KM gets $350,000 in state grants

By Loretta Cozart

North Carolina’s Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) distributed more than $330 million in directed grants to local governments and community organizations in the last 10 days. More than 170 entities across North Carolina received funds in this first round of grant disbursements.
Two grants were allocated for City of Kings Mountain. One for $250,000 was from the Department of Public Safety. The second grant is for $100,000 from OSBM. The press release did not indicate the purpose of these grants and, as of publication, the city has not responded to our request for  comment.
 “These grant funds will help local communities invest in projects that can improve the lives of those they serve,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “I expect to see great work from our partners in local government and the nonprofit sector as these projects move forward.”
   Other projects across the county included in this first round of grant disbursements include vital community improvements like:
• $14 million for repairs to the Boiling Springs Dam in the Boiling Spring Lakes
• $4.9 million to the Cleveland County School System for repairs and renovations of the following facilities: lighting upgrades at all four county high schools; stadium press box upgrades at Burns, Crest and Kings Mountain High Schools; HVAC at Shelby High School; track and field house renovations at Shelby High School; restroom renovations at Crest and Burns High Schools. renovations at Crest and Burns High Schools
• $450,000 for a Cleveland County Sheriff Mobile Command Unit
• $3.8 million to modernize the Madison County Courthouse in Marshall
• $1.2 million for improvements to the Brunswick Riverwalk Park in Belville
   The state budget contained more than 900 Directed Grants of which over 640 are being administered by the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM). The agency expects to distribute more than $1.4 billion in directed grants over the next 12 months.
This is largely a new grant program, leading OSBM to set up a website and training webinars for the directed grant recipients to help them meet state grant requirements and receive their grant funds as quickly possible.
 OSBM is an agency within the Governor’s Office responsible for administering the state budget and providing objective information and analysis to ensure effective stewardship of public resources.
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The old gas station at 100 E. King Street is taking shape as Kiamesha Young enters the home stretch of her building renovation. Photo by Loretta Cozart

Progress continues 
at 100 E. King Street

By Loretta Cozart

Progress is being made at the old McGill’s Esso gas station at 100 E. King Street in Kings Mountain. The building has been secured, with a new wall and a locking door at the back of the building. Windows resembling glass garage doors have been added in front of the old service bays, but inside the garage doors remain intact. With the new paint, the station draws the eye to drivers by.
The station is one of only three remaining Standard Oil Stations in the nation and Young has done an exemplary job in bringing the facility into the 21st century while preserving the original structure. Modernization has occurred without destroying the old. In doing so, new owner Kiamesha Young shows her respect for the past as she prepares the building for future  business in Kings Mountain.
The plan was to have the entire station dried in and secured in December to early January. According to Young, “That way, we can keep the property secure. Once that happens, we can do the necessary work inside and that shouldn’t take too much time. Hopefully, I’ll be done by March. That is the goal.”
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Community Lenten Services start this Wednesday, Mar. 2

The ministers of the Kings Mountain Ministerial Association will host Lenten services again this year. The theme for the services is “Personalities Around the Cross.” The services are planned for each Wednesday at 12 noon in Lent on the following dates:
Wednesday, March 2: Central United Methodist Church - Rev. Randy Patterson, Pastor of Dixon Presbyterian Church will bring the message on “Judas: The One Who Betrayed Him.”
Wednesday, March 9: First Baptist Church - Rev. Bruce Gwyn, Pastor of Central United Methodist Church will speak on “Barabbas: Jesus Died in My Place.”
Wednesday, March 16:  Boyce Memorial ARP Church  - Rev. Ron Caulder, Pastor of Eastside Baptist will bring the message on “Simon of Cyrene:  Suffering May Lead to Blessing.”
Wednesday, March 23: Eastside Baptist Church - Dr. John (Chip) Sloan will speak on “Mary the Mother of Jesus: The Depth of a Mother’s Love.”
Wednesday, March 30:  Peoples Baptist Church - Rev. William Thompson, President of William Thompson Ministers will bring the message on “The Thief on the Cross:  The Way of Salvation.”
Wednesday, April 6: Bethlehem Baptist Church - Dr. Robert Patrick, Pastor of Boyce Memorial Presbyterian Church will bring the message on “Joseph of Arimathea: Giving Our Service for Christ.”
Because of covid, there will be no fellowship meals following the services as in the past. 
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Pictured L to R: Mary Grace Keller, Robert Wagman, AnnaLee Sibley, and Jackie Sibley-Newton. (Photos provided)

“Deliver Us From Mama”
premiers March 4 at Joy Performance Center

The 2021-2022 season of Kings Mountain Little Theatre will continue with the comedy, “Deliver Us from Mama,” directed by Amy Hardin (828-447-3967), on Friday, March 4, at 7:30 PM.
KMLT is pleased to announce that performances are scheduled for March 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 7:30 PM with matinees on Sundays, March 6 and 13 at 3:00 pm.
Priority is given to our wonderfully supportive season members, and they can make a reservation to attend a performance for our plays. All others may purchase tickets at the box office or online at www.kmlt.org. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. Reserved seating not claimed at least 10 minutes before show time are subject to release for purchase by others seeking tickets.
Season members may make reservations by calling the theater at 704-730-9408 and leaving a message or send a request to us at tickets@kmlt.org.
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Project South second meeting to be held on March 15

By Loretta Cozart

The second meeting for Project South, the proposed wastewater treatment facility in the Dixon Community, is planned for Tuesday, March 15 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Senior Center at 909 E. King Street in Kings Mountain, according to the city.
Letters went out to those residents whose properties are impacted by right-of-way easements on Friday, February 25. All property owners South of I-85, between the state line and Exit 5 are invited to attend this drop-in informational meeting regarding a prospective utility infrastructure project in their area.
According to the project schedule released at the February 8 meeting on the topic, property owners should anticipate receiving letters regarding surveys by March 8.
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Runners participating in the Gateway Trail 5K Race. Photo Shirley Brutko

Time is running out
to register for
Gateway Trail races

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain Gateway Trail will hold their 5K Walk & Fun Run on March 12 at the trailhead and their 10-Miler being held from  February 28 to March 11.
The 5K Walk & Fun Run on March 12 starts at 9 a.m., and race packets are available on March 11 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the trailhead. Participants should wear a mask and stay 6-feet apart.
The 10-Miler Virtual Run is until March 11 on Quarry Road to the trailhead, Galilee Church Road, and back. Runners must email their proof of distance and time to starr@finishwelltiming.com before midnight on March 11.
To register, visit runsignup.com or call 704.685-3549. Kings Mountain Gateway Trail is at 807 S. Battleground Avenue in Kings Mountain. For more information, visit www.kmgatewaytrails.org.
Trail events for 2022 include National Trails Day June 4, Story Walk June-July, and their photo contest in October.
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Senator Ted Alexander (third from left) with other presenters at the town hall on Human Trafficking outside Asheville. Photo provided

Working to end Human Trafficking

On January 29, Senator Alexander attended an essential conference on combating human trafficking within North Carolina. This meeting was held in Arden, NC, about 20 minutes outside Asheville, at their town hall meeting.
Numerous crucial actors that have worked on this issue in North Carolina were present at the conference. Some of the groups that were in attendance include: Kathy Yurista of Awake & Bold, Forrest Sealey of the Veterans For Child Rescue, and Jason Sisneros. Many other non-profit organizations contesting human trafficking in North Carolina were also in attendance. The group discussed current steps that have been taken to contest human trafficking. Senator Alexander was extremely proud to announce the progress he and the NCGA have made towards combatting human trafficking in North Carolina. Senator Alexander states, “The lives of so many of God’s children depend on this cancer being permanently removed from society.”
These vital steps taken are not the end. The deliberation of future plans and the exchange of contact information ensures these actors will stay connected as they continue the fight.
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Kindergarten Orientation March 18

By Loretta Cozart

Kindergarten Orientation Day (K-Day) will be held on March 18 at our elementary schools. Registration will begin at 8:15 a.m. and the parent program will follow from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Call your elementary school today for additional information about the orientation.
Although each school will hold an orientation session, kindergarten registration will be held online and will become available by March 18 as well.
To enroll in kindergarten children must be five years of age by August 31, 2020. A health assessment form, Immunization records, and a birth certificate is required.
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New Biscuitville location located at 716 York Rd.

Biscuitville open for business

By Loretta Cozart

Biscuitville Fresh Southern opened its newest restaurant in Kings Mountain at 716 York Road in Kings Mountain, on Tuesday, March 1, with a grand opening held from 8 a.m. until noon. A ribbon cutting ceremony occurred at 2:15 p.m.
Guests were invited to register for an opportunity to win free breakfast for a year. Ten free breakfast winners will be awarded combo coupons for a total of fifty-two coupons per prize. Selected winners will be notified next week. No purchase is necessary to enter. Biscuitville branded swag prizes were also available while supplies lasted.
Headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, Biscuitville Fresh Southern® is a family-owned company serving authentic Southern food made fresh daily from locally sourced ingredients. Known as the Home of the Biscuit Window Since 1966®, Biscuitville serves scratch-made biscuits baked fresh every 15 minutes.
The company was founded in 1966 when owner Maurice Jennings opened two pizza restaurants in Burlington, NC. Using a family recipe, he later added fresh-baked biscuits to the menu—which proved so popular; the brand evolved to become Biscuitville. Today, the company sources its ingredients from other local and family-owned partners to serve guests classic Southern breakfast.
Biscuitville employs over 2,000 people and operates sixty-seven restaurants in North Carolina and Virginia, serving breakfast all day from morning to 2 p.m.
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New Biscuitville location located at 716 York Rd.

Biscuitville to open March 1

By Loretta Cozart

Greensboro based Biscuitville announced plans to open the Kings Mountain drive-thru breakfast restaurant on March 1, according to their sign. The location of the new restaurant is 716 York Road, in Kings Mountain.
The restaurant chain opened in 1966 but specialized in pizza. In 1975, they opened their first store in Danville, VA, followed by eight stores in North Carolina in 1978.
Biscuitville offers a variety of breakfast options, from a variety of biscuits to muffins, pancakes, and breakfast platters.
Those looking to apply should visit https://biscuitville.com/ and look for the yellow rolling pin at the top of the page and click on “careers”.
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Smoke bellowed into the sky at the scene of a work truck fire on I-85 North on Saturday afternoon just before 5 p.m. Nobody was injured in the blaze. Photo by Loretta Cozart

Truck catches fire on
I-85 Saturday afternoon

By Loretta Cozart

Just before five o’clock on Saturday, February 19, a work truck traveling North on I-85 near the Cleveland County line caught fire. The occupants of the vehicle were able to escape before the cab burst into flame.
Clouds of black smoke bellowed into the sky above the scene. Within minutes, Kings Mountain Fire Department’s Engine 283 arrived, followed by a second firetruck. Fire and rescue members scrambled to get the engine fire of the Ford work truck under control.
Shortly after, KMPD Officer T. Bell responded to the scene and directed traffic through the area. With the fire extinguished, emergency vehicles cleared a lane and traffic resumed at 5:02 pm.
  An hour earlier, another crash occurred near mile marker 2, near the state line. According to DOT, the road was closed with a detour of vehicles around the accident.

