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Volume 131 • Issue 13
kmherald.com • 704-739-7496
March 27, 2019
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Commissioners reach agreement with the Catawba Indian Nation By Loretta Cozart The Cleveland County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, March 19 at 6 p.m. for the regular meeting in council chambers on Marion Street in Shelby. On the agenda was a presentation by Leonard Fletcher of TGS Engineering who shared plans for the first phase of a multiuse entertainment complex, including restaurants, band venues, theaters, and a casino proposed by the Catawba Indian Nation. During the citizen recognition portion of the meeting, Alton Beal, Mayor of Lattimore, evangelist and the President of Ambassador Baptist College, spoke against the project asking commissioners to reconsider their decision to support the project. “The love of money is the root of all evil,” he said. “Please consider the ramifications this project will have on Cleveland County. I know you don’t make the final decision, but your input is sought by those who will determine the fate of this project.”
Commissioner Johnny Hutchins of Kings Mountain said, "This project will mean a lot to the county, 2,000 to 3,000 jobs. The upside outweighs the downside tremendously. I want to go on record stating my support." Bill Harris, Chief of the Catawba Indian Nation was asked to speak by Chair Susan Allen. He said it was an honor to address the board, "You are in need and we are in need. We can partner to present this opportunity to the community. This project is beneficial to North Carolina, too. We are a state-recognized tribe, and we come to you as good neighbors. No one group comes out ahead here; we all benefit," he said. "We recognize there will be controversy ahead, but we are willing to have heart-toheart conversations with all those who have an issue." After the regular meeting, a closed session convened. At its conclusion, the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners announced that they have reached an agreement in principal with
Alton Beal, President of Ambassador Baptist College, asked County Commissioners to reconsider the decision to support the casino project. Pictured (L-R) Alton Beal, Clerk Phyllis Nowlen, Counsel Tim Moore, and County Manager Brian Epley. County Commissioners attending but not pictured were Ronnie Whetstine, Chair Susan Allen, Johnny Hutchins, Doug Bridges, and Deb Hardin. Photo by Loretta Cozart
the Catawba Indian Nation on the provision of County services to the proposed economic development project, should it move forward. The catalyst reviving this topic occurred last
week when Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduced legislation on Wednesday, March 13 in Washington, D.C., allowing the Catawba Indian Nation to take land into trust to build a casino on Dixon School Road
near I-85 in Kings Mountain. The two co-sponsoring Senators with Graham are Thom Tillis and Richard Burr of North Carolina. In 2014, the Catawba Indian Nation applied for similar permission with the
Department of the Interior, but a decision on the legislation stalled with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Five years later, this new legislation now puts the decision in the hands of the United States Senate.
Ruth Beam celebrates 102 By Loretta Cozart
B-Natural Band will perform at Joy Theater this Saturday, March 30 From 7-10 pm. Photo provided by Venita Jamerson
B-Natural Band to perform at Joy Theatre for fundraiser Local band, B-Natural, will perform Saturday evening, March 30th, from 7-10 pm at Joy Theater’s Liberty Mountain Garden in Kings Mountain. B-Natural is the featured performer at the Bow Ties & Pearls event, a fundraiser for local community projects and scholarships. BBQ by CJ’s Grill and
dessert by Phyllis’ Sweet Shop will be served. A silent auction will take place during the event. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at CJ’s Grill or 3 Brothers Barbershop, 105 South Cansler Street in Kings Mountain. Tickets may also be purchased online at https://bowtiesnpearls.eventbrite.com. Bow Ties & Pearls is presented by Omega Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Omega Sigma Omega, a graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ®, was chartered on April 23, 2017, in Shelby, NC. Its members are a part of the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African-American college educated women. Omega Sigma Omega proudly serves both Cleveland and Rutherford Counties in the foothills of North Carolina.
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Ruth Beam celebrated her 102nd birthday on Tuesday, March 19. The beloved long-time educator in Kings Mountain Schools introduced her first-graders to reading and the world of Dick and Jane, Sally, Puff, and Spot. She taught them to stand in line, follow directions and prepared them for the world. Howard Bryant describes Miss Beam as a wonderful teacher. “She had the ability to recognize a student’s learning challenge and address it. She would work through the problem with the child until he or she succeeded, and the students loved her for that.” After retirement, Miss Beam took classes at the H. Lawrence Patrick Senior Life Center. Miss Beam was described as an active participant and volunteer the year she turned 100. Miss Beam is an ex-
Ruth Beam turned 102 years old on March 19. ample for us all. At 102, she isn’t as active as she used to be and now lives at
Summit Place. But she still teaches by example, living life with poise and grace.
Free tax assistance available for seniors The Patrick Senior Center has partnered with Liberty Tax Service to provide free tax assistance appointments through April 11 for se-
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