KM Herald 1-18-23

Catawba Nation files an appeal

By Loretta Cozart

Catawba Nation has confirmed filing an appeal after being notified of a notice of violation (NOV) last December. They were given 30 days to file an appeal.

Catawba Nation Marketing and Communications Manager Tylee Anderson issued the following statement confirming the appeal, “The Catawba Nation has filed an appeal of the notice of violation issued by the National Indian Gaming Commission as we work to resolve issues regarding lease agreements with Sky Boat Partners for our casino resort project. The issues don’t involve current casino operations.”

On December 7, Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission

(NIGC), E. Sequoyah Simermeyer, issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) against the Catawba Indian Nation, Kings Mountain Sky Boat Partners, LLC (Sky Boat), and Sky Boat’s owners, officials, managers, and consultant. The NOV resulted from a thorough investigation by the NIGC Washington, D.C. Region

Office that identified multiple violations of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and NIGC regulations.

As set forth in the NOV, the investigation found the Nation allowed Sky Boat to manage in part the expansion of Catawba Two Kings Casino without an See APPEAL, Page 5A

C.A.R.E. holds first hike of 2023

By Loretta Cozart

Clifford's Army Rescue Extravaganza, C.A.R.E., held their first hike of the year at Kings Mountain’s Gateway Trail on January 15 for dogs in their care.

C.A.R.E. is a group of volunteers organized to provide support for the homeless animals in the area, including animals at county run facilities, thus increasing their chances for adoption and/or rescue.

This support can include but not limited to medical expenses, preventive veterinary care, adoption events, beds, blankets, food drives, vaccines, all needs for the welfare of these animals. We will also rescue from said shelters. As a registered 501(c)(3), non-profit organization, your donations to C.A.R.E. could be tax deductible.

Using social media, they network the animals for exposure and to help raise money for their wellbeing. We will also do several on site fundraisers throughout the year to support this cause.

They also help the people in our community by providing assistance and education to those unable to afford food, vet care including spay/neuter and any other

Group wants change in voting for city council races

By Loretta Cozart

Mountaineers for a Better Community wants to see change in the way Kings Mountain citizens vote for city council. They suggest n amendment to the city charter opening voting for all five council seats to the entire city, rather than just limiting the voting to each candidate by ward. They propose no change to the method of electing at-large councilmembers, however.

Currently, a member of city council must live in the ward in which they run and must be elected by voters from citizens in that ward.

Under the proposed plan, a member of city council must live in the ward in which they run, but voting would not be restricted to citizens living in that ward. Anyone voting in a municipal election would vote for each ward race.

While it seems like a dramatic shift in voting for ward representation, but historically it is not. Prior to a change in the city’s charter in 1991, Kings Mountain citizens voted in all city council races. That year, Ward 1 was created to allow for better minority representation. At the same time, the charter’s wording

was changed to allow those living in a ward to vote only for their specific representative.

Essentially, each council member is accountable to their constituents in the ward. However, as a board they make decision that impact everyone’s day-to-day lives, including utility rates, planning and zoning decisions, staffing of police and fire personnel, taxation, and city budgets, to name a few.

According to Mountaineers for a Better Community, of North Carolina’s 533 municipalities, only 23 elect their City Council using KM’s current method. Of those cities, only seven municipalities in the state of similar size to KM still use this method.

Mountaineers for a Better Community states, and the Herald has verified with Cleveland County Board of Elections, “In the last four City Council elections, an average of only 319 votes were cast in elections for

city council wards (districts).” Therefore, only 21 percent of voters in a district are voting and approximately 80% of eligible KM voters are left out of these important decisions.

Mountaineers for a Better Community Kings Mountain residents to sign their petition to put this amendment on the ballot and up to a vote and need 1,000 physical signatures to move this process forward. Do you live in city limits? Want to learn more and sign the petition to get this change on the ballot in November? Then visit one of these local businesses for more information and petition forms:

• Big Reds/Patriot Jacks

• The Imperial Mercantile

• Uncommon Artisans

• Ingrams Barber Shop

• Trackside Bourbon, Beer and Vino

• Parkers Amoco

• Linwoods

NC House Elects Tim Moore as Speaker for a record 5th consecutive term

Representative Tim Moore, Republican - District 111, Cleveland, Rutherford counties, has once again been elected

Speaker of the North Carolina House. Nominated by his colleagues, Moore was elected Speaker by a vote of acclamation on the House floor.

Rep. Moore, a native of Kings Mountain, NC, was first elected to the House in 2003. He became rules committee chairman under

2011 and succeeded him as Speaker of the House in 2015 after Tillis was elected to the U.S. Senate.

Speaker Moore will now serve his 5th consecutive term leading the state House, making him the longest-serving Speaker in North Carolina history.

Governor bans TikTok, WeChat on state devices

They thank all those who came out to their first hike with the CARE dog-

gies. They are already looking forward to the next one. Future hikes will be held in the next few months.

On Thursday, January 11, Governor Roy Cooper signed an Executive Order prohibiting the use of certain applications and websites on state devices including computers and mobile phones. The Order directs the state Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) to develop a policy within 14 days that prohibits the use of Tik-

Tok, WeChat and potentially other applications on state agency information technology systems in a manner that presents an unacceptable cybersecurity risk.

“It’s important for us to protect state information technology from foreign countries that have actively participated in cyberattacks against the United States,” said Governor Cooper. “Protecting North Carolina from cyber threats is vital to ensuring the safety, security, privacy, and success of our state and its people.”

Cybersecurity professionals have identified

TikTok and WeChat as high-risk applications due to their lack of sufficient privacy controls and connections to countries that sponsor or support cyber-attacks against the United States.

Several government entities in the United States, including multiple branches of the United States Military, the Transportation Security Administration, and other states, have banned TikTok, WeChat, and other applications on federal and state government information technology.

TIM MOORE

GOV. COOPER

then-Speaker Thom Tillis in

needs for these animal(s).

Volunteers prepare for the hike at the Gateway Trail in Kings Mountain last Saturday.

Photos by Clifford's Army Rescue Extravaganz

GiGi is ready for a walk. Phoebe is ready to for her hike.

Carrie Ann Walker-Hollman

PORT ORANGE, FLORIDA – Carrie Ann Walker-Hollman, 44, of Port Orange, went to be with the Lord surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday January 3, 2023 at Halifax Health Hospice Care Center in Port Orange. She was born on August 13, 1978 in Daytona Beach, Florida to Dan and Vernice Walker. Carrie graduated from Spruce Creek High School in 1996. She graduated from Florida State University with a BS in Music and a Masters in Special Education and was a member of The Marching Chiefs and Alpha Gamma

Delta Sorority. Carrie also received a Specialist in Reading Education degree from The University of Florida. She was employed as a Special Education Teacher and Behavioral Specialist in Leon County, Flagler County and Volusia County. Currently Carrie was employed with Behavior Change Artists, Inc. as a Behavior Specialist serving Volusia County Schools.

Survivors include her husband, Timothy Hollman of Port Orange, FL; Her parents, Dan and Vernice Walker of Port Orange, FL; two step-sons, Wyatt and Cole Hollman; uncle, Dean Bowen (wife, Judy) of Kings Mountain, NC; and three cousins, Dena Bowen Allen (husband, Timmy) of Kings Mountain, NC, Greg Bowen (wife, Christi) of Dallas, NC and Chad Bowen (wife, Robin) of Phoenix, AZ.

A Celebration of Life Service was held for Carrie Ann at 6:00pm Tuesday Evening January 10, 2023 at First United Methodist Church, 305 Dunlawton, Avenue, Port Orange, FL, with Pastor Tom Nelson

officiating.

Carrie will be buried beside her maternal grandmother in Mountain Rest Cemetery in Kings Mountain, NC.

Graveside service was held on Monday, January 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Mountain Rest Cemetery with Reverend Melvin Proctor officiating.

Special thanks to Lowman Funeral Homes, Cemeteries and Cremations in Daytona Beach, Florida Memorial donations may be made in her memory to First United Methodist Church of Port Orange https://firstchurchpo.org where Carrie was a member, Halifax Health Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129 or to a charity of one’s choice.

Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.

Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Cleveland County sex offender registry

By Loretta Cozart

Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office is required by law to maintain a registry of sex offenders residing, working, or attending school in Cleveland County. To keep the community informed they post on social media when a sex offender has a change of residency or is newly registered with this agency.

CCSO understands that this is a sensitive topic. Please remember that ANY personal attacks of ANY kind, use and/ or misuse of this information by individuals, groups, or entities to commit criminal acts (to include, but not limited to, threats, intimidation, stalking, harassment) against other persons is subject to criminal prosecution. Profane

language will also be deleted.

A complete fact sheet can be located by going to the NC State Bureau of Investigation Sex Offender Registry by visiting: https://sexoffender. ncsbi.gov/search.aspx. A particular area can be searched for sex offenders nearby, or a search can be done by a specific name.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation maintains the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry.

At the site, the public may search the registry or get statistics on sex offenses in the state.

The site also provides information to sex offenders on how to register. Sign Up for e-mail alerts. Note that information is only provided on registered sex offenders.

Sheriff’s Office Personnel register sex offenders within three days of arriving in Cleveland County. They investigate complaints of non-compliance and do compliance checks several times throughout the year. The

Roberson added to CCSO’s Most Wanted

Peter Benjamin Roberson, 46, was added to Cleveland County Sheriff Office’s most wanted list.

He is described as 5’08” tall, weighing 170 lbs. Tattoos: Tribal Art on left arm and a Crown on right wrist. He has a scar on his left ear and the top part of ear is missing. He drives a white Nissan Frontier truck.

Roberson is wanted for Felony Assault on Law Enforcement, Felony Probation Violation, and Flee to Elude Arrest.

If you have any information regarding this individual, contact us by clicking the button below or call us at 704.484.4822.

Sheriff’s Office utilizes community meetings, Facebook, our website, and our Mobile App to keep the community informed about many topics including sex offender locations.

Sheriff Alan Norman states, “North Carolina State Law requires law enforcement to check each sex offender at their residence at least twice each year to ensure compliance. CCSO conducts a minimum of two additional checks including checking the entire group in October of each year.”

He continues, “Compliance checks are a high priority for CCSO, and we take violations of the registry rules very seriously. Several of our surrounding states currently charge a fee to registered sex offenders each year.” If you know of any sex offenders who are out of compliance, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 704-484-4756.”

■ POLICE

ARRESTS

JAN. 5: Emmanuel Miquel Palmer, 23, 704 Katherine Avenue, failure to appear, driving while license revoked; failure to appear, expired registration; failure to appear, expired inspection, $1,000 secured bond.

JAN.6: Lillian Dawn Kinser, 48, 123 Castlerock Road, failure to appear, second degree trespass; failure to appear, resist, delay, obstruct, $500 secured bond.

JA N. 7: Jarvis Oneal Adams, 45, 403 Belvedere Circle, failure to appear, two counts assault on female, no bond. He was cited for driving with a revoked license.

JAN. 7: Justin Monyell Ward, 36, breaking and entering, misdemeanor, no bond.

JAN. 10: Hubert Larry Nations jr., 44, 105 Beech Lane, failure to appear, driving while license revoked, $1,000 unsecured bond.

INCIDENTS

JAN. 6: A resident of Jim Patterson Road reported $355 damage to the rear passenger window of his Pontiac.

JAN. 7: City of Kings Mountain, 101 W. Gold Street, reported $500 damage to a bathroom mirror, sink and stall door at the KM Amusement Park, 420 S. Railroad Avenue.

JAN. 7: A resident of W. Mountain Street reported theft of a yard sign valued at $250.

JAN. 8: Walmart, 1011 Shelby Road, reported larceny of steaks and salmon valued at over $150.

JAN. 10: State Employee’s Credit Union, 2104 Shelby Road, reported an incidence of fraud.

WRECKS

DEC. 28,2022: Officer Earls cited Flor Demaria Godoy, 331 Oak Grove Road 23, with driving while driver’s license revoked after the 2019 Nissan she was driving struck a 2021 Ram operated by Thomas Eugene Slade, Gastonia, in the parking lot at 1011 Shelby Road. Property damage was estimated at $1,750.

JAN.7: Officer Dee said Cameron Blake Carringer, 159 Crown Court, operating a 2005 Ford, failed to stop at the stop sign and reduce speed and struck a 2001 Ford operated by Beverly Kay Lawrence, Lawndale. The accident happened on US 74 Business at the parking lot at 2111 Shelby Road. Property damage was estimated at $12,500. Carringer was cited for failure to decrease speed as necessary to avoid colliding with a vehicle.

CITATIONS

JAN. 3: David Bryan West, 38, 410 Canterbury Road, expired tag, speeding.

JAN. 5: Cody Andra Keller, 25, Bessemer City, speeding.

JAN. 5: Najee Ocebesion Gainesgist, 834 Mountain Crest Drive, no operator’s license, expired tag, no insurance, expired inspection.

JAN. 6: Henry Michael Hartleb, 23, 119 Castlerock Road, revoked driver’s license.

JAN. 6: Brandi Nicole

Crespo, 40, 110 Benton Road, expired tag, speeding in school zone.

JAN. 6: Susan Annette Newton, 51, 400 Hill Street, stop sign violation.

JAN. 6: Kendra Gwyn Whitaker, 48, 121 Alston Circle, speeding.

JAN. 6: Christine Michelle Coleman, 28,1820 Alpine Drive, speeding in school zone.

JAN. 7: Melvin Vernon Smith, 66, 102 Toy Court, revoked driver’s license.

JAN. 7: Chris Leslie Siegler, 52, 131 Castlewood Road, revoked driver’s license, no insurance, no registration.

