HORD’S CONTAINER SERVICE (704) 466-6008 Volume 132 • Issue 52
kmherald.com • 704-484-1047
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
75¢
KMPD officer shot Saturday night By Loretta Cozart
The community’s children gathered for their last chance to share their Christmas wishes with Santa last week. The City of KM Special Events presented a giant Snow Globe, which allowed children to see and talk to Santa while maintaining social distancing. See more Photo by Angela Padgett photos on page 10.
Santa visits with children just in time for Christmas By Loretta Cozart Santa visited with the children of Kings Mountain on Wednesday and Saturday last week at Patriots Park. With less than a week to spare, children
shared their Christmas wishes with the big man himself. Santa has s big job on Christmas Eve, delivering toys to girls and boys across the world. To keep both Santa and families
Cpl. Frank Lee Whittington, Jr. was shot at Kings Mountain County Club while investigating suspicious activity on Downing Drive just after 8 pm on Saturday, December 19. Kings Mountain Police Department held a press conference just before 1 am Sunday. According to Chief Lisa Proctor, Whittington, 34, is a 13-year veteran of the Kings Mountain Police Department. “I got to see (Officer Whittington) for a brief moment just before he went into surgery. He is very thankful for the support and the fact he is still alive. I spoke to the family and the surgeons. From what they are telling me, we are very blessed that he is with us.” According to Chief Proctor, at 8:01 pm suspicious activity was reported on Downing Drive. A relative of persons living there re-
CPL. FRANK LEE WHITTINGTON, JR quested assistance with regard to an unknown person on the back porch. When police arrived on the scene, the person fled toward the Kings Mountain Country Club with Cpl. Whittington in pursuit. “It is my understanding they met one another, but as to the individual details up to that
point, I do not have those,” Chief Proctor said. Both Cpl. Whittington and the suspect were shot during the altercation and later underwent surgery. “The other individual that was involved was transferred to Gastonia. I do not have a lot of information at this time, pending identification and notification of family.” “My thoughts and prayers are with (Officer Whittington’s) family. But I am also concerned about the other individual. Everyone has a family, and everyone has a life, and every life is important,” Chief Proctor said. Due to this being an officer involved shooting, Kings Mountain Police Department turned the case over to the SBI going forward. As of Sunday afternoon, KMPD and the SBI were still at the scene investigating.
safe from viruses, Kings Mountain Special Events added the snow globe to their holiday décor. Santa listened intently, making sure to take note of all the children’s wishes.
Police were on the scene at KM Country Club Sunday morning. SBI continues the investigation in the officer involved shooting on Saturday night. Photo Gary Smart, Sr.
Meadowbrook Road Water Project approved 600 veterans were honored at Wreaths Across America this past Saturday at Mountain Rest Cemetery. See more photos on pages 6 and 10. Photo by Loretta Cozart
Local DAR chapter and GFWC KM Women’s Club
600 Veterans honored at Mountain Rest Cemetery Col. Frederick Hambright Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter and GFWC Kings Mountain Woman’s Club honored 600 veterans at Mountain Rest Cemetery for Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, December 19 at noon. A special wreath was laid in honor of Officer Tyler Herndon, the Mt. Holly Officer from Kings Mountain who lost his life in the line of duty on December 11. The wreath
had a special blue bow. Due to Coronavirus, the event was not promoted this year. Approximately 40 people came to the event to place wreaths at Mountain Rest Cemetery. All wore masks and practiced social distancing. An abbreviated service was held before the volunteers, one-by-one took wreaths to graves in the veteran’s section, read the name of the veteran aloud, and placed the wreath. Approximately 100 wreaths were also sponsored for specific veterans throughout the cemetery. Those wreaths were placed by DAR daughters on Friday to make
thing easier Saturday. American Heritage Girls Troop NC2800 led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag. The DAR Wreaths Across America Committee includes Renee Bost, Chairperson; Robin Meyer, Co-Chair; and Sherry Sando, Co-Chair. If you would like to sponsor a wreath for next year’s event, Wreaths Across America is sponsoring a special BOGO event between Dec. 19 through January 15, 2021. Wreaths are $15 each and can be ordered at http:// WreathsacrossAmerica.org/ NC0200P.
For Dental Implants Locally Here In Kings Mountain
Baker Dental Care Preventative, Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry
By Loretta Cozart City Council met on Tuesday, December 15 at 6 pm in City Hall Council Chambers. Councilman Tommy Hawkins wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Councilman Dave Allen mentioned the loss of Mt. Holly Officer Tyler Herndon on Friday and that the community is doing all it can to support the Herndon family. Mayor Neisler said, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tyler Herndon’s family. This has been a tough year for us all and we need to lift each other up. Condolences and heart-felt prayers go out to his family.” During the Regular Meeting, seven items were approved, and two items were continued. A Public Hearing
was held prior to the Regular Meeting addressing these items and allowing for public input. The first item was to consider the adoption of a Mural Ordinance for the Kings Mountain Protection, Preservation & Enhancement District (KMPPED). David Stone, a business owner and a member of the Main Street Advisory Board spoke against, saying with the oneday notice of the ordinance proposal did not allow them enough time to provide adequate review, consideration, and feedback. After discussion, this item was continued to the January 26, 2021 council meeting. A second item to consider a request from Let’s Roll Holdings, LLC to rezone property consisting of approximately 82.73 acres on Dixon School Road and being further described as a portion of Parcel #11598, Map 4-39, Block 1, Lot 10, from R-20
(Residential) to Conditional Use R6-PUD (Planned Unit Development) – Case No. Z-1-9-20. Both Economic Development and Planning Director Stuart Gilbert and City Council Mickey Corry determined that section 14.1: 4,5, and 6 was incomplete. This item was continued to a special called meeting on Friday, December 18 at 5 pm. This project is planned to include single family homes, townhomes, and apartments. Suzanne Amos spoke against the project saying she was speaking for Shepherd Mountain and Bethlehem Road residents. “Folks invested and bought their properties for the view and woods surrounding them. Multi-family units will bring traffic and noise. Apartments will only add to that issue. Single family homes draw a different type of buyer,” she said. “I am just expressing the concerns from both Shepherd Mountain and See MEADOWBROOK, Page 4
Just a few benefits of Dental Implants: • Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. • Improved speech. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that your dentures might slip. • Improved self-esteem. Smile again and feel better about yourself. • Durable. Implants are very durable and with proper care, can last a lifetime. To find out more about Dental Implants and schedule your next appointment
call us at 704-739-4461
703 E. Kings St., Suite 9, Kings Mountain • www.BakerDentalCare.com