doshia Ella Dover Huffstetler. Together the couple would have 10 children: Howard, Arthur “Lucio”,  Jacob, Margaret, Ernest, Juanita, Kermit, Bobby, Corrie, and William. Margaret has outlived all her siblings.
When she was a young child, Margaret lived on Walker Street and then the family moved to 108 Lackey Street during her later childhood. She attended First Baptist Church (before the split), Second Baptist Church, and Oak Grove Baptist Church during her lifetime.
   When asked what kids did for fun, she said, “We jumped rope in the street and played hide and seek after dark. As children, we also sang a song called ‘Go in and Out Your Window, Go in and Out Your Window.’ Then we would kneel in front of ‘our lover’,” she said laughing.
   Margaret’s older brother, Jake, was the clown of the family, so much so he would get into trouble at Central that would often result in him leaving school after being sent out into the hall during class. Margaret was sometimes sent home with notes for her parents about Jake, and he would get into trouble. “He got lots of whippings. After a while, I stopped giving those notes to my parents,” she confessed.
   “We didn’t have a cafeteria at school back then, so we walked home for lunch. Sometimes, when we walked back to school, a train would be blocking the railroad crossing on Piedmont Avenue. We would have to crawl under the train to get back to school,” she said. “I finished ninth grade at Central.”
   In those days, school extended through 11th grade, but students were not required attend. “For a time, I worked at Pauline Mill. My daddy, Wright Huffstetler, was a Loom Fixer,” she said.
   Margaret explains what young people did for fun, “Teenagers would gather at a friend’s home that had a piano and sing. I could play the piano by ear. On days when we didn’t sing, we would walk over to the Old Waterworks Park on Gantt Street and swim. Sometimes, we’d walk downtown and go to Summers Drug Store for banana splits. They had the best banana splits. We went to town as much as we could.”
   A big smile comes across Margret’s face when she speaks of her husband, Holland A. Horn. She explains how they met. “He had a friend who had a car, and the boys would drive by our house and flirt with us girls. Once there were a bunch of girls at a house across the street from my parent’s home, and we flirted with the boys when they drove up and down the road.”
   Holland must have made a big impression on Margaret because they married when she was 17 years old. Holland’s parents lived in Nebo, down Waco Road. “Before we married, we had gone to their property and picked out where we wanted to build our house. His parents wanted us to live with them, but we wanted a house of our own. Holland’s family were carpenters, so they helped us build our house for $500.”
   By 1941, World War II had begun, and Margaret’s life got a lot harder. My brother Jake (Jacob Columbus Huffstetler) went into service at the beginning of the war, and he was the first boy from our section to die.”
   “Less than a year after he joined the Navy, seventeen boys from his ship went into town and a big storm came up. They were trying to get back to the ship, USS Gherardi, on a small boat, when it flipped over, and all the boys were lost on December 10, 1942. Jake hit his head on a rock and drowned. It took three weeks to get him home and we buried him at Bessemer City Memorial Cemetery. He recently had his picture made and the negative was in his shoe, so we have a photo. He left behind a wife in Bessemer City and their daughter, Becky, who was just six-months old.”
   Husband Holland was also called up to serve and he participated in the Battle of the Bulge and was a Squad Leader. “He served two years,” Margaret shared. When asked what life was like while he was gone, she said, “It was a difficult time, we had two sons, Don who was older and Arnie (Arnold) who was six-months old. We lived with my parents for a time.”
   She went on, “When it was time for Holland to come home, I watched the paper and knew when his ship was going to dock. I remember waiting up for him at home. Our house was between two creeks, and I heard him when he got out of the car. I ran to meet him on the bridge to our house; it was a happy homecoming,” she said. Margaret was just 24 years old.
   Together, Margaret and Holland had three children, Donald, Arnold (Arnie), and Saundra. Holland died early, and Margaret became a widow. “Dad died in 1963, daughter Saundra shared. “Mom, had good jobs and she did well.”
   But life threw the family another challenge in 1990 when son Arnie needed a heart transplant. “I had read about heart transplants using pig’s valves and watched television shows about it. But I never imagined one of my children would ever need that. That surgery added 21 years to his life, and I am thankful for it. He lived to be 63-years old. Progress surely is amazing!”
   Margaret remembers a lot about Kings Mountain in her lifetime. “I remember when Central burned, and we had to go to West School in the morning and then to Central until 5 p.m. My favorite teacher was Miss Gussey Huffstetler. I also had a good friend named Irene Gladden, and her daddy was John Gladden.”
   “I remember seeing President Hoover and then when President Roosevelt drove through town. People really did turn out for the presidents back then,” she said.
   She also remembers a funny story about shopping at Pauline Store, “Once I had a big piece of silver with a hole in it when I was young. I tried to use it to buy a doll. That didn’t work,” she laughs.
   She also remembers shopping at Robert’s Store, Gault Brothers Grocery, and Bridges TV. Downtown, she remembers Sterchi’s, Lawyer Davis’s office, Griffin’s Drug Store, Fulton’s, Home Savings & Loan, Kings Mountain National Bank, Belk’s, Summers Drug Store, Plonk’s, and Cooper’s Furniture.
   “Those were sure the good old days, back then,” Margaret said with a smile.
 

