KM Herald 4_29_26

Bands to take the stage at Liberty Falls Amphitheatre beginning May 2

City of KM 2026 “Live at Patriots Park” Concert Series Line-Up

line-up for

series includes:

5/2 - Ace Party Band

6/6 - Slippery When Wet-Ultimate Bon Jovi

T hursday nights in Downtown Kings Mountain will sound much sweeter this May as the City of Kings Mountain, KM Forward, and presenting sponsor Coldwell Banker/Mountain View Real Estate partner to host “May Nights”.

This music series features a talented group of local entertainers at the Patriots Park Gazebo, performing a diverse range of genres, including Bluegrass, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Soul, Classic Rock, and more!

Each concert will begin at 6:00 PM. The line-up for this series includes:

5/7 - Down Time Habit

5/14 - Crimson Rose Band

5/21 - Casey Ray Band

5/28 - Coming Up Brass Yacht Rock & Soul Revue

Tribute 9/10 - Travis Powell as Elvis with special guests, Carolina Quartet and Travis' All-Star Band Get your taste buds ready! Food trucks and an adult beverage garden will be on

located at 220 South Railroad

Great food, beverages, and LIVE music-Saturday nights in Downtown Kings Mountain will be epic. Patriots Park

Kings Mountain, NC. For more information on the concert series, contact the City of Kings Mountain’s Com-

munications, Tourism, and Events Department at 704-730-2101 or visit their website at www. kingsmountainevents. com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ COKMTourismand Events/.

City of KM to host local music every Thursday in May at Patriots Park

Great food, beverages, and LOCAL music-Thursday nights in Downtown Kings Mountain will be epic!

Patriots Park is located at 220 South Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC. For more information on the concert series, contact

What Happens

By Allyson Parker

On Thursday night, April 23, the doors to the Council Chambers at City Hall were open for exactly 15 minutes.

In that brief window, the public witnessed a streamlined display of municipal business: a prayer, a pledge, and a few, notable changes. Notably, one change to mark

the City of Kings Mountain’s Marketing, Tourism, and Events Department at 704-730-2101 or visit their website at www.Kings MountainEvents.com. You can also visit their Facebook page at @COKM TourismandEvents.

in City Council... stays in City Council

in the calendar is the change of future meeting dates to the last Tuesday of every month. The State of NC does address the need of setting regular meetings and frequency. Although the meeting times and dates were set prior to 2026, those dates have been changed and meeting frequency has been reduced.

But for those who stayed to see the meeting to its end, the real story was the 120 minutes that followed. As the Council retreated into a “Closed Session,” the transparency promised by public

office was replaced by a two-hour silence that left citizens waiting in the council audience room.

The Administrative Details

The open portion of the “Special Meeting” was largely focused on house-cleaning. The Council moved to reaffirm the staggered terms of five members of the Redevelopment Commission: Dale Green, Keith Miller, Katie Holmes, Sonya Roseboro, and Dr. Gregory Grier. They also addressed a

technical but vital oversight role in the Finance Department. By appointing the City’s Purchasing Agent as a Deputy Finance Officer, the city added a new “check countersigner” for bank accounts—a move intended to provide an extra layer of internal control over taxpayer funds.

Enduring Silence

The efficiency of the public meeting stood in sharp contrast to the length of the private one. Citing North Carolina General Statutes 143-318.11(a)

(5) and (a)(6), the Council may have shifted its focus to “Real Property” and/or “Personnel Matters” behind closed doors.

As the minutes turned into hours, the council audience room became a scene of weary determination. Some citizens were seen leaving early, forced to seek nourishment after working all day and heading straight to City Hall without a meal. Yet, others vowed to stay as long as it took. There was a anticipatory sense of expectation , as if the people remaining

vigilant expected—or perhaps hoped for—some official news or a clarification on recent debacles facing the council. Why the Expectation?

The tension in the room could have been sparked by the fact that this session comes at a pivotal point for Kings Mountain. The city is currently experiencing vacancies in critical leadership roles, a high-stakes moratorium on a proposed data center, and ongoing investigation(s) into the conduct of See COUNCIL, Page 5A

Ace Party Band will perform at Patriot Park on Saturday, May 2. (photos provided)

Slippery When Wet-Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute will perform on Saturday, June 6.

Down Time Habit will perform on Thursday, May 7.

Crimson Rose Band will perform on Thursday, May 14. Casey Ray Band will perform on Thursday, May 21.

Travis Powell as Elvis will perform on September 12.

Amended City Council

Meeting Schedule 2026

City Council meetings will be held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, 101 West Gold Street, Kings Mountain, NC. The schedule for the remainder of calendar year 2026 is amended as follows:

Tuesday, May 26

Tuesday, June 23

Tuesday, July 28

Tuesday, August 25

Tuesday, September 22

Tuesday, October 27

Tuesday, November 24

Tuesday, December 15

Regular City Council meetings are live streamed and/or recorded and may be found on the “City Council” page on the City’s website at www.city-

Council Chambers at City Hall 101 West

1. Call to Order and Determination of a Quorum - Mayor Robert C. Wagman

2. Invocation - Councilmember Heather Lemmond

3. Pledge of AllegianceMayor Robert C. Wagman

4. Budget Work Session

a. Presentation of the FY 2026-27 proposed budgetTodd Carpenter, City Manager; Jana Williams, Finance Director; and Courtney Kennedy, Human Resources Director.

ofkm.com.

In accordance with City Council’s established rules of order governing public comment periods, individuals may address Council regarding any topic that they desire during the Citizen Recognition period at each meeting. Individuals wishing to speak are required to sign up prior to the start of the meeting at 6:00 p.m. Sign-up sheets are available beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting and are located in the lobby.

Individuals may also speak during the Public Hearing portion of the meetings and are required to sign up for the specific Public Hearing that they would like to give input prior to the beginning of the meeting at 6:00 p.m. Sign-up sheets will be available at 5:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting and are located in the lobby.

The City of Kings Mountain would like to ensure that people with disabilities have the ability to access its meetings, programs, and activities. Should you require assistance to participate in a meeting of the City of Kings Mountain City Council, please contact the City Clerk at least 5 business days before the event.

KM Farmers’ Market hosts Operation Medicine Drop and

Senior Appreciation Day

On May 2, the Kings Mountain Hometown Farmers’ Market will partner with the Patrick Senior Center and the Kings Mountain Police Department for “Operation Medicine Drop”. The community is encouraged to bring unused and outdated medications for safe disposal. The Patrick Senior

brate Senior Appreciation Day the first Saturday of each month throughout the 2026 farmers’ market season. The market operates at 313 S. Battleground Avenue from 8 am until 12 noon every Saturday morning from April 25 through September 26. The Kings Mountain Hometown Farmers’ Market County and the

meat products, baked goods, honey, herbs and other specialty food items. You will also find or-

have items that you would like to leave for Council or City Staff, please see the City Clerk at the podium.

a. Motion to recess and continue or adjourn the Work Session.

5. Adjournment Thank you for attending today’s meeting. Citizens may not approach the Dais after the meeting is adjourned and should exit City Hall immediately after the meeting has ended. If you

b. Presentation and possible action to adopt a Resolution approving a revised Personnel Policy for the City of Kings Mountain - Courtney Kennedy, Human Resources Director.

The City of Kings Mountain would like to ensure that people with disabilities have the ability to access its meetings, programs, and activities. Should you require assistance to participate in a meeting of the City of Kings Mountain City Council, please contact the City Clerk at least 5 business days before the event.

Revving Up History: KM Historical Museum Annual Motorsports & Heritage Fest

History and horsepower are set to collide in downtown Kings Mountain this spring. To support its mission of preservation and community programming, the Kings Mountain Historical Museum is proud to host the Annual “Kings Mountain Motorsports & Heritage Fest” on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Building on the momentum of an incredible inaugural year—which saw more than 800 visitors fill the streets— this signature fundraising event celebrates the deeprooted connections between North Carolina’s regional heritage and the early origins of NASCAR.

Honoring the Roots of Racing

The festival serves as a tribute to the local legends and historic milestones that shaped the world of motorsports. Set against the backdrop of the Museum’s home in the city’s former post office at 100 East Mountain Street, the event offers a vibrant, family-friendly experience that bridges the gap between the past and the present. Attendees can look forward to:

• Meet & Greets: Rub elbows with motorsports drivers and professional pit crew members.

• Classic Showcase: Get up close with a curated selection of antique and classic cars.

• Local Flavor: Enjoy a va-

riety of great food and beverages from local vendors.

• Heritage Education: Explore the museum’s exhibits detailing Kings Mountain’s unique place in racing history.

Fueling the Mission

“The success of our first year demonstrated a profound community enthusiasm for our local history,” said Michael Turner Webb, museum director. “This event isn’t just about the cars; it’s about the people and the stories that define our region. Every visitor and support helps us continue to provide high-quality educational programming for the public.”

Whether you are a lifelong racing fan, a history buff, or simply looking for a fun Saturday out with the family, the Motorsports & Heritage Fest promises a high-energy celebration of the spirit of Kings Mountain.

Event At-A-Glance

• WHAT: Annual Kings Mountain Motorsports & Heritage Fest

• WHEN: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

• WHERE: 100 East Mountain Street, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.

• ADMISSION: FREE!

KM Motorsports & Heritage Fest will be held on Saturday, May 16. There will be classic and antique cars, motorsports exhibits, food and merchandise vendors, educational displays, live music and kid-friendly activities. Come out and enjoy the fun! It’s a free event. (Photos provided)

For more information, to register as a sponsor, vendor or bring a car call 704-7391019.

About the Kings Mountain Historical Museum: The Kings Mountain Historical Museum collects, preserves, and interprets the history of the Kings Mountain region. Through exhibits and community events, the Museum seeks to inspire a deeper understanding of the local heritage that shapes our future.

Thirteenth case of rabies identified in Clev. County

On April 24, 2026, the Cleveland County Health Department was notified of a skunk that tested positive for rabies. This is the thirteenth rabid animal case identified in the county this year. The animal was found on Camelot Court in Kings Mountain. Any person bitten or exposed to potentially infectious saliva from this animal should contact their healthcare provider or the local health department for a rabies risk assessment. You may contact the Cleveland County Health Department at 980-4845169 or 980-484-5100.

Rabies is a fatal yet preventable disease if post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is administered. Rabies is transmitted by the bite of an infected animal or via contamination of open wounds or mucus membranes with potentially infectious material such as saliva. Prevention of rabies is based on protection of susceptible animals and people and appropriate management of persons and animals exposed to rabies:

1. Vaccinate pets. In accordance with NC State Law, all dogs, cats, and ferrets must be kept currently vaccinated against rabies and must wear a rabies tag. Cats are the most commonly identified domestic animal with rabies.