Community Lenten Services start March 2

The ministers of the Kings Mountain Ministerial Association will host Lenten services again this year. The theme for the services is “Personalities Around the Cross.” The services are planned for each Wednesday at 12 noon in Lent on the following dates:
Wednesday, March 2: Central United Methodist Church - Rev. Randy Patterson, Pastor of Dixon Presbyterian Church will bring the message on “Judas: The One Who Betrayed Him.”
Wednesday, March 9: First Baptist Church - Rev. Bruce Gwyn, Pastor of Central United Methodist Church will speak on “Barabbas: Jesus Died in My Place.”
Wednesday, March 16:  Boyce Memorial ARP Church  - Rev. Ron Caulder, Pastor of Eastside Baptist will bring the message on “Simon of Cyrene:  Suffering May Lead to Blessing.”
Wednesday, March 23: Eastside Baptist Church - Dr. John (Chip) Sloan will speak on “Mary the Mother of Jesus: The Depth of a Mother’s Love.”
Wednesday, March 30:  Peoples Baptist Church - Rev. William Thompson, President of William Thompson Ministers will bring the message on “The Thief on the Cross:  The Way of Salvation.”
Wednesday, April 6: Bethlehem Baptist Church - Dr. Robert Patrick, Pastor of Boyce Memorial Presbyterian Church will bring the message on “Joseph of Arimathea: Giving Our Service for Christ.”
Because of covid, there will be no fellowship meals following the services as in the past. 
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Jim Patterson Road was mentioned at the meeting as a potential location for the new wastewater treatment plant. According to the city, no site has yet been determined. Photo by Loretta Cozart

Proposed wastewater treatment plant planned for the Dixon community

By Loretta Cozart

Project South, the proposed wastewater system for the Dixon community, was unveiled at a community meeting hosted by City of Kings Mountain, Town of Grover, and Cleveland County at the Patrick Senior Center on February 8, at 6 p.m.
Citizens who attended the meeting were upset because they felt they had not received adequate notice of the meeting, and not all citizens in the Dixon Community received notice.
A letter was mailed to residents on Thursday, February 3 and was received by most on Saturday, February 5. Due to the weekend, those residents were not able to reach out to the city until Monday, February 7, just one day prior to the meeting.
On February 4, a post was made to the City of Kings Mountain’s Facebook page stating, “PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT: All property owners South of I-85, near Exit 5 are invited to attend an informational meeting regarding a prospective utility infrastructure project in your area. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 8th at 6:00 p.m. at the Patrick Senior Center, 909 East King Street. The City of Kings Mountain, Town of Grover, and Cleveland County are excited for the economic development progress this project will bring to the region. (Letters have been sent by mail to those in the area. This post serves as notice in case an owner or resident was missed.)”
According to the city, 80 to 100 people attended the meeting in which the project was discussed. The overview reviewed installing, owning, and maintaining a new sewer infrastructure, a new state-of-art treatment plant, three Lift Stations along route, and sewer connectivity to a growing area along I-85 between Exit 8 and the South Carolina State line. The $45 million project was funded by the state for assistance in population growth and economic development value in their last budget.
No firm decision has
yet been made regarding the site of the wastewater treatment plant, according to City Manager Marilyn Sellers.
The Town of Grover is at capacity, so Project South will assist them in needed capacity, upgrades, and expanding their customer base.
Natural Gas infrastructure will also be part of the utility expansion into this area using a different route than sewer. NCDOT right-of-way installation was noted. As the city starts the proposed expansion, they will be contacting the property owners along the way to offer natural gas service, giving them the opportunity to consider becoming a natural gas customer of the City of Kings Mountain. Natural Gas service in the area is limited, so many use propane. The city is offering to wave tap fees during installation of the gas line expansion.
Why does Project South need a Right of Way Easement? The County, the City, and the Town of Grover have recognized the need for sewer capacity along the 1-85 corridor and believe that the best alternative to provide sewer service to the 1-85 corridor is to develop a regional approach to solving the problem of needed sewer capacity. After reviewing various alternatives, the group believes the best alternative is to provide a stand-alone wastewater collection and treatment facility in the service area that can meet the current and long-term needs for wastewater collection and treatment. The plan would provide a major collection line to provide gravity sewer service along the 1-85 corridor from Kings Mountain (Exit 8) to the Town of Grover and construct a new 4.0 million gallon per day wastewater treatment facility that can be expanded to sixty million gallons per day.
If owners are asked to grant a Right of Way Easement, it is because a portion of their property has been deemed appropriate for the installation of the wastewater collection line.
The project began on February 8 and will follow the estimated timeline is below:

Start Date: February 8

Property owner notifications
of surveys: 30 days      

Initial Design Surveys : 90 days         
  
Easement preparation
and acquisition: 120 days

Design and permitting :  270 days from Start Date

Construction Period: 720 days from receiving a permit to construct
 
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KMLT Comedy
Deliver Us From Mama
premiers March 4

 The 2021-2022 season of Kings Mountain Little Theatre will continue with “Deliver Us From Mama”, directed by Amy Hardin, on Friday, March 4, at 7:30 PM. 
KMLT is pleased to announce that performances are scheduled for March 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 7:30 PM with matinees on Sundays, March 6 and 13 at 3:00 pm. 
THE STORY:  Mama’s back—so chaos can’t be far behind! This rip-roaring, hilarious, high-octane race to beat the stork begins when Walker Sprunt’s wife, Hayley, goes into labor with their first child. The problem? She’s in Alabama, and Walker (Robert Wagman) is in L.A., trying his best to get through a surprise visit from his meddling mother (Jackie Sibley-Newton) and his bossy big sister, Savannah (Mary Grace Keller), when he gets the call. Unfortunately, an air traffic controllers’ strike has just begun across the nation and Walker is at a loss for what to do. But his Mama, as usual, is not. And when she proclaims, “Family Road Trip!” Walker, from experience, knows disaster can’t be far behind. And is he ever right—as the clock ticks, Mama and her squabbling offspring jump in a car and sprint across two thousand miles of America and through its most unbelievably eccentric and colorful communities, and comedic chaos follows them everywhere.
Despite experiencing zany alien encounters near Roswell, New Mexico, witnessing an uproarious last-minute wedding with off-their-rockers relatives, participating unwillingly in a high-speed police chase across Texas, surviving a churning river on a daiquiri party barge, and even escaping a wild New Orleans Mardi Gras night court, this exuberantly desperate trio drive on, determined to make it to Alabama before the new baby is born. And heaven help anyone who gets in Mama’s way, because she WILL be in Birmingham in time for the birth of her first grandchild! This flat-out-funny Jones Hope Wooten comedy will get your motors racing as it delivers miles of smiles and loads of laughs!
   Kings Mountain Little Theatre, Inc. is a volunteer based, 501c3 tax-exempt community theater. It owns and operates the Joy Performance Center and the Liberty Mountain Garden. It is a funded affiliate of the Cleveland County Arts Council and is supported in part by a Grassroots Grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency.
   Priority is given to our wonderfully supportive season members, and they can make a reservation to attend a performance for our plays. All others may purchase tickets at the box office or online at www.kmlt.org. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. Reserved seating not claimed at least 10 minutes before show time are subject to release for purchase by others seeking tickets.
   Season members may make reservations by calling the theater at 704-730-9408 and leaving a message or send a request to us at tickets@kmlt.org.
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Phenix Mill being demolished

Portions of the old Dilling / Phenix Mill have been demolished, another part of Kings Mountain’s history in the process of disappearing. The Dilling Mill, later renamed the Phenix Mill, was built by Freno Dilling, part owner of Kings Mountain Manufacturing with W. A. Mauney. The Dilling Mill eventually became the Phenix Mill #2, then renamed the Burlington Mill, and was located near the intersection of Battleground Avenue and Baker Street. It was bounded to the east by Phenix Street. 
                                                                                              Photo by Loretta Cozart
 

Pedestrian fatality on York Road Friday

On Friday, February 11, at approximately 5:42 p.m., the Kings Mountain Police Department received a telephone call of an accident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian in the 1100 block of York Road in Kings Mountain.
The Kings Mountain Police Department, Kings Mountain Fire Department, and Cleveland County Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene of the accident and attempted life saving measures. The pedestrian was later identified as Kristy Ann Huffman, age 52, of Kings Mountain and she died at the scene resulting from her injuries. There were no other victims or injuries reported.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as Sarah Elizabeth Mead. The driver remained at the scene and is being cooperative with law enforcement and the investigation. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Sgt. P.W. Alexander with the Kings Mountain Police Department at 704-734-0444.
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CLIFTON W. PHILBECK Director of Elections

Candidate filing
resumes  Feb. 24

Candidate filing resumes Thursday, Feb. 24 at 8 a.m. and ends on Friday, March 4 at noon at Cleveland County Board of Elections, 215 Patton Drive, Shelby.
Director of Election
Clifton W. Philbeck said the Primary election is scheduled on May 17. If a second Primary is needed it will be on July 5 with the general election scheduled on Nov. 8.
 Candidates who filed during the December filing period are still considered filed and will be allowed to redraw their notices of candidacy if they decide not to run. Deadline to redraw notice of candidacy is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1.      
These are the offices, the names of the incumbents, terms of office, and filing fees of candidates who file with the Cleveland County Board of Elections:
NC Senate 44th District, Ted Alexander, 2 years, filing fee $140.
NC House 110th District, 2 years, Kelly Hastings, filing fee $140.
NC House 111th District, 2 years, Tim Moore, filing fee $140.
Clerk of Superior Court, 4 years, Mitzi McGraw Johnson, filing fee $1,208.00.
Cleveland County Sheriff, 4 years, Alan Norman, filing fee $1,017.00.
Cleveland County Board of Commissioners, 4 years, filing fee $100. Incumbents Philip Glover, Coleman Hunt, Dena Green, Danny Lee Blanton.
Kings Mountain City Council, 4 years, filing fee $35. Incumbents Ward 2, Mike Butler; Ward 3 Tommy Hawkins; At Large David Allen.
Filing for the office of Soil and Water will begin at noon on June 13 and end at noon on July 1. The filing fee is $5, and the term of office is 4 years. Incumbents are Roger Eaker and Sherry Greene.
Offices filing with the State Board of Elections:
US 13th Congressional District, open seat, $1,740.00
District Court judge 27-B, 4 years, incumbent Micha T. Sanderson, filing fee $1,251.00
District Attorney 39th District, incumbent Mike Miller, $1,374.00.
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CAUSBY