By Loretta Cozart

City of Kings Mountain held its Executive Leadership Strategic Planning Session at US Whitewater Center’s Conference Room B in Charlotte on Friday and Saturday, March 3 and 4. Also in attendance were all members of city council.
Two months after taking his role as city manager, Jim Palenick shared his vision for city government that prioritizes organizational culture and structure, adopts a policy-based model, and embraces financial transparency.
Palenick’s vision also encourages staff to work smarter when they consider projects, debate policy, allocate scarce resources, that requires them to act as representatives of all constituencies, based upon the greater common good, not that which is easy or politically expedient.
“During the transformation process,” Palenick said, “communication is important and the only way to change is leadership by example.” He continued, “Embracing change is never a criticism of the past – it is an acknowledgement of changed circumstances.”
Prior to Friday, Kings Mountain had 15 directors answering directly to the city manager who met weekly. “We must adopt a leaner, more focused organizational structure,” Palenick said. As of Monday, March 6, eight directors will report directly to the city manager, and departments will be grouped vertically according to similar function. Executive staff in those departments will now report to their respective department director.
Department titles have also been changed. For example, Aging Department will now be called Senior Services and each department is made up of similar city services. “Department titles should accurately reflect what we do and the fact that we are all here to serve our community,” Palenick said.
Directors who no longer report to the city manager will not see a decrease in pay; however, their titles may change, who they report to may change, and performance evaluations will more accurately reflect the city’s performance indicators and focus on goals and goals achieved.
Here are the new city government departments as outlined in the meeting:
Fiscal Services Director Chris Conner will oversee a Finance Fiscal Services Officer, Customer Service (Billing) manager, and the IT Director.
The Development Services Director oversees the Planning Manager, Inspections and Codes Manager, and Marketing, Tourism, and Events. Last week, Planning Director Stuart Gilbert announced his retirement, so a national search will begin immediately to fill that position. Until it is filled, Palenick will oversee that department.
Cultural Services Director Christina Martin supervises the library director, Senior Services manager, and recreation contract services.
Energy Services Director Wayne Ledbetter oversees the Natural Gas Director and Electric Manager.
Public Infrastructure Director Ricky Duncan oversees the Water Resources Director and Public Works Manager.
Police, Fire & Emergency Services, and Human Resources have not changed.
The city manager also expressed his desire bring a Professional Engineer (PE) on staff and that everyone should look for that in the upcoming budget.
In addition to the departmental changes, Palenick announced that the city is instating a review process for all employees. Each employee will be reviewed after their probationary period, and then annually at their anniversary date.
A video of the city’s Executive Leadership Strategic Planning Session will soon be available for public view. For more information, contact the city clerk at 704-734-0333.

