KM Herald 4-5-23

Easter Sunrise Service planned

The Kings Mountain Ministerial Association will be leading in an Easter Sunrise Service on Easter Sunday, April 9 at 7:00 A.M. at Mountain Rest Cemetery in Kings Mountain.

The service will be held around the huge white cross. Brother Chris Waldt, Lay Assistant to the Pastor at East Gold Wesleyan Church, will bring the Easter Sunrise message. Special music will be provided by Mr. Bill McMurrey and Mr. Johnathan Frady. Rev. Scott Whitney, Pastor of the East Gold Street Church

Chief Jeff Ledford looks back on career at SPD

By Loretta Cozart

will lead the service. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be moved to Eastside Baptist Church, 308 York Road.

Everyone is invited to come and worship as we celebrate the greatest event in history—the Resurrection of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ!

On Friday, March 31 at 4 p.m., Shelby Police Chief Jeff Ledford retired, signing off for the last time after 30years of service with the department.

He was quick to thank others for pointing him toward a career in law enforcement.

After graduating from Kings Mountain High School in 1986, he began his path into public service when he joined the Kings Mountain Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter at the age of 18.

Chief Ledford was born, raised, and continues to live in Kings Mountain. He is the son of the late Harold and Rachel Ledford.

“My Godfather was David Corn, and he had a heavy influence on me. He had worked at Kings Mountain Police Department before going on to the state to instruct officers in use of the Intoxilyzer. On his advice, I studied Criminal Justice and went into the Police Academy in 1991. He introduced me to

EASTER EGG HUNT AT THE AMERICAN LEGION – Otis D. Green American Legion Post 155 in Kings Mountain announces their 10th annual Easter Egg Hunt at the post home at 613 E. Gold Street on Saturday, April 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for children ages 1 – 12. This family friendly event is open to the public. A hotdog lunch will be served.

Bill filed banning foreign adversaries to buy NC farmland

On March 28, state House Majority Leader John Bell filed the N.C. Farmland and Military Protection Act, House Bill 463, to prohibit China, Russia, Iran and other foreign adversaries and state-controlled entities from purchasing agricultural land, including property surrounding military bases.

Primary sponsors include Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland), Rep. Jeff Zenger (R-Forsyth) and Rep. Jennifer Balkcom (R-Henderson).

“Allowing foreign adversaries to purchase farmland is

a legitimate concern in rural North Carolina and poses a serious risk to our national and food security,” said Rep. Bell. “By putting a halt to these land grabs, this bill will protect our state’s most precious natural resources while further safeguarding our military instillations. It is critical that we act now to mitigate this unnecessary threat to our state and nation.”

The legislation, which has the support of the N.C. Farm Bureau, becomes effective on January 1, 2024, and applies only to land acquired on and after that date.

KMPD warns of pine straw scam

Last week, KMPD responded to a residence on Garrison Drive in reference to a dispute over services rendered putting out pine straw. Two black males driving a red in color Ford F250 with Georgia plates solicited an elderly citizen to hire them to put pine

straw out at $9.00 a bale. The work took approximately one hour to complete when the males provided the citizen with an invoice for $3800.00 after only putting out an estimated 12 to 15 bales of pine straw.

These “SCAMMERS” misrepresented to the citizen that the ($9.00 per bale) was $9.00 per bundle, which was described by the See KMPD, Page 2A

Shelby Police Department, and I began my career here in 1992. I was promoted to chief fifteen years ago and have been fortunate to work my entire career in one place.”

When asked if any event in his career stands out in his mind, Chief Ledford answered saying, “I’ve spent the last couple of months reflect-

ing about that and there is not one single moment that was the moment. I would have to say that moment is made up of lots of different moments, if that makes sense?”

“It is made up of all the people I’ve worked for. I came up under some good leaders and mentors. They helped me, and not just peo-

ple from Shelby. Those I worked alongside watching what they did every day, it was just humbling to watch,” he said.

“Lots of moments in the last five years stand out, watching how officers have handled and worked with groups in the community. And this was before the time that the national narrative was police being against the community. The people I work alongside take customer service very seriously, engaging the community. It is amazing how the community has rallied around us. We have had our dark days, but I have been blessed for 30-years to be part of this group.”

According to Chief Ledford, the program he takes immense pride in is Partners for Change, started in 2012. He feels this group has strengthened community relations and community cohesion. “I didn’t do this myself,” he was quick to point out. “This group was formed by several pastors, community leaders, See LEDFORD, Page 5A

Members of the Gateway Trail Committee, politicians, and stakeholders posed for

KM

Gateway Trail Playground ribbon cutting

By Loretta Cozart Kings Mountain Gateway Trail held a ribbon cutting on Friday, March 31 at 3:30 p.m. for the new playground at 807 S. Bat-

tleground Ave., in Kings Mountain.

Shirley Brutko thanked the folks that made the playground possible and introduced Tim Moore, Speaker of the NC House.

14th annual Gateway Trail Runs had huge turnout

The Kings Mountain Gateway Trail Run was a big success even with a little rain. Over 180 runners signed up for the runs, 10Mile & 5K.

Thirty-five pottery trophies were awarded to the 10Mile runners and 47 were awarded to the 5K runners. The run t-shirts featured the new North Carolina “Year of the Trail” logo for 2023.

For Dental Implants

Director, Kings Mountain Gateway Trail, Inc. Shirley Brutko said, “Approximately 16 volunteers helped with the run. Starr and Neil Dowell, of Finish Well Timing, did an awesome job of timing the runners. Taylor Caldera from Royal T Café, as well as Ronnie & Rita Franks, helped with drinks and refreshments for the crowd.”

Speaker Moore spoke about the financial gift from the state that helped make the playground possible and added that 2023 is the Year of the Trails for North Carolina and how important

trails are to the state. For more information about the Gateway Trail, call: 704-685-3549 OR 704739-9663 or email Shirley Brutko at “sbrutko@att. net“.

