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Volume 135 • Issue 51
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
kmherald.com • 704-484-1047
75¢
Newly elected officials sworn into office By Loretta Cozart
Former Mayor Scott Neisler filed to run for NC House District 111 on Friday, Dec. 15. (Photo provided)
Neisler files for NC House, District 111 By Loretta Cozart On Friday, December 15, Scott Neisler filed to run with the Cleveland County Board Elections for the NC House of Representatives, District 111 position, which covers parts of Cleveland and Rutherford Counties. Prior to that, he most recently served as Mayor of Kings Mountain for eight years. In an interview, Scott shared his reasons for running for NC House, “I look forward to the next chapter to see what I can do with
the knowledge I’ve gained. I think about the experience I’ve had in the city, with 16 years as mayor and two as a Council member, that gives me a leg up in representing parts of Cleveland County and Rutherford Counties, along with all the municipalities. I have enjoyed serving as mayor of Kings Mountain, and I now look forward to representing all of District 111.” He continued, “Living in Kings Mountain, I have made great connections. I had great networking and See NEISLER, Page 4A
During the December 12 City Council Meeting, Mayor Rob Wagman and City Councilwoman Shearra Miller were sworn into office. Friends and family gathered, beaming with pride as the ceremonies took place. Mayor Rob Wagman was joined by his wife, Sarah Lee Owensby Wagman, and sons Bear and Zion. Sarah Lee’s parents, Chip and Sarah Owensby beamed with pride as they watched Rob become mayor. “To be mayor of my wife's hometown is an extreme honor, especially because long before I became a resident here, my wife touted the reasons why Kings Mountain would always be at the center of her heart. “We have lived so many places from New York City to Los Angeles and so many stops along the way, yet it is the people of this town that have revealed their love and passion for where they live that instilled a desire for me to get involved, be active and now serve this city and its residents in this new and exciting capacity as mayor,” Rob said. “The swearing-in ceremony was humbling, with Gaston County Chairman Chad Brown doing the honors to swear me in before a packed council chamber, including my wife, Sarah Lee, our two children, Bear and Zion, in-laws Chip and Sarah Owensby, and so many other residents who came to support.
Rob Wagman was joined by his family, Sarah Lee Owensby Wagman, and their two sons, Bear and Zion. After the swearing-in ceremony, they were joined by in-laws Sarah and Chip Owensby for a photo. (Photo provided)
Councilwoman Shearra Miller joined by her family during her swearing in ceremony for city council, including the newest member of the family, Cash. (Photo provided) “I am grateful for the Honorable Scott Neisler, who has not only served our city well in his time as mayor but who has made himself available to aid in
this time of learning and transition.” Shearra Beachum Miller was then sworn in as an AtLarge City Council member. Her family joined her
for the ceremony, including her newest family member, Cash. After the ceremony, she shared, “I want to thank See OFFICIALS, Page 4A
City Councilman and Mayor recognized WAA honors 700+ veterans for their service By Loretta Cozart On December 12, the city council and city staff took time to thank outgoing members for their service. As the program began, Mayor Neisler told Keith Miller, “You have been the best councilman I have ever seen. What a wonderful job you have done. You (referring to the city council) will miss him a lot because he digs deep into research and does due diligence as a council member. So, we honor you here tonight. That pin on his lapel is for the Advanced Leadership Corp, where city council members take time out of their private life to learn to be a better council member.” Miller replied, “It has been a great honor and a privilege. I enjoyed almost
every minute of it. What an opportunity to make a difference and contribute. And I am confident you’ll do a great job,” acknowledging Shearra Miller. After returning to their seats, Mayor Neisler added, “And, as I said before, the loss of the council will be the gain for the Housing Authority. Because now you’ve got a door open that will really be something transformational for the Kings Mountain Housing Authority.” City Manager Jim Palenick added, “I have been a city manager for over 37 years and have worked with well over 100 elected officials. Of all those elected officials, one of the most dedicated and committed that I have ever worked for in my entire career has been Mr. Keith Miller.” Next, Councilwoman Annie Thombs recognized See SERVICE, Page 4A
at Mountain Rest Cemetery By Loretta Cozart The Colonel Frederick Hambright DAR Chapter, along with members from GFWC Kings Mountain Woman’s Club, Shelby Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron, and countless citizens, gathered at Mountain Rest Cemetery at noon on Saturday, December 16, to remember veterans. Simultaneously, more than 4,000 similar ceremonies were being held nationwide. Col. Fredrick Hambright DAR Chapter Regent Robin Meyer began the ceremony promptly at 12 p.m. near the veterans’ section as citizens gathered to remember and honor those who served our country. For example, young people witnessed the importance of this observance as their parents took time during the busy Christmas season to remember
Col. Fredrick Hambright DAR Chapter Regent Robin Meyer welcomes everyone to Wreaths Across America at Mountain Rest Cemetery. Photos by Loretta Cozart and honor those who served our nation. Members from KMHS Future Farmers of America, along with members of the Civil Air Patrol
Composite Squadron, also lead by example. Veterans gathered in groups awaited their turn to participate, laying a wreath
honoring the branch of the armed services in which they served. All branches of the military were honored. See WAA, Page 5A
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