2. Control measures for pets exposed to rabies: If pets are exposed to rabies, they should receive a booster dose of rabies vaccine if they are currently vaccinated at the time of exposure. If pets are not currently vaccinated against rabies when exposed, the animals will be euthanized or quarantined for six months in accordance with state law.

3. Control measures for persons exposed to rabies: Seek medical guidance from your healthcare provider or the local health department if you believe you have been exposed to rabies.

4. Limit stray and feral animals. In the cities of Shelby, Kings Mountain, Boiling Springs, and Grover all dogs must be kept on a leash. People should not approach stray or feral dogs or cats. Feral cat colonies should be intensively monitored, and their location reported to Cleveland County Animal Services.

5. Leave wildlife alone. Raccoons, skunks and other wildlife serve as the reservoir for rabies in North Carolina. Rabies occurs throughout North Carolina. Anyone that sees an animal demonstrating unusual behavior should call Cleveland County Animal Services at 704-481-9884.

Congressman Tim Moore announces $59.6 Million in FEMA Funding for Hurricane

Congressman Tim Moore announced on April 23, a total of $59.6 Million in new funding from the Federal Emergency Manage-

ment Agency (FEMA) for Hurricane Helene recovery across North Carolina’s 14th District. Projects include debris removal, temporary in-

First Friday FUN returns May 1

This week, KM Forward invites the community to join in on First Friday FUN on May 1. From morning to evening, local merchants are opening their doors with special offers, friendly faces, and plenty of reasons to explore.

frastructure, and permanent roadway repairs.

Helene Recovery Projects in NC-14

Look for participating businesses displaying the First Friday FUN flyer in their windows—and let that be your guide to a day well spent.

Grab a friend, take your time, and enjoy Kings Mountain… one shop at a time.

Stroll through town, pop into your favorite shops (and discover a few new ones), and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to linger. Whether you’re catching up with friends, treating yourself, or just soaking in the charm of our town, there’s something waiting for you.

“This funding helps make our communities whole by reimbursing local governments that stepped up immediately after Hurricane Helene to begin cleanup and recovery,” said Congressman Moore. “In places like Cleveland County and across Western North Carolina, crews cleared massive amounts of debris and reopened critical routes without waiting for Washington bureaucrats to get their act together. Under new leadership, DHS and FEMA are ensuring that communities are not left to carry those costs alone. I will keep working to make sure every town and county in our district has the support needed to finish the job and rebuild stronger.”

$39,706,925.82 will go to Cleveland County to re-

imburse costs associated with large-scale debris removal following the storm. Local crews removed hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of vegetative debris from waterways and public areas to protect public safety and support recovery. This project is funded at a 90 percent federal cost share, ensuring the majority of costs are covered by FEMA.

$10,673,179.81 will support debris removal operations across waterways in Cleveland County, including the Broad River and Buffalo Creek. This work will clear debris from nearly 160 sites to reduce flood risks and restore safe conditions. The project is funded at a 90 percent federal cost share, covering most contracted cleanup and monitoring expenses.

$3,053,060.23 will reimburse Cleveland County for

additional debris removal, including hazardous trees, limbs, and storm debris from roads and public property. This project reconciles prior expedited funding and is fully funded at a 100 percent federal cost share for eligible emergency work.

$2,434,133.48 is being provided to the North Carolina Department of Transportation to reimburse the cost of replacing a damaged culvert and roadway along Cedar Creek Road in Rutherford County. The project restores a key transportation route and is funded at a 90 percent federal cost share.

$2,392,884.24 will reimburse the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for a temporary access road and bridge to reconnect Chimney Rock State Park after the storm destroyed the main entrance. This emer-

gency work is funded at a 90 percent federal cost share, supporting both public safety and local economic recovery.

$1,664,073.53 will reimburse the North Carolina Department of Transportation for emergency protective measures, including temporary bridges, road repairs, and engineering services carried out during and after the storm. This project is funded at a 100 percent federal cost share, recognizing the urgency of the response efforts.

Congressman Tim Moore represents the 14th Congressional District of North Carolina, including Cleveland, Gaston, Burke, and Rutherford Counties, as well as parts of Mecklenburg and Polk Counties. Visit timmoore.house.gov for more.

Westmoreland Printers, Inc. wins prestigious PCA Awards

The Printing Industry of the Carolinas (PICA) announced that Westmoreland Printers, Inc. in Shelby, NC, won the coveted Athens Best Printing (Division A) Award. This is the highest award given to a printing company of its size. In addition, Westmoreland Printers received four Best of Category awards. The awards were announced on Saturday, April 18, at the 60th Diamond Anniversary PICA Awards Banquet in Charlotte, NC.

The Athens Paper Best Printing Award was for The Sleeping Giant, Stories About WWII As Recollected by a Nine-year-old Boy. The book, written by Larry Smith, a 91-year-old veteran who served in the Air Force for 21 years and in the Vietnam War, was designed by Beverly Stone of Westmoreland Printers and printed in full color with a UV-coated cover.

In addition to The Sleeping Giant, the company earned three additional

awards. An invitation for the Earl Scruggs Center grand reopening was printed in full color, foil-stamped, and die-cut with a scored gatefold, designed by the Earl Scruggs Center. In The Middle was written by and designed by Beverly Stone of Westmoreland Printers as a gift for her middle child. " Untying the Knots" is about the author's growing up as an African American in Shelby, NC, and was written by Virginia M. Williamson, with design by Nikki Cook of Westmoreland Printers.

A panel of out-of-state judges with extensive experience in printing and print production was brought in to examine the work. Each entry was judged on its own merit in a category with similar printed pieces. The judging criteria included: registration, crossovers, clarity and neatness, sharpness of halftones and line drawings, richness and tonal qualities of color, paper and ink selection, ink coverage, the difficulty of printing, ef-

fective contrast or softness, finishing, bindery, and overall visual impact.

“We are proud to be recognized by our peers as among the best in the industry. We continue to adapt as our market changes, but customer service and timely production, while maintaining the highest quality standards, remain the driving force,” stated Wes Westmoreland.

Founded in 1999 in the early days of the digital revolution, Westmoreland Printers quickly rose to become one of the most accredited printers in the Charlotte market, having been recognized well over one hundred times by the Printing Industries of the Carolinas and the International Association of Printing House Craftsmen for excellence in print production on paper and leading the market in technology.

Contact: Wes Westmoreland, President, Westmoreland Printers, Inc., 704-482-9100.

Our Time Is Precious

We should never put off till tomorrow what we can do today.

The biggest problem with this is that we can’t do everything today.

Life has to be spaced out and we have to hope and pray that we will have the opportunity to do some or most of what we would like to do. You can’t graduate from high school until you complete the requirements. You can’t begin a new career until obtain the job you want. Most jobs have prerequisites. Prerequisites require time. Many occupations require years of education and training. Thus, you have to do what you can today and plan out what you are going to do for three or four years to prepare yourself.

If you spend every day doing nothing then nothing is what you have to look forward to. The musician practices long hours in hopes of performing at a future date.

The runner trains daily hoping to win the 5K or even a marathon at a later date. A family may dream of a vacation so they save their money and sacrifice for a future outing. The best we can do today is to do the best we can. Do what we know to do. Try to do the right thing. Have a goal or a list of objectives and do today what is necessary to move us closer to our goal.

We don’t have to live with goals but if we aim for nothing we achieve nothing. Often, our goal may be to just do a good job at whatever we currently have to do. If we do a good job every day then tomorrow will most likely be good. If we do a bad job every day then tomorrow may not be so good. We reap what we sow. Planting good seeds in our daily lives will result in a harvest a little bit later, somewhere down the road.

Hard work pays off. The harder you work, the luckier you will be-

come. The more you try, the more likely you will be successful. If you fish, keep baiting hooks and dropping them in the water. Eventually you get a bite and even catch a fish, if there are fish in the water. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to catch a fish where there aren’t any. This applies to jobs. You can’t get a job where there aren’t any jobs. This means you have to make plans to be in a place where there is at least an opportunity. Again, we all have limited time. We could eventually accomplish everything and anything we want to do, if we have 500 years to do it all, but we don’t. Forty, eighty, a hundred years is just a flash in the pan. Thus, we need to figure out what we really want too because we don’t have that much time to do it. Be good to yourself. Love people, love God. Wherever you are, be all there. Our time is precious.

Westmoreland Printers staff.

Glenn Mollette Guest Editorial

Emily Warren named West Elementary Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026

By Allyson Parker

According to Emily Warren, a 2nd and 3rd grade teacher at West Elementary in Kings Mountain, "The smiles, the hugs, and the laughs are the most rewarding part of my job. Plus, I get to be a positive light in the eyes of my students."

She is regarded as an integral and valuable part of her team at West Elementary as well as the greater Cleveland County School District. Obtaining the status of Teacher of the Year comes with hard work ethics and unwavering dedication of the teacher. Her dedication has been officially recognized as she is the recipient of the 20252026 school year award for West Elementary School in Kings Mountain.

The selection process for "Teacher of the Year" at West Elementary and throughout Cleveland County follows a structured path which allows each peer to vote at the school level. This local recognition then moves to a formal interview and portfolio process at the district level. Criteria the recipient must possess are, of course, a teacher license and being a current teacher. Their skill set, commitment to students, and encouragement to students are what sets the ordinary apart from the most dedicated, which are the traits the recipients exemplified.

Mrs. Warren came from a background in teaching. Her grandfather, Hassel Brown,

was a teacher and coach for 28 years (with a background in military service prior to that). Also, her mom has been a teacher's assistant for over 20 years “So, it goes to say, I lived the real life with teachers in my family. My grandfather was my mentor and the largest reason I became a teacher. Plus, the fact that his former students attended his funeral decades after being in his classroom showed that the connection between a teacher and a student is often permanent.”

Emily graduated with a BS in Recreational Therapy. She went into teaching on a lateral level; that is, she had to go back to school to obtain her teaching credentials. She attended online classes and taught second grade at

Township #3 school simul-

taneously while working to obtain her credentials.

After becoming fully certified as a teacher, she began her career at West Elementary

She is one person who seems to love her job and she believes that makes a difference.

"I couldn't ask for a better place to work. The staff is wonderful. The administration supports our staff, and that makes work and teaching easier. As they say 'West is the Best,' it really is the truth."