CHIEF JEFF LEDFORD

The Gaston Runners Club participated in the KM Trail run on Saturday, March 25. Photo by Starr Dowell

CCSO requests help finding local man

Eric Kenneth Wease, 19, is wanted by Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office for Assault with a Deadly Weapon with the Intent to Kill. He is described as 5’, 9” tall and weighing 140 pounds.

Bobby Gene Bridges

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Bobby Gene Bridges, 86, of Kings Mountain, former owner and operator of The Printin’ Press, Inc., went home to be with the Lord on March 30, 2023, surrounded by his wife and four daughters.

Bobby was born April 11, 1936, in Kings Mountain, son of the late Jake Hord Bridges and Ethel Mullinax Bridges.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Juanita Swindell and her husband Bill Swindell.

He was a charter member of Carson Memorial Baptist Church where he attended since the beginning of the church in 1952.

He graduated from Ashley High School before attending Kings College.

Before graduating from Kings College, Bobby enlisted in the US Air Force. During his last years in the Air Force, he served as Staff Sergeant Chaplain Assistant.

Upon honorable discharge from the Air Force, Bobby obtained his business degree from Gaston College and Belmont Abbey while working for Akers Motor Lines.

In the years after his retirement as owner and operator of The Printin’ Press, Inc., Bobby enjoyed many hobbies including hunting, fishing, bowling; working with his rabbits, chickens, and pigs; gardening, and going to estate auctions.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 63 years, Brenda Terry Bridges; daughters, Sharon Land (James), Charlotte Burks (Dwayne), Ellen “Dawn” Schneider (Carlton), and Bobbie Christina “Tina” Negus (Mike); grandchildren, Jeremy Land (Taylor), Meredith Land, Steven Land, Walter Burks (Heather), Kelsey Blake, Victoria Brown (Rex), Bobby Burks, John Schneider (Whitney), Jason Schneider (Amber), Joseph Schneider, Jennifer Setzer (Robert), Jessica Schneider, Julie Schneider, Michael Negus Jr. (Kristen), Patricia Smart (Forrest), Nicole Negus; 14 great-grandchildren, a number of nieces and nephews; and brother, Eddie Bridges (June).

A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, April 5, at Carson Memorial Baptist Church, 262 Sparrow Springs Rd, Kings Mountain.

The service will be officiated by Pastor Chris Wilson, Rev. James Land, and Rev. Dwayne Burks.

The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be in Westview Gardens, Bessemer City.

Military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force and the Gaston County Honor Guard.

Condolences may be made online at www. greenefuneral.com

Arrangements are with the West Chapel of Greene Funeral Service, 216 Archie Whitesides Rd., Gastonia, NC 28052.

Tanya Pearson Jackson

SHELBY, NC – Tanya Pearson Jackson, 51, of Shelby, NC, passed away on March 30, 2023 at her home.

She was born in Wayne County, NC, daughter of the late William Harvey Pearson Jr. and was preceded in death by her son, Joseph Ryan Jackson.

Tanya worked as an Endoscopy Technician for most of her life and was currently employed with FleetNet America. She was a wonderful person who enjoyed helping others and possessed a generous heart. Tanya enjoyed traveling and camping. She was a doting grandmother who loved spending as much time as she could with her grandchildren. Tanya was a wonderful mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her kindness, guidance, and love will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter: Amber Kale and husband, Daniel, Kings Mountain, NC; mother: Brenda Cook Strickland, Shelby, NC; grandchildren: Breanna and Bentley Kale, Kings Mountain, NC; siblings: David Scott Pearson, Kings Mountain, NC, Myra Debbie Deloera (Miguel), Kings Mountain, NC, and Michael Anthony Pearson (Erica), Nampa, ID; beloved Canine Companion: Harley and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the Ollie Harris Memorial Chapel. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Harris Funeral Home Interment will be in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com. Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Don’t be an easy target steps to protect your vehicle

Due to a recent increase in Breaking and Entering to unlocked vehicles in our community, KMPD wants to pass on the following prevention techniques.

LOCK YOUR DOORS:

KMPD

From Page 1A

“SCAMMERS” as the size of approximately a basketball. Fortunately, this dispute/incident was settled at a much lower price between the two parties. KMPD warns all citizens of the possibility of this SCAM being conducted in our community. The “PINE STRAW SCAM” is common

If you recognize the male, please contact the sheriff’s office at 704.484.4822 or submit a tip on the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office app.

SB 41 repeals NC local pistol purchase permits

Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office shared the following information that the issuance of Pistol Purchase Permits by Sheriffs in North Carolina has been Repealed.

“Any person seeking to purchase or transfer a handgun in North Carolina is no longer required to apply to the Sheriff’s Office for a pistol purchase permit. All pistol permitting laws in North Carolina have been eliminated by the enactment of Senate Bill 41, Guarantee 2nd Amend Freedom and Protections.”

“Any person seeking

■ POLICE

ARRESTS

MARCH 22: Mark Lee

McVey, 19, Vale, failure to appear, failure to reduce speed, failure to appear, possession of marijuana $ 2,000 secured bond.

MARCH 24: Christopher Markel Martin, 32, 144 Kristie Lane, DUI, $10,000 secured bond.

INCIDENTS

MARCH 24: A resident of Dilling Street reported second degree arson of structure, residence.

MARCH 25: U-Haul International reported larceny of a trailer from S. Battleground Avenue valued at $5,000.

MARCH 29: A resident of Thornburg Drive reported damage to three tires valued at $200.

WRECKS

MARCH 8: Officer Herndon said Summer Leigh Altman, 108 Lords LNDG, operating a 2019 Honda and Brittany Danielle Robert, 209 Bridges Street, operating a 2014 Chrysler, were backing from a parking lot at McDonalds on Shelby Road and hit. Property damage was estimated at $4,500.