The KMHS Musical: Mamma Mia! will be performed on March 10-12, Friday and  Saturday at 7pm and Saturday & Sunday at 2pm in the Barnes Auditorium. Tickets are $10.
This musical is fun, colorful, and energetic. “We are excited to showcase our department,” said  Heather Achter, the director of theatre at KMHS. She is proud of how much the students lead in each area of theatre at KMHS: acting, choreography, stage management, scenic design, props, costumes, publicity, hair and makeup, and sound.
This show is competing in the Blumey Awards: a Charlotte Region Musical Theatre Competition where KMHS has had success in previous years. We hope you fill the seats in Barnes Auditorium and celebrate the hard work and fun! If you have any questions, please email Heather Achter at hlachter@clevelandcountyschools.org

Bonita Lowe has always been drawn to art. As a young child she watched her father draw and paint, and he inspired her artistic curiosity. Mostly self-taught, she has pursued studies in life-drawing, design and painting which expanded her knowledge greatly. Another person who influenced Bonita was AB Mauney Snow, the founder of Southern Arts Society. AB wanted to retire from working as a colorist in the textile industry at Dicey Mills and saw the potential in Bonita’s work. Bonita then took over for AB at Dicey and worked there for 20 years before retiring herself.
Now Bonita lives in Mount Holly where she works in her home studio. Her primary medium is graphite pencil, which she uses to create detailed, highly realistic drawings. Primarily focusing on portraits of her favorite people, she also has drawn animals, structures and even an airplane.
   Bonita’s drawings are featured in an exhibit at Southern Arts Society in Kings Mountain now through April 22. "It's All About the Music" showcases many of Bonita’s favorites in the music industry. Among the musicians/singers portrayed in the exhibit are members of the Allman Brothers Band, Gregg Allman, Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, and Tom Petty to name a few. There are 24 portraits in the exhibit.
   What draws Bonita to certain portraits? “First of all, my love for music, and my gratitude to the people who make it happen. I feel that every face tells its own unique story, and my goal in creating a portrait is to try to bring a little of that story to life. Some people have more stories to tell than others, and because of the lives they lead, musicians are among them.”
   The public is invited to meet Bonita Lowe at a reception Saturday March 11, from 6 - 8 p.m. at Southern Arts Society. This event is free, and dress is casual. Bonita’s framed original portraits are available for sale, along with prints of her work. Bonita has artwork displayed in homes across the United States and the United Kingdom.
   Also on view - works by AB Mauney Snow in the Founders Gallery. In 1984 Snow invited friends and newcomers to start an art organization to educate and support local artists. The name Southern Arts Society (SASi)was chosen to be inclusive of all artists in the region. Snow died in 2003, just as SASi found a permanent home in the old Southern Railway Depot. Though she began painting later in life, Snow was a prolific painter. She worked in a variety of mediums and styles, taking workshops with well-known artists around the county. Several of the paintings on display are watercolor and mixed media landscapes, some real and some imagined. Also included are musical figures and florals. SASi continues to sell Snow’s work in their gallery.
   Southern Arts Society (SASi) Gift Shop & Gallery is located at 301 N. Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC, at the intersection of Piedmont and Battleground Avenues in the historic Southern Railway Depot. SASi offers a gift shop, ongoing art exhibitions and competitions, programs, and classes in a variety of media for artists of all levels. Gallery Hours:  Tues through Sat, 10 am to 3 pm, and by Appointment. Admission is Free. For more information go to SouthernArtsSociety.org or call 704.739.5585. Email southernartssociety@gmail.com.

