By Loretta Cozart

The Davidson Association and Mt. Zion Church, in association with The Blood Connection, are holding a blood drive on Saturday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 220 N. Cansler Street in Kings Mountain.
With all the fall festivities and Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, now is a good time to carve out a little time to donate blood.
To register, visit https://thebloodconnection.org/ and look in the top right corner to click the red locations button. Type in zip code "28086" and fill in the Start Date as "10/28/23" and the End Date as "11/7/23." Then click the red "Search" button. Scroll down, and The Davidson Association and Mt. Zion Baptist Church should be the first on the list. Scroll over to the right, click "Schedule," choose your time, and then create an account so they'll have your email and phone #.
Blood or the components of blood are used to treat patients with medical conditions, such as anemia, cancer, and blood disorders, as well as those having surgery. It can be vital for people with medical conditions or having surgery, and improving the quality of life for those whose illness has no cure, like sickle cell disease.
If you have any questions or need help with registration, please get in touch with Coordinator Norma Black at normablack16@yahoo.com, 704-418-4432, or Katherine Pendergrass at khpendergrass@bellsouth.net, 864-680-0555.
Whole blood can be donated every 56 days. Donors must be 16 or older to donate.

 

By Loretta Cozart

The Cleveland County Family YMCA started the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and fed the afterschool children in September 2023.
The CACFP is a nutrition education and meal reimbursement program helping childcare providers serve nutritious and safely prepared meals and snacks to children and adults in daycare settings.
The program currently serves over 275 children in Cleveland and Rutherford counties.
Ruby C Hunt YMCA (Boling Springs) serves 110 children, Kings Mountain Family YMCA serves 75 children, and Jefferson Elementary in Shelby serves 34 children.
In Rutherfordton County the Forrest Hunt program serves 19 children, Harris Elementary serves three children, MVR serves 9 children, and Rutherfordton Elementary serves 24 children.
The YMCA is currently waiting for approval for Pinnacle, Spindale, and Thomas Jefferson Academy too.  They hope the Dover Foundation YMCA location will be on board soon, bringing the number of people served to almost 400 by the end of October.
Food insecurities are a huge problem in our communities and your local YMCA is here for our kids.

By Loretta Cozart
Developer SkyBoat Gaming is demanding the Catawba Nation pay an exorbitant price to gain control of its trust lands to satisfy National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) casino ownership requirements so it can proceed with its planned $700 million casino resort project, new Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris said. 
SkyBoat, headed by businessman Wallace Cheves, was to have developed the casino resort for the Catawba. But in December SkyBoat and the Catawba were issued Notices of Violation (NOVs) by the NIGC regarding contracts for the casino development.
The NIGC cited the ground lease for the trust lands and other agreements that gave SkyBoat too much ownership control and management authority over the casino project. The NIGC threatened fines and said the permanent casino could not be developed until the NOVs were resolved. The Catawba Nation was allowed to continue operating its temporary casino housed in modular structures featuring 1,000 gaming machines.
The Catawba have since attempted to cut ties with SkyBoat and Cheves by negotiating to regain control over the trust lands for the casino development. Harris met with Cheves in early October but said the current offer from Cheves calls for exorbitant payouts to SkyBoat – a one-time $125 million payment and then $6 million annual payments for access to adjacent non-trust land currently housing the temporary casino’s parking lot.
The adjacent non-trust land was acquired by SkyBoat at the same time SkyBoat was working to secure the trust lands for the Catawba, an acquisition that Harris characterized as trying to advantage SkyBoat at the expense of the Catawba.
“SkyBoat is holding hostage this casino resort project and all of the economic and quality-of-life benefits for our people and residents of the area,” Harris said. “We need a fair deal so we can realize the full financial benefits of the project, create 2,600 permanent jobs and hundreds of construction jobs, and provide local governments and the state of North Carolina with tax revenue and other investments under our compact.”
   Harris noted the NIGC has not approved the planned settlement but certified it was not a management contract as the previous agreement with SkyBoat was deemed to be.
   The Catawba Nation’s gaming operations are also now fully compliant with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). The Catawba Nation’s gaming machine lease is now with an NIGC-approved company that supplies gaming machines to many Native American casinos, ending the previous connection to a company that had political ownership ties.
   Planning for the permanent facility has continued, with construction and design plans being finalized in the coming months.
   “Not long after we reach a fair settlement with SkyBoat we will be ready to put shovels in the ground and begin this long-awaited and vital project,” Harris said.
   The Charlotte Business Journal interviewed Wally Fayssoux, an attorney representing SkyBoat, who responded to Chief Harris’ statement saying it is “‘profoundly untrue’ that the developer is the impediment to closing the deal. He said the developer and the previous Catawba Nation leadership agreed to a deal earlier this year. However, the new Catawba Chief Harris is opposed to it.
   “Fayssoux said the Catawbas’ previous leadership ‘begged’ the developers to accept those terms and that the National Indian Gaming Commission was on board with the deal,” the article continued.
   “Fayssoux said Cheves is still planning to be involved in development surrounding the casino site. He noted the developer would be happy to plan the projects in coordination with the Catawbas’ vision for the area.
   “SkyBoat worked with the Catawbas for well over a decade to try to win approval for the casino project. The U.S. Department of the Interior placed the casino site into a trust for the Catawbas in 2020 after years of debate surrounding the project. The pre-launch facility opened in July 2021, was expanded later that year, and added a sportsbook last year. The full casino’s construction has been held up by the NIGC for well over a year.
   “’SkyBoat is ready to close immediately and honor its word and proceed with the deal the Tribe pleaded for it to accept in January,’ Fayssoux said. ‘We sincerely hope the current leadership will honor that agreement and recognize the tremendous benefits of moving forward today. We certainly understand their need as new leaders to carefully analyze the history of the deal so that they can move forward in the best interests of the Tribe and so we will remain patient while they do so.’”