MARCH 8: Officer Butler said both Eloise Pearson

to purchase a handgun through a federally licensed firearms dealer will undergo the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) criminal background check required under current law. The dealer will then either sale or deny the sale of a pistol to the person based on the results of the background check,” the press release shared.

“If you have recently applied for a Pistol Purchase Permit with the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, you may go to any federally licensed firearm

Most car break-ins and thefts are from unlocked cars. Even if you are parked in front of your house, in your driveway or inside your garage, lock your doors. Criminals like to walk down the street and see if a car is unlocked. If it is, they open the door and take whatever is visible and move on to the next target. However, if the door is locked, they are more likely to move on.

SECURE YOUR VEHICLE: Roll your car windows up all the way and engage the car alarm, but do not depend on it as the only way to deter a thief. A car thief can break into your car and be out in about 30 seconds, fast enough that an alarm doesn’t scare most of them away.

KEEP YOUR VEHICLE TIDY: Thieves like

dealer now and go through the established process to purchase a pistol without a permit.”

“Under North Carolina law, the sheriff does not have the statutory authority

to window shop! Avoid leaving anything visible in the car. Almost any item that’s visible from the outside - even if you think it is worthless - could be seen as valuable to a thief. Your spare change, sunglasses, even an empty bag (a thief may think there is something inside the bag) could be valuable in the mind of a thief.

CONCEAL ALL

PROOF: Stow your electronics and accessories well out of sight, or just take it along with you. The proof alone might be enough to pique the interest of thieves, including items such as power cords, adapters, and GPS windshield suction-cup mounts. If you remove the suction cup, make sure to wipe the ring off the windshield; it’s a dead giveaway that you own a GPS.

PARK SMART: Park in a busy, well-lit area and avoid concealment from larger vehicles, fences, or foliage. Avoid parking in isolated and poorly lit areas.

to refund the $5.00 application fee. G. S. 14-404(e),” the release stated.

“Senate Bill 41 does not have any impact on Concealed Handgun Permitting laws.”

Moss, 412 Hawthorne Road, operating a 2017 Nissan, and Corey Myers, 404 Marcella Drive, claimed the green light when they hit in the intersection of US 74 Business and El Bethel Road. Property damage was estimated at $2,500.

MARCH 12: Officer Black said William Herman, Grover, operating a 2006 Mazda on I-85 South, said the vehicle slowed and started spinning. Firemen arrived to find a smoking car and oil coming out from under the vehicle. The engine had locked up causing a wiring harness to smolder the engine. Property damage was estimated at $5,000.

MARCH 13: Officer Matheson cited Wyatt Davenport, 1018 Second Street, with no operator’s license after the 2008 Ford he was driving was stopped at the stop sign on Walker Street. He pulled out from the sign and collided with a 2012 Chrysler operated by Travis Hale, 712 W. Gold Street, according to the police report. Property damage was estimated at $8,000.

MARCH 14: Officer Matheson said Timothy Wray Acuff, 938 Oak Grove Road, operating a 2007 Ford, and

Billy Eugene Froneberger, 120 Poppy Trail, operating a 2005 Lincoln, were traveling south on NC 161. Acuff was getting ready to turn and attempting to avoid colliding with another vehicle coming head-on and struck the Lincoln. Property damage was estimated at $2,800.

MARCH 14: Officer Dee said Gabriel Helms, 812 Third Street, failed to yield the right-of-way and struck a 2018 Toyota operated by Jolene Pruitt, Bessemer City. Helms, turning left onto NC 216 from US 74 business, said his vision was blocked by sunlight directly on his face. Property damage was estimated at $25,000. Cleveland County EMS transported injured to Caromont Medical Center in Gastonia.

CITATIONS

MARCH 22: Kayleigh Mosca, 22, Granite Falls, revoked driver’s license.

MARCH 23: Catina Degree, 38, Shelby, expired tag, no inspection.

MARCH 23: Thava Keophilavanh, 51, Charlotte, revoked driver’s license.

MARCH 23: Demario Roseboro, 22, Grover, expired tag.

MARCH 23: Amber Scott Philbeck, 32, 603 Meadowbrook Road, revoked driver’s license.

MARCH 23: Raleigh Starnes, 18, Dallas, no operator’s license.

MARCH 23: Cory Allen Brooks, 148 Siena Drive, revoked tag, no liability insurance.

MARCH 23: Miranda Jean Lipscomb, Charles Street 46, revoked driver’s license.

MARCH 24: Ricky Jay Runyon, 46, Crouse, revoked driver’s license.

MARCH 24: Christopher Wooten, 29, Gastonia, expired tag, headlamp violation.

MARCH 24: Sharnece Mack, 33, Gastonia, revoked driver’s license.

MARCH 24: Roderick Chambers, 26, Mount Holly, revoked driver’s license.

MARCH 24: Tristan Turner, 24, Richfield, NC, revoked driver’s license.

MARCH 25: Kenneth Dawkins Jr., 34, Gastonia, revoked driver’s license, expired tag, no inspection.

MARCH 26: Billy Lee Williams, 31, Shelby, expired tag, no inspection.

MARCH 25: Carl Mitchell, 55, York, SC, no operator’s license.

MARCH 26: Joana Palaromes, 44, Raintree Drive, no insurance, no registration, fictitious tag, failure to carry driver’s license, no vehicle inspection.

MARCH 28: Jade Johnson, 27, Dallas, speeding.

MARCH 28: Steve Smith, 53, Grover, revoked driver’s license. A

Today, having choices at the end of life’s journey is more important than ever. Now there is a new alternative to traditional burial and flame-based cremation.

makes

is your ability to honor and memorialize your loved one in any way you deem appropriate.

Offered By

for the beginning of spring and in early fall.

Citizens should not feel intimidated to pay an over-inflated price for these types of services. The “SCAMMERS” are typically from out of state and will coerce the citizen in paying thousands of dollars more than what the average price is from reputable lawn and garden businesses.