JAN. 8: Onesimo Isidro Mendez, 800 First Street, no operator’s license, stop light violation.

JAN. 8: Kelvin Barnwell, 52, 305 Campbell Street, no operator’s license.

JAN.8: Xavier Sylek Buckner, 200 Lackey Street, speeding.

JAN. 8: Ginger Lackey Hammett, 1728 Kings Row Drive, red light violation.

JAN. 9: James Clayton Garrett, 39, 401 Baker Street, revoked driver’s license.

JAN. 9: Linda Richardson Guevara, 42, revoked driver’s license.

JAN. 10: Charles Michael Adams Jr., 67, 107 Butternut Drive, speeding in school zone.

JAN. 10: Darien Thomas Parker, 28, 811 Margrace Road, no vehicle registration.

GCPD seeks help in breaking & entering

On December 30, between 2:55 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., a male suspect broke into a business located off Dallas Cherryville Highway in Dallas, N.C. The suspect stole money and a small safe.

The suspect pictured in these photos and the linked videos is wearing a blue Food Lion hoodie, tan pants, a white t-shirt, white tennis shoes, a gray and a black mask.

If you recognize this suspect, please contact Officer P. Blake with the Gaston County Police Department at 704-8663320 or Crime Stoppers of Gaston County at 704861-8000.

GPD needs help finding missing man

Detectives from the Gastonia Police Department are asking the public for help in locating a missing 26-yearold man.

Kyle Goulet was recently reported as missing by his family. his family reported they last contacted him by phone on December 20. Goulet was last seen around W. Hudson and Clyde Street.

Goulet is approximately 5’6” tall and weighs 160 pounds. He has blonde hair and hazel eyes.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Kyle Goulet is asked to call detectives at 704-836-0071. Callers may remain anonymous.

Shelby PD needs help in fraud case

SHERIFF NORMAN

PETER BENJAMIN ROBERSON

KYLE GOULET

Help Shelby Police Department identify two suspects in a fraud that occurred on January 5 around 5 p.m., at Walmart. If you have any information on the identity of either of these suspects, please contact Detective Benson at 704-472-3458 and reference case number 2023-000080.

CLT’s play, “Importance of Being Earnest”, to start Feb. 3

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

The Cherryville Little Theatre has an upcoming play scheduled to be performed Feb. 3 and 4, at 7 p.m., according to play producer, Lutricia Bennett. The theater is located at 301 W. Academy St., Cherryville.

“The play will also be performed Feb. 5 at 3 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10, and 11, at 7 p.m., and Feb. 12, at 3 p.m.,” said Mrs. Bennett, adding, “The show is ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’, and instead of it being set in the 1890’s in England, the director is taking liberties and changing the setting to America in the 1960’s.”

For those who may not know about the play Bennett said, “‘The Importance of Being Earnest’, is a ‘Trivial Comedy for Serious People’. It is a comedy where two friends use the same pseudonym (Earnest) for their onthe-sly activities.”

Bennett noted Erika Shelton is directing this comedy, originally set – as was noted – in the 1890’s.

“However, as I noted earlier, Erika is changing the setting to 1960’s America. This show has brilliant acting and promises to be an entertaining show full of punchlines,” said Mrs. Bennett.

Essentially, and to firm up more about what the gist of the play’s story arc is, Bennett said, “It’s the story of two bachelors, John ‘Jack’ Worthing and Algernon ‘Algy’ Moncrieff, who create alter egos. They attempt to win the hearts of two women who, conveniently, claim to only love men called Ernest. Jack and Algy struggle to maintain their deceptions and as the plot thickens, become entangled in lies, disguises and misadventures.”

The cast is comprised of

Lexi Pierce was awarded the Chief’s Commendation Award from Gaston County Police Department. Lexi showed great determination & strength while handling an extremely serious call. Lexi remained calm, professional, & pulled from her training to provide the best assistance possible. Photos by GCPD

Chris Stone (John Worthing); Terrell Barnes (Algernon Moncreiff); Angie Dolan (Lady Bracknell); Laurie Ricardo (Cecily Cardew); Madison Avery (Gwendolyn Fairfax); Mary Bolton (Ms. Prism); Charlie Reep

(Dr. Chasuble); Noah Bolton (Lane manservant); and Joseph Bolton (Merriman Butler). Lucas Dolan is the assistant stage manager and Matt Walega and Ryan Richards are the backstage techs. For more information, call (704) 435-1742.

Chris Stone, Madison Avery, and Angie Dolan go over their parts at one of the play practices for “The Importance of Being Earnest” play, set to be produced by the Cherryville Little Theater. (photo provided)

Chris Stone, and Madison Avery reading their parts at one of the play practices for “The Importance of Being Earnest” play, set to be produced by the Cherryville Little Theater.

The brightly colored poster for the upcoming Cherryville Little Theater play, “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Four performances scheduled for the play, which promises to be another success for the small town’s theater.

Gastonia Police search for missing teen

By Loretta Cozart

Detectives from the Gastonia Police Department are asking the public for help in locating missing 15-year-old Frecia Urias-Avelar. Investigators are also asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the male seen in the photo with her.

Urias-Avelar was recently reported as missing by her family. Family told police they believe the male in the photograph with Urias-Avelar is her boyfriend, but they do not know his name. Currently, detectives do not have any reason to believe that Urias-Avelar is in danger.

Urias-Avelar is approximately 5’2” tall and weighs 130 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Frecia

McCarthy, President Biden and Congress must work to solve problems

SRO Jeff Thompson named a Hometown Hero

By Loretta Cozart

Gaston County Police Department School Resource Officer Thompson was one of Gaston County’s recipients of the Hometown Hero Award in December.

The local celebration took place on January 11 at Earl Tindol Ford in Gastonia where all Gaston County recipients were recognized.

Gaston County Board of Commissioners recognized SRO Jeff Thompson for being one of 77 first responders honored by the

Governor’s Office as a hometown hero on December 13. Officer Thompson accepted his Hometown Hero Award at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Durham, NC. The recipients of this award regularly go above and beyond their daily duties in service of their communities.

A GCPD spokesperson said, “Congratulations Officer Thompson and we are proud to have you on our team. We also wish to congratulate all the recipients of this year’s Hometown Hero

Award.”

The Hometown Hero Award is a program of the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. The purpose of this program is to recognize First Responders in North Carolina. These heroes of our community work tirelessly to make our backyards a safer place. We would like to thank Natalie Tindol from Tindol Ford Subaru Roush for being the local representative from our area, as well as for her support.

Southern Border? This is 24-hour a day nightmare for these landowners. Do you think anyone wants to buy their property?

These same people are coming to your community. They are looking for jobs and housing. They need money and food.

retired population suffers, each community suffers. The government collects social security taxes from people to subsidize us in our old age. Americans will be back into abject poverty if they don’t keep Social Security strong.

NC Senate Page Program now open for 2023 session

twelfth grade

Guest Editorial

Recently, in a Mexican restaurant in Houston, Texas, a patron shot and killed a man who was robbing other patrons. The robber was masked and brandishing what appeared to be a pistol. If the man who shot the robber is charged with murder for protecting himself and others from a potentially lethal threat, then we have a serious problem.

We have another problem. Millions of undocumented people have crossed our border from El Paso to San Diego and in between. America is being invaded. We do not have enough free housing, welfare and food stamps to support all these people.

Biden wants to mobilize 85,000 IRS agents who will find every dollar they can to support the millions of undocumented people roaming our nation. How many more dollars can the IRS squeeze out of your pocket? Do you have property that they can seize and sell for a few dollars? 85,000 agents will need to find something to do and most likely they will be checking up on everyone.

Arizona has been patching holes in their border with containers which has been working. Biden ordered that the containers be removed. Over one million undocumented people have crossed into America through Arizona during Biden’s Presidency.

Can you imagine being a farmer or just living on the

Do you have plenty of affordable housing in your community? Do you have big free food banks to feed these people? If you need a reasonably priced apartment, I would suggest you snatch it fast because people are coming who need that apartment and they may have more help from the government than you do to underwrite the costs.

McCarthy, Biden, and Congress must bring back every job we have outsourced to China. We can no longer do business with China. The people who have been living in America the last few years need jobs and millions of new undocumented workers need jobs.

By the way, do you remember when the United States Census was a once every ten-year job? Now, Census workers have to work yearround chasing down people who will not complete U.S. Government Census information. How many full-time census workers will it take to chase down all of these undocumented people?

If Biden, McCarthy, and Congress do not protect Social Security your town will probably have to close up.

Over 70 million Americans count on Social Security income. Social Security is all or over half of all this number receives each month. As the buying power of the

Affordable housing, medical insurance and jobs that pay over $15 an hour must also be McCarthy and Biden commitments. We must be able to buy health insurance across state lines. State governments need to make it easier for working poor to have health insurance. We need real people to answer the telephones in the state and local governments. Websites need to be simple and seamless. Working poor Americans feel like their local states aren’t that interested in helping them.

Making medical care more affordable will solve problems for everyone including the insurance companies. Publicly listing the cost of services and surgeries was a good idea that most medical providers don’t seem to be following.

Making pharmacy purchases from Canada easier is imperative for struggling Americans.

We have some problems in America. Biden, McCarthy and Congress have a lot to do. Name calling, and aggressive behavior in the House only makes for a few seconds of television stupidity. America has some problems. We need for McCarthy and Biden and Congress to step up and help us solve them.

This program offers young men and women the opportunity to learn about and participate in the legislative process of our state.

It is an experience that allows high school students in tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade to observe firsthand how our laws are made. It provides them the unique privilege of working on the Senate Chamber floor during legislative action.

Senate Pages are important to the operation of the General Assembly as they assist the members and staff of the Senate during the legislative session. They participate in daily sessions, committee meetings, and perform other duties including, but not limited to,

delivering messages and materials within the legislative complex, answering phones in senators’ offices, passing out documents and running errands.

Official appointments are made by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate based on recommendations by individual senators. Each senator is allotted a few students he or she can sponsor each session. Interested students contact their Senator for an application. Senator Ted Alexander represents Cleveland, Lincoln, and part of Gaston County. Appointments are made on a firstcome, first-served basis.

To be a Senate Page, you must:

• Be in tenth, eleventh or

• Be sponsored by a member of the North Carolina Senate

• Be in good academic standing at school

• Have prior approval by the principal of your school if you are appointed to serve as a page during the school year

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all positions for the session are full. The Home page will reflect when applications are no longer being accepted.

Visit https://www.ncleg. gov/Senate/PageProgram to learn more about the program and how to apply.

Dr. Glenn Mollette

Urias-Avelar or the identity of the male seen in the photo with Urias-Avelar,

is asked to call detectives at 704-866-6702. Callers may remain anonymous.

15-year-old Frecia Urias-Avelar and unknown male.

GCPD recognized School Resource Officer Jeff Thompson for receiving the Hometown Hero Award in December. Pictured L-R: Captain Battle, Chief Ramey, SRO Thompson, and Ser-

Health Department to host free drive thru COVID test distribution event

The Cleveland County Health Department is hosting a free drive-thru COVID-19 test distribution event on Friday, February 10th from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. The event will take place at the Cleveland County Health Department located at 200 S Post Road, Shelby. Each vehicle will receive 10 free at-home COVID-19 tests.

“We are currently seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across the country and in our county,” Cleveland County Deputy Health Director Deshay Oliver said. “Some of this is likely due to the presence of the new Omicron subvariant named XBB.1.5. The CDC projected last Friday that about 40% of confirmed U.S. Covid cases are caused by the XBB.1.5 strain, up from 20% the week prior. Staying home when you are sick and test-

ing for COVID-19 is an easy and effective way to help prevent the spread of the virus.”

The Cleveland County Health Department is encouraging community members to take advantage of this at-home test distribution event to stock up on tests now, so they are available when you need them. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 is encouraged to quarantine at home away from others for five (5) days following the date of symptom onset, or if asymptomatic, for five (5) days following the date of the test.

NCDHHS has launched a time-limited program in partnership with StarMed Healthcare to provide free

access to telemedicine screenings for COVID-19 treatment for North Carolinians who test positive. This program is available now until funding runs out, which is expected to be around mid-March.

People who test positive for COVID-19 with an athome test or other method can set up an appointment online at https://starmed. care/nc/ or call 704-9416000, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is no cost to the patient.

For more information about COVID-19 testing and vaccination services available at the Cleveland County Health Department, please call our COVID-19 helpline at 980-484-6019.

Healthy Opportunities Pilot services delivered to Medicaid recipients

Nearly 24,000 services have been delivered to nearly 3,000 NC Medicaid beneficiaries as part of the Healthy Opportunities Pilots since the program began in March 2022.

The Healthy Opportunities Pilot is an innovative program that has been described as a “game changer” for thousands of North Carolina families. The program addresses non-medical drivers of health and covers the cost of 29 services outlined in the Department’s Pilot Service Fee Schedule. These services address beneficiaries’ food, housing, transportation, and interpersonal violence/toxic stress needs.

One North Carolina mother wrote to DHHS after receiving food services saying that now she doesn’t “have to worry about how [I’m] going to feed my family. No one should ever have that burden on their heart.” Another man tells DHHS the Healthy Opportunity Pilots changed his life after receiving help with transportation and heating assistance.

On average, each Pilot member has received more than eight services, with

food services making up the majority. With housing and transportation services increasing, the number of Medicaid members receiving Pilot services continues to rise quickly and increased over 90% between September and December 2022.