Man arrested on thirty-five 
counts of chop shop activity in Kings Mountain

By Loretta Cozart

On Friday, Jeffery Lee Causby was arrested several times by Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office and charged with thirty-five counts of chop shop activity at 198 Gage Rd. in Kings Mountain. He received bonds totaling $75,000.
The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the NC Department of Motor Vehicles, were able to recover an estimated $120,000.00 in stolen property during a joint investigation at the scene.
CCSO recovered nine stolen vehicles, two stolen trailers, a stolen tractor, a stolen camper, and a stolen Jaws of Life tool. This property came from Cleveland County and other counties in the region.
The investigation is still ongoing, and more charges and arrests are anticipated. Anyone with information is asked to call Cleveland County Sheriff's Office at 704-484-4888.
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CENTRAL SCHOOL

School Board to vote Monday night
Stone’s group wins high
bid for Central School

By Loretta Cozart

David Stone’s group, Central School Renovation Partners, LLC’s bid of $909,665 was the highest bid received during the upset bid process for Central School in Kings Mountain. As of 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 10, no upset bid was offered to continue the process.
 “We are really excited about being the final high bid on this property and we look forward to working with Cleveland County School Board concerning the offer,” said Stone.
The group will conduct an environmental study which checks for hazardous materials, like asbestos, and the presence of petroleum products.
Preston Brown shared why an upset bid was not offered by his group, “I backed out because the property is zoned SU, meaning no retail type business can never ever be used on the property. No retail shops. No restaurant. All maintenance buildings must go. The auditorium can never be used for a paid type (of) concert or event. Apartments only is all that is allowed. David Stone can have it. Glad I found this out before I upset his bid.”
On October 11, Cleveland County Board of Education voted to place Central School on their surplus property list, pending the County Commissioners’ decision. City of Kings Mountain was offered an opportunity to take the building but declined the opportunity to do so. The sealed bid process ended on November 3 at 4 p.m. Cleveland County School District awarded the high bid to Mike Brown at $750,000 and then bidding went into an upset bid process. Several upset bid cycles were completed until the final high bid was reached.
Cleveland County School Board met Monday night and it is anticipated that Central School Renovation Partners, LLC will be awarded the high bid during that meeting.
Cleveland County School Board requested time to vacate the building when they offered the building for sale, and it is unclear how much time will be needed for them to complete that task. Currently, Cleveland County School District’s Maintenance Facility is housed in the school building, along with Cleveland County Partnership for Children.
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Hats Off! A History of Headwear
February 22 – May 14

Kings Mountain Historical Museum has a new exhibit opening on Tuesday, February 22 featuring a history of headwear. The production and use of hats has seen cultural and social changes throughout history. In the past, hats were usually more about fashion than function. The Kings Mountain Historical Museum has collected a variety of hats and head coverings over the years as part of an overall effort to preserve our communities’ shared history.
This exhibit will feature highlighted pieces from our collections and explore the history of headwear and its place in our culture. We will examine the creation and evolution of hats, symbolism and style, and how they are an expression of functionality and form.
The exhibit is free and open to the public. Face masks are required to enter the museum. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact the museum at (704) 739-1019 or visit Kings Mountain Historical Museum at 100 E Mountain Steet.
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DONALD CRAWFORD

Don Crawford led
by example, impacted thousands in his lifetime

By Loretta Cozart

William Donald “Don” Crawford, longtime Kings Mountain resident, died on Sunday, February 5 at his home in Matthews. He would have celebrated his 93rd birthday on February 26. He is survived by his second wife, Gloria Perkins-Crawford.
Don was born to Thomas Harmon Crawford and Ethel Reynolds Crawford in Kings Mountain. He was an industrious young man and joined scouting at the age of eleven.
Crawford joined Troop 5 in 1940 as a Cub Scout and picked up rocks for five cents an hour to pay for his uniform. The rocks were used to build the Scout clubhouse at the southeast corner of Cansler and Walker Streets. The rock house is now a private residence.
Crawford fell in love with scouting at an early age and his dedication to the program is well known. He rose to the rank of Eagle and the awards he has received over the years attest to his diligence and leadership locally, in the Piedmont Council, and in the state and nation. Manteo, NC, and Kings Mountain Lions Club and as Lions District Governor 31C also attest to his strong leadership. He continued to serve in the Kings Mountain Lions Club, the city’s oldest civic club.
While District 31C Governor in 1997 – 1998, Crawford led forty-two clubs in a high record of accomplishment by Lions. Crawford recorded the progress in a monthly newsletter, a big hit and drawing card for new members. The Friendship pin he distributed as a collectable was of a frontiersman and labeled, “A Mountain Top Experience.” Lions International presented him the Governor’s Award of Excellence.
NC Governor Mike Easley honored him with the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s highest award to a civilian, in 2006. He is also recipient of the Silver Beaver award, the Order of the Arrow, and Charles Bell award, among others.
He retired from the US Post Office at Kings Mountain after 22 years after serving as a US Postal Inspector in 1964 and then working as a clerk. He was employed by the National Park Service eight years, including six years at Cape Hatteras National Seashore at Manteo and two years at  Kings Mountain National Military Park.
After retiring in 1980, he became active in the real estate and insurance business. His love for genealogy has led to a huge book of family histories which required time-consuming research. He is on the board of Kings Mountain Historical Museum, and he uses his hobby of photography to snap pictures for the museum. He is an ardent supporter of events at the museum.
   Crawford has accompanied Scouts on 28-day trips to Philmont Ranch in New Mexico and as deputy camp chief for the USA visited Gilwell Park, the birthplace of scouting in England. Of that trip he said, “This is where a Scout or scouter gets his ticket punched, it’s like a Christian visiting the Holy Land or an ARP (he is a long, active member of Boyce Memorial ARP Church) going to Erskine college or Bon Clarken Assembly grounds.
   During his long tenure in scouting, he served Kings Mountain District, Piedmont Council, Battleground District, and Tidewater Council as a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, wood badge Scoutmaster, assistant district commissioner, assistant Council commissioner and member of the Piedmont Council executive board to name a few of the positions he has held.
   Crawford estimated he trained over 50,000 Scouts. “I love Scouting and my Scouts keep in touch with me,’’ he once said.
   He attended ten national Boy Scout Jamborees. In 1973 and 1977 the national jamborees were held at Morane State Park, PA. He attended as a representative of the National Park Service on the conservation trail and was the Mountain Man firing a flint lock rifle, telling the difference of life then and now. He helped develop a living history program on the site which is still used by the National Park Service at Boy Scout Jamborees.
  “My late wife, Joe Ann Blalock Crawford, always said Scouting was my first love and she was my second. Not so, we were married over 50 years and our daughter, Donna, earned the curved bar in Girl Scouting. I guess you could say we are a Scouting family,’’ he said.
   Don took oaths and the things he learned in scouting and church to heart. When he memorized the Scout oath, “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country,’’ the Scout law and Bible verses and the catechism at church they became real to him.
   A life member of Boyce Memorial ARP Church, he previously taught Sabbath School, was Sunday School superintendent and a past chairman of the board of deacons.
   Crawford said in a 2020 interview with the Herald, “Scouting continues to survive by keeping current with the needs of boys without sacrificing character building traits and helping boys develop into men of good, solid character.”
   In April 2016, the Piedmont Boy Scout Council honored Crawford with the distinguished National Eagle Scout Association award at a banquet at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory.
   Crawford received the Dr. Charles Bell Award at the third annual Friends of Scouting dinner on April 27, 2000, at First Baptist Church. East School was recognized for its contribution to Scouting through its successful Cub Scout program.
   That year, Pack 93 was honored as a “Quality Unit” for two straight years. Ninety-eight percent of all registered scouts advanced within the Pack, and over 80% regularly attended their Monday meetings at East School.
   Crawford has a legacy of leadership in Kings Mountain, from scouting to his work, religious, and charitable life. His work with youth has impacted thousands who knew him personally, or through the funds his charitable work impacted. 
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Kindergarten Orientation Day March 18

By Loretta Cozart

Kindergarten Orientation Day (K-Day) will be held on March 18 at our elementary schools. Registration will begin at 8:15 a.m. and the parent program will follow from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Call your elementary school today for additional information about the orientation.
Although each school will hold an orientation session, kindergarten registration will be held online and will become available by March 18 as well.
To enroll in kindergarten children must be five years of age by August 31, 2020. A health assessment form, Immunization records, and a birth certificate is required.
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HOUNDS DRIVE-IN PROPERTY

Hounds Campground 
property sells  for $40M

By Loretta Cozart

In documents recorded with the Cleveland County Register of Deeds Office in Shelby on December 22, Michael and Cynthia Brown sold 55.07 acres of land at 114 Raven Circle in Kings Mountain, currently occupied by Hounds Campground and Hounds Drive-in, to Albemarle U.S., Inc. for approximately $40 million dollars.
In a Memorandum of Lease, also recorded on December 22 at the Register of Deeds office, Albemarle U.S. Inc. leased the property back to the Browns for a period of five years.
As outlined in a Purchase Money Promissory Note dated December 22, it was defined that Albemarle U.S. would pay the Browns through a trustee $22 million dollars and the final date of the note is set as January 5, 2048.
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Aleiyah Yarbro

Woman’s Club
scholarship winner

GFWC NC Kings Mountain announced the winner of the Woman’s Club scholarship is Aleiyah Yarbro. The daughter of Christy Pearson and Timothy Yarbro, this Kings Mountain High School senior plans to attend a four-year university and work toward a registered nursing degree. The KMWC is proud to sponsor Aleiyah as she competes at the district level in the coming weeks.
Sallie Southall Cotten was a principal leader in the organization of the North Carolina Federation of Women’s Clubs in 1902. The Sallie Southall Cotten Scholarship was started to honor her legacy.
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Playwright, director, and performer Mike Wiley will hold a question-and-answer session after the performance. (Photos provided)