Always get the “agreed” upon price and amount of material in writing before allow-

ing services to be done.

If anyone feels that they or someone they know is a victim of this SCAM contact the Kings Mountain Police Department at 704-734-0444 to report the incident. Also remember that the City of Kings Mountain has an ordinance for door-to-door solicitation in the city. Contact KMPD to report any door-todoor solicitors at any time.

ERIC KENNETH WEASE

Easter

EGGstravaganza

at Patriots Park April 6

after dark.

More than 10,000 prize and candy filled eggs will be hidden across Patriots Park.

Subway Cleveland Mall are proudly sponsoring four golden eggs to be hidden throughout the park. Inside each golden egg, a lucky egg

hunter will find gift certificates redeemable at Subway. The EGGstravaganza will include a petting zoo, compliments of Son Ridge Farms, music, and a visit from the Wendell the Easter Bunny himself. Along with all the fun, Battleground Community Church will provide free hot dogs and local businesses such as, Child Care Connections, Cleveland County Partnership for Children, and the Kings Mountain YMCA among others will offer activities for the kids.

Families should gather at Patriots Park at 7:30 pm.

Happy Easter… stop and take a picture

Egg Hunt will begin at 8:00 p.m. Parents are encouraged to participate with their little ones. Don’t forget to bring your Easter basket, flashlight, and camera!

The city acknowledges their 2023 annual sponsors, Albemarle Corporation, and Ronald’s Garage.

For more information, call the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department at 704-730-2101, or visit their website at www.KingsMountainEvents.Com.

A photo opportunity awaits, as Wally the Bunny, Wendell the Easter Bunny’s cousin, has hidden some very large Easter Eggs within Patriots Park in a setting pretty enough for a family picture. The City of Kings Mountain Special Events invites citizens to stop by the park, take a picture with Wally and the Easter eggs and post it on Facebook using #HappyEasterKM. They will share picture submitted on their Facebook page. Patriots Park is located 220 South Railroad Avenue in Kings Mountain.

Photo provided

Health Department needs your feedback take the Community Satisfaction Survey

Cleveland County Health Department needs your help in assessing community satisfaction with our services and operation. If you have received any service from or participated in any events or programs sponsored by the Cleveland County Health Department within the past twelve months, please answer a few questions in our Community Satisfaction Survey. Services and programs may include, but are not limited to, clinic services, dental

services, pharmacy, health education information and presentations, coalitions, immunizations, and COVID-19 services such as testing and vaccinations.

The survey is open until April 30, 2023. All responses are anonymous. You may access the survey by visit-

ing: https://surveymonkey. com/r/2023CCHDSurvey.

Your input is vital as we strive to meet the public health needs of the residents of Cleveland County. The Cleveland County Health Department thanks you in advance for your participation.

makes arrest in copper larcenies

During the last few weeks, the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office has been receiving reports of copper larcenies from commercial properties. Some of those larcenies include over $10,000 in property loss.

On March 29, patrol deputies received a call about another larceny that

had taken place. Deputies located two male suspects nearby and identified them as the offenders from security camera footage.

Jeffrey Underdown was arrested for several felony and misdemeanor charges related to the break-ins and larcenies.

Children scramble through Patriots Park searching for Easter Eggs.

Photo by City of KM Special Events

OPINION

TODAY’S QUOTE:

Pieces of Kings Mountain History

When I think back to my school days, the Kiwanis Talent Show competitions we had each year in Kings Mountain were ones for the record books, at least in my mind.

LORETTA COZART

One of my favorite performers to watch in the annual event was Sonya McAbee (Gregory). Her mother made elaborate costumes for her, and she danced and sang a beautiful song every year for the performance.

In third grade, my brother and two of his buddies, Danny Bridges and Jerry Martin, sang a traditional song we learned in school “You Get a Line and I’ll Get a Pole.” They went onstage barefooted, with pants legs rolled up carrying cane poles, and wearing straw hats. I can see it as plain as day in my memory.

Not to be outdone by

my brother, in fourthgrade I chose to perform the song D.I.V.O.R.C.E. by Tammy Wynette. It was a popular song on the radio at the time. I won at the class-level but was asked to sing a different song, perhaps a ballad, at the schoolwide performance.

With only one weekend to practice, I went home and looked through our record collection for a song. I chose to perform “Puff the Magic Dragon” by Peter, Paul, & Mary. Looking back, perhaps that wasn’t the best song to sing. But what did a 10-year-old know about lyrics? It was just a song that checked off the ballad criterion.

As the big day approached, I practiced and practiced. I’m sure my family was quite tired of the song by the big day, but they encouraged me to learn the words and do my best. As we walked into North School’s auditorium, my family walked

with me. Mom played the guitar and accompanied me that night. As I stood on stage with her, I prayed I wouldn’t forget the lyrics and somehow, I made it though. Dad and my siblings watched from the audience. I could feel my heart beating out of my chest. I was so relieved when I sat down, and other students took their turns.

Sonya McAbee (Gregory) performed that night, too. She did a wonderful job. I can’t remember the song she performed, but her costume was gorgeous, and her performance was beautiful.

Just as my nerves calmed down, the judges exited the auditorium to choose the winners. The next thing I knew, Mr. Hoyle called my name, asking mom and me back to the stage to do an encore of “Puff the Magic Dragon”. Oh, no! What if I messed up? I tried to calm down and get through it. And, as I feared, I forgot some of the words.

Trump and Daniels, hush money doesn’t work

An ongoing saga continues to surround former President Donald Trump and porn star Stormy Daniels. Will it never end? Trump may or may not be indicted by the time you read this but

Glenn Mollette Guest Editorial

who knows? Who isn’t tired of hearing about an alleged sexual encounter between these two.

