Get in the Christmas Spirit Scenes from local areas see page 3B
Volume 127
Issue 51
kmherald.com
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
75 CENTS
City leadership passes from Murphrey to Neisler ELIZABETH STEWART lib.kmherald@gmail.com
Photographer Ellen Devenny used a zoom effect to capture this downtown Fantasy light. The spectacular downtown light show to music continues on Railroad Avenue nightly from 5:30 to midnight through Jan. 1. Crowds are coming to the city to view this extravaganza of lights. Luminaries will shine at Mountain Rest Cemetery on Christmas Eve from 5:30-11 p.m. Photo by Ellen Devenny
The torch of leadership passed from Mayor Rick Murphrey to former Mayor Scott Neisler last Tuesday night and it was standingroomonly as the Murphrey-led board said fareMike Butler Mayor Pro Tem well to a 15-year mayor and welcomed two new faces at city hall - the new mayor and Ward 5 Councilman Jay Rhodes and swore in two incum-
bents, Ward IV councilman Rodney Gordon and At Large councilman Keith Miller. The third incumbent Ward I councilman Howard Shipp was absent due to illness. The evening was not without its emotion as council members presented gifts to Murphrey and to the retiring eight-year veteran on the board Rick Moore. The five-member board of county commissioners shortened its Tuesday night meeting in Shelby to offer congratulations to both mayors, commending the outgoing mayor for outstanding leadership as “a friend who believed in this community and Cleveland County.” County Com-
Superior Court Judge Jesse Caldwell of Gastonia administers the oath of office to Mayor Scott Neisler as Mrs. Neisler holds the Bible. Photo by ELLIS NOELL missioner Ronnie Hawkins said, “I have known you throughout your 21 year tenure at city hall and Rick
you've made our community a better place to be.” See CITY LEADERSHIP, Page 3A
Christmas in Kings Mountain lights, luminaries, church services
S. Battleground wreck claims life of Anderson A two-vehicle accident at 910 S. Battleground Ave. last week left one person dead and another hospitalized with serious injuries. Coleman E. Anderson, COLEMAN 63, was ANDERSON pronounced dead at the scene after his car collided with another vehicle on Thursday morning at 10:31 a.m., police said. Investigating Officer D. K. Davis said that Anderson, traveling north on NC 216 in a 1993 Ford, attempted to pass a vehicle, overcorrected to avoid hitting a 2007 Toyota operated by Thomas Christopher Keeter, 706 E. King St., lost control and his vehicle was struck by the Toyota. Anderson’s mother, Fanny Cobb, 83, who was a
passenger in the Ford, survived the accident with numerous broken bones and other injuries. Although still hospitalized earlier this week, her injuries are not thought to be life threatening, according to family members. Keeter, the sole occupant of the Toyota, was released from the hospital Thursday after being treated for minor injuries. Anderson, who was retired and on disability due to problems stemming from chronic arthritis, leaves behind a wife, Delores, and two adult daughters, Sherry Smith of Shelby and Kelly Ferguson of York, S.C. Before retiring, Anderson had worked for years in textile manufacturing and as an automobile mechanic at his brother Ronald’s auto repair garage on S. Battleground Ave. “He was a really good person,” said Joe Phillips, a mechanic at Ronald’s Garage. “He was one of the best mechanics … and was willing to take on any challenge.” A funeral service for Anderson was held on Sunday at Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church.
ELIZABETH STEWART lib.kmherald@gmail.com
Kings Mountain citizens are getting ready for Christmas. Shoppers were scurrying around this week, making last-minute gift purchases and good cooks were already in the kitchen preparing a feast for families and friends. The Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ was presented from pulpits all over the city Sunday and mid -week services will be held at some churches Wednesday. Candlelight communion services will be held Thursday, Christmas Eve, at First Presbyterian Church at 9 p.m., Dixon Presbyterian Church at 7 p.m., Boyce Memorial ARP Church at
7 p.m., St. Matthew's Lutheran Church at 7 p.m,. Resurrection Lutheran Church at 8 p.m., Central United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. and Advent Lutheran Church at 11 p.m. Chrismon trees and poinsettias decorate the churches as well as candles in the windows and greenery. From any point inside Mountain Rest Cemetery the annual Christmas Eve luminary service will be impressive. City crews put out white milk jugs and candles on Wednesday, the last day that most city employees will be at work until next Monday, and the gates will be open on Christmas Eve from 5:30 until 11 p.m. The cemetery will be aglow with 5,000 lights. Residents who See CHRISTMAS, Page 8A
This Nativity scene is on the Square in Dallas. Advent Lutheran Church youth developed their own nativity scene in a real stable, see photo inside today's Herald. Photo by Ellen Devenny
Idle hands? Pitch in for a good cause DAVE BLANTON dave.kmherald@gmail.com
Looking to give more than just material gifts this holiday season? Kings Mountain offers a wealth of engaging volunteer opportunities for those interested in a wide range of activities, from cooking for and Volunteers Beth Caveny (L) and Lorraine delivering food to those in need to research and Ling.
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craft-making and special events set-up. The Kings Mountain Historical Museum, for one, is looking to beef up its volunteer corps. The museum’s director said she has a need for more docents (museum guides) and individuals who have an interest in helping catalogue and tag the museum’s vast collection of materials.
It also needs volunteers to help tend to a small historical garden that’s maintained on the campus. “You can work behind the scenes, helping with researching, cataloging and organizing our collection,” said Adria Focht, KMHM’s director. “On the other See IDLE HANDS, Page 7A
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