Tired Souls: The Montgomery Bus Boycott on February 18
at Joy Performance Center

To honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mauney Memorial Library, and the City of Kings Mountain welcome Mike Wiley to perform, Tired Souls: The Montgomery Bus Boycott at the Joy Performance Center on February 18 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Tired Souls opens in Montgomery, Alabama on December 1, 1955 – the day Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a city bus to a white man. Her determination was the catalyst that inspired Montgomery’s black citizens to abandon all travel on city buses until they were no longer forced to sit in the back or stand when a white person boarded. But there were others who came before Mrs. Parks and laid the groundwork for this pivotal moment. Tired Souls introduces audiences to Jo Ann Robinson, Claudette Colvin, and others so instrumental in lighting a fire under the Civil Rights movement and changing the course of U.S. history forever.
Immediately after production, the audience is invited to take part in a talkback with Mike Wiley. No photos or videography will be allowed during production.
The event is free and open to the public. The Joy Performance Center is located at 202 South Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain.
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Doug Crawford

W. Donald Crawford
dies at age 92

William Donald Crawford, longtime prominent Kings Mountain resident who was active in Boy Scouting for 80 years, longtime member of Boyce Memorial ARP Church, Kings Mountain Lions Club, and other civic and community service activities, died Sunday, Feb. 5, 2022, at his home in Matthews.
He was 92 and would have celebrated his 93rd birthday February 26.
Crawford was recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest award to a civilian by the Governor of. North Carolina and the Rev. Dr. Charles Bell award for scouting. He was District Governor for the International Association of Lions Clubs and Wood Badge Deputy Camp Chief of Boy Scouts of America.
Crawford was the son of the late Thomas and Ethel Reynolds Crawford. He was predeceased by his wife. JoeAnn Blalock Crawford and their daughter, Donna Ann Crawford Cornwell.
Graveside services will be held February 19, 2022, at 3 p.m. at Mountain Rest Cemetery.
“Don loved Kings Mountain and enjoyed people. He loved to get on his computer and share the memories with us,’’ said his wife, Gloria Perkins Crawford.
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The Gateway Trail 5K Walk & Fun Run draws hundreds of runners to Kings Mountain each year. (Photo provided)

Register now for Gateway Trail races

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain Gateway Trail announces their 5K Walk & Fun Run on March 12 at the trailhead and their 10-Miler from February 28 to March 11.
The 5K Walk & Fun Run on March 12 starts at 9 a.m., and race packets are available on March 11 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the trailhead. Participants should wear a mask and stay 6-feet apart.
The 10-Miler Virtual Run is from February 28 to March 11 on Quarry Road to the trailhead, Galilee Church Road, and back. Runners must email their proof of distance and time to starr@finishwelltiming.com before midnight on March 11.
To register, visit runsignup.com or call 704.685-3549. Kings Mountain Gateway Trail is at 807 S. Battleground Avenue in Kings Mountain. For more information, visit www.kmgatewaytrails.org.
Trail events for 2022 include National Trails Day June 4, Story Walk June-July, and their photo contest in October.
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Search begins for top talent
for triumphant return of
“Liberty Mountain” drama

The search begins to secure top talent for triumphant return of “Liberty Mountain” drama in Mountain Kings Mountain, NC:
The search is officially on as casting directors begin looking for talented actors, singers, and technicians to perform this summer in Liberty Mountain, the Revolutionary War era drama depicting the struggles and triumphs of the brave people who settled in the Carolinas and founded our nation. Playing onstage at the Joy Performance Center in Kings Mountain, cast members will learn to sword fight, fire replica muskets, dress up in incredible costumes, and charge into battle!
The company will host local auditions at the Joy Performance Center on Saturday, February 5th at 9:30am. Video submissions are also being accepted. Paid contracts are currently available, and those selected and hired will work alongside professional theatre staff to bring this massive production to life for the 2022 Summer Season.
“We are so excited to see this production return to the stage,” says director Caleb Sigmon. The company delayed performances for the past two summers due to the impact of COVID-19. “It’s a story that means so much to me, and it is an honor to bring it to life.”
The historically accurate production was written by playwright Bob Inman. Many will remember Inman from his significant career with WBTV. Since then, he has written a score of novels, Hallmark movies, plays, and musicals. The show will feature new and exciting moments that have been developed during these years off.
There are positions open in the following departments: Acting, Stage Management, Technical, Wardrobe, Wig & Makeup. Ideal candidates are highly driven, enthusiastic, imaginative, and have full availability for all dates. Rehearsals are June 4th - 23rd with performances June 24th - July 17th. Housing is provided for out-of-town company members. No previous professional experience necessary.
Please visit the website for complete audition information, along with details about how to submit an audition video or register for in-person auditions at the Joy Performance Center, 202 S. Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC. on Saturday, February 5th at 9:30am. www.LibertyMountainDrama.com
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Trent Troxel (third from left),Vice President of the Catawba Nation Gaming Authority, and Catawba Nation Assistant Chief Jason Harris (center) present a check for $10,000 to Hospice Cleveland County and the Cleveland County Partnership for Children. The funds were raised by the Catawba Two Kings Casino from patron donations. At the Jan. 21 presentation were (left to right) Tina Dellinger, Assistant Director of Cleveland County Partnership for Children; Shannon White, Executive Director of Cleveland County Partnership for Children; Myra McGinnis, President of Hospice Cleveland County; Pam Sharts, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Hospice; and Patty McMurry, Vice President of Access for Hospice. Photo provided

Catawba Two Kings Casino
donates $10,000 to
local nonprofits

The Catawba Two Kings Casino Share Change program has raised $5,000 each for Hospice Cleveland County and the Cleveland County Partnership for Children (CCPFC).
Share Change, the Catawba Nation’s charitable initiative through the casino, enables patrons to donate the remaining change on slot vouchers by dropping them in wishing wells and large ticket barrels located on the casino floor.
“The Share Change program is a way for Catawba Nation and Catawba Two Kings Casino to make a positive change in our community,” Catawba Assistant Chief Jason Harris said. “We thank our generous casino patrons and are happy to support such worthy organizations.”
Funds were raised for Hospice Cleveland County and Cleveland County Partnership for Children from October through Dec. 31, 2021.
Hospice Cleveland County has two houses (Wendover in Shelby and Testa in Kings Mountain) that provide peaceful environments for patients with life-limiting illness such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and debility and decline. Services at Hospice are provided regardless of ability to pay, with medications, supplies and equipment covered by Hospice Medicare Benefit. Bereavement services for the family and community are also available, as well as support groups and programs.
Wendover Hospice House was one of the first hospice houses in North Carolina and has served more than 5,000 patients since opening 25 years ago. Testa Family Hospice House is located about 1 mile from the Catawba Two Kings Casino and has served more than 1,700 patients since opening in 2010.
Hospice Cleveland County cares for about 50 percent of all deaths in Cleveland County. On a typical day, it serves about 150 patients, primarily in their own homes but also in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and its two hospice houses. In 2021, Hospice Cleveland County provided compassionate end-of-life care to nearly 900 patients and their family members.
“Hospice Cleveland County is very grateful to the Catawba Tribe and Two Kings Casino for their support,” said Myra McGinnis, president of Hospice Cleveland County. “This generous gift will enable us to provide excellent care for patients and their family members.”
Cleveland County Partnership for Children provides pre-k, Early Head Start and inclusive Smart Start programs that help children and families access high-quality and affordable childcare, health care and family support services. The goal of CCPFC is to partner with families, businesses, and the community to ensure children are healthy and ready for school. The organization has been leading early childhood education in Cleveland County since 1993.
“The Cleveland County Partnership for Children is so thankful to have the support of the Catawba Two Kings Casino,” said Executive Director Shannon White. “The donation will enable us to continue providing early childhood education and support for Cleveland County’s youngest learners and their families. Your contribution makes an impact, and we are extremely grateful that you decided to Come Grow With Us!”
The casino launched the Share Change program several weeks after its July opening and anticipates that the program will grow as the casino grows. The first $10,000 donation benefitted the Cleveland County Fund for Children and Adults with Disabilities, and new charitable recipients will be designated every three months.
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Governor vetoes bill
to delay primary to June

On Friday, January 28, Governor Cooper vetoed House Bill 605, an act to “Set the date for the 2022 date for the 2022 primary as June 7, 2022; to allow the State Board of Elections to issue temporary rules for conducting the 2022 primaries and elections…”
According to the State Board of Elections, districts must be finalized by the week of February 14, just 12 days after the Supreme Court hears oral arguments in redistricting cases. This would give the courts a few days to make their decision before that deadline and would give the General Assembly little time to draw new maps if required.
Governor Cooper made the following statement on HB 605, “This bill is an additional attempt by Republican legislators to control the election timeline and undermine the voting process. The constitutionality of congressional and legislative districts is now in the hands of the North Carolina Supreme Court and the Court should have the opportunity to decide how much time is needed to ensure that our elections are constitutional.”
North Carolina Speaker of the House Tim Moore said, “House Bill 605 is a reasonable measure taken by the legislature to ensure a thorough and constitutional process. Unfortunately, Governor Cooper’s veto undermines that process in the name of politics.”
He continued, “Furthermore, during his time as Senate Redistricting Chair, Cooper presided over some of the most tortured and gerrymandered maps in state history. Now, he wants to sow chaos and confusion in the hopes that the Supreme Court will usurp the constitutional duty of the General Assembly to the benefit of his Democrat allies.”
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CENTRAL SCHOOL (Photo by Loretta Cozart)

Upset bid for
Central School reaches $909,665

By Loretta Cozart

Cleveland County Board of Education ended their second upset bid process for Central School on Monday, January 31, at 4 p.m., with a bid of $909,665 from David Stone. The school board voted to classify Central School at 105 E. Ridge Street in Kings Mountain as surplus property on October 11, and the property has since gone through two upset bid cycles.
The process started with sealed bids and Mike Brown won with an offer of $750,000.
The first upset bid cycle ended January 21 at 4 p.m. David Stone offered $825,000, and Mike Brown upset that bid with a second bid of $866,300.
The next upset bid cycle ends on Thursday, February 10, at 4 p.m.