Former President Trump has denied the encounter ever occurred but Daniels has said it did occur. Who is telling the truth? Who should we believe? Is there proof of this alleged “affair” or sexual encounter? Does anyone have a video of the Trump and Daniels’ encounter? Ap-

parently, Daniels is big on videos for money participating in encounters that most of us really do not want to see. I’m sure some people do since pornography is an international addictive problem that destroys more lives than we will ever know. Even if it existed, we certainly do not want to see any such “encounter” between Daniels and Trump. Even so, how do you prove such an event

But to my surprise, the audience began to sing with me, and everything tuned out okay.

When the judges returned to the auditorium, I learned that I wasn’t a winner that night and my heart sank. I was devastated. I had been called back for an encore. How could this be? Sonya went on to represent our school at the next level.

After we got home, dad and I talked. I was so disappointed I had forgot-

ten the lyrics that I told him I would never perform on stage again. He looked at me and said, “Well, that would be sad. You have a beautiful voice.”

Eventually, I got over it. Two years later, I returned to the stage and sang another popular tune of the day, “Brand New Key.” Again, probably not the best choice. I didn’t win that year either, but my mom stood by my side and accompanied me. Somehow her being there

to support me was enough and I had no trouble remembering the lyrics.

Now, almost 53 years later, I still love to sing. I am at my best in my car, driving down the interstate to Kings Mountain in search of stories for the Herald. To this day, I can still hear my dad’s words of encouragement and mom accompanying me, and the thought alone brings a big smile to my face.

took place. We are back again to “he said, she said.”

President Trump has had his feet to the fire because he is alleged to have paid $130,000 to Daniels to keep quiet about the “encounter.” The problem is unclear. Is he alleged to have paid the money out of campaign funds raised for his Presidential bid in 2016? Or, is this about being an amount of money beyond the legal campaign donation cap and how could

Looking Back

it ever be considered a campaign donation? Does any of it make sense? As much money as Trump has, would he not have just paid her out of his petty cash fund? If Daniels and Trump had a dispute, then how is it illegal to have settled a dispute? People do it every day.

Trump made millions just from his reality television show, The Apprentice on NBC. I always figured this is one reason NBC hates Trump so much. He made them a lot of money and the show was still making major money when he quit to run for President. Money and greed color everything.

Why don’t they just produce the check written to Daniels? Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney who served time in prison, allegedly gave the money to Daniels and was reimbursed by Trump. Did he write a check from his personal account? How did Trump reimburse Cohen? Did he go to the bank and get a cashier’s check? Just go back and do an audit. How credible is Cohen? Does Cohen know for sure which account the money came from?

— The

WEEJINS

Back in 1974 Jerry Springer, (Yes, the TV reality show star) resigned from the Cincinnati city council because he had written two checks to two different prostitutes in northern Kentucky. The controversy took over his life but he was later reelected to the city

council and even later served as mayor. In one of his commercials that I remember seeing, he said, “I made a mistake. I paid a prostitute with a check.” He actually wrote two checks. One was for $50 and the other was for $25. He would go on to serve as Cincinnati’s mayor from 1977-1978. But wait, he admitted to it and he didn’t pay it from cam paign or government funds.

Looks like if Trump could get in trouble for paying for an “encounter,” then Daniels would be in trouble for prostitution. But wait, she didn’t collect money for an alleged encounter with Trump, but she got money to be quiet about the encounter with Trump. Is this not blackmail? Are there not any consequences for blackmail? Apparently, there is more money to be made from being quiet about “encounters” than actually selling oneself for an “encounter”. She did reportedly receive a handsome book royalty check to talk about her life that attorney Michael Avenatti stole. He is now serving time in prison for defrauding clients and tax evasion.

There is probably more that will be said about this alleged “encounter”. This proves it doesn’t work to pay porn stars hush money, because, they take the money and still tell everybody!

When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.

–Helen Keller

WIN TALENT SHOW

Weejins, a six-member dance band was winner of the Arthur Smith Talent Show Saturday, March 23, 1963, and appeared on the Arthur Smith television program the following Tuesday morning. Ten groups appeared in the contest and the top winner was judged via audience popularity. The Kings Mountain group of students went to Lexington in May for district finals of the Talent Hunt. Pictured L-R are Edward Lovelace. Kenny Barnes. David Adams. Freddie Foster, Wendell Phifer and Quay Moss. Gary Wilson is sitting in front of the group. Adams is leader of the band. (Photo by Truitt Moore)

House passes energy choice bill to protect consumers

by ALEX BALTZEGAR Carolina Journal

The North Carolina House passed a bill that would prohibit local governments from blocking consumers from certain types of energy sources, by a vote of 7638.

House Bill 130 (H.B. 130) has bipartisan sponsorship. Reps. Dean Arp, R-Union; Jason Saine, R-Lincoln; Michael Wray, D-Northampton; and Charlie Miller, R-Brunswick, are the lead sponsors of the bill.

The legislation comes after the Biden administration sparked national conversations about gas stoves. Additionally, North Carolina had rolling blackouts on Christmas weekend in 2022, which raised concerns over state energy policy.

“What this bill does is, if you have a gas stove, you can keep your gas stove,”

LEDFORD

From Page 1A and me. We didn’t just have 10 to 20 people involved for our quarterly lunches, we had 80 to 100.”

“To see people come together in a room for lunch and conversation. I ask myself, ‘Had we not done that, where would we be?’ I have learned that it takes years to build trust and relationships, but that trust can be lost in a minute. We held a lunch yesterday to thank everyone, and to say that we aren’t through yet; we have more work to do.”

“Here, I have seen law enforcement who really cares about the community, Shelby Police Department, Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, Kings Mountain Police Department, and Bessemer City Police Department. I have been blessed to work among the best in this business. When you work with people like that, you realize you are lucky to have found such a

said Arp.

Arp said the bill would give consumers the freedom to choose their energy sources, regardless of local government restrictions.

Nine Democrats and all Republicans voted in favor of H.B. 130.