 

By Loretta Cozart

GFWC NC Kings Mountain Woman's Club hosted the annual candidate forum on Monday evening, September 25, at 6 p.m. at the clubhouse for local candidates to be on the November 7, Cleveland County ballot. Ten of the fifteen invited candidates came and gave a three-minute platform for the office they seek.
Deputy Director of the Cleveland County Board of Elections Renee Bost updated the attendees on the changes in the N.C. Voter ID laws. She also gave the dates for Early Voting to begin on October 19 through November 4, to be held in the basement of Cleveland County Board of Election's Office, 215 Patton Drive, Shelby, N.C.
Attending candidates running for the City of Kings Mountain Mayor were George Scott Neisler and Robert Charles Wagman. Running for the office of City of Kings Mountain City Council At-Large were Keith Edward Miller and Shearra Beachum Miller.
Candidates running for City of Kings Mountain City Council Ward 1 was Annie Cole Thombs; running for City of Kings Mountain Ward 5 were Merrill Jones Rhodes, Jr., and Mark Andrew Wampler; running for Cleveland County Water Board Commissioner were William Ralph Cameron, Jr., Pamela Parker Maddox, and Kenneth Bruce Martin.
A time of Meet and Greet the Candidates was held after the forum.

Voter registration deadlines are approaching for eligible individuals who wish to vote on Election Day for municipal elections on November 7 in North Carolina.
• The regular registration deadline for the November 7 municipal elections is 5 p.m. Friday, October 13.
Under state law, the regular voter registration deadline is 25 days before an election.
To be eligible to vote in a municipal election, you must be a municipality resident. Working at a place of employment within city, town, or village limits does not make a voter eligible to vote in municipal elections. Similarly, while a voter’s postal address may indicate a municipality, that does not always mean their residence is within the incorporated boundaries of the municipality.
If you are seeking to register to vote in time for the municipal elections, you can contact your county board of elections to determine whether your residential address is within the incorporated boundaries of a municipality.
“Elections officials encourage all eligible individuals to register to vote and cast ballots in this year’s municipal elections,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections. “Those elected in 2023 will serve in the government closest to you – your city, town, or village governing board. Their decisions about local matters like sidewalks, zoning, water, sewer, and police and fire services directly affect your community”
   Eligible individuals who miss the regular registration deadlines may register and vote simultaneously during the in-person early voting period at any early voting site in their county if early voting is available in their municipality. County-by-county early voting sites and schedules can be found at the State Board of Elections’ One-Stop Early Voting Site Search at ncsbe.gov, once they are available for each election.
   Eligible individuals have many options to register to vote, including the following:
• If the individual has a North Carolina’s driver’s license or other NCDMV identification, they may submit a voter registration application online. Learn more at Complete Your Registration Online Through the DMV. Eligible individuals may also register in person at DMV offices.
• IEligible individuals may also register to vote when applying for services at a number of state agencies. Learn more at National Voter Registration Act (NVRA).
• Any eligible resident can complete a Voter Registration Application in English or Spanish on paper and return it to their county board of elections office by 5 p.m. the day of the deadline and those returns are available at ncsbe.gov. 
If an application is received after the deadline, it will be timely if it is postmarked on or before the deadline date. If the postmark is missing or unclear, the application will be processed if received in the mail no later than 20 days before the election. Otherwise, the application will not be processed until after the election. If submitted by fax or e-mail, the application must be received by 5 p.m. on the deadline date, and a hard copy of the document must be delivered to the county board office by 20 days before the election.
North Carolina residents may not register to vote on Election Day, unless they become eligible after the registration deadline due to becoming a U.S. citizen or having their rights restored following a felony conviction.
Voters who need to update their existing voter registration may use the DMV website or a regular voter registration application.
   Those with a North Carolina driver’s license or other DMV identification may update their residential or mailing address and party affiliation through the DMV online service but may not change their name through that service.
   If using the paper application to update a registration, it must be signed and mailed to the voter’s county board of elections by the registration deadline. Updates to name, address (if within the county), and party affiliation must be signed but can be provided by fax or email to your county board of elections. If a voter is using the paper form to update their residential address to a new county, they must return the paper form by mail or in person.
   Registered voters may also update an existing registration at an early voting site during the early voting period.