With the Pilot program now underway, the Department is focused on rapid cycle assessments of what is working and what is not working for stakeholders throughout all Pilot regions. One area of focus since launch has been to increase awareness of and increase access to Pilot services. In partnership with Pilot entities, the Department has identified several coordinated strategies to grow Pilot enrollment and referrals over the next several months to ensure eligible North Carolinians receive the services that can improve their health. Strategies include direct outreach and streamlining the enrollment and referral process made by health plans, network leads, and human services organizations to likely-eligible members.

Healthy Opportunities Pilot services are available to qualifying NC Medicaid

Managed Care Standard Plan beneficiaries in 33 counties in North Carolina.

To be eligible for Pilot services, NC Medicaid Managed Care beneficiaries must live in a Pilot region and have at least one qualifying physical or behavioral health condition and one qualifying social risk factor.

To learn more about the Healthy Opportunities Pilots and how the program is benefiting Medicaid members in North Carolina, visit the Healthy Opportunities Pilots webpage or the Healthy Opportunities Frequently Asked Questions.

APPEAL

From Page 1A approved management contract. Additionally, the Nation and Sky Boat failed to submit a management contract within 60 days of its execution, as required by NIGC regulations.

“Based on an exhaustive investigation and analysis of the circumstances, we issued a Notice of Violation to both enforce regulatory compliance and ensure the Nation is the primary beneficiary of its gaming revenue. We do not take this enforcement action lightly, but do so to preserve the integrity of the industry and protect the valuable tool Indian Gaming represents for many Tribes as codified in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act,” Simermeyer said.

The Nation, Sky Boat, and

TIKTOK

From Page 1A

The NCDIT policy will be able to be updated in the future if additional high-risk applications and websites are identified by state cybersecurity experts.

“NCDIT’s top priority is the security and protection of the state’s IT systems, data, and assets,” said NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Jim Weaver.

“Gov. Cooper’s Executive Order is essential to this critical work.”

Chamber’s Black and White Party March 3

By Loretta Cozart

Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce announces their Annual Awards Evening: Black and White Party on Friday, March 3 at 7 p.m. at the LeGrand Center, 1800 E Marion St, Shelby, NC. This year’s theme is “A Glamorous Evening at the Picture Show.”

Nominations for the event have closed, but the following categories: • Small Business/Entrepreneur of the Year: The nominees must have been in business for three years, have a record of Chamber service, community service or contributions.

• Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award: The winner must demonstrate the

following business values: citizenship, service, integrity, stewardship, inclusion, teamwork, and accountability.

• Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Award: The nominee has been successful through significant civic, business, and social contributions in uniting the community of Cleveland County.

• Lifetime Achievement Award: The nominee has set a standard for extraordinary service and community involvement improving the quality of life for Cleveland County.

• Nonprofit of the Year

Award: The nominee must have accomplished significant results on behalf of the community, embodies the spirit of volunteerism, altruism, and respect, and demonstrates a collaborative spirt through partnerships.

• Business of the Year: Your nominee (large or small) has a history of outstanding business practices, is locally owned, a collaborator, a mentor, respected by its peers, and stands out in the community.

To register, visit the chamber’s website under events.

Atrium opening new center to treat complex injuries and illnesses

Atrium Health is opening the David L. Conlan Center at Atrium Health Carolinas Rehabilitation on Saturday, Jan. 14. Carolinas Rehabilitation is nationally known as a U.S. News and World Report “Best Hospital,” which specializes in innovative, personalized therapy for common to complex conditions due to injury or illness.

The new David L. Conlan Center replaces a structure constructed in 1950. When it opens, it will feature 72 patient rooms, private treatment spaces, a therapy garden and 16,000 square feet of inpatient and outpatient therapy space. The project broke ground in September 2020, marking the first step in the modernization of the Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center campus.

“We have been pioneers in rehabilitation throughout our 72 years serving the Charlotte region and beyond,” said Robert Larrison, enterprise group vice president for the Atrium Health Rehabilitation Network and president for Atrium Health Carolinas Rehabilitation. “We have established a standard of ex-

Sky Boat’s owners, officials, managers, and consultant could face civil penalties not to exceed $57,527 per day for each violation and the Nation’s gaming operation could be subject to a temporary closure order.

The following were sent the Notice of Violation including Catawba Indian Nation, Kings Mountain Sky Boat Partners, LLC (Sky Boat), and Sky Boat’s owners, officials, managers, and consultant:

• William Harris, Chief & Agent for Service of Process , Catawba Indian Nation , 996 Avenue of the Nations, Rock Hill, NC 29730

• Kathy George, President, Catawba Nation Gaming Authority, 538 Kings Mountain Blvd., Kings Mountain, NC 28086

• Matt Stewart, ChairCatawba Nation Gaming Commission,

“I’m deeply concerned about data security and privacy on social media platforms,” said NC Attorney General Josh Stein. “We, not social media companies, should be able to make decisions about what and how much we share, who we share it with, and how it is used. I’m pleased that Gov. Cooper is taking steps to help make the business of our government more secure. I’ll continue my work to keep people and their data safe online, especially when it comes to my investigations into how social media platforms affect our children.”

cellence that is recognized as being among the best in the nation. The care we provide in the new David L. Conlan Center at Atrium Health Carolinas Rehabilitation can be even better, ensuring the highest-quality care for our patients for decades to come.”

A generous $30 million gift from Howard C. “Smoky” Bissell, his wife Margaret and Bissell Ballantyne was given to Atrium Health to honor the life of David L. Conlan. Conlan was a longtime friend, colleague and trusted advisor of Bissell, as well as a partner of the Bissell family until his passing in August 2021.

“Excellence was honored by David in all he did,” said Smoky Bissell. “For Margaret and me to be able to honor him with his name being associated with this state-of-the-art rehabilitation center is an opportunity we are excited to be able to be a part of.”

In addition to naming the David L. Conlan Center, the Bissell gift will be used to advance the reach, geography and efficacy of existing and future rehabilitation ser-

P.O. Box 1058, 502 W. King St. Ste. 201, Kings Mountain, NC 28086

• Wallace B. Cheves, Jr., Manager, Joseph Giordano, Manager, Gene Harris, Manager, Kings Mountain Sky Boat Partners, LLC, 2626 Glenwood Ave. Ste. 550, Raleigh, NC 27608

• Corporation Service Company, Registered Agent for Kings Mountain Sky Boat Partners, LLC , 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808

• Gene Harris. Manager of Manager, CSV Investors, LLC , 700 W. Morse Blvd., Ste. 220 , Winter Park, FL 32789

• CS SUNBIZ, LLC Agent for service for CSV Investors, LLC; AHG Group Holdings, LLC; AHG Group LLC; & KML Investors, LLC, 700 W. Morse Blvd., Ste. 220 , Winter Park. FL 32789

“The Governor’s Executive Order takes an important first step to ensure the privacy of our citizens and the security of North Carolina’s government networks,” said NC House Representative Jason Saine.

“This guidance is a step in the right direction,” said NC House Representative Jon Hardister. “I appreciate the Governor’s office collaborating with us on this initiative. I look forward to our continued efforts to establish long-term plans to enhance our cyber security.”

“We take the responsibility to protect information

vices and programs offered by Carolinas Rehabilitation, which currently encompasses five inpatient hospitals and 18 outpatient locations.

The new rehabilitation hospital will feature many unique services, such as certified programs for spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury and cancer. Also, under the rehabilitation umbrella – The physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic treats patients with a variety of needs and offers an OB-GYN clinic for people who regularly use wheelchairs. The Adaptive Sports and Adventure Program is a one-of-a-kind resource for the region, offering new ways for people with mobility impairments to enjoy tennis, kayaking, rugby and more.

The existing Carolinas Rehabilitation building will be demolished in the weeks ahead, along with the Blythe parking deck adjacent to Carolinas Medical Center. In its place, Atrium Health has announced plans to construct a new 12-story bed tower with upgraded amenities. It is currently slated to open in 2027.

• Alan H. Ginsburg Gene Harris. Manager of Manager, AHG Group Holdings, LLC , 700 W. Morse Blvd., Ste. 220, Winter Park, FL 32789

• Alan Ginsburg, Gene Harris, Manager of Manager, Aaron Gorovitz, AHG Group LLC, 700 W. Morse Blvd., Suite 220, Winter Park, FL 32789

• Wallace B. Cheves, Jr., Owner , Sky Boat Development, LLC, 1209 Orange St., Wilmington, DE 1980Ml20

• The Corporation Trust Company Registered Agent for Sky Boat Development, LLC, Corporation Trust Center , 1209 Orange St., Wilmington, DE 19801

• Gene Harris, Manager of Manager , KML Investors, LLC , 700 W. Morse Blvd., Ste. 220 , Winter Park, FL 32789.

from cyber security threats seriously and we commend Governor Cooper for taking this action to ensure our state’s technological devices are secure,” NC House Representative Ashton Clemmons said.

“It is essential that the state works to ensure the security of government technology,” NC House Representative Robert Reives said. “This Executive Order will help bolster state information technology protections and guard against cyberattacks in the future.”

Legacy

“Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.”

(Psalms 127:1) We see buildings, highways, hospitals, roads, parks and even churches named in honor of people, but is that really a legacy? I believe a true legacy is the

combination of public and private life, our true character. Preparing for this life is great but how concerned are we about eternal life? We want and encourage our children to live successful lives but what about after this life? What does it profit a man to gain the world and lose his own soul? (Mark

8:36). We want our kids to have great jobs, beautiful homes and fine automobiles, but Joshua 1:8 says, prosperity and true success come by obeying God’s Word. We have been led to believe our finances, position and lifestyle determine our success. If that were true why do millionaires commit suicide and experience issues with substance abuse? Money can buy the best doctors yet not guarantee health, we can be in the company of great people, yet have no friends, some will hire security to protect them but it doesn’t give them peace, we dine in the finest restaurants

but still get hungry and wearing expensive clothes doesn’t change who we are. The best things in life are not things but a proper relationship with Christ. Matthew 6:33 says, “ seek ye first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness and these things will be added unto you.” Proverb 22:6 says, “train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Remember, children are a gift from God. They should be nurtured and cherished, and taught courtesies such as thank you, may I and please. These values will carry them farther in life

than status because “a good name is better than great riches…” (Proverbs 22:1). Jesus left every believer with a legacy of what it means to follow the Father; humility, depending on God, proving himself in hard times, staying focused, having patience and being obedient and faithful. These are examples of true godly character which have stood the test of time. This should be our legacy; to live life not as a legend among men, but as an example for the lives we touch after we are gone. Be Blessed!

www.momsinprayer.org

Our Mission: Moms In Prayer International impacts children and schools worldwide for Christ by gathering mothers to pray.

Kings Mountain Area Church Directory

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

Resurrection Lutheran Church 600 Crescent Circle • Kings Mountain, NC

Advent Lutheran Church, NALC Member 230 Oak Grove Rd. 704-750-0171

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

Calvary Way Holiness Church 1017 Second Street Pastor Clifton Morgan

Carson Memorial Baptist Church 262 Sparrow Springs Road 704-739-2247

Central United 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

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

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

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

Kings Mtn.Dream Center 1128 York Road 704-739-8496

Tim & Angie Goates, Pastors www.kmdreamcenter.com

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

Dr. John L. Houze

People’s Baptist Church

The Arts Council asks, “Do you feel lucky?”

The Big Chill returns to the Cleveland County Arts Council this year with lots of fun and the chance to win big!

The Arts Council is starting the New Year off by giving you a chance to win $5,000 or $2,500 or $1,000 plus other exciting items during the first Big Chill Reverse Raffle and Party. Only 250 tickets will be sold so the chances are good that you could win.

Folks have two ticket options to purchase. Reverse Raffle only tickets are $100, and you don’t have to be present to win.

Reverse Raffle and VIP Party tickets are $150. This ticket is a raffle ticket (chance to win) but also allows two people to join us at the party which Includes an evening of BIG fun – a

“We’re

new twist on a favorite community event,” said Shearra Miller, Executive Director of the Arts Council. “The Big Chill has been taking place for years but this year we thought it would be fun to try something different. This is one of the largest fund-raising events that we hold each year; it is a fun way for us to raise the much-needed funds that allow us to offer enriching cultural arts programs for the community.

The VIP party and reverse drawing will take place Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Arts Council, beginning at 6:00 pm.

Reverse Raffle tickets are available now at the Arts Council or from any of the members of the Board of Directors. Call 704-484-2787 for more information or to purchase tickets.

in March

Kings Mountain Little Theatre, Inc., and corporate sponsor Edward Jones – Jack and Pam Buchanan, announce that Nunsense is returning to the Joy Performance Theater with “Nunsense, The Mega-Musical, by Dan Goggin. The musical includes all the fun of the original Nunsense but it has been super-sized!

Mega-Nunsense, starring the original five nuns features five new male and female characters, including the never-before-seen infamous convent cook, Sister Julia, Child of God.

Nunsense, the winner of four Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Best Musical, was called “A hail of fun and frolic” by The New York Times. And now it’s bigger and better than ever! It would be a sin to pass up the opportunity to see it!

Performances are sched-

uled for Friday, March 17 and 24, and Saturday March 18 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. Matinee performances are scheduled for Sunday, March 19 and 26 at 3 p.m.

Golden Leaf Scholarships now open

By Loretta Cozart

The application for the Golden LEAF Scholarship is now open. Each year, the Golden LEAF Foundation awards 215 scholarships to high school seniors and community college transfer students who reside in a qualifying rural and economically distressed or tobacco-dependent North Carolina county, including Cleveland County, and are

planning to enroll full-time in a participating public or private college or university located in North Carolina.