Democrats who voted ‘Yes’ on the bill were Reps. Brockman, D-Mecklenburg; Cunningham, D-Mecklenburg; Gill, D-Wake; John, D-Wake; Majeed, D-Mecklenburg; Pierce, D-Scotland; Price, D-Orange; Willingham, D-Edgecombe; and Wray.

Several Democrats attempted to amend the bill on the floor, but the amendment failed by a vote of 45-70, with three Democrats members voting against amendment: Wray, Tricia Cotham, and Carla Cunningham.

H.B. 130 states city and county governments would be prohibited from adopt-

good place to be.”

When asked what his plans are for retirement, Chief Ledford shared that he had spoken to several retired officers earlier in the day.

“Talking to them, I realized I wouldn’t be where I am today were it not for them putting me on this path.”

Chief Ledford’s initial plans include a family trip to the coast for a couple of weeks. “I have to catch up on a few things I’ve put off. Family, they are the people who paid the price the most. They have sacrificed for me. And the person who tolerated the most was my wife, Kendra. I have a debt to repay to her.”

My son, Jarrett, just graduated. He is a prosecutor and the Assistant District Attorney. I’m passing that public service torch on to him. My daughter Bailey is a student at Campbell University, and I plan to go watch her cheer there. She is working on a Marketing Major, and now it’s my turn to cheer them both on.”

Chief Ledford paused,

“Today is bittersweet, especially when I do my final sign-off. I’ve watched others do it and didn’t understand how hard that is to do, until I was preparing for it myself. I look forward to the next

ing ordinances to restrict “connection, reconnection, modification, or expansion of an energy service based on the type or source of energy” delivered to the consumer.

Gov. Cooper vetoed a similar bill last year, although it cleared the House by a vote of 78-41 with bipartisan support.

Only nine Democrats voted in favor last biennium, while all Republicans supported the bill.

Although most House Democrats opposed H.B. 130, Republicans only need one Democratic vote to override a Cooper veto. Wray’s sponsorship of the bill opens the door for it to become law

this year. The bill will receive its final vote in the House tomorrow before heading to the Senate.

chapter. I just know it is going to be hard to close this one. At 4 pm, I’ll say for the last time, ‘Shelby, I’m 10-42,’ the code used to indicate an officer’s end of tour. “If I can get through that, then I’ll be off to the coast.”

Carolina Thread Trail awards $755,500 for trail projects to seven partners

The Carolina Thread Trail has just announced new grant awards to seven partners advancing public trails across the Greater Charlotte region, totaling more than $634,000. Over the past 11 years, the Thread Trail has awarded over $8 million in catalytic grants to communities throughout the 15-county region in North and South Carolina. Access to nature and the outdoors plays an important role in quality of life and economic development in the Carolinas. The outdoor recreation industry contributes over $10 billion annually to the North Carolina economy, and a recent study by North Carolina State University’s Institute of Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) on six trails within the Thread Trail network showed notable benefits to the economy, health and the environment. These recent grant awards will help catalyze new trails across the region, bringing benefits like these to local communities.

“We are excited to support our partners in creating trail networks to enhance their communities and connect lives to nature,” said Jane Love, Community Coordinator with the Carolina Thread Trail. “All of the grant recipients from this round are taking critical steps towards expanding trails and providing more access for people to enjoy the outdoors.”

The Carolina Thread Trail’s Implementation Grant Program provides funding to communities and nonprofit organizations to support projects in trail construction, design, land acquisition and corridor planning. Currently over 370 miles of greenways and trails, as well as 170 miles of blueways, are open to the public within the Thread Trail system.

The grant award amount, community information and the use of the grants follow:

CITY OF CONCORD - $70,000 Trail Construction. To support upgrades to and extension of the Caldwell Park section of Irish Buffalo Creek Greenway

CITY OF CONOVER - $40,000 Trail Corridor Study. To evaluate options for a greenway connection from Gateway Park Greenway in Conover to downtown Hickory CLEVELAND COUNTY WATER

COMMISSION - $125,000 Trail Construction. To support construction of a segment of the Stagecoach Greenway along the First Broad River in Lawndale

CITY OF SHELBY - $30,000 Trail Corridor Study. To create a detailed plan for a 4.7-mile trail within Shelby, from Grover Street to the Cleveland County Community College campus.

GASTON COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION - $92,375 Trail Construction. To support construction of three sections of trail totaling 1.3 miles through George Poston Park, from the South Fork River to the base of Spencer Mountain.

CITY OF LOWELL - $127,080 Trail Construction. To construct a trail from George Poston Park south through the future Lowell River Park, and the River Heights neighborhood to connect with sidewalks on North Main Street.

TOWN OF MCADENVILLE –

$150,000 Trail Construction. To construct a segment of River Link Trail southward to meet the Town of Cramerton’s trail project, eventually connecting the two towns.

For more information about the Thread Trail’s implementation grant program, visit www.carolinathreadtrail.org or contact Carolina Thread Community Coordinator, Jane Love at 704-3420-3330 ext. 2224 or jane@carolinathreadtrail.org.

About The Carolina Thread Trail

The Carolina Thread Trail is a 15-county, two-state initiative designed to create a regional network of trails, blueways and conservation corridors that will link more than 2.9 million people. With technical resources and catalytic funding from the Thread Trail, local communities plan and implement their portions of this greenway system.

The Carolina Thread Trail region includes Anson, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly and Union counties within North Carolina and Cherokee, Chester, Lancaster and York counties in South Carolina. Catawba Lands Conservancy is the lead agency for the Thread Trail, which is working in partnership with Foundation for the Carolinas and many local partners. Currently, more than 370 miles of Thread Trail are open to the public. For more information, visit www.carolinathreadtrail.org.

Rep. Michael Wray, D-Halifax. (Courtesy of David Cobb, Office of House Rules Chairman Destin Hall)

Members of Trail Committee pause to celebrate the new playground. (Photos provided)

NC House Speaker and KM native Tim Moore poses with KM Mayor Scott Neisler after the ribbon cutting.