Mrs. Warren acknowledges the stress of EOG tests; she also acknowledges the importance of introducing students to the test and

Warren, students are tested at the first of the year in 3rd grade for their reading comprehension level. During the year, the kids are learning the material for the final EOG at a 3rd-grade level for reading. We use practice material for the test on the computer, explained Warren, and by the test day, hopefully, they are familiar and not intimidated by the unknown. Although the assessment for the Math EOG is not given at the beginning of the school year, there is an official test given at the end of the year. For the three years Mrs. Warren has taught at West, she has seen wonderful test results.

Good test results are achieved by diligence and hard work. "It's important for me as a teacher to realize I am working with 7, 8, and 9 year olds and there are different time expectations, which should be considered, for kids at these ages," Warren noted. "It is not uncommon for students to take a brain break, which is a few moments to go get water or just to take a thinking break when they are too tired, and it really does help their focus."

She attributes her success to the supportive staff, her teaching assistant Ann Torress, and Cleveland County. "I could not do it without this wonderful staff. Also, Cleveland County helps us teachers with materials we need to help the children become successful, “ said Warren.

Emily explained her

thoughts on making certain the children receive help they need by adding, "Every child comes from a unique background and learns in their own way. My teaching assistant and I continuously observe our students, especially when we notice they may be struggling or need extra support. Having a teacher assistant has been incredibly beneficial especially when it comes to small group learning. The students truly adore her and love having Anne in our classroom."

West School, Cleveland County, and their teachers make certain kids have the tools needed to be successful: clothing that is warm, a full tummy, books to read, and a safe environment. That being said, there are programs available to help in any of these areas where a child may be suffering a deficiency. We have access to a clothing closet, the Rotary Club does a Reading Across America Book program to support literacy, and Feeding Cleveland County is available if staff or counselors notice food insecurity.

"We the teachers, give a 120% effort to ensure the children are fluent in reading and math." In the summer, we encourage parents' involvement in the reading process so that their children retain everything they have worked on so diligently through the school year. There is the AR Program, which is a competitive program rewarding points for

and completes. A comprehension test is administered through the system. “The kids are somewhat competitive and I have seen students earn as many as 400 points, which is a lot of reading if taking into consideration that most books have values of 1/2 to 1 point," added Mrs. Warren When asked her secret to being chosen as Teacher of the Year, she modestly replied, "I feel confidence is the key to a child's success and I am not a teacher that allows a child to shy away." What that means is if a child isn't involving him or herself in class, she finds a way to "pull them in to participate."

Teaching is a profession where the impact you have lasts beyond the year those students spend in your classroom, and the few years they spend at your school. Educators have the chance to impact students for a lifetime. For Emily Warren, receiving the West Elementary Teacher of the Year award is a celebration of her current dedication to her students' success, but it is also a continuation of a family legacy. Just as her grandfather’s influence brought his community together years later, Mrs. Warren’s commitment to building confidence and providing a "positive light" ensures that her students will carry the lessons learned at West Elementary with them for years

COUNCIL

From Page 1A

both a previous mayor and current Councilman Scott Neisler.

The speculatory conversation, among residents, turned toward a common theme: the need for clarity and transparency to build a stronger bridge between the Council and the community. City Council members have stated on many occasions that they feel collective or individual comments made against them are often premature or unfair; however, during those aproximate two hours, citizens were left with nothing but time to form their own opinions and theories. The Reality?

Because Councilman

Neisler was not present—having been excused by Mayor Rob Wagman—a perceived notion began to circulate that the secret session was centered on the Neisler censure. However, the statutes cited on the agenda suggest otherwise.

N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a) (6) allows for private discussion regarding city employees, but explicitly forbids using a closed session to discuss the conduct of an elected official. While the absence of a Council member during a secret session may look suspicious to a weary public, the law dictates that the “Personnel Matter” on the agenda could have potentially involved someone on the city payroll. This administrative shift follows a period of significant instability in City Hall. While

Chris Costner (the reportedly resigned, assistant city manager), served for some time as the Assistant City Manager and Finance Director, the city has recently seen the departure of the Water Resources Director and the Assistant City Manager. The appointment of a Deputy Finance Officer suggests a strategic move to ensure continuity in financial oversight as the city searches for permanent replacements in its top-tier management.

The Silent Return As required by N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(c), the Council eventually reversed their earlier motion and reconvened the meeting in open session. For the citizens who had waited through the two-hour silence, there was a hope for clarity. Instead, the statement

issued was as brief as the opening prayer: there would be no discussion, and no public report of what had transpired.

The “Honesty” of the Clock Despite the legal explanations and the procedural adherence to state statutes, the proportionality of Thursday’s meeting remains the sticking point. The approximate 15 minutes of public time in comparison to approx 120 minutes of closed door time appeared to create point of contention. In a meeting called specifically to address “special” items, the public was left with only a fraction of the conversation and a long wait .

Emily Warren celebrates her award for West Elementary Teacher of the Year. (Photos provided)

Daily activities in Mrs. Warren’s class at West Elementary. (photos provided)

You can Take the People out of Sodom

“Abraham came near and said, Will You indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” Genesis 18:23 This remarkable exchange between Abraham and the LORD begins with a simple but profound action: Abraham came near. May we all desire that same nearness to the Father. The conversation is “wonderful” because God allowed Abraham to enter a negotiation—an invitation

to wrestle with the question of grace. God had revealed His plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, cities so saturated with wickedness that their stench had reached Heaven. Abraham responded by asking whether the righteous still held value in God’s eyes. How much sin should God tolerate before judgment becomes necessary?

Before carrying out His decision, the Creator of Heaven and earth asked His friend a ques-

tion: How many righteous people would be enough to spare the cities? Abraham began at fifty and negotiated downward in intervals—forty-five, forty, twenty-five, finally reaching ten. Yet even ten righteous people could not be found. And had Abraham continued to five, the answer would have remained the same. God already knew the condition of the city. He knew Abraham would not be able to justify its survival, despite the presence of his nephew’s family. God knows when a place is beyond saving, even when we—imagining ourselves more merciful

or more righteous than God—attempt to negotiate with Him. When we finally consider what God already knows, we end up agreeing with Him.

In the end, only four people were rescued from the coming fire and brimstone. One looked back and became a pillar of salt. The two daughters later committed an abomination with their father. The story makes one truth unmistakable: God knows exactly what He is doing. Our task is not to negotiate with Him but to obey Him.

Advent Lutheran Church, NALC Member

230 Oak Grove Rd.

704-750-0171

Calvary Way Holiness Church 1017 Second Street Pastor Clifton Morgan

Christ The King Catholic Church 714 Stone Street 704-487-7697

Anew Beginning Baptist Church 145 Battleground Dr. 704-473-1372

Ardent Life Church

420 Branch Street

704-739-7700

Arise Church 830 E. King St.

Bethlehem Baptist Church 1017 Bethlehem Road

704-739-7487

Boyce

Memorial ARP Church

Edgemont Drive

704-739-4917

Carson Memorial Baptist Church

262 Sparrow Springs Road

704-739-2247

Central Methodist Church

113 S. Piedmont Avenue 704-739-2471

Cherokee St.

Baptist Church 421 S. Cherokee Street 704-739-7697

Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church 618 Chestnut Ridge Road 704-739-4015

Christian Freedom Southern Baptist Church 246 Range Road 704-739-4152

teous with the wicked?— Jesus answered it in the New Covenant. The answer is no. But the separating is not our job. God has already appointed Someone to do that at the end of the age. Our assignment is to let the wheat and the tares grow together. That is grace. The Church is today’s righteous presence in the world, and that is what makes this story wonderful.

As for Abraham’s Old Covenant question—Will You sweep away the righ-

Judgment Day remains necessary because you can take people out of Sodom, but only the Holy Spirit can take Sodom out of people.

Concord United Methodist Church 2404 Tryon Courthouse Rd. Bessemer City, NC 704-629-3571

Connections Church

306 N. Piedmont Ave. 704-750-4972

Cornerstone Church Of God

202 Margrace Road 704-689-4430

Cornerstone Independent Baptist 107 Range Road 704-737-0477

Crowders Mountain Baptist 125 Mayberry Lane 704-739-0310

David Baptist Church 2300 David Baptist Ch. Rd. 704-739-4555

Dixon Presbyterian Church 602 Dixon School Road dixonpresbyterian.com

East Gold Street Wesleyan Church 701 E. Gold Street 704-739-3215

East Kings Mountain Church of God Hwy 161, Bessemer City/ KM Hwy. 704-739-7367

Eastside Baptist Church 308 York Road 704-739-8055

Ebenezer Baptist Church 1621 County Line Road 704-739-8331

El Bethel United Methodist Church 122 El-bethel Road 704-739-9174

Emmanuel Independent Baptist Church 102 Canterbury Road 704-730-7855

Faith Ablaze Church 1128 S. York Road 704-739-8496

Faith Baptist Church 1009 Linwood Road

Faith Holiness Church Hwy. 161/ Bessemer City Rd. 704-739-1997

Family Worship Center 1818 Shelby Road 704-739-7206

First Baptist Church 605 W. King Street 704-739-3651

First Church of the Nazarene 121 Countryside Road 704-734-1143

First Presbyterian Church 111 E. King Street 704-739-8072

First Wesleyan Church 505 N. Piedmont Avenue 704-739-4266

Galilee United Methodist 117 Galilee Church Road 704-739-7011

Gloryland Missionary Baptist Church 101 Benfield Rd. 704-740-7212

Gospel Assembly Church 202 S. Railroad Avenue 704-739-5351

Good Hope

Presbyterian Church 105 N. Cansler Street 704-739-1062

Grace Fellowship 144 West Mountain Street 704-481-8888

Grace United Methodist Church 830 Church Street 704-739-6000

Harvest Baptist Church 144 Ware Road 704-734-0714

Kings Mountain Baptist Church 101 W. Mountain Street 704-739-2516

Life of Worship Ministries 405 S. Cherokee St. 704-777-2927

King’s City Church 1128 York Road 704-739-8496

Lighthouse Ministries 1908 Shelby Rd. Kings Mountain

Long Creek Presbyterian Church 701 Long Creek Road 704-629-4406

Love Valley Baptist Church 2032 Bethlehem Road 704-730-0075

Macedonia Baptist Church 1101 S. Battleground Avenue 704-739-6811

Pastor Dennis Smith Church For The Broken

Tips to make Mother’s Day extra special Crafts lead the way for Mother’s Day gifts

Mother’s Day is celebrated each May and marks a perfect opportunity to show Mom how much she’s loved and appreciated. Mother’s Day has been celebrated for more than 100 years, and in that time mothers have grown accustomed to certain staples of the holiday. A bouquet of fresh flowers, Sunday brunch at a local restaurant and some gifts from a partner and the children have become standards each Mother’s Day. While Mother’s Day standards may never lose their appeal, families looking to make this year’s celebration a little more unique can consider these ideas.