High school seniors entering college as freshmen are eligible for a scholarship totaling up to $14,000 ($3,500 a year for up to four years). Community college

transfer students are eligible for $3,500 a year for up to 3 years).

To apply, visit CFNC. org and fill out the Golden LEAF Scholarship application form.

The deadline for applications is March 1, for application, transcript, and

FAFSA. Awards will be announced in late April..

Students awarded the Golden LEAF Scholarship to attend North Carolina Colleges and Universities are also eligible to participate in additional leadership and internship opportunities. These engagements allow scholars to gain experience in future career fields/areas of passion and build key communication and leadership skills. Opportunities include: • Lead 4 Excellence (L4E) Experience: This two-year experience provides Golden LEAF Scholars with leadership training through the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL), one of the nation’s leading leadership development organizations. The opportunity offers flexible online leadership training courses, personalized support from a highly trained executive coach, and collaborative learning partnerships with other scholars in the cohort.

• Rural Internship Initia-

NCLEG Youth Legislative Assembly this March

Youth Legislative Assembly (YLA) is a mock legislative session where high school students voice their opinions and vote on issues concerning local, state, and national government.

The conference allows high school students an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the workings of local, state, and national government. Active participation in YLA increases the students' confidence and ability to debate current issues. Any high school student in good standing at a public, private, charter, or home school in North Carolina is eligible to participate in YLA. Just complete

the student application; you do not have to have a member of the NC General Assembly to sponsor you to participate in the Youth Legislative Assembly.

Students that are in high school grades 9 -12 are eligible to attend. Applications will not be accepted after January 31. Paperwork and payments will not be accepted after February 15, 2023. Visit ncleg.gov/YLA for more information.

To be eligible:

• Students can be in charter, home, private, or public school.

• Students must be between 14-18 years of age at the time of YLA and no older than 19 years old at

the time of the conference to participate in YLA.

• Students may only participate as a delegate for 4 years, once a student has served as a speaker, they are no longer eligible attend YLA.

• Students do not have to attend with a group.

Registration includes 2-night stay at the North Raleigh Hilton, transportation from the hotel to the NC General Assembly and back to the hotel, all meals, t-shirt, snacks, and educational materials. All rooms are double occupancy.

For more information contact Erica Gallion at (919) 301-1372 or Erica. Gallion@ncleg.gov.

(Ed. Note: The recipes in today’s Cooking Corner are from “Star Spangled Recipes,” a cookbook published by the American Legion Auxiliary of North Carolina.) TORTELLINI

6 oz. frozen lemonade concentrate 1 large box instant vanilla pudding mix 9-inch graham cracker crumb pie crust

Mix pudding, lemonade, and milk. Pour into graham cracker crust. Chill or freeze.

DELICIOUS COBBLER

Sandra Dukeman Melt 1 stick of butter in 9x13 pan.

Mix:

1 cup sugar 1 cup self-rising flour ¾ cup milk Pour over butter DO NOT STIR.

LEMONADE

tive: Golden LEAF offers a paid internship opportunity for students to gain experience at an eligible business, non-profit, or government entity located in a rural North Carolina community. Visit our website at scholars.goldenleaf.org to learn more.

Participating NC colleges and universities include: Appalachian State University, Meredith Col-

lege, Barton College, Methodist University, Belmont Abbey College, Mid-Atlantic Christian University, Bennett College, Montreat College, Brevard College ,North Carolina A&T State University, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Campbell University, North Carolina State University, Carolinas College of Health Sciences,

Heat fruit of your choice while doing the above. If fresh fruit, add extra sugar. Pour fruit over batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

North Carolina State Univ. - Agricultural Institute, Catawba College, North Carolina Wesleyan College, Chowan University, Pfeiffer University College at Southeastern, Queens University of Charlotte, Davidson College, St. Andrews University, Duke University, St. Augustine’s University, East Carolina

huge Charcuterie table, Chili Bar, Silent Auction & BIG dessert finale and of course the reverse raffle. The silent auction will include great items and experiences such as beach trips, pottery, paintings, jewelry, photography sessions, and so much more.

The silent auction will go live the week before the event so that anyone can log on and make their bids. The online auction will continue through the evening.

excited to put a

Director Jim Champion and Music Director Libby Putnam urge everyone interested to come join the fun of participating in the production of this musical comedy.

High school students have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the workings of local, state, and national government at the YLA Conference in Raleigh. Photo by NC LEG

Shelby Rotarians read books to students and students get a book

“Imagine

Rotary” is the theme for Rotary this year

Submitted by DR. JACK WELLER

Over the past two months, Cleveland County Schools 2,000 third and second

grade students had a Rotarian read to their classmates. At the end of the story, each student was given a book for them to keep and read on their own as part of the PALS (Partnership Aligned for Literacy Success) program.

Last year, Henry Gilmore and Tamara Goforth, Cleveland County Schools, spoke to the Shelby Rotary Club and explained about the new PALS (Partners Aligned for Literacy Success) program developed for CCSD students.

It is a Literacy Initiative for

literacy across the county for our young students in classrooms and at home. The goal is to improve the reading skills of all students through a concentrated focus on literacy instruction, practice, and the joy of reading.

Dr. Collette Deviney, former CCSD administrator and Rotarian, coordinated the program to have Rotarians visit

the 126 classes of second and third graders in the county’s sixteen elementary schools.

As Dr. Deviney explained, “Children learn to read up to the third grade. From third grade on they read to learn. Having a child become excited about reading is something we need to instill in every child.”

Many of the Rotarians shared how much fun it was to read to the students and the students appreciated re-

ceiving a book of their own to read. Robin Brackett, State Farm Insurance agent, read to students in Casar and commented on how excited the students were to get a book after hearing the story he had read. Emily Epley, Cleveland County Tourism read to students at Boiling Springs and James Love Elementary School, shared how the students wanted her to read more stories after she finished her book.

At West Elementary School in Kings Mountain, State Senator Ted Alexander read to the three classes. He explained that it is important for children to see adults read and read to children.

Shelby High School Principal David Allen read the classes at North Elementary School in Kings Mountain. He had all three classes at one time in the media center.

The Shelby Rotary Club received Thank You notes from each of the classes. Here are the contents of several of the notes sharing the student’s appreciation for having a Rotarian read to them and get-

ting the gift of a book.

"Thank you for reading to us and giving us a book. I really enjoy reading it."

"It was fun having you come to our class and read to us. When will you come back again?"

knowledge of promoting literacy in our schools and encouraging students to read.

The community has positively responded to the PALS program with donations, book purchases, grants, Book Nooks, and even as volunteer

SCHOLARSHIP

From Page 7A

University, Salem College, Elizabeth City State University, Shaw University, Elon University, University of Mount Olive, Fayetteville State University, University of North Carolina at Asheville, Gardner-Webb University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Greensboro College, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Guilford College University of North Carolina at Greensboro, High Point University,

University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Johnson C. Smith University, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Johnson & Wales University, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Lees-McRae College, Wake Forest University, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Warren Wilson College, Livingstone College, Western Carolina University, Louisburg College, William Peace University, Mars Hill University, Wingate University, Mercy School of Nursing, and Winston-Salem State University.

Shelby High School Principal David Allen read to the classes at Kings Mountain North Elementary School. He had all three classes at one time in the media center.

Robin Brackett, State Farm Insurance agent, read to students in Casar Elementary School.

Dr. Collette Diviney reads to third grade students as part of the PALS program sponsored by the Cleveland County School District and Shelby Rotary Club.

State Senator Ted Alexander read to the three classes At West Elementary School in Kings Mountain,.

Emily Epley, Cleveland County Tourism read to students at Boiling Springs and James Love Elementary School.She shared how the students wanted her to read more stories after she finished her book.

King tops 1,000 career points in KM’s loss to Stuart Cramer

Despite losing to a strong Stuart Cramer team Friday night in Belmont, Kings Mountain High’s senior standout Khalia King passed a personal milestone by topping the 1,000 point mark for her four-year varsity career.

King needed five points to reach thousand but she finished with a game-high 27 in a 70-41 loss. That increased her career point mark to 1,022 points.

King was the only double digit scorer for the Lady Mountaineers. Tyasha Bell, Farri Martin and Mia Bridges added four each and CoRey Simpson added two. Hadley Womack led the Storm with 20.

Kings Mountain’s men kept their conference winning streak going in the nightcap with a 65-53 win over the Purple Storm. That set up a Cleveland County head-to-head battle with the Crest Chargers last night at Crest for sole possession of

first place in what was the final first round game of the season.

The Mountaineers stay on the road Friday for a Big South battle with the Ashbrook Green Wave and go

to Hunter Huss on Tuesday. They don’t have another home game until they open second round BSC play with North Gaston on January 27 at Parker Gym.

The KM men led most of

the way, leading the Storm 17-11 after one period, 30-19 at the half and 44-34 going into the fourth quarter.

The Mountaineers placed four players in double figures, led by Tucker Robinette with 16. Bradley Floyd scored 12 and Curtis Simpson and Bryson Brown 10 each.

The win left the Mountaineers with a 6-0 conference and 9-5 overall mark while Cramer fell to 2-4, 6-10.

GIRLS BOXSCORE

KM (41) – King 27, Bell 4, Bridges 4, Simpson 2, Martin 4.

SC (70) – Womack 20, Holland 12, Duncan 14.

BOYS BOXSCORE

KM (65) – Robinette 16, Floyd 12, Simpson 10, Brown 10, Smith 6, Lenair 4, Osborne 3, Sanders 2, Linney 2. SC (53) – Rocaqumore 16, Hill 10, Sloan 10, Joyner 9, Rybczyk 4, Whitley 4.

KMHS ladies defeat Burns 55-36, Mountaineers come up shy 59-54

Kings Mountain High’s basketball teams split a non-conference doubleheader with Burns Thursday night at Parker Gym with the Lady Mountaineers winning 55-36 and the Mountaineers falling 59-54.

Senior Khalia King led the scoring for the KM ladies with 20 points, coming up just five points shy of 1,000 points for her fouryear varsity career. Tyasya Bell added nine points, CoRey Simpson and Austyn Dixon six each and Farri Martin and Allysia Pettis five apiece.

Burns held a slim 21-20 lead at the half but the Lady Mountaineers dominated the final two quarters. By the end of the third period

the Lady Mountaineers were on top 35-28 and they opened the fourth period on an 8-0 run to break the game open.

While they were in high gear on offense, the defense was holding the Lady Bulldogs to one shot at the basket on most of their second half possessions. KM stretched the lead to 15 points (43-28) on a Tyasya Bell basket with 4:40 left in the third quarter and King’s coast to coast lay-up with 1:30 left increased the margin to 16 (50-34) with a minute and a half left in the quarter. A pair of King free throws followed an Austyn Dixon bucket in the final minute to account for a 53-36 margin and two King free throws with just

Patriots defeat Panthers, Burns

The Kings Mountain Middle boys basketball team won two hard-fought basketball games this past week.

In the first game, KM took on the Panthers of North Lincoln, in the division opener for both teams. KM’s Silas Tate scored four of his 11 points in the first quarter to give the Patriots a slim 11-8 lead. During the second period, KJ Bell hit two deep threes to give Kings Mountain a one-point lead heading into halftime.

Christan Jarrett scored five of his 11 points during the third quarter to extend their lead to seven at 30 to 23. KM was able to fend off a late North rally as Christian Hill made back-to-back threes to give KM a four-point lead with less than two minutes to go. Tate finished off the scoring with four late free throws to give KM a 42 to 32 win.

In the second game of the week, KM took on county rival Burns in its home opener, securing a two-point win. KM got off to a very slow start only scoring two points over the first 10 minutes of the game as the Eagles took a 15-2 lead. Nazire Davis hit a three-point shot late in the second quarter to

pull KM to within 12 heading into the half. After some halftime adjustments, KM finally was able to put some good offensive possessions together as Silas Tate led the way with five points. The Patriots also picked up the tempo on defense as they outscored their opponents 18-2 during the period to take a 23-19 lead heading into the final stanza. Burns was able to pull to within one point at 27-26 before KM sealed the deal on a KJ Bell free throw for a final score of 28-26.

Offensive player of the week: Sias Tate (20 points).

Defensive player of the week: Nazire Davis (outstanding “D” and leadership. He took on the other team’s best player).

Sixth man of the week: KJ Bell (provided a spark off the bench and hit some big shots).

KM is 3-1 overall and 2-0 in East Division.

KM is at West Lincoln on Wednesday and at East Lincoln on Thursday.

“The team took a big stride this week, they kept believing and fighting and at the end, it all fell into place,” said Coach Shane Cole.

20 seconds left resulted in the final score.

Bell followed King in the scoring department with nine points. CoRey Simpson and Dixon added six apiece and Farri Martin and Allysia Pettis chipped in five each.

The Mountaineers had one of their coldest shooting nights of the season (18 of 55 field goals for 33 percent and 14 of 28 free throws for 50 percent) and were also hampered by numerous players riding the pine in foul trouble. Freshman Bradley Floyd led the scoring with 16 points but he sat out most of the first half in foul trouble. Point guard Zay Smith also spent a lot of time on the pine in foul trouble but also hit

double figures with 11. Curtis Simpson led the rebounding effort with nine. Burns began taking advantage of the situation early in the third quarter and finally got the lead 31-29 at the 3:30 mark of the quarter. By the end of the quarter they were up 37-32. KM couldn’t get any closer despite some late steals that created a run that led to baskets but not enough to get over the hump.

MEN’S BOXSCORE

KM (54) – Floyd 16, Smith 11, Robinette 8, Sanders 8, Simpson 7, Linney 3, Brown 2.