Contentious...or a Faithful Contender?

We undoubtedly live in the midst of a contentious age. People are quick to disagree and then vociferously argue about everything from politics to issues of human sexuality. Sometimes the contention is furious enough to make one want to withdraw from society. The volume and persistence of arguments can seem overwhelming! Christians should not be contentious. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:23, “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.”

Paul disallows argument for argument’s sake. Jesus has promised blessing for peacemakers, not for stirrers of strife and argument!

But while the Bible discourages foolish contentiousness, it clearly requires that God’s people be willing to contend for His truth. This is the message of Jude, which is among the shortest books of the Bible. It has been called the most neglected book of the New Testament. Perhaps that neglect is the reason Christians don’t always discern the difference between being contentious and being faithful in contending for the gospel.

Do you know the difference?

Early in his epistle, Jude indicates that he originally intended to write a letter regarding “our common salvation.” This phrase points to the corporate nature of the Christian faith. Those who are born again are not

only united by faith to Jesus Christ, but consequently are bound to each other as members of His family. But Jude’s original purpose gives way to a greater necessity: The call to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” When our shared faith is under attack, we must contend for it!

When Jude refers to contending for the faith, it is clear that he means the gospel of Jesus Christ, and he goes on to describe those against whom his readers must contend: “... certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” The Apostle Paul had given Timothy a similar charge in 2 Timothy: “Follow the pattern of the sound words that

you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” Timothy was a minister called to “guard the good deposit,” but Jude’s call to “contend for the faith is extended to all Christians!

Hopefully none who are reading this are contentious, enjoying stirring up needless arguments or trouble with others. But Christians reading this should hear the call to be willing to contend for the truth of the gospel. Do you faithfully contend when necessary? Do you know the gospel well enough to contend for its truth?

This month we will consider Jude’s call and instruction for faithful contention!

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

Waco Baptist Church

260 Range Rd. • Kings Mountain, NC

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

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

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

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

Rev. Robert Patrick, III Pastor Boyce Memorial AARP

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month Revolutionary War Soldiers to be honored, reinterred

By Loretta Cozart

On Friday, March 31, GFWC NC Kings Mountain Woman's Club planted a blue pinwheel garden with assistance from KMPD at the police department to draw attention to child abuse prevention month. Members of the Woman’s Club, along with members of KMPD placed the garden at the intersection of S. Piedmont Avenue and Mountain Street.

April is Child Abuse Pre-

vention Month. According to the Center for Disease Control, child abuse and neglect are serious public health problems that can have longterm impact on current and future health, opportunity, and wellbeing. Prevent Child Abuse America is a national organization dedicated to child abuse prevention.

Prevent Child Abuse America recognizes that all community members have a role in ensuring children have positive experiences

and families have the resources they need when they need them, well before they are in crisis. The theme of this year’s awareness and impact campaign that we lead in partnership with our national network of state chapters, is “Building Together: Prevention in Partnership.”

Child abuse and neglect are preventable, and all communities benefit when children and families are well supported.

Tour the Hord Mansion during centennial celebration

By Loretta Cozart

On Wednesday, April 12, the Hord Mansion, which houses Mauney Memorial Library at 100 South Piedmont Avenue in Kings Mountain, will celebrate its 100th birthday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The library has worked diligently to collect pictures, memorabilia, and ephemera of the Hord Mansion for research and planning of this event. Celebrate the building’s one hundred years by getting a glimpse of the history behind it and taking a tour, including areas normally only available to staff.

Dr. Jacob George Van Buren Hord built the mansion in 1923. It was donated to the

SAVE THE DATE

city of Kings Mountain for use as a library by the children of Jacob S. and Margaret Juletta Mauney in 1947. From 1947 to about 1962–1963, the building also functioned as a teacherage for the Kings Mountain school system.

The Hord Mansion is a two-story, five bay, yellow-brick Southern Colonial Revival-style house. The front facade features a two-story, pedimented tetrastyle portico with stucco-finished masonry columns.

Legion Walk and Roll for veterans May 20 -29

By Loretta Cozart

Otis D. Green American Legion Post 155 announces their inaugural Veterans Walk and Roll in Kings Mountain from May 20 – 29. The nineday event focuses on veteran suicide awareness and the community is invited to participate.

The event kicks-off with Family Fun Day at Post 155 on Saturday, May 20, at 613

E. Gold Street in Kings Mountain with a day filled with activities for the whole family.

From May 21 to 29, volunteers are asked to complete laps at Deal Park Walking Track at 211 N Cleveland Ave. in Kings Mountain. Any-

one who completes a lap can participate in special evening events at the American Legion Post, featuring entertainment, motivation and informational speeches, games, food, vendors, free haircuts, and much more. Veterans Walk and Roll culminates with City of Kings Mountain’s Memorial Day

ceremony on May 29 to honor fallen brothers and sisters.

The American Legion challenges the community to Accept the Mission saying, “Many have already joined, and you do not want to miss out. So, come and support this mission, bring friends and family because this is a team event.”

For nine days, 22-hours each day, volunteers will walk the Deal Park track to draw attention to veteran suicide and prevention. The numbers are symbolic: nine days represents the end a cycle, and 22 represents the number of veterans who die each day to suicide. It is the Legion’s goal to draw attention to veteran suicides and encourage those who are hurting to reach out for help.

If you are interested, contact Veterans Walk and Roll at veteranswalkandroll@ gmail.com or call 704-7106301. Are you ready to accept the mission?

The South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust released the schedule of events for the Camden Burials, April 20–22, for the reinterment of the remains of fourteen Revolutionary War soldiers excavated in the fall of 2022.

“Honoring these heroes in a respectful manner and ensuring the permanent protection of their remains is the mission of this effort,” commented Doug Bostick, CEO, South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust. “Over a period of three days, the public will have numerous opportunities to participate in the ceremonies and pay their respects.”