• Whip up (or order in) some baked goods. If Mom is the family baker, surprise her this year with some homemade baked goods. An aroma of freshly baked goodies around the house can set a welcoming tone for the day, particularly if the treats are prepared in the morning before Mom wakes

up. Partners and children whose baking skills leave a little to be desired can get some freshly baked treats from a local bakery and have them waiting for Mom when she wakes up.

• Take to the road. Another way to make Mother’s Day extra special is to make the celebration a weekend affair. A weekend getaway can be a welcome breath of fresh air for mothers and serve as a great opportunity for the family to unwind and celebrate Mom away from everything

Sunday, May 10 May 10 Chocolate is the finishing touch this Mother’s

that reminds her of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A getaway can be an especially ideal surprise for mothers whose children are full grown. Invite adult kids along and make their attendance a surprise for Mom.

• Book a unique experience. Experiential gifts have been wildly popular in recent years, so why not incorporate this trend into Mother’s Day celebrations? Book a tour of a local vineyard or winery, take Mom to a live theater performance, or take her out for a day on the water, complete with brunch and a champagne toast. Such memorable experiences won’t soon be forgotten and can provide an exciting alternative to previous Mother’s Day celebrations.

• Ensure Mom doesn’t lift a finger. A truly special Mother’s Day will give Mom a day off. Partners and kids can team up to take care of everything from the moment Mom wakes up until she returns to bed at night. Serve breakfast in bed, order in some lunch and then take Mom out for a nice meal at a local restaurant. In between meals, let Mom relax any way she sees fit, whether that’s curling up with a good book, dusting off her paint brush and engaging in some artistic endeavors and/ or squeezing in a rare midday nap. Mom will undoubtedly appreciate a full day off, which might just make for the best gift of all.

Mother’s Day is the ideal time to offer Mom a unique experience that shows her how much she’s loved and appreciated.

Mother’s Day is a special time for children to show their appreciation for their mothers, grandmothers and the other special women in their lives. Older children typically are capable of designing their own Mother’s Day crafts or even shopping for gifts for Mom, while younger children will likely need some help from an adult.

Youngsters may not be able to take charge of Mother’s Day festivities alone, but they certainly have the energy and enthusiasm to chip in. Handmade craft gifts are a thoughtful way for young kids to show their love for Mom. Here are a few ideas that can occupy even the youngest of hands.

Handprint butterfly photo card

All that is necessary for this craft is a printed photograph of the child’s face, paper, scissors, glue, and finger paints. The child should dip hands into the paint and make four handprints on paper in some preferred colors. When dry, cut around the perimeter of the handprints. These will serve as the “wings” of the butterfly. Glue the picture of the child’s

Mother’s Day presents an opportunity for people to shower the special women in their lives with extra love and affection. There are many ways to show Mom you care apart from gifts and dining out. A homemade dessert featuring rich and creamy chocolate might be exactly what Mom needs to cap off a perfect day spent with her family.

This recipe for “Mint Chocolate Mousse” from “Chocolate: Deliciously Indulgent Recipes for Chocolate Lovers” (Ryland, Peters & Small) by Maxine Clark is ideal for mothers who love the taste of mint and chocolate. It’s relatively simple to make, so it should be something that young children can handle with a little help from an adult.

MINT CHOCOLATE MOUSSE Serves 4

5 oz. dark chocolate (60 to 70 percent cocoa solids),

face in the middle of a piece of paper or card stock. Draw a butterfly body underneath it (or print out a stock image to use).

Draw antennae sticking out of the child’s head and attach the handprints around the head and butterfly body to make the wings.

Heartfelt masterpiece Children can draw and color all over a large sheet of construction paper or another durable paper. An adult can then use another sheet of paper to make a frame mat of sorts, cutting out a heart shape from the middle. Both pieces of paper are then trimmed to the dimensions of a photo frame. The artwork is placed first and then the heart matting on top so that the artwork will show

chopped or broken up into smaller pieces

4 to 6 chocolate covered dinner mints, chopped 4 eggs, separated 2 tablespoons sugar 4 tablespoons heavy cream 1 teaspoon powdered gelatin 2 tablespoons chopped chocolate mint sticks, or frosted mint leaves and 1 cup heavy cream, to decorate

through the heart shape. Frame everything together for a lasting memento. Fuzzy flowers Kids can make Mom a bouquet of flowers that will never wilt. Print a photo of the child’s face and attach it to a piece of circular card stock that is roughly six inches in diameter. Have the child paint a popsicle stick green, and then attach that to the back of the round card stock. The child then glues small fuzzy pom poms to the card stock surrounding the picture to make a flower. If desired, attach a magnet to the back of the flower so it can be secured to the refrigerator. Crafts are a great gift option for young children looking to give something special to Mom on Mother’s Day.

4 pots or dessert cups, for serving Melt the chocolate with the dinner mints over a double boiler or in the microwave. Let cool slightly. Using an electric mixer, beat together the egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl until thick and mousselike, then beat in the melted chocolate-mint mixture. Sprinkle the gelatin over 4 tablespoons water in a small, heatproof bowl and let soak and swell for 2 to 3 minutes. Put the bowl in a pan of simmering water and stir until the gelatin has dissolved. Beat into the chocolate-mint mixture. Working quickly, beat the egg whites in a clean, dry bowl until stiff but not dry, then fold into the chocolate mixture with a metal spoon. Divide the mousse between the pots. Scatter with the chopped mint sticks, then refrigerate until set. Alternatively, whip the 1 cup cream and use to decorate the mousses, along with the frosted mint leaves. Leave at cool room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.

Allyson and Jordan Chapman, Kings Mountain, may be celebrating with the addition of a new child. They are also planning on taking some time to go to Ocean

Ian Blanton and son, Liam plan on buying a swing for his mom. They will planw a special dinner, first.

Tanner and a Elizabeth Collins are also expecting a new addition. They plan on having all of the moms and grandmother’s together for a Mothers Day meal.

Emma, age 7 and mom, Becca Russell of KM will have a full day spending time together. Emma also has a gift for her mom and plans on getting her pink roses, as well.

KM Hall of Fame Ceremony May 9

The Kings Mountain Sports Hall of Fame will induct four individuals at its annual banquet and induction ceremony on Saturday, May 9, at 6:00 pm at Central Methodist Church in Kings Mountain.

Honorees include Deborah Crockett Bell, Eleanor Crosby Turner, Jonathan Clark and Wil Sellers. Receiving special recognition will be Steve Baker for his contributions to Kings Mountain High School athletics. Also, the men’s basketball team and Will Varner will be recognized for their achievements.

Advanced tickets may be purchased at Paul Ingram’s Barber Shop on Battleground Avenue, or through texting Rick Henderson at (704) 460-8066. Tickets are $15 and will also be available at the door on the night of the ceremony.

KM women’s soccer captures 2 wins

The Kings Mountain Women’s Soccer Team had a very successful week as they won both of their matches.

On Monday, April 20, the Mountaineers welcomed the West Lincoln Rebels. Kings Mountain scored the only goal in the game for a 1-0 victory. Following the loss, the Rebels fell to 8-7-1 on the season while Kings Mountain improved to 7-4-1.

Kings Mountain High School to Dedicate Newly Renovated Gymnasium Court

Kings Mountain, NC —

Kings Mountain High School will proudly celebrate the reopening of its newly renovated gymnasium with a special court dedication ceremony on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

The community is invited to attend this milestone event as the doors officially reopen to the public at 5:30 PM, offering guests an opportunity to view the upgraded facility. The formal dedication ceremony will begin promptly at 6:00 PM.

In addition to the court dedication, the evening

will include recognition of several Mountaineer athletic programs that demonstrated exceptional resilience throughout the renovation process. The following teams will be honored for their cooperation and commitment during a season without a true home facility:

• JV Volleyball

• Varsity Volleyball

• Basketball Cheerleading

• Women’s Varsity Basketball

• Men’s JV Basketball

• Men’s Varsity Basketball

Despite being displaced, these teams continued to represent Kings Mountain High School with pride, persever-

ance, and a commitment to excellence.

“This event is about more than a facility—it’s about honoring the legacy of our programs and the dedication of our student-athletes and coaches,” said school officials. “We are excited to welcome Mountaineer Nation back home.”

The ceremony is free and open to the public. Community members, alumni, and supporters are encouraged to attend and be part of this special evening as Kings Mountain High School celebrates both its future and the resilience that defines its athletic programs.

Then on Friday, April 24, the Kings Mountain Team traveled to Dallas to take on the North Gaston Wildcats. Again, the Mountaineers were victorious in a 4-1 win. Kings Mountain raised its record to 8-4-1, and North Gaston fell to 4-9-2.

KM Jr. Varsity capture big win on the road over North Gaston

Who says 13 is an unlucky number? For the thirteenth straight game, the Kings Mountain Softball team came out victorious! On Friday, April 24, the Mountaineers extended their win streak to 13 games with a 14-3 victory over the North Gaston Wildcats in Dallas. Anna Wooten and Maddie Huffman held the Wildcat batters in check in a game shortened to 6 innings due to the Mercy Rule. Kings Mountain now stands at 18-3 on the season while North Gaston dropped to 9-8. For the game, Kings Mountain had a staggering 22 hits as a team! In addition to pitching 3 and 2/3 innings in relief while striking out 10 batters, Maddie Huffman led the Mountaineer offense. Huffman also had 4 hits along with 6 RBI. In addition, Huffman lowered her ERA to 0.35 which places her at number 29 in the nation in this category. She also has garnered 12 wins so far this season, including 178 strike outs!

Other Kings Mountain contributors included Avery Cruise with 4 hits and 1 RBI, Macie Hawkins with 3 hits and 1 RBI, Ezra Lynn with 2 hits, 1 RBI, and a stolen base, and Addison Pruett who had 2 hits.

North Gaston was held to only 4 hits in the contest.

They were led by Parker Gordon who had 2 hits and knocked in 1 run. Kamryn Quill took the loss on the mound. She pitched a complete game, but surrendered 22 hits and 14 runs, while walking 2 Kings Mountain batters and striking out 1. North Gaston will conclude their regular season with an away game at Highland Tech on Thursday, and a home game against Crest on Friday.

Earlier in the week, on Monday, April 20, the Kings Mountain Women defeated the Chase Lady Trojans in Forest City by a score on 10-0 in a game called after 6 innings due to the Mercy Rule. Once again, Maddie Huffman was amazing on the mound! Huffman threw a perfect game, striking out 16 Trojan batters while having only 2 balls put into play! As a team, the Mountaineers pounded out 15 hits.