B (59) – Norris 15, White 14, Thompson 13, Wilson 9, Surratt 6, Johnson 2.

Willis, Cruise to compete at state Indoor Track Meet

Kings

the top point winner, finishing first in the high jump, long jump and 500 meter run.

Mountaineers hold off Raiders to stay unbeaten in Big South

Kings Mountain and South Point had an old-fashioned slobber-knocker Tuesday night at Donald L. Parker Gymnasium with the Mountaineers overcoming a strong Red Raider comeback bid late in the fourth quarter to win 66-62 and remain unbeaten in the Big South 3A Conference.

The Mountaineers led most of the game but the Red Raiders made a strong run in the final five minutes before the home team took command in the final minute with outstanding defensive play and some key baskets.

The Red Raiders overcame the Mountaineers on a three-pointer by Garrett Hunt for a 53-51 lead with 3:15 remaining. KM regained the lead at 54-53 on a free throw by Zay Smith at the 2:35 mark but South Point answered seconds later to go up 55-54.

Bradley Floyd hit a pair of free throws with 2:12 remaining to put KM back up top 56-55 but Sean Gore’s three got the Raiders back on top 59-58 with 1:24 left. That would be their last lead but the Mountaineers had to make some big plays late to send their fans home happy.

Smith’s running layup gave the Mountaineers their final lead at the 1:03 mark. With the clock under

40 seconds, KM’s Curtis Simpson stole the ball and got it to Bradley Floyd who was fouled with 34.6 on the clock. Floyd calmly sank both free throws for a 62-59 lead and another steal set up Sanders for a layup and a 64-59 margin.

A South Point three cut the margin to 64-62 with 4.1 seconds left. The Raiders had to foul again but Smith calmly sank two free throws to wrap things up.

Floyd led the Mountaineers with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Smith played a tremendous all-around game with 12 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Eli Osborne, who was called upon late in the first half to sub for Priest Wilson who was injured while fouled going in for a fastbreak layup, contributed 12 points.

South Point came on strong in the final three periods to knock off the Lady Mountaineers 59-48 in the first game. The Lady Raiders improved to 4-2 in the BSC and 10-6 overall while dropping the KM ladies to 2-4 and 7-6.

Kings Mountain led 16-12 after the first period and 26-17 at the half. The visitors outscored them 16-11 in the third quarter to cut the difference to 37-33 and 26-11 over the final eight minutes to win going away.

BIG SOUTH BASKETBALL STANDINGS

(Boys)

(Through Friday, January 13)

Teams Conf. W-L All W-L

Kings Mountain 6-0 9-5 Crest 6-0 13-2

Hunter Huss 4-2 8-6 South Point 3-3 3-3 Stuart Cramer 2-4 6-10 Forestview 2-4 7-7 Ashbrook 1-5 1-14 North Gaston 0-6 2-14

(Girls)

Ashbrook 6-0 11-4

Stuart Cramer 5-1 13-3

Hunter Huss 5-1 9-5 South Point 3-3 9-7 Crest 2-4 8-6 Kings Mountain 2-5 7-6 Forestview 1-5 7-8 North Gasto 0-6 1-15

The highlight for the Mountaineers was that Andre Willis ran a time of 7.94 seconds over the 55 meter high hurdles to qualify for the 3A State Indoor Championships on February 10. He will be joining fellow qualifier Hunter Cruise who bettered his pole vault height to 10’6”.

Barely missing qualifying was Max Thompson in the 1000 meter run with a 2:43. He needed a 2:42.

Marty Lovingood was

Wed., Jan. 18

5:15 – Middle school basketball, Kings Mountain at West Lincoln.

Thurs., Jan. 19 5:15 – Middle school basketball, Kings Mountain at East Lincoln.

Fri., Jan. 20

6 p.m. – High school basketball, Kings Mountain at Ashbrook.

For the Lady Mountaineers, Divinity Ervin brought home three first places by winning the 1600 meter, 1000 meter and 3200 meter runs. Brooke Waseman finished first in the 500 meter and 300 meter dashes.

Kings Mountain’s men finished with a 203 team score. Shelby had 50, Forestview 28 and Ashbrook 10.

The Lady Mountaineers finished with 145 points, Shelby 56 and Ashbrook 10. Ashbrook’s Camryn Massey qualified for the state meet in the shot put.

Mon., Jan. 23 5:15 – Middle school basketball, Lincolnton at Kings Mountain.

Tue., Jan. 24

6 p.m. – High school basketball, Kings Mountain at Hunter Huss.

Wed., Jan 25

6 p.m. – High school basketball, Kings Mountain at Shelby.

Khalia King topped the 1,000 career point mark in last week’s Big South loss at Stuart Cramer.

Mountain Highs indoor track teams hosted a Polar Bear meet Wednesday at John Gamble Stadium. A polar bear meet means that indoor events are contested on an outdoor facility.

KM YMCA winter basketball scores

– Mason Nicholson 11 points

Hornets – Weston Biggers 6 points

Campbell 12 vs Burgess 18

Campbell – Quantavious Sharpe 12 points Burgess – Bennett Burgess 8 points

Panthers 15 vs Fireball 4

Panthers – Jailah Clinton 9 points Fireball – Braxton Corbett 2 points

7-9 Girls

Wildcats 26 vs Ruby C Hunt YMCA 20

Wildcats - Sadie Bert 10 points

9-10 Boys

Ballers 15 vs Roberts 17

Ballers – Brody Ciaschini 7 points

Roberst – Aiden Adams 8 points

Aces 32 vs Bulls 20

Aces – Carson Epps 11 points

Bulls – Knox Toney 9 points

10-12 Girls

Underdogs (KM) 22 vs Cherokee County YMCA 9

Underdogs – Jasmine Wilson 14 points

16-18 Boys Kings (KM) 46 vs Ruby C Hunt YMCA 43 Kings (KM) – Jayden Byers 18 points

Free Turkey Hunting Webinars Offered in February

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will offer three free turkey hunting webinars this February. Topics will include biology, species habits, habitats, scouting, essential equipment, setup, effective shot placement, decoy placement and hunting strategies. Each hour-long class will conclude with an interactive Q&A session.

Turkey hunting is a great option for entry-level hunters, but has its challenges. Throughout the webinar series, instructors will provide a comprehensive overview about how to prepare for the hunt, what to expect, and how to execute a successful hunt while enjoying time in the

wild regardless of harvest. It’s a great opportunity for novice hunters to learn how to get started as well as learn some advanced hunting tactics.

“The webinars are especially intended for those that have never hunted and lack access to a hunting mentor, although they are open to all skill levels,” said Hunting Engagement Coordinator Walter “Deet” James with the Wildlife Commission. “The webinar series will be completed over three consecutive evenings. Anyone interested in attending all three webinars must register for each class separately.”

2023 Turkey Hunting See TURKEY, Page 3B

Parrott named new GWU vice president

Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William Downs announced that Gardner-Webb alumnus, Dr. Josh Parrott, will serve as the new Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service. Selected after a national search by a committee representing the Gardner-Webb community, Parrott will begin on Feb. 15.

The Christian life of the University is a priority for Downs, who elevated the Vice President position to cabinet-level in 2019. As a member of the President’s cabinet, Parrott will report directly to Downs.

“I’m so very pleased to appoint Dr. Parrott to this incredibly important position at our University, and we are eager to welcome him back to his alma mater in February,” praised Downs. “Josh knows and loves Gardner-Webb, he understands the myriad opportunities and challenges of Christian higher education, and he is fully committed to ministering to students from diverse backgrounds. Everyone who meets Josh will quickly realize that his

approach is positive and optimistic, that his energy level is sky high, and that he will be both visible and engaged in advancing GWU’s mission.”

For Parrott, who currently lives in Eutawville, S.C., accepting the position is like “coming home.” He noted, “I am proud to have earned my religious studies degree from Gardner-Webb in 2003, and I am grateful for my professors who stirred within me a love for learning. My love for this University and my love for campus ministry began in the Fall of 1999. As a freshman, I was involved in off-campus ministries to the local nursing home and homeless shelter,

and it was through these ministries that I met Brantley, my wife.”

Parrott said as he begins his new role at Gardner-Webb, he will work closely with the ministers in the Office of Christian Life and Service to continue providing strong spiritual care for all members of the campus community. “We want to offer a ministry of presence, build caring relationships with our faculty, staff, and students, and proclaim the excellencies of God all along the way,” he affirmed. “Our task will be to ‘honor Christ the Lord as holy’ (1 Peter 4:15), and make sure that in all things ‘God is glorified’ (1 Peter 5:11). I would like to thank President Downs and each member of the search committee for their time and diligence during this process.”

Parrott received his Master of Divinity in pastoral ministry with biblical languages notation in 2006 from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C. He earned his Master of Theology in biblical studies

with a concentration in New Testament in 2007, also from Southeastern. His thesis was on “The Gospel of Luke, the Kingdom of God, and Those of Low Status in Society: An Analysis of a Special Lukan Motif.” In 2020, he graduated from Liberty University School of Divinity in Lynchburg, Va., with a Doctor of Philosophy in theology and apologetics with a concentration in biblical studies. His dissertation was titled “Positive and Negative Uses of the Exodus Motif in Biblical Prophetic and Apocalyptic Literature.”

From 2007 to 2020, Parrott was associate professor of religion at Louisburg College, a private school in North Carolina. He taught Old Testament, New Testament, World Religions, Religion in America, The Bible Yesterday and Today, Philosophy, Public Speaking, Reading, and College Success Seminar. He was responsible for promoting biblical and spiritual growth, character development and critical thinking at this faith-based institution.

Pick up your copy of the Kings Mountain Herald at one of the following locations:

In Kings Mountain:

Amiya Express; 212 W. King St.

Bojangles; 218 N. Cleveland Ave.

Chat & Nibble; 415 N. Piedmont Ave.

Cherokee Grill; 222 S. Railroad Ave.

Circle K; 225 N. Cleveland Ave.

Circle P; 301 Phifer Rd.

Community Thrift; 245 S. Battleground Ave.

Dennis’s #3; 1909 Shelby Rd.

Dollar General; 298 Oak Grove Rd.

Dollar General; 1103 Shelby Rd.

Food Lion; 1307 Shelby Rd.

Food Lion/Dollar Tree; 601 E. King St.

Grandpa’s Country Store; 903 Bethlehem Rd. Highway 29 Grill; 1842 S. Battleground Ave.

Ingles; 2111 Shelby Rd.

King’s Food Store; 320 Waco Rd.

KM Hospital; 706 W. King St.

KM Pharmacy; 1110 Shelby Rd.

KM Post Office; 115 E. Gold Street

KM Travel Plaza; 400 Dixon School Rd.

Linwood Produce; 805 Cleveland Ave.

Love’s Fish Box; 1100 Shelby Rd.

Mike’s Food Store; 314 N. Piedmont Ave. Mountain Market; 506 Waco Rd.

Mountain Street Pharmacy; 709 W. Mountain St. Mountain View Restaurant; 100 E. King St. Parker’s Amoco and Tires; 908 Shelby Rd. Rick’s Ole Country Store; 1557 N. Piedmont Ave.

Scotchman; 2120 Shelby Rd. Shell; 511 Linwood Rd.

Silver Express; 501 E. King St.

Sub Factory; 311 S. Battleground Ave. Swooger’s; 1016 Shelby Rd.

Three Point Market & Grill; 102 Goforth Rd. Tom’s Family Mart; 733 Stony Point Rd. Walgreens; 900 Shelby Rd.

Walmart Neighborhood Market; 1011 Shelby Rd. Woodbridge Handy Mart; 987 Stony Point Rd. YMCA; 211 N. Cleveland Ave.

In Grover:

Carolina Crossing Restaurant; 218 S. Main St. Grover Post Office; 102 Mulberry Rd. JK’s Food Mart; 2738 E. Cherokee St. Mike’s Food Store; 2731 E. Cherokee St.

Gardner-Webb Announces 2022 Summer and Fall Graduates and recognizes Academic Achievement

Students Earn Degrees and Undergraduates Receive President’s List, Dean’s List and Honor Roll Awards

Gardner-Webb University is pleased to announce the 2022 Summer and Fall graduates from Kings Mountain, N.C., and those undergraduate students who received academic honors.

New this year is the addition of The President’s List, which recognizes undergraduate students enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester hours who have earned a 4.0 grade point average for the semester.

The Dean’s List is composed of undergraduate students enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester hours with a semester grade point average of 3.70 to a 3.99 with no grade lower than a “C.”

The Honor Roll is composed of undergraduate students enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester hours with a semester grade point average of 3.40 to 3.69 with no grade below a “C.”

2022 Graduates

Kayla Marie Bearden, Education Specialist

Cydnie Bretta Gardner, Bachelor of Science

Paul Christopher Gash, Doctor of Ministry

Tyler Seymore Hamilton Hager, Master of Sport Management

LaSada Antoinette Howell, Bachelor of Science

Melinda Lea Krohmer, Bachelor of Science

Tyreece Luther, Bachelor of Arts

Matty Ann McKnight, Bachelor of Science

Morgan Elizabeth Sanford, Master of Science in Nursing

Randi G. Sheridan, Bachelor of Science

Tobie James Tate, Master of Business Administration

President’s List

Madisyn Brooke Bolin

Meredith Jane Bridges

Leah Bell Holland

Camryn Hope King

Dean’s List

Devin James Pressley

Vivien Elizabeth Ray

Honor Roll Ethan B. Capps

Emily Nichole Graham

Sydnie Chance Hay

Jada Johnson

Caleb Thomas Johnston

Blakely Lauren Philbeck James Thomas Wilson

Sage Mckenzie Wright

Cleveland County COVID cases decreasing

by Loretta Cozart

Last week, COVID numbers in Cleveland County decreased nearly 55 percent from the prior week, with 222 cases reported. The county is still classified as medium for cases by the CDC. Gaston, Lincoln, and Rutherford counties all saw decreases in case numbers and are now classified low.