Boom Supersonic brings 1,700 Triad jobs 

Boom Supersonic, the high-profile aviation company building modern supersonic airliners for commercial service, will build its manufacturing and final assembly facility in Greensboro, creating more than 1,750 jobs by 2030, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The project will bring an investment of more than $500 million through 2030 at a site located at the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Guilford County.
“It is both poetic and logical that Boom Supersonic would choose the state that’s first in flight for its first manufacturing plant,” said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. “Like the success of the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk, this innovative company will succeed by transforming passenger air travel with speed and sustainable energy.”
Boom Supersonic is redefining commercial air travel by bringing sustainable, supersonic flight to the skies. Boom’s historic commercial airliner, Overture, is designed and committed to industry-leading standards of speed, safety, and sustainability. Overture will be net-zero carbon, capable  of  flying  on
100% sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) at twice the speed of today’s fastest passenger jets. Overture has garnered significant commercial interest, including orders and options from United Airlines and Japan Airlines as well as contracts with the U.S. Air Force for government applications    .
   Named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2021, the Boom XB-1 demonstrator aircraft rolled out in 2020, and its carbon neutral flight test program is underway. The company’s manufacturing plant in North Carolina, called the Overture Superfactory at Piedmont Triad International Airport, will house the company’s first final assembly line, test facility, and customer delivery center.
   “Selecting the site for Overture manufacturing is a significant step forward in bringing sustainable supersonic air travel to passengers and airlines,” said Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic. “With some of the country’s best and brightest aviation talent, key suppliers, and the state of North Carolina’s continued support, Boom is confident that Greensboro will emerge as the world’s supersonic manufacturing hub.”
   The North Carolina Department of Commerce coordinated the state’s recruitment of Boom, which also involved state, regional, and local organizations.
   “Ever since the Wright Brothers but even more so today, the aviation and aerospace sector drives a significant part of the North Carolina economy,” said Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “We’ve reached this achievement by developing specialized workforce development programs for this industry, and as our state strategic plan for economic development makes clear, we’ll keep working to make North Carolina First in Talent, and not just First in Flight.”
   The project from Boom Technology, Inc., operating as Boom Supersonic, will be facilitated, in part, by a High-Yield Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today, the first JDIG of this classification ever awarded. Boom’s project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by at least $32.3 billion over 20 years, the time period when the grant could be active. Using a formula that takes into account the new tax revenues generated by the 1,761 new jobs, and accounting for a company investment of $500 million, the JDIG agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement to the company of up to $87.2 million, paid over a time period of 20 years.
    Like all grants from the JDIG program, any state payments only occur following performance verification each year by the departments of Commerce and Revenue that the company has met its incremental job creation and investment targets.
   Boom’s JDIG agreement also calls for moving as much as $9.6 million into the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account. The Utility Account helps rural communities anywhere in the state finance necessary infrastructure upgrades to attract future business.
   The state approved additional support to help with final site preparations at the Piedmont Triad International Airport as part of the recently passed state budget (North Carolina House Bill 334). The legislature appropriated $106.7 million to the Department of Commerce to be used for site and road improvements and the construction of one or more aircraft hangars.
  Salaries for the new jobs will vary by position, but taken together will average $68,792, increasing the regional payroll by more than $120 million every year. The Guilford County average annual wage stands currently at $53,994.
   “Boom Supersonic’s decision to build its new campus in North Carolina proves once again that we are a top state for job creators and have a deep pool of talented workers,” Senator Phil Berger, President Pro Tempore of the North Carolina Senate, said. “Over the past decade we’ve turned North Carolina into a jobs-friendly state with low taxes, reasonable regulations, and a world-class education system. Today’s announcement is a result of that transformation.”
   “We’re excited to see even more new jobs and investment come to North Carolina thanks to the thriving economic environment in our state,” said North Carolina Speaker of the House Tim Moore.    “Boom Supersonic will write the next chapter of North Carolina’s great aviation story, and they’ll do it right here in the Piedmont Triad region.”
   Partnering with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Duke Energy, the Piedmont Triad Partnership, Guilford County, Forsyth County, the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority, the City of Greensboro, the City of High Point, the City of Winston-Salem, the Carolina Core, the Guilford County Economic Development Alliance, and the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce.

KM man dies after being struck by train

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain Police Department responded to the area of South Railroad Avenue and Elm Street in reference to a pedestrian on the train tracks being struck by a train on January 28 just after 4 a.m.
Michael Wayne Price died at the scene from his injuries. There were no other victims or injuries reported. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sgt. P.W. Alexander with the Kings Mountain Police Department at 704-734-0444.
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The façade of the building maintains the original look, including the marquee, with residential above and in the rear, and mercantile below to the front. Photos from StoneWright Realty

Imperial Lofts opening 
downtown this Spring

By Loretta Cozart

Last week, David Stone, of StoneWright Realty, took the Herald on a walkthrough of The Imperial Lofts, upscale living units in the heart of Kings Mountain, where residents can work, live, and play in the heart of downtown.
The two-story brick building sits across Mountain Street from the former Griffin Drug Store. Lofts are pre-leasing now, and range in price from $1,200 to $1,450 per month per unit.
The Imperial Lofts will house six loft style apartments with a mercantile shop below. According to Stone, “A modern day general store has leased our retail space and will open in Spring 2022.”
The second floor has been framed-in for six apartments ranging in size from 430 sq. ft. to 1,060 sq. ft. and features one two-bedroom, two-bath apartment, one studio, and three 1-bedroom apartments. The two-bedroom apartment is 1,060 sq. ft. and the 1-bedroom apartments are each approximately 730 sq. ft. The studio is approximately 430 sq. ft.
This week, Stone plans to open former windows, bricked over in the early eighties, along the alleyway to bring in more ambient light into the space.
The Imperial Lofts are Kings Mountain’s first modern loft / studio / apartment building in the downtown area. Recent development downtown has brought new restaurants and retail, and City of Kings Mountain’s Streetscape work has been planned in the area this year.
“I plan ahead for projects like this and have everything in place to get the job done quickly. When I pull the trigger on a project, we are fully committed. We have a timeline and expect to be finished with the lofts in May,” Stone said.
The Imperial is a commercial building located in downtown at 138 W. Mountain Street
Kings Mountain that was constructed in 1920s and served primarily as a movie theater, named The Imperial Theater. Since the late 1950's the building was the home to several billiard businesses and was most recently operated as The Friendly Billiards.

New group submits bid for Central School

By Loretta Cozart

Central School Renovation Partners, LLC reached out to the Herald on Friday, January 21 to share that they had submitted a bid for the Central School property at 105 Ridge Street in Kings Mountain.
According to David Stone, representative for the group, “We have a two-pronged approach regarding this property. First, we hope to preserve Central School as a valuable asset for Kings Mountain. Secondly, our group is made up of a team who can work with the community and are experienced in this field. We have experience in redevelopment for commercial and residential construction, as well as new commercial and residential construction. And we have the confidence we will be successful restoring and protecting this property. Buying it is only one piece of the puzzle.”
The group is working with Shelby Historic Foundation and Preservation North Carolina to ensure protective covenants will be placed on the property, to protect it into the future.
“The property is important because it is walkable to downtown. It is also located in the heart of the Central School Historic District and several school buildings have anchored that community for more than a century,” Stone shared.
Investors are integral to the success of this project because the property needs significant renovation, as well. When asked what plans the group has for the property should they be awarded the bid, Stone adds, “We are listening to the community for best uses of the property. We are considering commercial / residential mixed-use, with market rate and affordable housing or possibly small business / residential. We can learn from what others have done successfully and protect the property in the process. We are excited about this project and, if we win the bid, we are going to do it right.”
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Central School (Photo by Liz Harlow)

City declined purchase
of Central School;
current bid is $866,300

By Loretta Cozart

Sources say City of Kings Mountain representatives declined to acquire Central School offered by Cleveland County School Board after being invited to tour the facility in March/April of 2021.
Given that decision, the Herald asked city council their stance on the acquisition of the school property and their reason(s) behind their decision. The email was sent on January 19 to Mayor Scott Neisler and council members Keith Miller, David Allen, Mike Butler, Jay Rhodes, Annie Thombs, and Jimmy West. Councilman Tommy Hawkins name was inadvertently omitted from the email.
No city council members replied to the query from the Herald, but several emails from the Mayor arrived mid-afternoon on Friday. Mayor Neisler wrote, “From time to time, we have looked at the gym for possibilities in recreation, but never considering the entire property. I had heard that Cleveland Community College had long-range plans to locate a satellite campus in Kings Mountain, which would have been a great tenant. Upon contacting Jason Hurst, he was not interested in the building, and with most of the tenants not paying that much in rent supporting the operations of the building, it was a bleak scenario.”
“The utilities, maintenance, and renovation costs would be astronomical,” the mayor continued. “It was the consensus by a few council members that it wouldn’t be a good investment for the taxpayers in Kings Mountain.”
“I believe that it was always our intention to facilitate finding someone that would develop the property taking its historical significance into account. But I don’t believe we ever investigated it to become owners of the building unless it was self-sustaining.”
“We  asked   the  school board for more time in helping evaluate, including the level 1 environmental assessment, but in their regular meeting, they voted to start the upset bid process, which is their prerogative to do,” he said.
When asked which council members voted against acquiring the property, the Mayor replied, “We never discussed it at Council meeting, nor did I even know it was up for sale until I heard someone had offered a bid. In my discussions with a few council members, not all members, it didn’t look like it would pass to buy the building. So, we didn’t have a formal vote as it looked like it was destined to fail.”
At the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners meeting on October 19, that board unanimously declined the opportunity to acquire Central School. And on October 11, the Cleveland County Board of Education voted to place Central School on their surplus property list, pending the County Commissioners’ decision. The sealed bid process ended on November 3 at 4 p.m.
In early November, the City of Kings Mountain formed an ad-hoc committee with the help of five citizens. The group offered ideas for preserving the building and other ways to protect the property long-term. Loretta Cozart of the Herald also participated on that committee.
In early January, Mayor Neisler discussed the ad-hoc committee’s ideas with CCS’ Superintendent Dr. Stephen Fisher, but the City of Kings Mountain did not submit a proposal. As a result, CCS awarded the bid to Mike Brown at $750,000. Bidding then went into an upset bid process, with the second deadline ending January 21, at 4 p.m. As of 5 p.m. Friday, the high bid has now reached $866,300.
The next upset bid deadline is Monday, January 31, at 4 p.m.
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Museum prepares for new headwear exhibit