Kings Mountain Police Department received several 911 emergency calls about gun fire in the 100 block of Gaston Street on Thursday, February 16, just after 10:00 a.m.
One witness told police that a male neighbor had fired multiple rounds into their home at 114 S. Gaston St. from an unknown weapon. The witness further told police that after firing the weapon, the male suspect retreated inside his home at 115 S. Gaston St.
A Facebook post notified the community that West Mountain Street was closed from South Piedmont to Gaston Street, and that South Gaston was closed from East King St to East Gold Street due to Police Operations. Citizens were advised to avoid the area.
Responding officers on scene confirmed that several rounds had been fired striking and entering the home of the witness. Officers quickly secured the area and began evacuating neighboring residents.
Based on the events reported, KMPD requested the assistance of the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department Crisis Negotiations, and Emergency Response teams for support and assistance.
Units with the Sheriff’s Department arrived and were able to negotiate with the male shooter to surrender to authorities without further incident.
The suspect has been identified as Markell Lutrell Porter, 39 of Kings Mountain. Mr. Porter was charged with firing a weapon into an occupied dwelling and possession of a firearm by  a felon. He has been transported to the Cleveland County Jail for further processing.
KMPD thanks the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department, Cleveland County EMS and Emergency Management, and Kings Mountain Fire and Rescue for their prompt response and support during this incident.
   “I am so thankful that this situation resulted in a non-fatal event in Kings Mountain. We avoided what could have been tragic outcome for innocent people. I’m extremely proud of the work of our Kings Mountain police department as they engaged in a very dangerous encounter,” Mayor Neisler said. “Also, a big thank you to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office for backing us up. It’s always great to know they have our back!”

By Loretta Cozart

It is time to register your child for kindergarten if he or she will be five years old before August 31.
You can enroll your student online by visiting https://www.clevelandcountyschools.org/ The site is multilingual.
The online enrollment process asks for a scan or photo of the following items. However, you can enroll without providing them immediately, but you'll need to drop these by your school of enrollment.
• Health Assessment Form
• Immunization Records
• Student's Birth Certificate
   Kindergarten Orientation Day (K-Day) is March 17, at 9 a.m. at your student’s school of residence.

Kings Mountain Little Theatre, Inc. was pleased to host the groundbreaking for the next major project for the Joy Performance Center and the Liberty Mountain Garden at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10, at the Joy Theater, 202 South Railroad Avenue in Kings Mountain.
KMLT President Mary Grace Keller joined Lead Donors Gilbert and Jancy Patrick, Speaker Tim Moore, Senator Ted Alexander, and David Stone – Foothills Historic Conservation, Inc. in a traditional gold shovel ceremony in the Liberty Mountain Garden. A reception in the lobby followed the ceremony in the Joy Theater with refreshments from Iris Hubbard and 133 Cafe.
President Keller welcomed the group of about 40 to the event and recognized dignitaries including the Patricks, Speaker Moore, Senator Alexander, and several KM city council members. She thanked the Patricks for their generosity and guidance with the esthetics for the project. Major Contributor John Harris (Harris Funeral Home) also helped Architect Ken Pflieger and the KMLT Building Committee design the restored and enhanced art deco/mid-century modern elements of the project.
Ms. Keller gave special recognition to Speaker Moore, Senator Alexander, and Representative Kelly Hastings for their successful efforts to bring significant North Carolina state grant funds to the project. Speaker Moore spoke briefly about the importance of the project
for  Kings   Mountain  and his pride that KMLT, its Board, and the community had worked together to preserve the Joy.
The Joy and the Liberty Mountain Garden Complex is a cornerstone of downtown Kings Mountain.  This $850,000 renovation will transform the complex into one of the leading entertainment venues in the region. It includes renovation of the façade, refurbishing the marquee, installing a new, commemorative gate and fence for the Liberty Mountain Garden, redesign of the lobby layout, and the addition of new bathroom facilities.
Capital Campaign Manager Jim Champion stated: “KMLT purchased the Joy in 2001 and has made many improvements in those 20+ years. With this project, we take a huge step in our presence in downtown Kings Mountain and in our amenities and comfort for our patrons. Our fundraising goal is ambitious, but current 5-year pledges have us at about the 70% level. I’m certain there are other businesses and private citizens who are interested in being a part of our success.”
If you are interested in learning more about making a pledge or other information about us, visit www.kmlt.org, contact us at jim@kmlt.org, or the Joy box office 704-730-9408.
KMLT is a funded affiliate of the Cleveland County Arts Council and programs are partially funded by a Grassroots Grant from the North Carolina Arts Council.