Burke and Cherokee counties reported high case numbers.

Cleveland County Public Health Center recommends that citizens stock up on tests now, so you have them when you need them. They have free COVID tests available for pickup Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at 200 South Post Road in Shelby, while supplies last. Call ahead to confirm availabil-

TURKEY

From Page 2B Webinar Schedule: Feb. 7, Biology for Hunters, Regulations, Where to Hunt and Scouting, 7 – 8 p.m. Feb. 8, Firearms, Ammo, Clothing and Miscellaneous Equipment, 7 –8 p.m. Feb. 9, Hunting Techniques and Strategies, 7 – 8 p.m.

Space is limited and pre-registration online is required. Classes will be held via Zoom. Participants will receive their Zoom link after registering via a confirmation email. The class will be recorded and a link to the recording will

ity. Limit of 10 tests per household per day.

On February 10th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., they are hosting a free drive-thru COVID-19 test distribution event on Friday, February 10th from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Each vehicle will receive 10 free COVID-19 athome tests.

The CDC recommends citizens stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and get tested if you have symptoms. Wear a mask if you have symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19. You may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect yourself and others. If you are at high risk for severe illness, consider wearing a mask indoors in public and taking additional precautions.

be emailed to registered participants by March 1. The webinars are being held prior to the wild turkey open seasons for male or bearded turkeys, April 1 – 7 for youth under 18, and April 8 – May 6 statewide. Turkey hunting rules and regulations are available in the 2022 – 2023 North Carolina Regulations Digest. For more information on turkey seminars and other skills based seminars, visit ncwildlife.org/sbs or contact James at walter. james@ncwildlife.org or at 984-202-1387.portunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities.

Submitted by Fairley Mahlum

DR. JOSH PARROTT

Search continues for Sandy Canipe

Seven years ago, Sandy Canipe was reported missing. He has not been located and Cleveland County Sheriff's Office requests citizens submit any information you have about his disappearance. An increased reward of $10,000 has been offered for information leading to locating him.

Sandy, of 112 Dyer Dr., was last seen around 5:30 p.m. on January 16, 2016, near his home in Shelby, NC.

Volunteers searched a 7-mile radius around Sandy’s home, for multiple days. More than 50 people from law enforcement and emergency personnel, along with police K-9’s

and drones found no trace of him in the area.

Due to conflicting statements, it is unknown as to

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 28th of December, 2022 as Administrator of the Estate of PENNY LEE STONE, 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, Grady T. Stone, Administrator on or before the 4th of April, 2023, 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 4th day of January, 2023.

Grady T. Stone, Administrator Estate of Penny Lee Stone 140 Phifer Cir Unit 2. Kings Mountain, NC 28086

KMH (1/04, 11, 18 & 25/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 12th day of January, 2023 as Executrix of the Estate of HESTER LEE ROBERTS, deceased, of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned, Gloria Denise Roberts, Executrix, on or before the 18th of April, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 18th day of January, 2023.

Gloria Denise Roberts, Executrix Estate of: Hester Lee Roberts 818 Surry Drive Shelby, NC 28152

KMH (1/18, 25, 2/01 & 08/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 19th day of December, 2022 as Executrix of the Estate of ANNE I. CROTHERS; A/K/A, ANNE IDE CROTHERS, deceased, of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned, Cynthia Dominick, Executrix, on or before the 28th of March, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 28th day of December, 2022.

Cynthia Dominick, Executrix Estate of: Anne I. Crothers; a/k/a, Anne Ide Crothers 304 Pineville Road Spartanburg, SC 29307

KMH (12/28/2022 & 1/04, 11 & 18/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 21st of December, 2022 as Administratrix of the Estate of SPENCER DEE 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, Amy Carpenter, Administratrix on or before the 28th of March, 2023, 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 28th day of December, 2022.

Amy Carpenter, Administratrix Estate of Spencer Dee Smith 124 Kester Drive. Cherryville, NC 28021

KMH (12/28/2022 & 1/04, 11, & 18/2023)

what Sandy was last wearing at the time of his disappearance. He has no history of any medical condition that would cause him to become disoriented. The search for Sandy, which lasted about a week, was called off on January 21, 2016. Sandy, 48 years old at the time of his disappearance, is described as 5’, 9” tall, with brown hair and green eyes.

If you have any information, please call 704484-4822 or submit a tip on CCSO’s app.

Someone knows something that can help CCSO find Sandy, so any information may be helpful.

GCPD offers reward for information in shooting

On Monday January 16, at about 6:00 pm, the Gaston County Police Department responded to the 600 block of Hickory Grove Road, just north of McAdenville, in reference to a shooting.

Several callers had advised a male at this location was shot one time in the leg. A wrecker was seen leaving the area right after the incident. Witnesses told police the shooting stemmed from a confrontation over a vehi-

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 9th day of January, 2023 as Executrix of the Estate of PAUL EUGENE WILSON, deceased, of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned, Linda Ruth Hill, Executrix, on or before the 18th of April, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 18th day of January, 2023.

Linda Ruth Hill, Executrix Estate of: Paul Eugene Wilson 107 Royal Fern Lane Easley, SC 29642

KMH (1/18, 25, 2/01 & 08/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 12th day of January, 2023 as Co-Executrixes of the Estate of KAREN L. VINESETT; AKA; KAREN LAIL VINESETT, deceased, of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned, Kyerstin Bridges, Co-Executrix and/ or Makenzi Vinesett, Co-Executrix, on or before the 18th of April, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 18th day of January, 2023. Kyerstin Bridges, Co-Executrix Estate of: Karen L. Vinesett; aka, Karen Lail Vinesett 1658 Union Church Road Lawndale, NC 28090 And/or Makenzi Vinesett, Co-Executrix Estate of: Karen L. Vinesett; aka, Karen Lail Vinesett 705 Royster Avenue Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (1/18, 25, 2/01 & 08/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 3rd day of January, 2023 as Executrix of the Estate of VIRGINIA PAYNE GOWER SELF, deceased, of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned, Kimberly Hill, Executrix, on or before the 11th of April, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 11th day of January, 2023.

Kimberly Hill, Executrix Estate of: Virginia Payne Gower Self 922 S Battleground Ave Kings Mountain, NC 28086

KMH (1/11, 18, 25 & 2/01/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 28th day of December, 2022 as Executor of the Estate of JOY GARREN; AKA, JOY EVERHART GARREN, deceased, of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned, Jacob Daniel Garren, Executor, on or before the 11th of April, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 11th day of January, 2023

Jacob Daniel Garren, Executor Estate of: Joy Garren; aka, Joy Everhart Garren 163 Wellshire Drive Kings Mountain, NC 28086

KMH (1/11, 18, 25 & 2/01/2023)

cle. Upon arrival, officers located an individual suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. The individual was transported to CaroMont Regional Medical Center for treatment. The injury was not life threatening.

Shortly after the shooting occurred, Community Policing Officers located a wrecker fitting the description provided by witnesses. Two subjects believed to be involved were in the

wrecker. Criminal Investigations Unit Detectives responded and began the investigation.

The investigation is on-going. Anyone with further information is asked to contact Det. S. Brogden at 704-866-3320 or Crimestoppers at 704861-8000. A reward of up to $1,000 is available for information pertinent to the investigation. There is no further information available currently.

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 29th day of December, 2022 as Executrix of the Estate of DENNIS C. STAMEY; AKA, DENNIS STAMEY; AKA, DENNIS CLARENCE STAMEY, deceased, of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned, Shirley G. Stamey, Executrix, on or before the 4th of April, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 4th day of January, 2023.

Shirley G. Stamey, Executrix Estate of: Dennis C. Stamey; aka, Dennis Stamey; aka, Dennis Clarence Stamey 2138 Deal Road Cherryville, NC 28021

KMH (1/04, 11, 18 & 25//2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 10th of January, 2023 as Administrator of the Estate of JANE D. COPENHAVER, 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, Theron Cris Bailey, Administrator on or before the 18th of April, 2023, 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 18th day of January, 2023.

Theron Cris Bailey, Administrator Estate of Jane D. Copenhaver 1150 Old US 221 S. Marion, NC 28752

KMH (1/18, 25, 2/01 & 08/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 5th of January, 2023 as Administratrix of the Estate of ESTHER LAURA ANN WEBBER, 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, Doris Miller, Administratrix on or before the 11th of April, 2023, 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 11st day of January, 2023.

Tanya Denise Webber, Administratrix Estate of Esther Laura Ann Webber 903 Moses Ct Shelby, NC 28152

KMH (1/11, 18, 25 & 2/01/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 9th of January, 2023 as Administrator of the Estate of JANET LYNN SPANGLER ECKARD, 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, Michael Spangler Eckard, Administrator on or before the 18th of April, 2023, 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 18th day of January, 2023.

Michael Spangler Eckard, Administrator Estate of Janet Lynn Spangler Eckard 143 Ole Farm Place Kings Mountain, NC 28086

KMH (1/18, 25, 2/01 & 08/2023)

SANDY CANIPE

Extra COVID-19 federal food benefits end in March

In North Carolina and nationally, emergency allotments for COVID-19 in the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program will end in March 2023, according to NC Health and Human Services. Households that have been receiving extra FNS benefits, called “emergency allotments,” each month since March 2020 or after will see a reduction in benefits because of a federal change that ends emergency allotments for all states.

As part of the COVID19 public health emergency, families enrolled in the FNS program in North Carolina have been receiving at least $95 extra per month since March 2020 through emergency allotments. With the end of emergency allotments, the average FNS benefit per person per day will decrease from $8.12 to $5.45.

These emergency allotments have been critical in helping families compensate for financial and economic hardships due to COVID-19.

“Families needed these additional benefits to get

healthy and nutritious food throughout the pandemic,” said Susan Gale Perry, NCDHHS Chief Deputy Secretary for Opportunity and Well-Being. “While FNS emergency payments are ending, the need is not. We will continue to prioritize food security for all North Carolinians.”

Since March 2020, an average of 900,000 North Carolina households received FNS emergency allotments, giving more families access to nutrition meals that support healthy and productive lives, and bringing approximately $150 million federal dollars each month into local economies.

Beneficiaries will continue to receive their regular monthly benefit amounts in March 2023 based on a person’s or household’s current eligibility, income, household size and other federal eligibility requirements. FNS recipients can view their regular monthly FNS benefit amount and their emergency allotment amount online at www.ebtedge. com. NCDHHS encourages families to keep their FNS information up to

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE OF NUNCUPATIVE WILL PROBATE BY PUBLICATION

In the Superior Court of Cleveland County Take notice that the nuncupative will of Samuel Arthur Smith is to be submitted for probate in the Superior Court of Cleveland County, North Carolina. This notice is to inform any next of kin or unknown heirs of the Estate of Samuel Arthur Smith, that they have the right to oppose the probate of the nuncupative will of Samuel Arthur Smith.

This the 4th day of January, 2023.

233 E. Graham Street Shelby, NC 28150 Counsel for the estate: McIntyre Elder Law

KMH (1/04, 11, 18 & 25/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 3rd of January, 2023 as Executrix of the Estate of RONALD GLENN CLAY; AKA, RONALD G. CLAY, deceased, of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned at McIntyre Law Firm in Shelby, North Carolina, on or before the 18th day of April, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 18th day of January, 2023.

Chella Annette Hamrick; aka, Chella Clay Hamrick, Executrix Counsel for the Estate McINTYRE ELDER LAW PO Box 165 Shelby, NC 28151

KMH (1/18, 25, 2/01 & 08/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK

In the Matter of the Estate of: DAVID BRIAN HERNDON, Deceased.

Having qualified on the 22nd day of December, 2022 as Executor of the Estate of DAVID BRIAN HERNDON, deceased, late of Fairfield County, South 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 6th day of April, 2023 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 4th day of January, 2023 Warren R. Herndon, Jr., Ex. 245 Mooring Lane Lexington, SC 29072

C. Andrew Neisler, Jr CLONINGER & NEISLER ATTYS P.O. Box 515, 300 E. King Street Kings Mountain, NC 28086

KM (1/4, 1/11, 1/18, & 1/25/2023)

date to help them get the greatest benefits they are eligible to receive.

NCDHHS is working to increase access to food support by growing the NCCARE360 network to help connect families in need to resources in their communities. Additionally, the NC Medicaid Healthy Opportunities Pilot program is connecting people in certain counties with food vouchers and other services to boost their overall health.

North Carolinians in need of additional food assistance can learn more about additional food and nutrition resources at www.ncdhhs.gov/ foodresources. Residents can apply for FNS benefits online with ePass or by filling out a paper application and mailing it to or dropping it off at their county Department of Social Services.

Bissel recalls Cordless Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuums due to fire Hazard

In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, BISSELL is voluntarily recalling the BISSELL® Cordless Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum Models 2551, 2551W and 25519. At BISSELL.

This recall involves BISSELL Cordless Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum models 2551, 2551W and 25519. “BISSELL” is printed on the foot of the product. The model numbers are visible when the clean water tank is removed.

Immediately stop using the vacuum and search for the model number behind the clean water tank. The number will be listed on a large black bar on the product information sticker. If your unit

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 11th of January, 2023 as Executrix of the Estate of GEORGE LANGDON HATCH, deceased, of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned at Kimberly Spicer, P.A. at 214 North Morgan Street, Shelby, North Carolina, on or before the 18th day of April, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 18th day of January, 2023.

