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KM Herald 9_16_26

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Volume 138 • Issue 37

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

kmherald.com • 704-484-1047

75¢

Kings Mountain remembers 9/11 on 25th anniversary By Loretta Cozart

Liberty Mountain performances start this Friday, September 18 and continue each weekend through October 11. (Photo provided)

Liberty Mountain returns September 18 bringing the American Revolution to life Liberty Mountain returns to the Joy Theatre on Friday, September 18, 2026, with Revolutionary-era festivities beginning at 5:30 PM and the performance at 7:30 PM. The performances will continue each weekend through October 11. For tickets and information, visit www.libertymountaindrama.com or www.kmlt.org, or call 704730-9408. A limited number of VIP Balcony tickets ($50 each) will be available for the performances beginning on September 19th. KMLT Angel members receive a 50% discount. Visitors will experience Revolutionary War reenactors, cannon and musket live fire demonstrations, crafts, horse mounted dragoons, a Drum and Fife Corps, music, food and beverages. Friday evening catering will be provided by Guilty Pleasures Catering & Bakery. THREE EXTRAORDINARY HISTORICAL EXHIBITS Thomas Kelly Pauley — “Wall of Commanders” Renowned portrait artist Thomas Kelly Pauley www.pauleyportraits.com returns with his acclaimed portraits of the key Patriot and Loyalist commanders at Kings Mountain. The “Wall of Commanders” has been a favorite of patrons for years and a special photo opportunity for descendants of those who fought in the battle.

Charles Toppan — Jefferson's Rough Draft New for 2026, the 1829 Charles Toppan steel engravings of Thomas Jefferson's original rough draft of the Declaration of Independence will be exhibited at the Joy. Brought by Founding Sponsors Gilbert and Jancy Patrick, the engravings preserve Jefferson's handwritten draft, including interlineations by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. Theodore W. Ohman — Declaration of Independence Also on display is a 1942 Theodore W. Ohman lithographic restoration of the Declaration of Independence, donated by John B. and Sonja Houston. Ohman recreated the Declaration using an early photograph of the original parchment and the 1823 Stone engraving. Examples of his work are held by the National Archives, Library of Congress and Independence Hall. Together, these exhibits help tell the story of American freedom — from Jefferson's words declaring independence to the Carolina patriots who fought to preserve it at Kings Mountain. Written by Robert “Bob” Inman, Liberty Mountain brings to life the dramatic events leading to the October 7, 1780 Battle of Kings Mountain, a pivotal victory in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution. The production features full theatrical action, music, epic battles, and special See LIBERTY, Page 2A

Twenty-five years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Kings Mountain residents gathered Friday morning at Patriots Park to remember those who lost their lives and to honor the first responders who continue to serve their communities each day. The City of Kings Mountain held its annual 9/11 Memorial Service at 8:30 a.m., bringing together city officials, police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, chaplains and community members for a morning of remembrance, music and reflection. Mayor Rob Wagman welcomed those gathered and drew a connection between the first responders who rushed toward danger on September 11 and those who serve Kings Mountain today. “What’s the difference between them and our EMS who serve today, and our police that serve today, and our fire that serves today? Nothing,” he said. “They’ve all put their lives on the line to keep us safe.” He thanked the city’s EMS, police, fire personnel, and all first responders for their service. City employee and Chaplain James Wasman offered the invocation, remembering the victims and their families while also recognizing 911 telecommunicators, firefighters, EMS personnel and law enforcement officers. “Let us remember the

Guest speaker Pastor John Whitaker, Air Force retired, speaks during the 9-11 remembrance at Patriots Park on Friday. fallen who chose to run toward danger, to save lives,” Chaplain Wasman prayed. Kings Mountain Police Chief Gerald Childress led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the National Anthem performed by King’s Revue. The morning’s program also included recorded personal recollections from people who remembered exactly where they were when America came under attack.

Boyce Memorial ARP Church KM Forward Pumpkin Patch opens Sept. 26 Business After Hours Thursday Kings Mountain Forward invites local business owners, professionals, and community leaders to get out of the workplace and connect at the September KM Forward Business After Hours, set for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, September 17, at Southern Artisan Spirits, 1033 York Road, Kings Mountain. Gutter Guys, Inc. is sponsoring the evening, with Southern Artisan Spirits hosting. Business After Hours brings people together in a relaxed setting. There’s no formal program — just good conversation, new introductions, and a chance to See KM FORWARD, Page 2A

Boyce Memorial ARP Church Pumpkin Patch will officially open on Saturday, September 26 at 11:30. Their premium-quality pumpkins will arrive on Friday so watch for that big truck! With 96 unique varieties, you can find a beautiful mix of sizes, shapes, and colors that will help with your fall decorating. They will have just the right one for you to carve as well. The sale runs until October 31. They are closed on Sundays. Cash and cards are accepted. Proceeds from this year’s sale will be given to the Kings Mountain Crisis Ministries and the Pregnancy Resource Center of Cleveland County. Everyone is invited to come out!

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Boyce Memorial ARP Church Pumpkin Patch opens on Saturday, September 26 and will run through October 31. (Photo provided)

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Police Chief Gerald Childress recalled being a law enforcement detective that morning and Fire Captain Jamie Black, retired Kings talking by tele- Mountain Fire Department, rings a bell phone with a Se- in memory of those who died in the cret Service agent 9-11 attacks Friday during a rememabout a case when brance at Patriots Park. the agent suddenly got to go. A plane just hit a interrupted the conversa- building in New York.’” tion. Within minutes, the de“He came back to the tective joined coworkers phone. He said, ‘Man, I See 9-11, Page 2A

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Kings Mountain Mayor Rob Wagman speaks during the Patriot Day service on Friday. See more photos on page 7A. (Photos by Joseph Brymer)

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