 

Albemarle Corporation signed agreements on Wednesday, September 27, with Caterpillar Inc. to collaborate on solutions to support the full circular battery value chain and sustainable mining operations.
The collaboration aims to support Albemarle’s efforts to establish Kings Mountain, N.C. as North America’s first-ever zero-emissions lithium mine site. These efforts include the utilization of next-generation, battery-powered mining equipment. Caterpillar and Albemarle signed an agreementto make  Albemarle’s  North American-produced lithium available in Caterpillar battery production. The two companies will also explore opportunities to collaborate on research and development of battery cell technology and recycling techniques.
“At Albemarle, we are committed to building a more resilient world. Our partners are critical to achieving that impact, and this collaboration with Caterpillar exhibits how we ‘walk the talk’ to pioneer what’s next. It’s a win-win-win scenario, in which we are both customers and suppliers of each other, and the innovation we pursue together benefits the world,” said Eric Norris, Albemarle’s Energy Storage President.
“Beyond supplying infrastructure and materials, battery-powered Caterpillar machinery and potential improvements to cell technology will open up new possibilities for the future of sustainable mining,” said Norris. “We look forward to replicating at Kings Mountain the same progress that we have made toward social and environmental responsibility at our Salar de Atacama operation, where we became the first lithium producer in the world to complete a third-party audit and publish our report through the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance’s (IRMA) stringent standard.”
   “Caterpillar is developing lithium-ion batteries and battery-electric products today for our customers around the world who, like Albemarle, are driving toward net zero carbon emissions goals,” said Rod Shurman, senior vice president of Electrification and Energy Solutions at Caterpillar. “The agreements for lithium offtake and potential collaboration on R&D signed today will help to advance this work and further build out a secure, resilient, and sustainable value chain for electrified equipment across the Caterpillar portfolio while also supporting Albemarle’s journey to more sustainable operations.”
   “Through this collaboration with Caterpillar, Albemarle is creating a new pathway where we can make a global impact – outside of the leadership we’re known for with EVs,” said Anita Natesh, Albemarle’s Commercial VP for North America, Europe, and India for Energy Storage. “Together with Caterpillar, we will  bring more sustainable mining equipment to market… and, in the process, demonstrate that our commitment to powering the clean energy transition extends beyond our collaborations with auto OEMs.”
   “By working together, we have the opportunity to support Albemarle’s goal of becoming the first zero-emissions lithium producer in North America while contributing to a more sustainable future for the mining industry,” said Rob Hoenes, senior vice president of Resource Industries Operations and Products at Caterpillar.
   The announcement comes on the heels of Albemarle’s recent award of $90 million from the Department of Defense to help support domestic mining and lithium production expansion for the nation’s battery supply chain.

 

The Davidson Association in Kings Mountain recently donated a month’s supply of reusable grocery bags to the Patrick Senior Center to fill with food for the monthly food distribution to local seniors in need.
“The Patrick Center appreciates the generous donation made by the Davidson Association. It welcomes other community partners who would also like to donate bags or give monetary donations toward food purchases,” Senior Services Manager Tabitha Thomas said.
The center gives away
100 or more bags of food each month, and funding is limited. If you would like to contribute toward feeding local seniors, please call Tabitha Thomas at 704-734-0447.
   Davidson Alumni Resource Center, Inc. is a nonpartisan 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