Helen Burnham Hatch, Executrix Counsel for the Estate KIMBERLY SPICER, P.A. 214 North Morgan Street Shelby, NC 28150 704-482-4358

KMH (1/18, 25, 2/01 & 08/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATRIX

Having qualified on 30th of November, 2022 as Administratrix of the Estate of Carroll Lawrence Strange (22 E 631), 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, Administratrix, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before March 29, 2023, 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 28th day of December, 2022.

A. Susan Biggers Administratrix of the Estate of Carroll Lawrence Strange Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C. 402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (12/28/2022 & 1/04, 11 & 18/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK

In the Matter of the Estate of: SCOTT D. BLACKWOOD aka SCOTT DEWAYNE BLACKWOOD, Deceased.

Having qualified on the 11th day of January, 2023 as Co-Executrices of the Estate of Scott D. Blackwood aka Scott Dewayne Blackwood, 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 Co-Executrices on or before the 20th day of April, 2023 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 18th day of January, 2023

Catherine Marie Tate, Co-Ex. 600 Landing Street Kings Mountain, NC 28086

Samantha Jeanne Tate, Co-Ex. 407 Palm Frond Drive Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

C. Andrew Neisler, Jr CLONINGER & NEISLER ATTYS P.O. Box 515, 300 E. King Street Kings Mountain, NC 28086 KM (1/18 & 1/25, 2/1 & 2/8/2023)

is subject to the recall, remove your vacuum from the charging base.

Consumers can either take the product to a local BISSELL authorized service center for a free battery pack replacement or schedule a free in-home repair visit from an authorized BISSELL service technician to replace the existing battery pack.

Consumers can receive a free battery pack replacement by visiting their nearest BISSELL Authorized Service Center with their vacuum or by contacting BISSELL to schedule a free in-home repair visit from an authorized BISSELL service technician

to replace the existing battery pack inside the vacuum.

Consumers can contact BISSELL at: 1-855-4177001 from 9 A.M. to 9 P.M. ET Monday through Friday and 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. ET on Saturday.

This product is sold at Walmart stores nationwide and online at www.bissell. com, www.walmart.com, www.qvc.com, www.amazon.com, www.costco.com, www.fingerhut.com, www. acehardware.com, www. kohls.com, and www.wayfair.com from January 2019 through November 2022 for about $360.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The public will take notice that the City Council of the City of Kings Mountain has called a public hearing regarding an application for rezoning.

Scott Moss MD, Applicant has requested an amendment to the Zoning Map of the City of Kings Mountain regarding the following:

Rezone approximately 7.72 acres, identified as Cleveland County Parcels 11750 and 65674 located at the southeast corner of S Battleground Ave and Kings Mountain Blvd. The petitioner would like the property to be rezoned from Suburban Residential (SR) to Auto-Urban Commercial (AU). Case Z-22-21

The public hearing will be held at City Hall, 101 W. Gold Street, Kings Mountain, North Carolina on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. Opportunity for public input will be offered during the public hearing portion of the meeting. A copy of the application may be obtained by contacting the City of Kings Mountain Community Planning Department at 704-734-4595.

KMH (1/11 & 1/18/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATOR

Having qualified on 22nd of December, 2022 as Co-Administrators of the Estate of Chris Duane Ellis (22 E 1069), 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 Phillip Ellis, Co-Administrator and David Ellis, Co-Administrator, c/o A. Susan Biggers, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before April 12th, 2023, 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 11th day of January, 2023.

Phillip Ellis and David Ellis Co-Administrators of the Estate of Chris Duane Ellis c/o A. Susan Biggers Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C. 402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (1/11, 18, 25, 2/01/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF MECKLENBURG

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CVD-17365 (CTM)

RACHEL ROFF, Plaintiff, vs. DONYELL MCCLUNEY, Defendant.

TO: DONYELL MCCLUNEY

TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Plaintiff has filed a Complaint seeking child custody of Alexandra Rose Roff, born, February 21, 2021, child support, and attorney’s fees.

YOU ARE REQUIRED TO MAKE DEFENSE TO SUCH PLEADING NOT LATER THAN February 27, 2023, which is forty (40) days from the first publication of this notice (said date being January 18, 2023). Upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought.

This the 18th day of January, 2023.

Tamela T. Wallace Attorney for Plaintiff The Law Office of Tamela T. Wallace, P.A. 301 South McDowell Street, Suite 406 Charlotte, North Carolina 28204 Telephone: (704) 371-4212

KMH (1/18, 25, 2/01/2023)

EMPLOYMENT

PART TIME MUSICAL WORSHIP LEADER. We are looking for a part time Worship Leader to lead our congregation in Sunday morning musical worship. A complete description can be obtained from our church office by calling 704-4346771. Please send resume to SRBC, PO Box 297, Mooresboro, NC 28114. (704) 434-6771 sandyrunoffice@gmail.com

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

GENERAL MAINTENANCE/ GROUNDSKEEPER. Must have valid drivers license. Call 704-473-4299. (704) 4734299

POSITION AVAILABLE FOR

Lead Person for Commercial Landscaping Company located in Kings Mountain, NC. Must be Mature & Seasoned. A valid drivers license is required and have experience hauling trailer and equipment. Travel is required every day with early mornings and some late afternoons, especially in spring and summer months. There are no overnight stays. This position will start immediately. Only serious inquiries need apply. Please send email with resume to zerobugs@bellsouth.net or leave a voicemail at 704-734-5370 and your call will be returned.

ONE ON ONE CARE. Is hiring for Direct Support Professional/DSP for full/part time on 2nd shift. Transport experience recommended not required. Apply in person at 203 Lee St, Shelby NC

BUSINESS SERVICES

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. 704-477-9119 or 704-472-9367.

YARD BUDDY. Outdoor work such as trimming bushes, small trees, spraying weeds, gutter cleaning. General property clean-up. No grass cutting or leaves. Serving Shelby & Cleveland County. (980) 295-0750

FOR SALE

LENOVO YOGA TOUCHSCREEN LAPTOP. $650. Runs Windows 11. Has only been used a few times. (704) 487-6771

GLASS DISPLAY CABINET $150. I have two glass display cabinets. Can send picture by phone (704) 300-1818 kim_ hopper@bellsouth.net

OLD AUTO PARTS CABINETS $100. I have several different cabinets and display racks, Can send pictures by phone (704) 300-1818 kim_ hopper@bellsouth.net

WIDE ELECTRIC CHAIR. Like new. 13,000 watt generator, new, runs on gas and propane, electric start. 828748-2411.

FOR SALE

FIREWOOD. Seasoned 95% Oak, 1/4 cord load - $70, $85delivered. Bundles - $5 each. 704-435-3970 or 704-4583081.

SHIPPING CRATE $35.00 I have wood shipping crates for sale with lids. I can send pictures of them. (704) 3001818 kim_hopper@bellsouth. net

FOR SALE

2022 ENVY NEIGHBORHOOD CART. Road ready, blinkers, brake lights, headlights, horn, power steering, must sell. $9500. 828-9801187, for pictures/details.

STORAGE BUILDINGS NEW, USED, REPOS “BUY, SELL, TRADE!” J Johnson Sales, Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895

TRAILER-BUY-SELL-TRADE! “Must Have Title” J Johnson Sales (828) 245-5895

HORSE QUALITY HAY. Square and round bales. Call (704) 487-6855

WANT TO BUY

WE BUY Cars, Trucks, Vans. Running or not. Lost titles or have titles. We take over payments. 704-524-3387.

BUYING COMICS & VINYL RECORDS. Looking for 1950s-80s Comics in any condition. I want to buy your comics that are sitting and collecting dust and taking up room as well as old Rock and Roll records. Cleveland and Gaston County, Kings Mountain, Shelby and Charlotte areas. Call Tim 661-312-6159 (661) 312-6159 saveyourearth@ live.com

WANT TO BUY. ATV’s, PopUp Campers and Small Travel Trailers. Call 828-429-3935.

CASH FOR YOUR CAR. Running or not, title or no title. Call Charles Dellinger at Red Road Towing. 704-6926767, (704) 487-0228

BLANTON’S TREE SERVICE LLC. TREE TRIMMING AND REMOVAL SERVICES, STORM CLEANUP, LANDSCAPING AND SMALL GRADING JOBS FULLY INSURED. CALL FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE TODAY! (704) 692-4203

JAMES BALLARD PAINTING SERVICE. Paint Kitchen Cabinets only. Pre-estimated price. References available. 828-429-7511 or 828-4293743. Ask for James.

EB MOBILE MECHANIC. I will come to you to repair any car, lawnmower or tractor. Honest & reliable. (704) 3002332

MECHANIC WORK. We do Mechanic Work. Foreign and Domestic. Diagnostic fee, $50. Call 704-481-7502

CONCRETE SPECIALTIES. Driveways, patios, slabs, sidewalks, Bobcat work. Kelvin Carter 864-590-8054.

RETAINING WALLS, PAVERS, GRADING, DEMOLITION, site cleanup, ponds, fencing, maintenance, irrigation, landscaping, pruning, planting, excavator work. 828453-8113.

AUCTIONS

STORAGE AUCTIONS January 20, at 12:30 pm. At C&P Storage, 606 Charles St, Kings Mountain & January 27, at 12:30 pm at H&D Storage, 314 E Gold St, followed by C&P Storage, 606 Charles St, Kings Mountain. Multiple units will be auctioned. Call for more information. (704) 739-6334 pamdjackson@bellsouth. net

PATTERSON SPRINGS STORAGE AUCTION. PUBLIC SALE. 1PM, Jan 20th, Patterson Springs Storage, 1826 Creek Ridge Rd., Shelby, NC. Contents of Units: #1, 5, 6, 54 Morrow, #33 Eaker, #3 Perez, for Non-Payment

OLD GAMBLING MACHINE

$150. Would make a good man cave piece. (704) 3001818 kim_hopper@bellsouth. net

1999 DODGE 1500. $800. I have ‘99 Dodge pickup, been wrecked, has some good body parts, has good 360 engine. Does not run, Parts only. (704) 300-1818 kim_hopper@ bellsouth.net

ASSORTMENT OF CHILTON REPAIR MANUALS. I have a large assortment of Chilton Auto Repair Manuals. Some are imports and trucks. Some Motor Manuals all are hard back copies. Best Offer! (704) 300-1818 kim_hopper@bellsouth.net

SHOPRIDER STREAMER. Shoprider Streamer, used several years 250 lb wt limit, delivered, charger, tech warranty. Scooterman John. $475.00 (704) 951-4224 mobilityservices07@gmail.com

MORGAN’S FIREWOOD SERVICE. Green oak. Cut, split and delivered. $75. thrown off. $85. stacked off. 828-395-0758

TRAILERS, LAWNMOWER TRAILERS, Flatbed Trailers, Enclosed Trailers, Horse and Cattle Trailers, Saddlery. Check our prices and quality before you buy. Bridges Riding Equipment. Boiling Springs, NC. 704434-6389, (704) 473-0867

DRY OAK FIREWOOD. You haul. $$50 per load. Upper Cleveland County. (704) 4722022

NEW WASHER & DRYER No attachments. Still in boxes. From Lowe’s in Forest City. Paid $1248 will take $1000. Cash only! 704-484-1639 ask for Stephen or email darrylager@gmail.com

GREAT FOR GIFTS OR COLLECTING SILVER, GOLD & COINS! SILVER Bars & Rounds 1Oz., 5 Oz.,10 Oz., 32 Oz., 50 Oz.. and 2022 Silver Eagles. GOLD 1 Gram, 2.5 Grams, 5 Grams, 10 Grams, 1/10 Oz., 1/4 Oz., 1/2 Oz. & 1 Oz. “We Buy, Sell & Trade”! Jake’s Knives Coins, Collectibles & Antiques located at 1008 S. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC. Call 704-600-6996 or (980) 295-5568

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

WANTED: OLD AND NEW AMMO. Reloading supplies. Call 828-245-6756 or cell # 828-289-1488.

FARM & GARDEN

TROY-BILT 42 INCH MUSTANG zero turn mower. Two years old. Serviced yearly. Like new. $1500. 828-3950043.

PETS & LIVESTOCK

EXPERIENCED AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC NEEDED. We have full-time auto mechanic position available. Must provide own tools and have a valid driver license.

R&D Automotive in Earl, NC. (704) 482-9789

BUSINESS SERVICES

TREE, BRUSH AND DEBRIS REMOVAL. Also land clearing, dump truck service, driveways and gravel hauling. 828-289-0742.

SHIPMAN’S MASONRY- 48 YEARS EXPERIENCE. Brick, Block & Stone, Outside Fireplaces, Foundations, Underpinnings. “Free Estimates”. 1st Quality Work! (863) 5321587

NEW RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING SERVICES are now available. Badger Plumbing is now open to service you at reasonable rates. Call 704-524-3387.

I CLEAN HOMES AND BUSINESSES. I do standard cleanings, deep cleanings, move cleanings, and office cleanings at reasonable rates. Email me at sgacsa@aol.com call or text me at 704-419-9016 (704) 4199016 sgacsa@aol.com

SHIPPING CRATE $35.00. I have wood shipping crates for sale with lids. I can send pictures of them. (704) 300-1818 kim_hopper@bellsouth.net HAVE OLD BOTTLES FOR SALE. Also, Do you know anything about old books? Would like someone to tell me about the ones I have. Call 704-482-4815 or 704-4722040.