Kings Mountain was led offensively by, guess who?

That’s right, Maddie Huffman! Huffman had 3 hits and 2 RBI. Others who had big nights offensively included Addison Carpenter who had 3 hits and 1 RBI, Anna Wooten with 2 hits and 2 RBI, Avery Cruise and Kayla McSwain who pitched in with 2 hits and 1 RBI each, and Addison Pruett with 1 hit and 2 RBI. With the loss, Chase fell

to 10-10 on the season. The Trojans will wrap up their regular season with a trip to Patton on Thursday night.

Then, on Wednesday, April 22, the Kings Mountain Women took a trip up to the mountains to face the Robbinsville Black Knights. The Black Knights came into the matchup with an impressive 18-1 record on the season. But the Kings Mountain Ladies brought their A-game and left town with a 4-0 victory.

Maddie Huffman was again very good on the mound! Huffman pitched a complete game for the Mountaineers, giving up 3 hits, walking 2, and striking out 13 Black Knights batters.

Kings Mountain got off to a fast start in the game. They scored 2 runs in the top of the first inning and then added single runs in the fourth and fifth innings. The Mountaineers were led by Kayla McSwain and Maddie Huffman who had 3 hits and 2 RBI respectively. Avery Cruise and Anna Wooten also had 1 hit each, and they both drove in 1 run.

The women will finish up their season with a home game against South Point on Friday, May 1. Robbinsville will conclude their season with a home game against Murphy on Thursday night.

The Kings Mountain Junior Varsity Mountaineers Baseball Team won big over the North Gaston Wildcats JV Team by a score of 10-4 on Friday, April 24. The Mountaineers got on the board in the first inning after an error scored a run for the visitors. Kings Mountain then added to their lead in the top of the second inning after North Gaston committed an error, and Casey Hendrick singled down the left field line, each scoring one run.

North Gaston tied the game in the bottom of the third thanks to an error, a single by Levi Sykes, a single by Shamik Moreta, and a fielder's choice by Sam Castle. But Kings Mountain

jumped back into the lead in the top of the fourth inning after North Gaston committed an error, and Braeden Morrissette doubled to left field, each scoring one run.

Brock Phillips earned the win for Kings Mountain. He gave up 5 hits and 4 runs (zero earned) over 5 innings, striking out 3 and walking only 1 Wildcat batter in the complete game effort. Levi Sykes took the loss for North Gaston. The hurler went 4 innings, giving up 6 runs (one earned) on 2 hits, striking out 4 and walking 3. Casey Hendrick and Braeden Morrissette were a force together in the lineup, as they each collected one hit for the Kings Mountain Junior Varsity squad while

hitting back-to-back. Casey Hendrick, Hudson Rhodes, Braeden Morrissette, and Eli Caldwell each drove in one run for the Mountaineers. The Kings Mountain team also stole 9 bases in the game while turning 1 double play. Owen Brazil went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead North Gaston in hitting. Levi Sykes, Shamik Moreta, and Sam Castle each drove in one run for North Gaston. With the win, the Kings Mountain JV Team improves to 5-5-1 on the season, while the North Gaston team slips to 4-7-1. The Mountaineers will host South Point on Friday, May 1, at 4:00 pm to conclude their 2026 campaign.

A meeting of the minds! The Kings Mountain Women's Soccer Team goes over final preparations for their game against West Lincoln on Monday, April 20.

West Lincoln player #8, Addi Barrett, controls the ball against two Kings Mountain defenders. (Photos courtesy of Scott Meade)

KM Varsity baseball loses heartbreaker to North Gaston

The Kings Mountain Varsity Baseball Team lost in dramatic fashion to the North Gaston Wildcats on Friday, April 24, in Dallas, by a score of 9-8. The game went into extra innings after being tied at 5 runs each at the end of seven innings. The Mountaineers scored 3 runs in the top of the ninth after Lincoln McDaniel grounded out, Aiden Smith walked, and Bryson Ciaschini singled to center, each scoring one run. But the Wildcats won the game in the bottom of the ninth when Eli Cunningham doubled, scoring a run, Aiden Smith drew a walk, plating another run, and Kohua Boye singled, scoring the winning two runs. Kings Mountain outhit North Gaston on the night by a tally of 12 hits to 9. Lawson Kennedy led the Mountaineers with 4 hits.

KJ Bell had 2 hits and 3 RBI and Jordan Buckner had 2 hits and 1 RBI. For North Gaston, Carter Mason and Kohen Boye each collected three hits for the home-standing team, while Boye and Camden Kanupp both drove in 2 runs. The Wildcats also had 6 stolen bases for the game.

North Gaston opened the scoring in the first

after Cam Kanupp singled, scoring two runs. A double by KJ Bell gave Kings Mountain the lead, 3-2, in the top of the third. But the Wildcats tied the game in the bottom of the fourth thanks to a double by Carter Mason and a walk by Eli Cunningham plating 3 runs.

Jaxen Noblett earned the win for North Gaston, surrendering 3 hits and 3 runs over 4 innings, striking out 5 and walking 4. Wesley Turner took the loss for Kings Mountain. The right-hander went 4 and 2-3 innings, giving up 4 runs (none earned) on 5 hits, striking out 2 and walking 3. KJ Bell started on the mound for the Mountaineers. The starting pitcher allowed 4 hits and 5 runs (one earned) over 4 innings, striking out 7 and walking 5 in getting the no-decision.

With the win, North Gaston improves to 13-7 on the year, while Kings Mountain falls to 9-10. The Mountaineers will conclude their regular season with a home game against the South Point Red Raiders on Friday night, May 1, at 7:00 pm. North Gaston will finish up their schedule with a home game against the Crest Chargers on Thursday, April 30.

Aiming Outdoorsmen Toward Christ

By Gary Miller

complete. Among the different things to be addressed is the addition of a new press box which will be called the Jake Dixon Press Box. The 4-million-dollar project also includes stadium upgrades plus a new wrestling center.

The toms are gobbling all around. Their call is one of the most recognizable in all of nature. Whether one is a turkey hunter or not, everyone knows this familiar sound. And even though a tom turkey will gobble the entire year, he is especially vocal during the spring mating season. The turkey is an amazing bird. Just a few decades ago there were so few that most hunters turned into fishermen during the spring. Now, the turkey is in every state except Alaska. And not only are they surviving, they are also thriving. The reintroduction of the turkey has been a great success story for fish and game commissions all over the country. There has been a concerted effort between them, some conservation groups like the NWTF, and the turkey themselves. Yes, the turkey has really done its part in this process as well. They have adapted. It seems no matter what type of terrain the turkey is placed in, it survives. And not only does it survive, but it seems to accept its environment and make it its own. It doesn’t care if it is placed in the mountains or the flatlands, in the cold or hot temperatures. It is going to not only endure its situation; it is going to enjoy it. That’s how I want to be. I want to be an enjoying Christian and not just an enduring one. And it’s really not up to anyone or anything but me. All of my life, my circumstances have changed. I have noticed as I have gotten older that nothing stays the same. It seems just as I get a grasp on some new thing, it is replaced by a newer thing. I could grumble, complain, long for the good ole days, refuse to change, and endure the rest of my life as a cantankerous old man. Or I can choose to relish the opportunity to learn, be thankful for the opportunity to live in this new arena, adapt, and enjoy every minute I am blessed to be here. That is an easy decision for me. I hope it will be for you. When I think about this, I’m always reminded of Apostle Paul’s reminder of what the Holy Spirit is trying to produce in me. He writes this. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” This means, if I mature in my faith, my old age will not be characterized by cranky or cantankerous, or even just enduring. It will instead be seen as one that is characterized by these nine flavors of this fruit. Because while society, culture, and circumstances change, what the Spirit wants to produce in me, will not. It will fit in every generation. This means if I’m looking for stability, I don’t need to look at what world I’m in, but what world is in me. Gary Miller gary@outdoortruths.org

MILLER

Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 23 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wildgame dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Stay updated on Outdoor Truths each week by subscribing at Outdoortruths.org

GARY

Investiture Ceremony affirms Christ centered mission and shared vision for the University’s future

Gardner-Webb University’s 14th president, Nathaniel J. Evans, was formally sworn into his office on April 24, 2026. The program was held at 10:15 a.m. in Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. Board of Trustees Chair the Rev. Dr. M. Lamont Littlejohn Jr. presided over the investiture ceremony.

“Today, we gather as a community of faith, learning, and service,” Littlejohn stated.

“We are confident that the leadership being installed today will continue to strengthen the legacy of Gardner-Webb University—building upon the foundation laid by those who have served before, while guiding this institution toward new opportunities for growth, innovation, and impact.”

Evans officially took office at Gardner-Webb on Nov. 11, 2025, after a competitive national search led by Littlejohn.

“It was my pleasure to serve as the chair of the Presidential Search Committee,” he reflected. “I am grateful to that committee for their hard work and dedication to the process of finding a new president to lead our beloved institution.”

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Nicole Waters welcomed attendees and led the program. She introduced podium guests and recognized former Gardner-Webb presidents who were present for the ceremony: Dr. Christopher White, Dr. A. Frank Bonner and former Interim President Dr. Ben Leslie.

Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service Dr. Josh Parrott offered the invocation. Dr. Aaron M. Rice, chair of the Department of Music, led the audience in singing the hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy.” Interim dean of the M. Christopher White School of Divinity Dr. Jim McConnell said the closing prayer.

Greetings were offered by Student Body President Andrea Stampone, Faculty Chair Dr. Cal Robertson, Vice President for Athletics Brendan Fahey, Big South Conference Commissioner Sherika Montgomery, a GWU alumna, and North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities President A. Hope Williams. Evans began his inaugural address with a spirit of thanksgiving. “First, I want to thank my Lord and Savior,

Jesus Christ—not only for this opportunity—but for each of you, and for this institution, this mission field we call Gardner-Webb,” he reflected. He also expressed appreciation for his wife, Brittany, his parents and friends, Littlejohn and members of the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students. He thanked Executive Assistant to the President Stephanie Stearns and the inauguration steering committee for their leadership in planning the program and celebration.

“Today is not about a ceremony or speeches or any one person. It is about a chapter in a much larger and enduring story, built on the faith, the sacrifice, and the shoulders of those who came before us,” Evans affirmed. “And today, we are entrusted with carrying it forward. Gardner Webb is, and will remain, a Christ centered university. We will be focused in our priorities, disciplined in our decisions, and bold in our ambition.”

Evans also pointed to the University’s “Become More” vision as a guiding expression of its mission—calling students to grow in Christ, in knowledge, and in purpose. He emphasized that this shared purpose unites faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners as “One Webb.”