On February 3, at 10:00 am, Kings Mountain Police Department held a promotional and swearing in ceremony. In all, four officers were promoted to the rank of Corporal, one to the rank of Sergeant, and three were sworn in as new hire employees.
KMPD asks the community to congratulate everyone who achieved their individual goals and pray for safety, wisdom, knowledge, and courage as some start and others continue their journey with KMPD.
The following were promoted to the rank indicated:
• Sergeant Josh Bryant
• Corporal Breanna Joel
• Corporal Thomas Cutler
• Corporal Jonathan Price
• Corporal Wesley Childers
  Three new officers are:
• Officer Kevin Hernandez
• Officer Robert Medlin
• Officer Christopher Mackay

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain native Cindi Wood, and her team, announce their next pop-up Bible study at Big Red’s Café, 830 E King Street, starting on Thursday, March 9, from 10 a.m. until noon and continuing for seven-weeks. The topic of this Bible study is: The Frazzled Female for such a time as this.
After seeing the popularity of pop-up markets, Cindi and her team got the idea to hold seven-week pop-up Bible studies for women and started one in Shelby at Phifer’s Café which will end later this month.
The Frazzled Female Bible study is based on Cindi’s twenty-plus years of experience helping people combat stress by managing time, using humor, organizing, and teaching them to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus.
“Our ministry’s heart is to share the love of Jesus and encourage women in this day and time,” Cindi said. “Whether married or used to be married, single, with kids or without, working on the home front or out in the work world (or both), you may qualify for membership in the Frazzled Female Club! The frazzled female ministry is a ministry reaching out to all females who long for more peace and sanity in daily living.”
Cindi is a sought-after speaker and Bible teacher, guiding women to deal with daily stress by experiencing a practical and deep relationship with Jesus Christ.
“It’s my joy to share with women from all walks of life how to begin and then continue to live a victorious life—one that is not free from stress but one that is lived with the confidence, power, and peace that an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ offers,” she adds.
The fee to register is $20 by and can be done by texting your name to 704-418-1199. For further information, email cindi@frazzledfemale.com. Attendance is limited to 49 registrants.