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain Historical Museum is preparing for their new exhibit: Hats Off! A History of Headwear that opens on Tuesday, February 22. In the interim the museum’s lobby and gift shop will remain open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but the museum exhibit area is currently closed for exhibit preparation.
KMHM features changing exhibits and events throughout the year, and a treasured model train show during the holidays. The permanent collection ranges from 1860s vintage clothing, World War I & II memorabilia, textiles, and archival collections of documents and photographs.
At this time, face masks are required to enter the museum.
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DOUG SHARP

Cleveland County Potato Project seeks new leadership

By Doug Sharp

Cleveland County Potato Project is a local charity that has produced over one million pounds of potatoes and given them away during the past eleven years. However, several of the founding group are showing signs of wear and tear. (We do not wish to think of this as age.) The following information is provided to give an idea of what it is like to run a 501c3 charity. Note, there is no compensation, just a good feeling of helping people in need.
CCPP is faith based, volunteer driven, dependent on donations of land usage, equipment usage, financial support, etc. Potatoes are distributed by groups such as the Salvation Army, the Baptist Association, Kings Mtn. Crisis Ministry and other providers of food to needy people. Financial support comes from individuals and grants.
CCPP needs tractor help and someone to provide leadership. Someone with a large tractor and the ability to work at different locations would be worth his/her weight in potatoes. There are a lot of retired or semi-retired people in the county who match these requirements. We would like to have more than one volunteer for this need. In an average week we need tractor work for 6 to 12 hours per week from May to Nov.
The oversight/leadership spot could be filled by someone who is recently retired, bored, tried of daytime TV, whatever. Maybe someone who is bothered by the fact that many county residents do not have enough to eat. Being a member of a supportive church has been very helpful to the current leader. Having support from a civic club or other organization could be helpful. This is a responsibility that could be shared. Knowledge of farming is not necessary. There are thousands of folks in the county who know all about faming. Most of them like to share this knowledge. A streak of stubbornness may be an asset. A team of two or more people could be very effective. Also, it is helpful to believe that people working together can achieve significant goals.
Anyone who feels an interest in the opportunity is requested to contact Doug Sharp at 704 472 5128, or dwsharp428@aol.com, Bill McMurrey at bcmurrey@carolina.rr.com, or Travis Mangum at Mangum Associates,  travis@mangum-associates.com.
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Mauney Memorial Library

Upcoming 100th celebration
Library calls for 
Hord Mansion items
 

By Loretta Cozart

The staff at Mauney Memorial Library are planning the 100th celebration of the Hord Mansion’s existence, to be celebrated in 2023.
 Library Services Manager Christina Martin ask citizens, “If you have any pictures, memorabilia or ephemera of the Hord Mansion, we would appreciate being able to digitize (or keep) the item to use in our research and planning. Any Kings Mountain newspapers from the 1920’s would especially be appreciated, as the library does not own any.”
Mauney Memorial Library is located at 100 S. Piedmont Avenue in Kings Mountain.

Patriots roll
over Shelby

 Kings Mountain Middle’s boy’s basketball team ran its record to 2-0 last week with a 51-36 win over Shelby.
KM got off to a slow start that saw Shelby take an 8-4 lead in the first two minutes. But the Patriots picked up their defensive tempo and went on a 17-0 run as all five starters scored from the field.
KM led 21-8 after the first period as Tucker Robinette scored seven of his team high 19 points.
The second quarter saw KM grow cold from the field. Bradley Floyd scored four of his 11 points and Charlie Foster’s stellar defensive performance helped KM maintain a 29-20 lead at the half.
The Patriots came out blazing in the third quarter with a 10-1 run, led by Robinette’s four points and Josiah Guyton’s long two-pointer to extend the lead to 39-21.
KM picked up its defensive intensity and held the Blue Devils to just one field goal in the quarter to extend its lead to 44-25.
A pair of free throws by Brayden Mull gave the Pats their largest lead, 46-25, with 4:30 remaining in the game. Coryon Gaines’ free throw with a minute left finished the scoring.
Robinette finished with 19 points and three boards; Bradley Floyd 10 points, five rebounds and five assists; Charlie Foster eight points, seven boards and nine blocks; Caleb Nixon six points, Brayden Mull five points, Josiah Guyton two and Coryon Gaines one.
KM shot 59 percent from inside the arch (17 for 29) and 48 percent for the game. The Patriots had 10 stea;s, nine assists and 12 blocks.
KM was scheduled to host Burns Tuesday.

Let it snow!

By Loretta Cozart

The City of Kings Mountain got approximately four inches of snow on Sunday, January 16 during the overnight hours into the day on Sunday. With days of advance notice by local weather teams, citizens prepared for the weather and buying groceries for the days ahead. Luckily, the following Monday was the Dr. Martin Luther King observance, so many in the community already had the day off.
“I estimate we got about four inches of snow, said Mayor Scott Neisler. “With winds up during the day, most of the tree branches and power lines were blown free of snow, so we hopefully won’t have many problems with that. And we didn’t have any major power outages, either.”
Citizens took to heart warnings to stay at home, and most followed those directions unless they had to go out for work.
Once the heaviest of snow fell, families ventured out for an afternoon of playing in the snow or enjoying scenes of Kings Mountain blanketed in snow.
Km in the show 2022 photo by liz harlow
Downtown Kings Mountain in the first snow of 2022. See more snow photos inside today’s edition. Photo by Liz Harlow
Patriots park photo by liz harlow
Patriots Park - Photo by Liz Harlow
Photo byjennifer worcester
Wintery Wonderland! Photo byJennifer Worcester
Photo by denise pete cobb
Photo by Denise and Pete Cobb

Scenes from KM’s first 2022 snow

See inside this week's KM Herald (January 19, 2022) for photographers names.

https://www.kmherald.com/2022-e-editions
Photo by virginia hamilton tuminello2
Photo by tasha hogue
Photo by jaclyn lea tant
Photo by julia mccullough2
Photo by heather thomas siak
Photo by felicia marie
Photo by ashley brown ledwell
Photo by becky walker
Photo by candice wilson bush
Photo by christa watson
Photo by dawne ledford
Photo by elizabeth lane childers
Photo by emily ruppe
Photo by amanda jenkins
Philip mark bryson iii photo by jeanna j. bryson
Perry and tyler russell photo by sharon lawson russell
Laci webb and hannah ernst photo by christy ernst webb
Landon and taz photo by angela hamby
Kamryn willis turned 1 yesterday and snow today photo by his mom chelsie gann
Kinsely husky photo by liz harlow
Jason photo by amy navy
Finn falls photo by denise pete cobb
Cameron jacklynn hord photo by jennifer fite hord
Bro chip and martha sloan with their grandchildren sloan titus markie and hayes by joy sloan laney
Bre'asia ellis photo by colisa bess durham
Photo by sonya mcabee gregory
Photo by pucky nantz
Photo by nell randall
Photo by jennifer evans
Photo by elizabeth brooke edens
Photo by betsy gillis logeman2
Photo by cathy rayfield taylor
Screen shot 2022 01 19 at 1.51.38 pm
Central School

School Board accepts
$750,00 bid on Central School
upset bid process begins

By Loretta Cozart

On Monday, January 10 Cleveland County School Board met in closed session before announcing acceptance of a sealed bid of $750,000 for Central School. At the boards October 11 meeting, the board voted to sell the school and its 5.5 acres of land as surplus property. According to Cleveland County GIS, the property is valued at $1.6 million dollars.
The timeline for the initial sealed bid process took just 19 days, after Cleveland County School’s listed the property on their website on October 15, four days before Cleveland County Commissioners officially declined to take the property.
According to the surplus property notification, all sealed bids had to be received by 4 p.m. on November 3. At Cleveland County’s school board meeting on November 8, the board voted to table the decision on the sale of Central School for 60-days, until January 10.
School policy is to afford the board of county commissioners the first opportunity to obtain any real property at the fair market price or a price negotiated between the two boards. County Commissioners met on October 19 and voted to decline the opportunity.
Kings Mountain resident Michael Smith spoke during the school board’s November meeting and asked, “What’s the hurry? The school board has asked for 12-months to vacate this building that sits at the heart of the historic district. Citizens nearby should be given the opportunity to have input regarding what happens with Central School.”
The upset bid process has begun for this property and the next deadline for bids is January 21 at 4 p.m.
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Rosa Parks with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Photos provided

Joy Performance Center February 18
Tired Souls: The Montgomery Bus Boycott postponed 

To honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mauney Memorial Library, and the City of Kings Mountain welcome Mike Wiley to perform, Tired Souls: The Montgomery Bus Boycott at the Joy Performance Center on Friday, February 18.
Tired Souls opens in Montgomery, Alabama on December 1, 1955 – the day Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a city bus to a white man. Her determination was the catalyst that inspired Montgomery’s black citizens to abandon all travel on city buses until they were no longer forced to sit in the back or stand when a white person boarded. But there were others who came before Mrs. Parks and laid the groundwork for this pivotal moment. Tired Souls introduces audiences to Jo Ann Robinson, Claudette Colvin, and others so instrumental in lighting a fire under the Civil Rights movement and changing the course of U.S. history forever.
Immediately after production, the audience is invited to take part in a talkback with Mike Wiley. No photos or videography will be allowed during production.
The event, scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm, is free and open to the public. The Joy Performance Center is located at 202 South Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain.