  Registered voters who do not have an acceptable identification card for voting in North Carolina can now go to their county board of elections office to get a free ID.
   Most voters have a North Carolina driver’s license, an acceptable form of photo ID for voting. Those voters do not need to obtain a separate ID from their county board. Other common forms of acceptable ID include military or veterans ID cards issued by the federal government and college student and public employer ID cards that the State Board approved for use in voting. For a full list of acceptable forms of photo ID for voting, see the State Board’s website at Voter ID.
Registered voters who do not have an acceptable form of identification for voting purposes can now get a free photo ID from their county board of elections office. No special documents are needed. Voters will simply provide their name, date of birth, and the last four digits of their Social Security number, and have their photo taken.
   In most counties, voters can get an ID printed and given to them on the spot. A few counties may need to get the required information from the voter, take their photo, then mail the ID card to the voter or inform the voter that the ID card is ready to be picked up, whichever the voter prefers. Voters with questions about the ID process should contact their county board of elections.
A free voter photo ID will include the voter’s photo, name, and registration number. They will expire 10 years from the date of issuance. The county boards of elections can issue cards at any time during regular business hours, except for the period following the last day of early voting through Election Day.
   “Any voter who does not have an acceptable ID card for voting can now get a free ID from their county board of elections,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections. “State Board staff has worked diligently with the county boards of elections over the past couple of months to get the necessary software and hardware for ID printing.”
Voters also can get a free ID from the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). Find more information under “No-Fee ID Cards” at State IDs | NCDMV.

Nashville recording artists and songwriter John Norris is a native of Sanford, North Carolina.
John’s love of music was forged in the church and country music tradition of his home town. Singing with his family in church and picking up the guitar at age 10, he learned his craft alongside family and friends, with a healthy dose of YouTube to hone his skills.
At age 14, John turned to writing music to help deal with the hardships of circumstances in life. Then, at just 16, John hit the road playing at bars, festivals, and music venues.  Within two years he headed to Nashville to network, write and grow in knowledge of the music industry.
John recorded part of his debut Nashville record at Direct Image Recording Studio, with producer Kenny Royster. The tracks include: “God’s Up To Somethin”, “Thank God She Did”, “This Town”, “Good Jeans”, “Natural Light”, and “Lonely Don’t Last Long”.
John will be performing with his band several times daily at the Cleveland County Fair. The fair will be held September 28-October 8.

Meet North Elementary School Kindergarten teacher Michelle Mack, CCS Teacher of the Year 2023.   She has been working for Cleveland County Schools since 1995.  Michelle received her Child Development and Family Relations degree from UNC-Greensboro and her teaching certificate from Belmont Abbey College.
Since then, she has taught Kindergarten at North Elementary School for many years! Michelle later went on to earn her master’s degree from Appalachian State University along with her National Board certification.
Michelle had such positive, impactful school experiences that she became a teacher. She wanted to return the same kindness and passion to students. “In the classroom, I strive to be a positive role model, make learning fun, build confidence, and empower students to be successful lifelong learners,” Michelle says. “Seeing the growth in each child is rewarding and priceless! I am proud to be a North School Tiger! I am so blessed to be able to work with an amazing, awesome, and gifted staff who enjoy teaching students and helping them succeed. We are a close-knit family caring for each other and our students. We love our students!”
Michelle is married to Bruce Mack, the Vice President of Academic Programs at Cleveland Community College. They are members of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Kings Mountain. Bruce and Michelle have two wonderful children. Cameron is an engineer and lives in Greensboro, and Carmyn is a junior at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro, majoring in education.

 

Cleveland County Schools is proud to announce that Savannah Ross of Grover Elementary has been named the 2023 Exceptional Children (EC) Educator of Excellence. This prestigious honor recognizes Mrs. Ross’s outstanding dedication and unwavering commitment to the success of students with special needs.
According to a nomination letter, it is said that
“Savannah Ross implements evidence-based instructional programs with the highest fidelity. Only in her eighth year as an educator, she understands the importance of making data-based instructional decisions and consistently uses a variety of progress monitoring tools to measure her students’ growth and make critical instructional adjustments.”
“Mrs. Ross exemplifies true dedication to improving the lives of children in all that she does,” said Wendy Fitch, Executive Director of Exceptional Children.  “She is passionate about teaching and seeing her students succeed, grow, and reach their highest potential in their academic, social, and behavioral skills.”
In addition to her responsibilities as an Exceptional Children’s teacher, Mrs. Ross is a crucial staff member at her school, serving on various committees, going above  and  beyond  to help
  “Savannah Ross was born to love and care for children,” said Brandy Curtis, principal at Grover Elementary. “She looks for the best ways to support and meet the needs of her students, not the easiest or quickest.”
   As the EC Educator of the Year, Ms. Ross will receive recognition at the Conference of Exceptional Children in Greensboro later this year representing Cleveland County Schools at the annual reception.
   “Oh, my goodness,” said Ross during a surprise recognition at Grover Elementary that included members of the CCS Central Services, Exceptional Children’s Department, and Grover Elementary administrators. “I was not expecting this today at all.”
   Cleveland County Schools congratulates Savannah Ross on her well-deserved recognition as the EC Educator of Excellence.