“So, if you are looking for something to believe in, something to invest your time, your talent, and your trust in, bet on us. Bet on Gardner-Webb,” Evans emphasized. “This is our chapter to write. And I am honored to be with you as we write it—grounded in our mission, confident in our future, and committed to the work we are called to do together. The future of Gardner-Webb is bright, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish— together.”

As part of the ceremony, Evans was bestowed the President’s Medallion, which he will wear around his neck at commencements and other important ceremonial occasions. Littlejohn explained that its weight symbolizes the responsibility carried by all who serve in this role, while its design—a replica of the University Seal— represents the community the president serves.

Evans earned his bachelor’s in exercise sports science with See PRESIDENT, Page 5B

It's never too early to start thinking about high school football! Kings Mountain High School released their 2026 schedule last week on April 20. Above, you will see the Mountaineer's schedule. Make your plans to come out and support our young men beginning on August 21.

On Tuesday, April 21, Will Varner, a two-time NC state wrestling champion, signed his National Letter of Intent to continue his wrestling and academic career with the University of Mount Olive Trojans. Pictured with Will are his parents, Mick & Lita Varner; Wrestling Coach, Harley Price; Athletic Director, Kevin Cruise, and Principal, Melissa Wilson. (Photo courtesy of Scott Meade)

Nathaniel J. Evans sworn in as Gardner-Webb’s 14th President.

Walking in Their Shoes, Part 2: Go Figure The Paintings of Lucy Warlick at Southern Arts Society

Southern Arts Society presents an exhibition of works by Lucy Warlick. Walking in Their Shoes, Part 2: Go Figure - the Paintings of Lucy Warlick will be on view through June 12, 2026 in the galleries at Southern Arts Society. You can see more images on Southern Arts Society’s website and Facebook page.

Artwork is available to purchase.

Most of the paintings exhibited at Southern Arts Society reference the Library of Congress’ collections, with the exception of her newest

children she photographed at the Springmaid Pier in Myrtle Beach, SC. Warlick’s paintings continue to show her main goal: to entice the viewer to exercise their “empathy muscles” by putting themselves “into the shoes” of the subjects of her artwork, reflecting on their own lives while imagining what’s happening in the paintings. “I would like to offer my paintings to a diverse audience so that they can engage their imaginations, remember what preceded them, and empathize with the circumstances of

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 26E000252-220

Having qualified on 8th of April, 2026 as Administratrix of the Estate of BOB JACK LEWIS, deceased late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, Janice Lewis Clark, Administratrix on or before the 25th of July, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 22nd day of April, 2026.

Janice Lewis Clark, Administratrix PO Box 25 Dallas, NC 28034

KMH(4/22, 29, 5/06 &13/2026)

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 26E000281-220

Having qualified on 22nd of April, 2026 as Administratrix of the Estate of ZONIE T. HAMILTON, deceased late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, Janice H. Burris, Administratrix on or before the 29th of July, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 29th day of April, 2026.

Janice H. Burris, Administratrix 248 Branchwood Circle Kings Mountain, NC 28086

KMH (4/29, 5/06, 13 & 20/2026)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATOR

Having qualified on the 9th of April 2026 as Administrator of the Estate of Sajad Damon Roberts, Sr. (26E000232-220), deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them, duly verified, to A. Susan Biggers, Administrator, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before July 23, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate settlement with the undersigned.

This the 22nd day of April, 2026.

A. Susan Biggers, Administrator of the Estate of Sajad Damon Roberts, Sr. Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C. 402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (4/22, 29, 5/06 &13/2026)

part of a greater whole.”

Lucy Warlick is a native of Florida who lived 20 years in Charlotte, NC before moving across the state line to live in Clover, SC, with her husband Tom, in their pre-civil war farmhouse. In college, Lucy gave up her art major for English literature and taught English for 16 years, before returning to art. Her paintings have been exhibited in both North and South Carolina.

Southern Arts Society (SASi) Gift Shop & Gallery is located at 301 N. Piedmont Ave. at the intersection of Piedmont and Battleground Avenues in the

historic Southern Railway Depot. SASi offers a gift shop, ongoing art exhibitions and competitions, programs and classes in a variety of media for artists of all levels.

Gift Shop & Gallery

Hours: Wed through Sat, 10 am to 3 pm, and by Appointment. Admission is Free. For more information, please visit https://southernartssociety.org/, or call 704.739.5585. Email south-

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF CREDITORS

Having qualified as Executrix over the Estate of Steven Odis Costner, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them, duly verified, to the undersigned on or before, July 25th, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in the bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate settlement with the undersigned Estate Executrix.

This the 22nd day of April, 2026.

25 E 692

Carolyn Smith Costner, Executrix

C/o Brenton S. Begley McIntyre Elder Law

233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (4/22, 29 , 5/06 & 13/2026)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 23 E 57

Having qualified on 10th of April, 2024 as Co-Administrator of the Estate of DAVID LEON BRADSHAW, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, Linda E. Bradshaw, Co-Administrator on or before the 17th of July, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 15th day of April, 2026.

Linda E. Bradshaw, Co-Administrator

1426 Frederick Street Shelby, NC 28150

James A. Bradshaw Jr., Co-Administrator

1426 Frederick Street Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (4/15, 4/22, 4/29 & 5/6/2026)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24E000720-220

Having qualified on 7th of April, 2026 as Executrix of the Estate of JOANN S. SMITH, deceased late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, Teresa S. Negus, Executrix on or before the 17th of July, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 15th day of April, 2026.

Teresa S. Negus, Executrix

313 Wintergreen Court Kings Mountain, NC 28086

KMH (4/15, 22, 29 & 5/06/2026)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNT

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 26E000256-220

Having qualified as Executor of the ESTATE OF BONNIE S. STROUD aka BONNIE SIMPSON STROUD, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said Bonnie S. Stroud aka Bonnie Simpson Stroud to present them, duly verified, to the undersigned, Jacqueline Loats, c/o Loann S. Meekins, Teddy Meekins & Talbert, PLLC, 405 E. Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150 on or before the 29th day of July, 2026 or same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 29th day of April, 2026.

Jacqueline Loats, Executor of the Estate c/o Loann S. Meekins Teddy Meekins & Talbert, PLLC 405 E. Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150.

KMH (4/29, 5/6, 5/13 & 5/20/2026)

Portrait In Tennis Shoes by Lucy Warlick.

Hook Line and Sinker by Lucy Warlick.

Truth in Advertising by Lucy Warlick.

Really by Lucy Warlick.

Young Girl, Old Tree by Lucy Warlick.

PRESIDENT

From Page 3B

a minor in biology from East Carolina University (ECU). He holds Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management from Western Carolina University.

Prior to his appointment as president at Gardner-Webb University, he began his career in admissions at ECU before transitioning to advancement and serving as a major gifts officer for ECU’s Honors College. In 2020, Evans became Gardner-Webb’s vice president for Advancement. Before his career in higher education, Evans served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. His wife, Brittany, is a Gard-

ner-Webb alumna and a visiting assistant professor in the College of Education.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at gardner-webb.edu.

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 23E000629-220

Having qualified on 9th of April, 2026 as Administratrix of the Estate of JOHN WESLEY BOTTS, deceased late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, Christie M. Botts, Administratrix on or before the 17th of July, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 15th day of April, 2026.

Christie M. Botts, Administratrix 313 Cornith Church Road Casar, NC 28020

KMH (4/15, 22, 29 & 5/06/2026)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 26E000201-220

Having qualified on 15th of April, 2026 as Executor of the Estate of ROSEMARY MILLER ARMOUR, deceased late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, Anthony Wayne Armour, Executor on or before the 25th of July, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 22nd day of April, 2026.

Anthony Wayne Armour, Executor 515 Gantts Grove Church Rd Mooresboro, NC 28114

KMH (4/22, 29, 5/06 &13/2026)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 26E000233-220

Having qualified on 21st of April, 2026 as Executrix of the Estate of VIRGINIA B. SCRUGGS, deceased late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, Ann S. Miller, Executrix on or before the 29th of July, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 29th day of April, 2026.

Ann S. Miller, Executrix 11020 Lake Ridge Lane Seneca, SC 29672

KMH (4/29, 5/06, 13 & 20/2026)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK File No. 26E000228-220

In the Matter of the Estate of:

RAYMOND JOSEPH VAMPRAN, Deceased.

Having qualified on the 6th day of April, 2026 as Administrator of the Estate of Raymond Joseph Vampran, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned Administrator on or before the 14th day of July, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment.

This the 15th day of April, 2025.

Kiyomi Kitamura Vampran 105 Wells Street Kings Mountain, NC 28086

T. Brandon Jaynes Archonix Law

412 N. Lafayette St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (4/15, 4/22, 4/29 & 5/6/2026)

LEGAL NOTICE

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE

Having qualified on the 2nd of April 2026 as Executor of the Estate of Carolyn W. Arrowood (25E001914220), deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them, duly verified, to Barry Wayne Arrowood, c/o A. Susan Biggers, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before July 23, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate settlement with the undersigned.

This the 22nd day of April, 2026.

Barry Wayne Arrowood

Executor of the Estate of Carolyn W. Arrowood

c/o A. Susan Biggers

Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C.

402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (4/22, 29, 5/06 &13/2026)

LEGAL NOTICE

Published Notice to Creditors

Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of

James David Sisk, Jr., late of 1108 Old Charles Road, Shelby, Cleveland County, North Carolina, 28152, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 1009 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203, on or before the 15th day of July, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 15th day of April, 2026.

Thomas M. Caune II Attorney for Administrator, Tammy Sisk Ledbetter

Thomas M. Caune II Hull & Chandler, P.A. 1009 East Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28203

KMH (4/15, 22, 29 & 5/06/2026)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION FILE NO. 26E000166-220

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE

Having qualified on the 11th day of March, 2026 as the Executor of the Estate of DAVID WAYNE ALLEN, deceased, late of Cleveland county, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned Executor on or before the 29th day of July, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment.

This is the 29th day of April, 2026.

JERRY L. ALLEN

Executor of the Estate of David Wayne Allen P.O. Box 1588 1206 Cherryville Rd. Shelby, NC 28151

KMH (4/29, 5/06, 13 & 20/2026)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 26E000227-220

Having qualified on 17th of April, 2026 as Executor of the Estate of GLORIA WHITAKER STRICKLAND, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, Earl Douglas Strickland, Executor on or before the 20th of July, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 29th day of April, 2026.