BOAT & RV COVERS-WE INSTALL. 14 on Site that you can look at and touch! J Johnson Sales, 2690 221South, Forest City, NC (828) 2455895

2003 CEDAR CREEK 5TH WHEEL CAMPER FOR SALE. 29 foot on lot at Cool Breeze Campground at Maggie Valley, NC. Lot is paid till May 1st. $8,500 or best offer. Call: 704-466-4076.If no answer, please leave message.

STEEL BUILDINGS (OPEN OR FULLY ENCLOSED) 14 on Display. 12’ Wide to 40 EVEN 60 Clear Span. “We do Grading, Gravel, Concrete” TURN KEY! J Johnson Sales, 2690 221South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895

MONITOR HEATER WITH TANK & STAND, $700 OBO. Feed barrels $20, Solid top plastic & metal barrels $10, Totes $75, Burn barrels $15, Metal cages $25. Call Jeff in Hickory before 6pm (828) 327-4782

NEW CAR SHED FOR THE NEW YEAR! Single Car $288 Down from $89 month. Double $395 Down from $123.45 month. J Johnson Sales, 2690 221South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895

TRAILERS, TRAILERS! DUMP TRAILERS, GOOSENECK, DECK OVER, EQUIPMENT, ALL PURPOSE TRAILERS, CAR HAULERS. Cash, Finance, Credit Cards, Rent to Own (No Credit Check) J Johnson Sales, 2690 221South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895

NEW 6X12 TRAILER “RENT TO OWN” No Credit Check! $582 Down-$161 per month. Includes Tax & Title Fee. J Johnson Sales, 2690 221South, Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895

7 TON GOOSENECK 25 FOOT. Lay Flat Ramp “All Rubber Seal Lights” Tool Box & More! $12,900 OR No Credit Check Rent to Own. From $639 month. J Johnson Sales, 2690 221South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895

KNITTING MACHINE FOR SALE. Can manufacture the following products and more. Compression tube socks, compression products for arms, legs and wrist where ever pain exist. Beanie caps, Scarfs, Toboggans, Banners, small flags, stockings, leg warmers, mittens, Knit cuffs for garments. Logo’s can be put on all products for your organization. You manufacture the products or we can do it for you. Contact: Jimmie, 704-750-6102

TRACTORS, EQUIPMENT, RIDING MOWERS, GARDEN TILLERS, GO-KARTS. Ready to mow. All in excellent condition. Can deliver, 30+ years experience in repair work. 828-980-0853, 704476-9383.

WANT TO BUY

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

NEED TO SELL YOUR HOUSE? I PURCHASE UNWANTED RENTAL PROPERTY AND/OR STARTER HOMES. MUST BE PRICED TO SELL! “QUICK CLOSINGS”! Call (704) 472-0006

LABRADOODLE F1B PUPS. Beautiful black labradoodle pups available January 20th. First puppy shots. (704) 6926713 paintedshilohfarm@yahoo.com CHIHUAHUA PUPPIES. $250 - $500. 4 males, 1 female. Call or text for info. (704) 418-9244

AKC/CKC REGISTERED BOXER PUPPIES. Taking $200 deposits now. Total price $900. Ready 2nd week of Feb. 3 males, 4 females. (704) 477-3900

3 BOER BILLY GOATS. 8 months old. $175. each or all for $450. 828-980-5067.

CKC GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES $600. I have 9 beautiful CKC German Shepherd puppies that will be ready for a new family on 1/26/23. They were born 11/28/22. They have all been checked and dewormed by a Veterinarian. First shots scheduled along with another checkup at the Veterinarian as well.

Registration papers included. Dame and sire are on site. The dame is 75 lbs and Sable. The sire is 110 lbs and traditional black and brown. They have been handled and socialized since birth. Please call or text for more information and pictures. (828) 305-1014

Free telemedicine program launched to increase access to COVID-19 treatment

People who test positive for COVID-19, particularly those who are uninsured or don’t have a primary care doctor, will have better access to treatments thanks to a time-limited telemedicine program launched by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with StarMed Healthcare. After a positive test, early treatment is key to avoiding severe illness and hospitalizations, and treatment may even reduce complications from postCOVID conditions, also called long COVID.

"More than 1 million people in North Carolina don’t have health insurance, which has made accessing care for COVID19, as with other diseases, very challenging," said NCDHHS Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. "This program provides a temporary bridge to care for many in rural and historically marginalized communities, but we still need long term investments to close the coverage gap."

Free telemedicine appointments to screen for COVID-19 treatment eligibility will be available, while funding allows, to North Carolinians who have tested positive for COVID-19 with an athome test or other method. To set up an appointment visit https://starmed.care/

nc or call 704-941-6000, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. If the telemedicine provider determines a patient is eligible for oral antiviral treatment, such as Paxlovid, they can send a prescription to the patient’s chosen pharmacy or through a mail-order pharmacy.

"Authorized COVID19 treatments like Paxlovid can prevent hospitalizations and save lives if started within five days of symptoms," said NCDHHS Assistant Secretary for Public Health and State Public Health Officer Dr. Susan Kansagra. "Everyone, especially people at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, should have a plan to contact a health care provider right away if they test positive. This telemedicine program offers another option for quick access to lifesaving treatments."

This telemedicine screening service is available regardless of insurance status and IDs are not required. If you have insurance, StarMed Healthcare will bill your health plan and NCDHHS will pay for any additional balance. If you do not have insurance, you will not be charged for your appointment. Oral antiviral pills are available at no-cost to the patient.

Telemedicine appointments through StarMed’s

registration form are available in English and Spanish and six additional languages will be made available by the end of the week. Consultations are available in more than 200 other languages through an on-demand interpretation service. American Sign Language interpretation is also available. The telemedicine program will last from mid-December until funding runs out, which is estimated to be about midMarch.

COVID-19 trends are again rising according to the NCDHHS COVID dashboard. Flu and RSV have already stretched hospital capacity this year. One way to help is to get vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. Everyone 6 months of age and older should stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. Find a vaccine location near you at MySpot.nc.gov. Everyone 6 months or older should also get a flu vaccine annually. Visit MySpot.nc.gov/flu to find locations and more information.

Both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available at the Cleveland County Health Department. The flu vaccine is available with no appointment necessary, while the COVID vaccine does require an appointment by calling 980-484-6019.

NCDHHS strongly encourages everyone to stay prepared by knowing what to do and where to go if you get sick with COVID19.

Keep at-home tests on hand and take one if you have symptoms or if you have come in close contact with someone with COVID-19, even if you are up to date on your vaccines. Get tested at least five days after you last had close contact. Free athome COVID-19 tests are available for pick up at the Cleveland County Health Department Monday – Friday from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. There is a limit of 6 tests per person per week.

If you test positive, stay away from others and follow the CDC's isolation guidelines. Seek medical care immediately if you have trouble breathing or experience other warning signs. COVID-19 treatments are available and can lower your risk of hospitalization or death. For more information, visit MySpot.nc.gov/FindTreatment (Spanish) or set up a telemedicine appointment online or by calling 704-941-6000.

Through the pandemic, StarMed Healthcare operated 750 test sites across 29 North Carolina counties, administering more than 900,000 tests and more than 500,000 vaccines.

Consumers say telehealth company is not providing service

Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a Denton, TX-based telehealth provider, Doctor Alexa.

BBB has recently received an influx of consumer complaints alleging they were seen for a virtual medical appointment and paid a fee for services, but the prescriptions from the doctor were never sent to the pharmacy. Consumers allege they are unable to speak with anyone upon contacting the business for a status update and/or refund.

Other complaints allege the company takes payment and detailed information, and the consumer is charged for a service that is never provided. Complaints received by BBB remain steady in December as cold and flu season is in full force. In some cases, the company responds with a refund, but the majority are unanswered.

Victims complaining to BBB are in 19 different states across the US. One Brevard, NC consumer stated, “I filled out an extensive order online explaining my symptoms and requesting an antibiotic. I filled out pharmacy information to where I’d like it to be sent. The medication was never sent, there was no follow up email confirmation or phone call, yet money was still taken out of my account. I now have no reference of the order, yet they have my money.”

“We would like for con-

sumers to start their search on BBB.org for trusted businesses in any industry, including telehealth. Our information is free, and only takes a few minutes to see what we have to say about a particular company. If you place BBB in front of your search term, it will efficiently produce BBB information”, said Tom Bartholomy, BBB President.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), despite its growth in popularity in recent years, telehealth faces a number of barriers hindering more widespread adoption. Information security, patient privacy, licensing, insurance reimbursement, and liability concerns are all areas where gaps exist in state statutes and regulations.

BBB suggests starting with your primary care physician or your health insurance provider for recommended telehealth options. And if you are a victim of any online purchase for goods or services you can dispute the charges with your credit card company.

FOR RENT

COUNTY

FOR RENT

CLEVELAND COUNTY

MOBILE HOMES FOR RENT. In Shelby, NC. 1 to 3 bedrooms renting from $525.00 to $825.00 per month. Call Today. 704-5548861. frontdesk@kluttspropertymanagement.com 1624-2 S POST ROAD Shelby, NC, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom, Rent $1100, Deposit $1100, Application Fee $25. 704-214-4180.

1233 S LAFAYETTE ST, Shelby, NC, 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, Rent $1495, Deposit $1495. Application Fee $25. 704-214-4180.

124 DEER MEADOW LANE LAWNDALE, NC. 3 bedroom, 2 bath. Rent $1250, Deposit $1250, Application fee $25. (704) 472-4666

LOOKING FOR A GREAT MODULAR HOME TO RENT? 3 bedroom, 2 bath, walk-in pantry, laundry room, extra nice. Shelby area. Also approved for HAP applications. 980-329-2141

3 BEDROOM 2 BATH HOUSE. Attached 2 car garage, large detatched garage, updated throughout. Lawn maintenance included. Shelby/Waco area. $1450 month, $1450 security deposit. (704) 236-8198

MOVE IN SPECIAL. 2 & 3 Bedroom, deposit required. $200 weekly rates. Includes power and water. NO PETS. (704) 473-4299

2&3 BEDROOM TOWN HOMES. Townhomes located in Shelby, NC. We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list. Rent is based on income (and some expenses are deducted). Please visit us today at Laurel Hill Apartments 1526 Eaves Rd., Shelby NC or call for more information 704-4871114. Equal Housing Opportunity.

MOBILE

2&3 BEDROOM MOBILE HOMES. Nice and clean, water furnished. Oak Grove Community, Kings Mtn. Call or text, 704-739-0259.

COMMERCIAL OFFICE BUILDING FOR RENT. Across the street from the hospital at 803 N. Washington Street, Shelby. Previously a dentist office and would make a great salon. Call for pricing, 704-3002820

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

3-4 BEDROOM BRICK HOUSE Forest City. Can be used as 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath. Carport, deck, central heat and air. $1400 plus deposit. (828) 458-7403

107 COBRA DRIVE, FOREST CITY, NC. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, Rent $1250, Deposit $1250, Application Fee $25. 704-2144180

2 & 3 BEDROOM MOBILE HOMES. Small private park between Spindale and Forest City. Starting at $550 per month. 828-382-0475.

PETS & LIVESTOCK

& LIVESTOCK

& LIVESTOCK

HICKORY CREEK APARTMENTS FOR SENIORS. (62 and older), disabled (50 and older). Shelby. Now taking applications for waiting list. 418 East Warren Street, Shelby. (704) 487-6354

By JIM MILLER Editor

Medicare Coverage?

Period.

Dear Savvy Senior, Is it possible to make changes to my Medicare coverage now? I know we’ve passed the fall open enrollment period, but I’ve heard that there are other times of the year beneficiaries can make changes. What can you tell me?

Changed My Mind

Dear Changed, Yes! The annual Medicare open enrollment period isn’t your only opportunity to swap out Medicare coverage. There are other opportunities, but the timing of when you can make those changes depends on your specific circumstances and the kind of Medicare coverage you have. Here’s what you should know.

Medicare Advantage Change

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you may be able to use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, which occurs each year from Jan. 1 through March 31.

During this period, you can switch

from your current Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan or to original Medicare with or without a prescription drug plan.

You can only make one change during this period, and it will be effective the first of the next month after you make the change.

Special Enrollment

Depending on your circumstances, you may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to change your Medicare health and drug coverage.

There are a number of circumstances in which you may have a Special Enrollment Period, such as if you moved outside of your plan’s service area, your Medicare Advantage Plan terminated a significant amount of its network providers, or you are enrolled in a State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program.

Those with Extra Help – the federal program that helps pay for drug costs – also have a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a Part D plan, or switch between plans once per quarter in the

first three quarters of the year.

If you need to make changes to your coverage but aren’t sure whether you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which provides free Medicare counseling. To find a SHIP counselor in your area visit ShipHelp.org or call 877-839-2675.

Also, be aware that if you’re enrolled in a Medicare plan by mistake or because of misleading information, you may be able to disenroll and change plans.

Typically, you have the right to change plans if you joined unintentionally, joined based on incorrect or misleading information, or, through no fault of your own, were kept in a plan you did not want.

To get help, call Medicare at 800-6334227 and explain to a customer service representative how you joined the plan by mistake and to request retroactive disenrollment or a Special Enrollment

Fall Open Enrollment

As you noted in your question, there’s also the Fall Open Enrollment Period that allows all Medicare beneficiaries – those with original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans – to make changes.

The Fall Open Enrollment Period occurs each year from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. During this period, you can join a new Medicare Advantage Plan or stand-alone prescription drug plan (Part D) plan. You can also switch between Original Medicare with or without a Part D plan and Medicare Advantage.

You can make as many changes as you need during this period, and your last coverage choice will take effect Jan. 1.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.