We Can Save You Money!!! ©CommunityFirstMedia
SUNDAY, JUNE 16
704.739.3611
106 East Mountain Street Kings Mountain, NC 28086
www.KMinsure.com Volume 131 • Issue 24
June 12, 2019
kmherald.com • 704-739-7496
75¢
Jenkins’ project City mourns the death of helps homeless former Mayor Kyle Smith By Loretta Cozart
USA National Miss North Carolina Jr. Teen, BreAnn Jenkins, joined Mayor Scott Neisler to dedicate Patriot Park’s new Blessing Box on Tuesday, June 4. Joining them in the dedication were Corey Parker and Tracy Stewart, carpentry students at Kings Mountain High School who constructed The Blessing Box. When asked, BreAnn Jenkins explained why she took on this project. “I have a concern for the homeless in Kings Mountain. There are a couple Blessing Boxes in town, but Patriots Park is
centrally located in a spot many folks have access to easily. We hope this will be blessing to them,” she said. Currently, no church has taken on supplying the Blessing Box, so BreAnn Jenkins and her family are taking on the responsibility for now. It is filled with water, canned goods, ramen noodles, oatmeal, and toiletries. Participating in the ceremony were Mayor Scott Neisler, BreAnn Jenkins, Corey Parker, Tracy Stewart, and Rev. Dale Lawing who blessed the box. Theresa Wingo, an advocate for the needs of the homeless, also attended.
Smith in his own style led government transition Former Mayor Kyle Smith, who interjected his own style and personality in the mayor’s office, died last week at the age of 91 The city manager/council form of government was inaugurated and that was his platform when he announced for the seat succeeding John Henry Moss who had served for 22 ½ years and did not seek reelection ending an era in Kings Mountain politics. Smith led a smooth transition in government which included other big changes at city hall including a sev-
KYLE SMITH Photo provided by City Of KM
en-member city council with the method of electing by wards that has continued over the years. Smith did not seek re-election in 1991 after serving four years. “I’m stepping back just to be a good citizen,’’ he told The Herald.
By all accounts he was. An astute parliamentarian who rapped his gavel at times and led by the book, he also brought to the job his experience in public relations by not only formerly serving as personnel manager at Duplex Shannon and Combustion Engineering but prior to moving to Kings Mountain serving in the US Navy during WWII, Korea and Vietnam and retiring as Chief after over 20 years. Redistricting, another ‘first’ was accomplished during the waning months of his term as mayor. Smith told The Herald in 1991 that fairness to all was what he emphasized
and at his swearing-in as the chief executive he said, “no favors.’’ He pushed for pay raises for the employees. Another ‘first’ in the Smith administration was the seating of a minority member in Ward I. Norma Bridges served as mayor pro tem during the Smith administration. The present mayor was Ward 6 commissioner for two years 1989-91. “Kyle Smith was a great leader in a time when Kings Mountain needed one,’’ said Mayor G. Scott Neisler. “Everyone knew See SMITH, Page 7A
No property tax increase In $151.3M county budget
BreAnn Jenkins and Mayor Neisler at the Blessing Box dedication. See more photos on page 7A. Photos provided
By unanimous vote Cleveland C o u n t y Commissioners have approved a $151,366,084 BRIAN EPLEY budget for fiscal year 2019-2020 with no increase in county property taxes. The tax rate remains 57 cents per $100 of assessed valuation of taxable property. The county fire service district’s tax rate will remain the same at 8.75 percent per $100 tax valuation for all county fire districts. County Manager Brian Epley presented the proposed budget at a recent meeting of the five-member board. The budget also includes a 2 percent cost-of-living
adjustment for county employees and a 3 percent raise for employees in the Sheriff’s Department. Although the county will see an 8 percent increase in employee health insurance the $700,000 is absorbed in the general fund and there are no insurance increases to employees. The county will continue to offer education assistance to full time employees with one year of service. The county reimburses the employee up to $1200 annually for tuition for both graduate and undergraduate work- related course work. Cleveland County will partner with Cleveland Community College and six local manufacturing industries in a new skills trade program which will offer high school students a
chance to receive training in HVAC, plumbing and electric. The county will also partner with CCC in the creation of a culinary program as part of their course offerings. Students will use the commercial kitchen at the LeGrand Center for lab space. The county continues to partner in workforce development efforts at CCC including the innovative Accelerate Cleveland project to be launched in 2020. Cleveland Community College is allotted $2,283,872 in the new county budget, an increase of $150,000 over last year’s budget. Public school funding in the 2019-20 county budget shows an increase. The allocation is $30.2 million, which equates to $2,017 per See BUDGET, Page 7A
Costa new Director and Curator for KM Historical Museum The McGill / Ruppe project nears completion. Photo by Loretta Cozart
Downtown building nears completion By Loretta Cozart The McGill / Ruppe building has new a glass front and doors, as the build-
ing nears completion later this month. Many KM businesses have occupied the building during its history, including Kings Tavern, Grayson’s Jewelry, Western Auto, McGinnis Dept. Store, Dixie Home Store, and Patterson’s Grocery.
A unique feature is exposed beams, making the space feel larger. With new side windows and the added patio space, the building would be ideal for a restaurant. See DOWNTOWN Page 3A
The Board of Directors of Kings Mountain Historical Museum will welcome January Costa as the Museum’s new Director and Curator. She officially begins her new role on June 17. Costa earned a B.A. in Anthropology from Appalachian State University in Boone and earned a M.A. in Archaeology and Heritage Management/Landscape Archaeology from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. Her non-profit and museum experience spans over a 30-year period, much of which has been for many museums and foundations in the region. Her primary focus has been archaeology, though her passion extends to all of history and beyond. “The Board of Director’s
JANUARY COSTA is excited to welcome her to the museum,” said Anna Lineberger, president of the museum’s Board of Directors. “Costa will be stepping into the role as the Museum’s current Director and Curator, Sarah Lynch steps down. Lynch has served as KMHM’s Director and Curator for a year and a half.
She is honored that she has had the opportunity to direct such a special institution and is confident that great things are in store for the museum in the years to come,” she said. “Melissa Barnett, who served as the Director’s Assistant, during Lynch’s tenure, has also stepped down to become a Park Ranger for the National Park Service. She has been replaced by Kings Mountain native, Jacob Kahler, who graduated in May with his M.A. in Public History from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. The Museum is thankful to move from one set of dedicated and skilled employees to another. KMHM will be continuing some great traditions, as well as adding new and exciting ones!”
For Dental Implants Locally Here In Kings Mountain
Baker Dental Care Preventative, Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry
703 East King Street, Suite 9 Kings Mountain, NC www.BakerDentalCare.com
Just a few benefits of Dental Implants: • Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. • Improved speech. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that your dentures might slip. • Improved self-esteem. Smile again and feel better about yourself. • Durable. Implants are very durable and with proper care, can last a lifetime. To find out more about Dental Implants and schedule your next appointment
call us at 704-739-4461