Earl Douglas Strickland, Executor

1550 Charles Rd. Shelby, NC 28152

KMH (4/29, 5/6, 5/13 & 5/20/2026)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION

26E000220-220

Having qualified on 31st of March, 2026 as Co-Executors of the Estate of NANCY HICKS LATTIMORE, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, John C. Lattimore, Co-Executor on or before the 10th of July, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 8th day of April, 2026.

John C. Lattimore, Co-Executor

335 E. Main St. Lawndale, NC 28090

Edgar A. Lattimore Jr., Co-Executor

7405 Hull Road Lawndale, NC 280990

KMH (4/8, 4/15, 4/22 & 4/29/2026)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF CREDITORS

Having qualified as Executrix over the Estate of Charlotte S. Stinnett, deceased, late of Cleveland, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them, duly verified, to the undersigned on or before July 17th, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate settlement with the undersigned estate administrator.

This is the 15th day of April, 2026

26 E 173

Jennifer Stinnett Thomas, Executrix c/o Brenton S. Begley McIntyre Elder Law

233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (4/15, 22, 29 & 5/06/2026)

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION

26E000282-220

Having qualified on 22nd of April, 2026 as Administratrix of the Estate of JANICE CORAL POTLOW-WATKINS, deceased late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, Lisa Tate Mercer, Administratrix on or before the 29th of July, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 29th day of April, 2026.

Lisa Tate Mercer, Administratrix

206 N Carpenter St. Kings Mountain, NC 28086

KMH (4/29, 5/06, 13 & 20/2026)

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF CREDITORS

Having qualified as Executor over the Estate of Mary Freeman Hill, deceased, late of Cleveland, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them, duly verified, to the undersigned on or before July 10th, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate settlement with the undersigned estate administrator.

This is the 8th day of April, 2026

26 E 188

Sarah Godfrey Lynn; aka, Sarah Godfrey Hayes c/o Brenton S. Begley McIntyre Elder Law

233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (4/08, 15, 22 & 29/2026)

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF CREDITORS

Having qualified as Administratrix over the Estate of Carl Ramon McNeilly, deceased, late of Cleveland, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them, duly verified, to the undersigned on or before July 10th, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate settlement with the undersigned estate administrator.

This is the 8th day of April, 2026

26 E 159

Carla McNeilly Peavy, Administratrix c/o Brenton S. Begley McIntyre Elder Law

233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (4/08, 15, 22 & 29/2026)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 26E000072-220

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of JO ANN RICHARDS of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the said Estate of Jo Ann Richards to present them to the undersigned by July 21, 2026, or same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.

This the 22nd day of April, 2026.

Edward Kenneth Richards 503 S Battleground Avenue Kings Mountain, NC 28086

Executor of the Estate of Jo Ann Richards

John V. Schweppe, III THE SCHWEPPE LAW FIRM, P.A.

Post Office Box 1269 Shelby, North Carolina 28151-1269 (704) 487-7204

KMH (4/22, 4/29, 5/6 & 5/13/2026)

WE OFFER LAND HOME PACKAGES in Cleveland, Rutherford, and surrounding counties... with little to no money down with approved financing! HEATH’S HOME ZONE 703-5 King Street, Kings Mountain, NC (754) 663-9663 COMMUNITY YARD SALE DONATIONS ACCEPTED! KMLT (Kings Mountain Little Theatre) will be accepting donations for the May 2nd Community Yard Sale on Friday, April 24th from 5PM until 7PM in the Liberty Mountain Garden. Donation hours for Saturday, April 25th are 10AM until 7PM and Sunday, April 26th are from 1PM until 5PM. Donation hours Monday, April 27th thru Friday May 1st are from noon until 8PM. If you have donations which need to be picked up, call 704-692-2897 or jimchampion@carolina.rr.com to schedule it. Pick-ups will be available April 28th thru May 1st.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

KM SCOUT QUARTERLY BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER Support Scouting Troop 92! And Enjoy a Country Breakfast! Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 7AM-10AM at El Bethel UMC 122 El Bethel Rd., Kings Mountain. Plates, Biscuits and To go orders! (704) 739-9174

ABOUT MY FATHER’S BUSINESS FELLOWSHIP May 2; 3-5pm. A free community dinner to fellowship and lift up the name of Jesus Christ. Preaching, singing, testimonies and guest speaker Michael and Jill Tate. Jesus Way Church; 1254 Old Ballpark Rd., Spindale. (828) 429-7296 myfathersbusinessdiscipleship@ gmail.com

or 704-2970103

UNIQUE CHURCH IN SHELBY. The Chapel of Christ. Visit our website at www.chapelofchristshelby.com (704) 538-7888 tware5@carolina.rr.com

EMPLOYMENT

NOW HIRING LANDSCAP-

ERS FOR FULL TIME YEAR ROUND EMPLOYMENT. Must have valid driver’s license and transportation. Over time available. (704) 473-0341

PART-TIME CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR. Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Forest City, NC is seeking a part-time Children’s Ministry Director. Send resume to ejw9738@gmail.com or mail it to 2676 Hudlow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043.

LOCAL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LOOKING FOR framers and concrete workers. Work is local. Prefer skilled or will train. Call/text (352) 807-1048

EMPLOYMENT

PART-TIME SECRETARY

POSITION. Zion Baptist Church is seeking a dependable and detail-oriented individual to serve as Church Secretary. This is a part-time position, working up to 25 hours per week. Application Process: The hiring process is expected to be completed by mid-May 2026. To apply or to receive more information about the position, please submit your resume and any supplemental information to: Mail: Zion Baptist Church –Secretary Position 525 W. Zion Church Road Shelby, NC 28150. Email: will@zionbaptistshelby.org (Please include “Secretary Position” in the subject line.)

FOOD SAFETY QUALITY

ASSURANCE(FSQA) MANAGER. (Bud Antle, LLC (fka Bud Antle, Inc.); Bessemer City, NC): Ensure compliance with Federal (FDA & USDA), State, & local regulations. Travel to any Dole value-added manufacturing facilities, as needed – up to 30% domestic travel required. Salary: $140,000 - 142,000/yr. Apply: https://tinyurl.com/3fb

BUSINESS SERVICES

CUSTOM CABINETS & WOODWORK. Over 25 years Experience. Michael Mckinstry. Custom Woodwork, Cabinets, Light Plumbing, Sheetrock, Landscaping. Veteran Owned. (203) 512-5503

CLEVELAND COUNTY GARAGE DOORS. Summer Tune-up Special, $69.95. We will check all your equipment lube, make sure it’s working correctly. We repair broken doors. Also offering new installations. (704) 472-9367

HANDYMAN SERVICES. SPECIALIZING IN SMALL & MINOR HOME REPAIRS in the Kings Mountain, Shelby, Gastonia Area. NEW SERVICE: Kitchen Cabinets Refreshed. Renew your kitchen cabinets without replacing them. Save time & money. Call or text for more information. (910) 474-2374

SHIPMAN’S MASONRY. Small jobs: underpens, outside fireplace, patios, retaining walls- brick, block and stone. 40 years experience. Call/text (863) 532-1587

HYDRAULIC CYLINDER REPAIR. Skid Steer, Wreckers, Rollbacks, Splitters, Tractors, etc. 30 years experience. Shelby, NC. (Joe) (704) 6921097 FOR REASONABLE RATE LAWN SERVICE. Call (704) 472-4737

BUSINESS SERVICES

ANY TYPE FENCE INSTALLED TODAY. We install and repair any and all types fencing. Chain link, vinyl, aluminum, wood privacy, split rail, and even agricultural fencing. Call us today for all your Fencing Solutions. Lisenby Fencing Solutions LLC. We also build decks! Call today. (704) 318-7622 shane.lisenby@yahoo.com

HANDYMAN SERVICES.

K&M Handyman Service LLC is looking for new clients. Please contact us now for a Free! Estimate. (M-F 8am-4pm) Thank You! (864) 881-3816 kengrubb1973@gmail.com

LAWN CARE SERVICES. Lawn services for Cleveland and surrounding areas. We offer mowing, spraying and fertilizing. Free estimates and first lawn cutting is half price, call or text 704-472-3488 (704) 472-3488

J&J

BOLIN’S TREE SERVICE. We cut down trees, top out trees, grind stumps, and clean up brush. (704) 9379841

DO YOU NEED HELP??? Offering painting, debris removal, cleaning, pressure washing, garage clean-ups and more. Specials for landlords. Reasonable rates. Rutherford County area. Call Thomas (828) 429-9276

HOME REPAIRS WITHOUT THE STRESS. HANDYMAN SERVICES FOR HOME REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS, INCLUDING INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR DOOR INSTALLATION, TRIM WORK, SMALL DRYWALL REPAIR, MINOR CARPENTRY, AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE. RELIABLE SERVICE WITH QUALITY WORKMANSHIP AT FAIR PRICES! (704) 466-2333

MULCH HAULED AND SPREAD. Bulk or bagged (small truck loads). Call Robert at (980) 295-0750 for a fast quote to top off your gardens and beds in Cleveland County.

YARD SALES

CLEVELAND COUNTY

NATURALLY UNIQUE PRESENTS! Fri., May 1st, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Sat., May 2nd, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM. PICKERS, Storage Clean Out! 310 Circle View Drive. Shelby, NC 28150

YARD SALE. Saturday, May 2nd, 8am-Until. Mostly furniture after our remodel. Jon Boat, Gas Edger, Lawn Mower, Leaf Blower, Old Stereo in a nice cabinet, Tools, No clothes, various other items. 407 W. Zion Church Rd., Shelby, NC 28150

OUTDOOR/INDOOR YARD & TAG SALE. Saturday, May 2, 7:00am-? 707 Maynard St., Shelby, NC 28152

3 FAMILY YARD SALE. Sat, May 2nd, 8 am-Until. Tetter Inversion table, Washer & Dryer, Antique Tables, Outdoor Furniture Set, Leafblower, Tools, Rugs-(small & large), Men’s clothes - (all sizes), Women’s clothes-(all sizes, most NWT), Dachshund collectibles, Shoes, Christmas Decor, Pinnacle uniforms, Golfbags, Household items and a little bit of everything. 1417 Bethlehem Rd, Kings Mountain, NC 28086

ESTATE TAG SALE FRIDAY, MAY 1ST, 4pm-8pm. Saturday, May 2nd & Sun, May 3rd, 10am-4pm (Both days). Vintage collectibles, Living room, Bedroom, Kitchen and Outdoor Furniture, Small and large appliances, Household items. Everything must go! 1160 North Woodhill Dr., Shelby, NC 28152