By Loretta Cozart

Three objects were shot down over the US and Canada last week. On Sunday, February 12, an object was flying at 20,000 feet over Lake Huron when it was spotted. On Saturday, the North American Aerospace Defense Command said it detected a "radar anomaly" over Havre, Montana, after an aircraft investigation of radar hits failed to locate an object matching the hits. The Department of Defense believes this to be the same object. Gen. Ryder said, officials could "reasonably" link the object downed that afternoon to the radar signal picked up over Montana based on its flight path and data.
The Canadian incident occurred on Saturday, February 11. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a Tweet, “I ordered the take down of an unidentified object that violated Canadian airspace. NORAD Command shot down the object over the Yukon. Canadian and U.S. aircraft were scrambled, and a U.S. F-22 successfully fired at the object. he ordered the takedown of an "unidentified object" flying over Canada's Yukon territory on Saturday.”
Anita Anand, Canada’s Defense Minister, said the downed object was cylindrical in shape and flying at about 40,000 feet. She said it was downed in central Yukon, about 100 miles from a U.S.-Canada border.
On Thursday, Feb. 9,  North American Aerospace Defense Command detected an object using ground radar and sent aircraft to identify the object. It was shot down on February 10.
"The object was flying at an altitude of 40,000 feet and posed a reasonable threat to the safety of civilian flight," Ryder said. President Joe Biden ordered Northern Command to shoot down the object. Civilian airliners typically fly between 40,000 and 45,000 feet.
The object fell onto sea ice off the coast of Alaska and U.S. Northern Command has begun recovery operations, Ryder said. "U.S. Northern Command's Alaska Command coordinated the operation with assistance from the Alaska Air National Guard, Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation," he said.
   The object was about the size of a small car, the general said, and does not resemble in any way the Chinese surveillance balloon shot down off the coast of South Carolina earlier this week. "We have no further details about the object at this time, including any description of its capabilities, purpose or origin," he said.
   Two F-22s flying out of Joint Base Elmendorf in Alaska, took down the object. The one missile shot was an AIM-9X Sidewinder. "We have HC-130, HH-60 and CH-47 aircraft participating in that recovery," the press secretary said.
   During the briefing, Gen. Ryder commented as to the origin of the object shot down, “So in terms of this object, again, as I highlighted, we don't know where it's from. It posed a reasonable threat to civilian air traffic and so the determination was made to take it down.”

By Loretta Cozart

During special presentation by city council on January 31, retired City Manager Marilyn Sellers was bestowed the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Mayor Neisler, on behalf of Governor Cooper. Special Events Director Christy Conner suggested the nomination, and City Clerk Karen Tucker and Mayor Neisler submitted the nomination.
One of the most prestigious awards conferred by the Governor of North Carolina is The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. It is awarded to persons for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and their communities that is above and beyond the call of duty and which has made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina.
Among the honors and awards the Governor of North Carolina can bestow, none is more valued than The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Since its creation in 1963, it has been presented to honor persons who have a proven record of service to the State of North Carolina or some other special achievement, and to others as a gesture of friendship and good will. Upon being named to The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the honoree receives a certificate by which the Governor confers
upon the recipient “…the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary privileged to enjoy fully all rights granted to members of this exalted order among which is the special privilege to propose the following North Carolina Toast in select company anywhere in the free world:

‘Here’s to the land
of the long leaf pine,
The summer land
where the sun doth shine,
Where the weak grow strong
and the strong grow great,
Here’s to “down home”,
the Old North State!”

The Governor can grant the following awards:
• The Order of the Long Leaf Pine
This is the highest award for state service granted by the Office of the Governor. Nominations can be made for retiring individuals who have 30 or more years of service in the State of North Carolina. All submissions must include a biography of the nominee. Non-state employees must submit three (3) letters of recommendation and a statement of service from Human Resources on letterhead, if available. All nominations of state employees must be submitted by a Human Resources Officer and include a statement of service. Please note that all award requests for state employees must be submitted within 120 days of the nominee’s retirement date.
• The Old North State
Nominations can be made for individuals who have 20 or more years of service in the State of North Carolina. These submissions must be accompanied by a biography of the nominee and a statement of service from Human Resources on letterhead, if available.
• Certificate of Appreciation
Granted to recognize the efforts of an individual, organization, or business. Nominations can be made for those who have contributed outstanding public service in North Carolina. Submissions must include a biography and a statement of service from Human Resources on letterhead, if available.
• Laurel Wreath Award
Granted to individuals in North Carolina who have made outstanding contributions to sports or athletics. All nominations should include supporting documentation including any previous athletic awards, news articles, or commendations, as well as a recommendation from a coach or athletic director.
• Student Excellence Award
Nominations can be made by a non-family member who is the nominee’s principal, teacher, counselor, school administrator, or community leader for individual students to recognize outstanding service to their school or community beyond academic achievement. Submissions must include a biography of the nominee and two letters of recommendation (with at least one from a school principal, teacher, counselor, or administrator). Recommendations cannot be submitted by parents or other family members.