City of KM Special Events: 2021 year in review (Photos)
 

Wendell visits area schools in march
Wendell visited area schools on March 30, 2021. (Photos by KM Special Events)
April's earth day butterfly release
April’s Earth Day-Butterfly Release at the Gateway Trail.
The wonderland experience april
Children pose with Dorothy during the Wonderland Experience on April 1-3, 2021.
Concert series new york beegees may
Kicking-off the concert series on May 1, 2021 were the New York Bee Gees.
Memorial day may
Memorial Day was observed on May 31, 2021.
Pickin at the park thursdays in june
Pickin At The Park began on June 1, 2021 and was so popular it continued through the warmer months.
East coast party band june 5
The East Coast Party Band performed on June 5, 2021 as families enjoyed the music.
Redwhiteboom
Red White and Boom Festival-Two Celebrations One City was held on July 3, 2021.
Concert series voltage brothers july 4
Kings Mountain’s Concert Series continued with the Voltage Brothers on July 17th. (Photos by KM Special Events)
National night out aug 3
On August 3, citizens and first responders celebrated a safe and fun evening at Patriots Park.
Nc beachblast festival aug 20 21
NC BeachBlast Festival brought the crowds to Kings Mountain on August 20 & 21, 2021.
Patriots day sept 11
Citizens gathered to remember first responders on Patriots Day as Chief Tommy Harmon addresses the crowd.
Concert series on the boarder september 7
On the Border performed at Patriots Park on September 11, 2021 as crowds danced the night away.
Great pumpkin story walk october
Children and parents alike enjoyed the Great Pumpkin Story Walk in October.
Pumpkin palooza beetlejuice
Beetlejuice poses with a young man prior to the movie start during Pumpkin Palooza in Patriots Park.
Veteran's day abraham ruff u.s. army sgm november
Abraham Ruff, U.S. Army, SGM speaks during the 2021 Veterans Day Observance on November 11, 2021.
Home for christmas celebration december
Kids enjoy the train during the Home for Christmas celebration.
Everyone gets in the spirit during the christmas parade
Everyone gets in the spirit during the Christmas Parade on December 4, 2021.
Elves help a young lady with her letter for santa december
Elves help a young lady with her letter for Santa.
Kings mountain observes the national day of prayer
Kings Mountain observed the National Day of Prayer at City Hall on May 6, 2021.
Screen shot 2022 01 12 at 4.53.36 pm
A sign in the old Plonk building announces a new restaurant coming to town. Photo by Loretta Cozart

A sign of something new
to come

By Loretta Cozart

While walking around downtown Kings Mountain, signs of things to come are everywhere. In the building that once housed Plonk’s Department Store on Railroad Avenue for decades, a new sign in the window announces, “Coming Soon! Streets of Napoli, Italian Restaurant and Bar! Authentic Italian cuisine. Fresh made pasta, seafood, salad, dessert.”
In November 2021, Tony Cappola announced the new restaurant on social media sharing, “In Kings Mountain, Railroad. We are happy to announce our new location! Will be A Street of Napoli using Nonna'italian Bistro menu by Tony Coppola. Menu will be all fresh made A LA CARTA.”
•  2 fish a week
•  2 meat a week
•  2 pasta a week
•  Salads, desserts
Cappola continued, “Our bar will have imported Italian wine, prosecco, Spritz, limoncello. We need to thank Mr. Robert Bolin our landlord. for both locations. We look forward to serving you Early spring.”
While the building shows no progress in this direction currently, an estimated time to open is early spring.
Screen shot 2022 01 12 at 4.53.31 pm
D&T Investment Group

Page and Teague arrested for scamming investors

By Loretta Cozart

Austin Page and Brandon Teague, owners of D&T Investment Group in Kings Mountain, were arrested on Friday, Dec. 31, in New York, according to court records.
Based upon a review of the D&T account records from Bank of America from the accounts’ inception in November 2020 through August 2021 by an FBI Forensic Accountant, according to a criminal complaint filed in United States District Court for Western NC on December 14, it appears that millions of dollars in investor money was deposited into these accounts. It does not appear that most investor funds were invested. Instead, it appears that Page and Teague used a significant amount of investor funds to make “Ponzi payments” to other investors and to pay personal expenses of Page and Teague, to include the following:
a. Over $100,000 in Zelle transfers to Austin Page.
b. Over $50,000 in Zelle transfers to Brandon Teague.
c. Over $450,000 in cash withdrawals.
d. Over $70,000 in luxury car rentals.
e. Over $66,000 to Caesars Palace and Caesars Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
f. Over $40,000 in other hotel expenses.
g. Over 30,000 in Airbnb expenses.
h. Over $30,000 in purchases from Bentley’s restaurant.
i. Over $20,000 in purchases from Louis Vuitton.
j. Over $20,000 in purchases from Nordstrom.
k. Over $18,000 in purchases from Total Wine; and l. Numerous other personal expenses.
   The complaint concluded that probable cause exists that Austin Delano Page and Brandon
Alexander Teague operated what is commonly referred to as a “Ponzi” scheme, and that they have
now fled to Italy.
   Based upon the foregoing, your Affiant submits there is probable cause to believe that from at least November 2020 through December 2021, in the Western District of North Carolina, and elsewhere, Austin Delano Page and Brandon Alexander Teague, with the intent to defraud, devised a scheme to defraud and/or obtain money by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations or promises, and, for the purpose of executing or attempting to execute that scheme, they knowingly sent or caused to be sent and delivered by the Postal Service, various materials, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1341.

KM Herald headlines
2021 year in review (Part 2)

By Loretta Cozart

(Ed. Note: This is the second of a two-part article looking back on 2021 and how the Kings Mountain Herald brought hometown, community news, and local issues to our readers. We at Community Media wish you a Happy New Year!)