COMMUNITY YARD SALE. Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 7am-12 noon at 202 Railroad Ave., Kings Mountain. KMLT (Kings Mountain Little Theatre) will be accepting donations for the May 2nd Community Yard Sale on Friday, April 24th from 5PM until 7PM in the Liberty Mountain Garden. Donation hours for Saturday, April 25th are 10AM until 7PM and Sunday, April 26th are from 1PM until 5PM. Donation hours Monday, April 27th thru Friday May 1st are from noon until 8PM. If you have donations which need to be picked up, call 704-692-2897 or jimchampion@carolina.rr.com to schedule it. Pick-ups will be available April 28th thru May 1st. Kings Mountain, NC 28086

McDOWELL COUNTY

GIGANTIC SIDEWALK YARD SALE. Over 80 participating merchants and individuals. Saturday, May 2, 7:30am until noon. Historic Downtown Marion Business District, 104 South Main Street, Marion, NC 28752

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

ESTATE AUCTION SATURDAY, MAY 2- 9AM. Soda advertising signs, guns, 60’s 7UP & RC coolers, Catawba Valley Pottery, Case knife collection, vintage toys, fishing lures, large amount of collectibles, jewelry, glassware, neon signs. Sale will be inside. Chairs will be available. Mt. Vernon Community Clubhouse; 120 Mt. Vernon Cemetery Rd., Forest City, NC 28043

FOR SALE

TROY BILT HORSE TILLER. With new motor. (704) 4736587

COLLECTIBLE BARBIES. 60 Holiday and Avon Barbies. Would like to sell as group for $1,000. Please call 803-3672995

BICYCLES AND EQUIPMENT: 2 GIANT brand bicycles, like new, 24 speed, double shocks (seat & forks), stand, carrier (hitch mounted), 2 bike rack adapters (new). $375 for all or will sell individually. (828)

WE WANT YOUR OLD GOLD, SILVER, COINS & CASE POCKET KNIVES. Top $$$$ Paid!!! JAKE’S KNIVES & COINS located at 1008 S. Lafayette St., Shelby 704600-6996 or (980) 295-5568 1705 S. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC 704-482-7880

for a quote: 1-833-6416577 Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION: A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home’s value! Call 24/7: 1-833928-1861. Have zip code of service location ready when you call!

Miscellaneous We Buy Vintage Guitar’s! Looking for 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D’Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. These brands only! Call

Donate your car today, running or not. Support Patriotic Hearts for our Veterans and their Families! Free fast pickup. May be tax deductable. Se habla Español. Call now: 877-317-3360 Miscellaneous BEHIND ON YOUR MORTGAGE PAYMENTS? Threatened with foreclosure? Denied a loan modification? Let us help! Call the Homeowner Relief Line to speak with a mortgage specialist 844492-0883

Miscellaneous Get a High Quality, Modern Design bath or shower transformation in as little as One Day. $0 Down, $0 Installation, $0 Payments for 12 months! Call: 1-877-243-7050. Miscellaneous

Get a break on your taxes! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-855-869-7055 today!

WANT TO BUY

WANT TO BUY CARS & TRUCKS. Trailers, Tractors, Farm Equipment. Must have ID and proof of ownership. Callahan’s Towing. (704) 6921006

I PAY CASH FOR DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. Up to $10 per 100ct. Must be Unused, Unexpired. I’m local and pay fast. (828) 577-4197

PAID FOR CASE POCKET KNIVES. JAKE’S KNIVES & COINS located at 1008 S. Lafayette St., Shelby 704-6006996 or (980) 295-5568

FARM & GARDEN

3600 FORD TRACTOR. Includes Scrape Blade. $4200. (704) 473-4997 GARDEN TILLING SERVICES AVAILABLE. Tractor with 6’ rototiller. No job too big or small ! (704) 692-4079

LAWNMOWER FOR SALE. Bobcat Model: ZT2000, 23HP, 52 inch cut. Used 60 hours. Serviced regularly. $3800.00. Text: 704-473-4467 (704) 538-9458 jcooke003@carolina.rr.com

FARM TRAILER FOR SALE. 7-1/2 ft x 24 ft Trailer for sale. Best offer by May 15. (704) 813-2289 rlputnam66@att.net

PETS & LIVESTOCK

BOSTON TERRIER PUPPIES FOR SALE. Three full blooded females. 9 weeks old. Vaccinated. Wormed. (828) 448-8783

MALTESE PUPPIES, 8 WEEKS OLD. Dual Registry, CKC & North American Pure Bred Registry. UTD, shots & worming, 2 males. $800. (704) 419-0852

2 KITTENS, 9 weeks old. Free to a good home. Also two 6 month old kittens. (828) 7442127

CHIHUAHUA PUPPIES. 5 male Chihuahua puppies ready to go. 9 wks old. No papers. Have had 1st shots and been dewormed. $250 each. Please TEXT if interested 704-860-2647 (704) 860-2647

SHIHPOO PUPPIES Two Girls! Health Guarantee, UTD on shots & wormings. Ready To Go Home 4/27/26. Pre Potty Training Program. www. quailhollowpuppies.com (828) 569-9807 juliecarr42@yahoo. com

PETS & LIVESTOCK

DOG KENNELS “ALL SIZES” IN STOCK! 7x7x4; 5x10x6; 10x10x4; 10x10x6; 10x10x6 Split Kennels for 2 Dogs, 10x20x6, ETC. Rain Tops & Dog Houses. “We Can Also Deliver and Install If Needed!” J Johnson Sales. 2690 Hwy. 221, Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895

SHIH TZU YORKIES SHORKIES TEACUP Mini. Male. Raised in our home, Vet check, 3 parvo & rabies shots, microchip, going outside, many extras, serious inquiries. Starting at $600. (864) 623-8803 thefuzzyfacequeen@gmail.com

CARS & TRUCKS

2014 LINCOLN MKS White, Beige interior. 69,000 miles. $9,500. 704-884-6461.

2003 DODGE RAM 1500 Blue, 182,000 miles, $5200.00, Runs great, Auto., 2 wheel drive. (704) 460-9762 harrissherri60@gmail.com

2013 CHEVY 2500, 2 DOOR. Long bed, black. $8000. Also 2008 Ford F-350, 4x4 extended cab, white. $8000. (704) 487-7981

1950 CHRYSLER NEW YORKER 4 Door, 36,000 miles. 3rd Owner “All Family Owned”. New brakes, New brake lines, New electrical, 12 volt battery. Runs Well! Original straight 8 motor. $15,000. Call (704) 300-1516

CARS & TRUCKS

2009 HONDA ODYSSEY TOURING VAN. Well serviced. Gray color and leather interior. 211,000 miles. $5,000. 704-884-6461.

2016 CHRYSLER 300 Sedan. 80,202 miles. Silver & Black interior, loaded with remote start. $11,999. 828-430-0268

CAMPERS

2013 JAY FEATHER ULTRA LITE Hybrid camper. Kitchen, bathroom, a/c, heat. Sleeps 4. Leave message. $6900. Will return call after 5:00 pm. (704) 300-2193 2002 RV PACE ARROW 35 ft. Queen bed, washer/dryer, large shower, 2 slide-outs, 2 TV’s. Great for home and living purpose. PRICE REDUCED $28,000! (704) 4738289

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

SPORTS TIME WORD

By JIM MILLER Editor

Top Senior Scams and How to Avoid Them

Dear Savvy Senior, My adult kids keep warning me about scams, but it’s hard to know which calls and messages are dangerous. What scams are most commonly aimed at seniors right now?

--Almost 80

Dear Almost, Your kids’ concerns are well founded. Financial fraud is a massive – and rapidly growing – problem for older Americans. In 2024 alone, scams cost older adults an estimated $81.5 billion, according to the Federal Trade Commission. That staggering figure includes both reported losses and the many crimes that likely go unreported.

While many scams today target people of all ages, older adults are often singled out or suffer the greatest financial harm.

From urgent phone calls and alarming emails to online romance schemes

and bogus investment opportunities, scammers use high-pressure tactics, fear and emotional manipulation to convince seniors to hand over money or sensitive personal information.

Knowing the most common scams is the first line of defense. Here’s a list of scams seniors should watch for:

Imposter and government scams: Fraudsters pretend to be from Social Security, Medicare, the IRS, the police, banks, or utility companies. They claim there’s a problem requiring immediate payment or personal information and may threaten arrest or loss of benefits.

Tech support scams: Calls, emails, or pop-ups warn your computer has a virus. The scammer offers to “fix” it but instead steals money, personal data, or access to your device.

Grandparent or family emergency scams: Callers pose as a relative—often a grandchild—in distress and urgently request money. Some even use AI to mimic a loved one’s voice.

Investment and cryptocurrency scams: Offers for “too good to be true” investments, including crypto or high-yield retirement schemes, often promise big returns but lead to large financial losses.

Romance scams: Scammers build fake online relationships on social media, dating sites and other interactive platforms, then invent emergencies or investment opportunities to get money. Seniors have lost millions to these schemes.

Medicare scams: Calls or texts claim to be from Medicare, asking you to verify your number, offering special plans, or warning of fraud. Medicare will

not contact you this way.

Sweepstakes and lottery scams: You’re told you’ve won a prize but must pay fees or taxes first. Real lotteries never require payment.

Charity scams: Scammers call or email, asking for donations to fake charities, often after disasters. Always verify before giving.

Phishing and online fraud: Emails, texts, and pop-ups that look like they’re from banks, Amazon, or PayPal try to steal passwords, account numbers, or trick you into clicking harmful links.

Employment scams: Seniors seeking part-time work or ways to supplement their retirement should watch out for fake job offers on LinkedIn, indeed, and other online job sites. Scammers may promise easy income or

work-from-home opportunities but ask for upfront fees, personal information, or involve illegal tasks like package reshipping. Always verify employers and never pay to apply.

How to Protect Yourself Awareness and caution are your best defenses. Slow down when a call, email or text pressures you to act immediately. That sense of urgency is a red flag. Hang up, don’t click suspicious links, and verify any request by calling the organization directly using a number you look up yourself, or by checking with a trusted family member.

Never send money using gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency. Legitimate organizations will not ask for payment this way. Stay informed through trusted resources like the AARP Fraud Watch Network (aarp.org/ fraudwatchnetwork), the National Cybersecurity

Center (nationalcybersecuritycenter.org) and the Federal Trade Commission (consumer.ftc.gov).

Protect your accounts by setting up bank alerts, regularly checking your credit reports, and using strong, unique passwords. Some seniors also find it helpful to have a trusted family member or financial ally review unusual account activity. Report suspicious calls, messages or offers at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Being informed, cautious, and deliberate can greatly reduce your risk of fraud –giving you and your family peace of mind.

Send your questions or comments to questions@ savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.