 

Starting October 2, 2023, Cleveland County Government will open a temporary site at the Midpines Convenience Center at 615 Margrace Road in Kings Mountain. Only household garbage will be permitted, and no trailers will be allowed at this location.
“The Midpines location is one of our busiest convenience sites,” said Josh Davis, Solid Waste Director. “Both staff and the County Commissioners heard concerns of those in the nearby community and believed a temporary site would be important while long-term options are considered.”
The Midpines Recycling Center was closed on August 10 due to safety concerns related to the structural integrity of the concrete driving and unloading areas. The engineered cost estimate for demolishing and rebuilding the site is approximately $1.1 million.
The Cleveland County Solid Waste Division is studying long-term options, including relocation of a convenience site that will address existing traffic queueing issues and lack of space on the existing site.
The temporary site will be open 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday, following the same hours as the other convenience sites throughout the county. The Oak Grove Recycling Center, located at 1127 Oak Grove Road in Kings Mountain, is the closest alternate site for bulk and recycling.
Any additional updates or changes to the Midpines Convenience Center will be posted on the County’s Facebook page and our website at www.clevelandcounty.com.

 

By Loretta Cozart

A marked increase in bear sightings occurred in Kings Mountain last week. A black bear sighting occurred on the Gateway Trail Sunday afternoon around 3:15 p.m., but it was not an isolated event.
“Most folks are reporting a teenage bear out foraging last week. While we can’t be sure this is the same bear, we know a mother bear and several babies were seen foraging last year. It is likely those cubs are teenagers now and are out on their own,” Shirley Brutko shared.
“Bears have been seen in Hillside, Hall Crossing, Kings Mountain Blvd. near the Intermediate School, behind the Comfort Inn, and twice on the Gateway Trail. We are getting bear warning signs for the trail and urge hikers to familiarize themselves with bears.
According to the Humane Society, don’t fear the worst if you see a black bear in your yard. A youngster may simply be passing through in search of a home of  their  own. Or an  adult
See BEAR, Page 5A
From Page 1A
may be checking out an enticing smell or interesting sound. Usually, when they find out there are people around, they’ll head for the hills, never to be seen again.
If you do encounter a bear, remain calm and remember that the bear is likely more scared of you than you are of them. Attacks by black bears on people are very rare and most black bears can be easily scared away with the following approach:
• Stand and face the bear directly. Never run away from or approach them.
• Make yourself look as big as possible by spreading your arms or, better yet, a coat.
• Make as much noise as possible by yelling, banging pots and pans, or using other noisemaking devices.
• If the bear approaches and you have bear spray, spray the bear as they approach.
• In the rare case that a black bear attacks you, fight back (don’t play dead).
• After the bear leaves, remove whatever attracted them to the location (barbecue grill, bird feeder, pet food, or garbage).
If you choose to carry bear spray with you, review these things to know:
• Bear spray is a deterrent made of red pepper oil (oleoresin of capsaicin). It inflames the eyes and upper respiratory system. If used properly, it can effectively deter an aggressive bear.
• Treat bear spray like a firearm. Contents are under pressure: Spray comes out at more than 70 mph and could cause permanent eye damage.
• Do not pre-spray objects. Bear spray does not work like an insect repellent. It may attract a bear because of the residue’s strong odor if used this way.
• When purchasing, look for canisters marked “Bear Spray” or “Bear Deterrent” with an EPA registration, 1-2% capsaicin and capsaicinoids, and a 25-foot (8 m) or more range.
• Keep the spray away from heat (120°F) and cold (-7°F). In extreme heat, pressure can build until the canister explodes; in extreme cold, pressure may decrease, so the canister may not spray properly.
• Keep in mind when traveling that safety regulations prohibit airlines from transporting bear spray. If traveling in be sure to inform the pilot of small planes or helicopters before your departure. The pilot may allow you to store bear spray in the aircraft’s float or outer compartment.
•    When camping, keep bear spray accessible at night.
•    If you have a partially used canister of bear spray or if it is beyond its expiration date, dispose of it or use it for training purposes. Do not rely on it as a deterrent. A completely emptied bear spray canister may be discarded as trash or disposed of as hazardous waste. Check with your local waste authority.

 

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

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 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.