July:
•  The Catawba Two Kings Casino pre-launch facility in Kings Mountain opened to the public at noon on July 1, after Catawba Nation Chief Bill Harris cut a ceremonial ribbon with tribal, local, and state government leaders.
• Wells Fargo Bank at 125 S. Battleground Avenue will close its Kings Mountain branch on Wednesday, July 14. according to Mike Hughes, Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo State and Local Government Relations, due to more transactions being handled digitally.
• After months of work involving city staff and consultants. Kings Mountain's new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) was approved. The new zoning ordinance replaces former zoning used by the city. All cities within the state had to develop and implement a new UDO that had to be implemented July 1.
• Lady Mountaineer basketball star Trina Hamrick to be inducted into Kings Mountain Hall of Fame.
• Cleveland County Health Department has partnered with Star Med to host several free pop-up COVID vaccine clinics throughout the month of July and making access to the vaccine as convenient as possible for people in various areas of the county.
• Thanks to the City of Kings Mountain and Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame, Pickin' at The Park, a weekly acoustic jam session was held Thursday nights in Downtown Kings Mountain at the Gazebo in Patriots Park.
• On July 8, the Cleveland County Health Department was notified of a fox that tested positive for rabies. This is the second rabid animal identified in the county this year. The animal was found at Harris Creek Rd, Lawndale. NC.
• Appalachian Gear Company, an outdoor lifestyle company specializing  in American-made performance apparel and gear, announced its expansion into a new manufacturing facility in Kings Mountain. The move allows the brand to significantly increase production of its  award-winning All-Paca™ products, while creating jobs in the Charlotte metropolitan area.
• Mike Butler decided to open Butler's Garage in 1995, little did he know that his son; Bryan; who was about to graduate college at UNC-Charlotte, would follow in his footsteps twenty-four years later.
• Cleveland County Potato Project asked for help from the community. Dry weather conditions prevented the growth of tender young sweet potato slips and a three-acre plot was plowed up and replanted. Re-planting is an extra expense for the project, and they are asking for financial donations to offset this cost. Anyone or any group wishing to contribute was encouraged to do so by saying a prayer, volunteering, or donating.
• During the last year, Mauney Memorial Library has undergone some much-needed renovations, including a new roof, plasterwork, paint, window restoration, new storm windows, and new flooring. The efforts taken by the city have returned the luster to this community landmark.
• Real to Reel Film Festival is back in-person at the Joy Theatre. The Cleveland County Arts Council announced it would be back at the Joy Theatre to offer fantastic cinema to film festival goers for the 22nd year.
• The Kings Mountain Herald learned that a Biscuitville and an A&W Restaurant are in the works for Kings Mountain, but neither restaurant shared a timeline for breaking ground.
• Shane and Sherryl Adams opened Trackview Hall Event Center, a venue at 205 S. Battleground Avenue in downtown Kings Mountain.
• Kings Mountain Little Theatre announced their next major project for the Joy Performance Center and Liberty Mountain Garden. This major renovation will enhance the original Joy Theater design elements for the façade: will extend the lobby area and add bathrooms.
• Equus Partners received approval from Kings Mountain City council to construct a 300,000 sq. ft. shell building and to provide financial incentives.
• Downtown WI-FI installation began in July and was completed by August 31.
• On July 19 Governor Roy Cooper announced the appointment or Doug Sharp as the Chairman of the Cleveland County Board or Elections. Subsequently, Board members were sworn in. Board members include Debbie Cleary, Mary Accor, Doug Sharp. Allen Langley. and Al Paskoy.
• A train collided with a lawn care truck at the intersection of Battleground Avenue and W. Gold Street. The truck’s trailer became stuck, and all passengers exited safely prior to impact.
August:
• Cleveland County Commission for Women announced that KMPD Police Chief Lisa Proctor and Terricia Wingo would be honored at the 29th annual Distinguished Women’s Banquet.
• Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. announced that state government would begin verifying vaccination status of its workers.
• NC House Speaker says vaccine choice is a personal matter.
• American Legion World Series celebrates 10-years in Shelby.
• A new cell phone tower at 500 S. Railroad Avenue was installed by Verizon by Baker Donaldson.
• On August 3, Kings Mountain celebrated National Night Out in a big way at Patriots Park. Kids and parents turned out to celebrate, meeting officers, deputies, and first responders, along with others from Kings Mountain who support safe communities.
• Construction has revealed the original brickwork façade of the Joy Theater as renovations of the 74-year-old building continue. Underneath, the stone are bricks ran in a stack bond pattern. Along the wall, cinder blocks fill the once used outdoor display areas that showcased movie posters advertising running and upcoming films.
• Gardner-Webb introduces their new mascot, Bo the Bulldog.
• Kings Mountain Touchdown Club golf tournament raises $88,190.
• Kings Mountain High School live stream experience returned to the gridiron with a complete broadcasting team, cost to watch per game was $10.
September: 
• George Melton, Past Master of  Fairview Masonic Lodge, was honored for his service during World War II. George was presented a Certificate of Honor and a North Carolina flag, certified by the Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives that said flag flew over the State Capital building.
• Governor Cooper signed into law SB 35, ending marriage before the age of 16-years of age in North Carolina. The only caveat would be that a 16 - or 17-year-old would have to provide proof that their partner is no more than four years older.
• Atrium Health, NCDHHS, and HHS partner to expand access to monoclonal antibody therapy to treat COVID-19 patients.
• City of Kings Mountain saluted first responders on 911.
• Benestar Brands new building progresses toward completion as it moves toward completion.
• Kings Mountain Little Theater, Inc. announced a Capital Campaign in support of their project to renovate the mail lobby and provide for the long-awaited expansion of the restrooms and concessions area of the Joy Performance Center.
• Battle of Kings Mountain featured in new fiction novel by John Hood.
• Police Officer Tim Simms was sworn in by KMPD on September 9.
• Chip and Laura McGill recently made a S 10,000 donation to the Kings Mountain Touchdown Club in memory of Brent Bagwell.
• In a press conference, Cleveland County shared dire news. Cleveland County announced it was in crisis. Cleveland county had experienced 78 average daily hospitalizations, far more than surrounding counties.
• Dr. June Hadden Hobbs and Joe DePriest were the guest speakers at Broad River Genealogy Society at their September meeting. The two have a new book titled "Tales and Tombstones of Sunset Cemetery: Tracing Lives and Memorial Customs in a Southern Graveyard." featuring photos by Hal Bryant.
• MountainTrue announced the 34th Annual WNC Big Sweep. This is Western North Carolina's largest single-day river, roadside, and creek cleanup with volunteer events taking place all around Western North Carolina.
• KM Mainstreet program holds a window decorating contest downtown.
• Cleveland County School Board decided to continue the mask mandate in schools.
• Due to the dire COVID-19 situation in Cleveland County, some communities cancel mass gatherings.
• Pfizer booster shots available for high-risk groups.
• YMCA golf tournament raises financial assistance funds.
October:
• Kings Mountain Corporate Center, a 1,015,740 sq. ft. speculative building by Keith Corporation is the largest of its kind in the southeast.
• Work begins to expand Catawba Two Kings Casino pre-launch facility from 500 to 1,000 slot machines.
• Kings Mountain Woman’s Club held a benefit concert featuring The Dancing Fleas at Joy Performance Center.
• Boys and Girls Club planned for North Elementary School
• Kay and Tommy Hawkins decorated their yard for the Fall. Well known in the Linwood community, the Hawkin’s home is well known for its beautiful decorations.
• Cleveland County Health Department urges everyone to get a flu vaccine.
• Col. Frederick DAR Chapter announces date for Wreaths Across America Day on December 18.
• Brock O’Brien continues to heal after car crash in Charlotte.
• Cleveland County School Board votes to sell Central School and property behind Grover Elementary School.
• American Legion Unit 155 hosts district meeting at the post home on E. Gold Street.
• Bess Phifer celebrates her 104th birthday.
• Shaniah Wright was crowned the 2021 KMHS Homecoming Queen Friday, October 15. She is the daughter of Joe and Theresa Wright and stepdaughter of Talathia Wright.
• County commissioners decline opportunity to purchase Central School.
• City of Kings Mountain meet with stakeholders regarding the Streetscape plan.
• Catawba Two Kings Casino raises $10,000 through its new and ongoing Share Change program
• raised $10,000 for the Cleveland County Fund for Children and Adults with Disabilities.
• The Mecklenburg and Battle of Kings Mountain Chapters, Sons of the American Revolution, and the Colonel Frederick Hambright Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, conducted a grave marking ceremony honoring Doyle Edward Campbell at Mountain Rest Cemetery on Saturday. October 23, at 11 a.m.
• Helen Williams Bullock celebrates her 104th birthday.
November:
• Veterans Day Observance and parade held on November 11 at Patriots Park.
• City transitioned to new OpenGov software on November 1.
• Appalachian Gear Company awarded a $50,000 NC Building Reuse Grant for the 10,000-square-foot building where Appalachian plans to expand its manufacturing operations in downtown Kings Mountain.
• On Monday. November 1 at 7:30 p.m. the Pottery Studio at Kings Mountain Art Center went up in flames. The extent of the damage is not immediately known, and the cause of the fire had not yet been determined when the story went to press. The blaze in SASi’s Pottery Studio was reported around 7:30 p.m. Monday night by Jewel Reavis and a neighbor who spotted the flames.
• Arlene “Go-Go” Barrett celebrated her 90th birthday.
• Kings Mountain Baptist celebrated their Fall Fun drive through on October 31, as member of the church handed out goodie bags to children.
• Anne Gamble was honored by the DAR for her work with children’s literacy.
• Police Chief Lisa Proctor and Terricia Wingo were honored at the 29th annual Distinguished Women’s Banquet at the LeGrand Center in Shelby.
• Foothills Farmers Market in Shelby announced it would be open year-round.
• Gaston College broke ground for their new Fiber Innovation Center.
• Cleveland County School Board voted to make masks optional for students. Under state law, school boards across North Carolina are required to hold a public vote every month on their policies regarding wearing masks at school, regardless of whether officials plan to change the policy.
• Murphey’s 27th annual Toy Run was slated for November 20. The ride benefits the Shriner's Burn Center, Oxford Home for Children, and King's Mountain Police Department's Toy Drive.
• Kings Mountain native and 96.9 The Kat's own Sarah Lee Owensby, was selected as Grand Marshal for the Kings Mountain ‘'Home for Christmas" Parade scheduled for December 4.
• The CDC makes COVID-19 Booster shots made available to all adults 18-years old and older.
December:
• A Christmas Tree lighting was held in Patriots Park on November 23. Councilmen assisted with the formal tree lighting ceremony.
• Mauney Memorial Library hosted a Zoom Author Talk presentation featuring Suzanne Woods Fisher on Thursday, December 9 at 2 p.m. Join Suzanne as she discusses her book, Seasons on the Wind.
• AGAPE recipient, Roxanne Baucom, and HERO recipient, Heather Starnes, were honored by North School. Mrs. Baucom has a positive and bright outlook. As the lead custodian, she diligently worked to adjust to new chemicals, new protocols. new schedules, and the pressure of keeping everyone at North safe. Fourth grade student Heather Starnes has an unspecified autoimmune disorder and suffers from severe fatigue at times. Heather maintained her grades and was an awesome virtual participant during class lessons. She serves as a great role model for her peers, and staff were excited to have her back face-to-face this year.
• The state budget was signed into law, after passing both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly The final budget included several items lor Kings Mountain. Those include:
• S39 million for Kings Mountain water and sewer projects
• $250.000 for Kings Mountain take Moss nr- mediation
• 5100,000 to Kings Mountain
• $750.000 for the Kings Mountain Y MC A
• Keyboards at Christmas was presented with two performances on Sunday, December 19th at 3:00 and 6:00 PM, at First Baptist Church, Kings Mountain.
• An expanded pre-launch facility with an additional 500 gaming machines, including electronic table games offering blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat, is anticipated to open Dec. 15 at the Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain.
• On November 30, Lieutenant Todd Me Dougal was awarded his service weapon and badge for 17-years of service to Kings Mountain Police Department, after service to other law enforcement agencies.
• On December 10, Hospice Cleveland County held their annual Lighting the Way Event in Uptown Shelby from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Luminaries lined the sidewalks under majestic trees on the Marion Street side of the Court Square. A light rain ended prior to the event, adding a shimmer from the Christmas lights nearby. Three Hundred twenty-five were remembered during the event.
• Former championship tennis coach Ed Guy returning to rebuild KMMS program.
• Kings Mountain Family YMCA has been very busy installing the new Hammer Strength & Life Fitness equipment and have updated to all new Cybex Eagle Series Selectorized Strength Series (pin select & plate loaded) equipment and added several new pieces of cardio equipment. In addition, the gym floor has been refinished, just in time for winter sports.
• Cormetech and Kings Mountain Crisis Ministry' distributed food and essentials to 400 area families during Feed the Children Day in Kings Mountain on December 18. Distribution took place in the Patrick Senior Center drive thru.
• KMFD gains ten Child Passenger Safety Seat Technicians after a training session on November 30.
• KMMS volleyball wins third straight Tri-County Conference championship.
• Mayor Scott Neisler names Martha Lou Wells the recipient of the Kings Mountain Community Spirit Award for 2021, as Councilman Miller stands to honor her. Photo by City of Kings Mountain.
• City council to review animal ordinance in January.
Trian wreck in july 2020
Shaniah wright
New verizon cell tower
Kay and tommy hawkins home
Hammer strength equipment
Benestar building sept 2021
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RAY SCOTT

Ray Scott to perform 
at the Legion January 7

Sons of the Legion at Kings Mountain American Legion Post 155 welcomes international recording artist Ray Scott on Friday, January 7 for an intimate acoustic music experience. The Dustin Cole Project will open the performance at 6:30 pm and Ray Scott takes the stage at 7:30 pm. Tickets are on sale now for $20 each, and capacity is limited.
To reserve your tickets, call 704-674-6353 or message the American Legion Post 155 directly on Facebook. Tickets are Cash Only and will be available for pick up at will call the night of the event. Doors open at 5:00 pm the night of the event.

KMLT auditions scheduled for upcoming comedy 

Mark your calendars now for auditions for Kings Mountain Little Theater’s upcoming play, Deliver Us from Mama. Auditions are scheduled for Saturday, January 8 from 10:30am to 1pm, and Sunday, January 9 from 2pm to 5pm at Joy Performance Center at 202 S Railroad Avenue in Kings Mountain.
Roles needed are six male roles and five female roles, 30 years old and up, and one male and one female role 16 and up. Auditions will involve reading from portions of the script with other auditionees.
Performances are scheduled for March 4 & 5 @ 7:30pm, March 6 @ 3:00 pm, March 11 and 12 at 7:30pm, and March 13 at 3:00pm.
   Mama’s back - so chaos can’t be far behind! This rip-roaring, hilarious, high-octane race to beat the stork begins when Walker Sprunt's wife, Hayley, goes into labor with their first child. The problem? She's in Alabama, and he is in L.A., trying his best to get through a surprise visit from his meddling mother and his bossy big sister, Savannah, when he gets the call.
Unfortunately, an air traffic controllers strike has just begun across the nation and Walker is at a loss for what to do. But his Mama, as usual, is not. And  when she proclaims, "Family Road Trip!', Walker, from experience, knows disaster can't be far behind. And is he ever right - as the clock ticks, Mama and her squabbling offspring jump in a car and sprint across two thousand miles of America and through its most unbelievably eccentric and colorful communities, and comedic chaos follows them everywhere.
Despite experiencing zany alien encounters near Roswell, New Mexico, witnessing an uproarious last-minute wedding with off-their-rockers relatives, participating unwillingly in a high-speed police chase across Texas, surviving a churning river on a Daiquiri party barge, and even escaping a wild New Orleans' Mardi Gras night court, this exuberantly desperate trio drive on, determined to make it to Alabama before the new baby is born. And heaven help anyone who gets in Mama's way, because she WILL be in Birmingham in time for the birth of her first grandchild! This flat-out-funny Jones Hope Wooten comedy will get your motors racing as it delivers miles of smiles and loads of laughs!