The weekend of events begins on Thursday, April 20, as the remains of the fourteen Revolutionary War soldiers will be escorted back to Camden. The public is invited to honor these soldiers by assembling on the procession route. The remains of the soldiers will lie in repose at the Kershaw Cornwallis House. The public is invited to pay their respects starting Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. through midnight Friday. Thursday evening from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., the Revolutionary War Visitor Center will host a panel discussion with Dr. Mattie Atwell, James Legg, Dr. Steven Smith, and Dr. Bill Stevens about the project and what the forensic and archaeological study has revealed.

On Friday, April 21, reenactors will be assembled to honor the fourteen soldiers at a living history camp at Historic Camden. From 10 p.m. to 8 p.m. the

public is invited to visit the camp and interact with the reenactors. On Friday evening, the heralded US Army Old Guard will offer a public concert and a narrated demonstration. The event is free; however, prior registration is required.

Beginning early Saturday morning, April 22, the funeral cortege will leave Historic Camden and make its way to Bethesda Presbyterian Church. The public is invited to watch the cortege along Broad Street and follow the procession to the church. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM outdoors at Bethesda Presbyterian Church. At 3:00 P.M. the Burial Honors Ceremony will commence at the Camden Battlefield. The battlefield ceremony is open to the public, but due to space limitations prior online registration is required.

The Camden Burials Project is the result of a significant historic discovery at the Revolutionary War Camden Battlefield. The Trust, acting on behalf of Historic Camden Foundation, contracted with the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of South Carolina to excavate a number of bodies of Revolutionary War soldiers killed in the August 16, 1780 Battle of Camden.

A team of archaeologists from the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, along with biological anthropologists from the Richland County Coroner’s office and the University of South Car-

olina unearthed the skeletal remains and accompanying artifacts of 14 Revolutionary War soldiers.

“These young men demonstrated their allegiance in an intense battle for liberty. They are truly America’s first veterans,” said Doug Bostick, CEO, South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust. “We have a responsibility to honor their sacrifice by ensuring their remains are protected in perpetuity and their stories of bravery are shared.”

Based on preliminary field examinations, the team believes that twelve individuals are Patriot Continental soldiers from either Maryland or Delaware, one is likely a North Carolina Loyalist, and one served with the British 71st Regiment of Foot, Fraser’s Highlanders.

Bostick continued, “When these young men marched into the darkness on that summer night in 1780, they did so out of love for their country despite the consequences that may befall them. Our intent is to lay them to rest with the respect and honor they earned more than two centuries ago.”

The City of Camden and Kershaw County have partnered closely in the planning for the weekend of events. “The City of Camden is deeply honored to host this once in a lifetime event,” remarked Alfred Mae Drakeford, mayor, Camden. “We very much appreciate all that Doug Bostick and his SCBPT team are undertaking to honor our Revolutionary War heroes in such a moving and respectful manner.”

INSIDE OUT CHICKEN POT PIE

Vickie Whitley

1 lb. boneless chicken breast, cubed

1 can creamy chicken mushroom soup

1 bag frozen mixed vegetables Brown chicken. Combine vegetables, chicken, and soup. Pour into baking dish. Cook until chicken is done. Serve on biscuits.

FRIED CHICKEN

TENDERS

Ruth Conder

Soak chicken tenders in salt water for 4-5 hours. Make a mixture of 1 beaten egg and some milk. Put tenders in mixture and roll in flour. Put chicken into hot oil and fry. Turn as needed until golden

brown. Add pepper. Drain and serve.

ONE POT SUPPER

Frances Myers

4 pork chops

½ cup water

½ tsp. salt

3-4 carrots, sliced

1 can tomato soup

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

3-4 potatoes, sliced

In skillet, brown pork chops; add remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until tender.

MILLIONAIRE PIE

Lee Reynolds

¼ cup lemon juice

½ cup chopped nuts

1 can crush pineapple, drained

2 prepared Graham

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

Cracker crusts

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 large container Cool Whip

Allow Cool Whip to soften very slightly to make easier to mix. Add all ingredients, mix thoroughly, spoon into pie shells and re-freeze. Take from freezer to refrigerator prior to serving to soften.

FRUIT PIE

Judy Norfolk ½ cup raisins

1 stick butter, softened

1 cup sugar

½ cup coconut

2 eggs, well beaten

½ cup nuts

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix well. Pour into unbaked pie shell. Bake at 300 degrees for 40 minutes.

the community of Child Abuse Prevention month.

(Photo provided)

Pictured, L-R: Dr. Stevens and Dr. Atwell prepare to remove remains.

Photo by Sarah Nell Blackwell

West Elementary PTO fundraiser raffle update

By Loretta Cozart

West Elementary PTO held its fundraiser raffle and the money raised goes toward the purchase of new electronic signage for the school. Through the $5 raffle ticket sale, students raised $16,685 toward their $30,000 goal.

The top ticket sellers were Bella Smith (240 tickets) and Bear Wagman (140 tickets).

Winners were pulled at the spring program on Thursday evening, March 30 on Facebook Live, and notified via phone call. They did not have to be present to win. Students who sold at least 10 tickets received an ice cream treat.

Students who sold 20 tickets or more received an ice cream treat plus a ticket to watch PE teacher Mr. Cooke get his hair cut. The top 25 sellers cut off a piece of Mr. Cooke ' s hair on Friday, March 31, and Mrs. Robinson shaved the rest. Students did a wonderful job in raising funds toward the school’s new sign, but additional funds are still needed. If local businesses would like to help sponsor the sign, please reach out to WestSchoolPTO1@gmail.com.

The PTO is a non-profit and can provide a receipt for any donations.

A sweet lesson on phases of the moon

By Loretta Cozart

Mrs. Deason and Ms. Cannedy’s class at North Elementary School enjoyed their phases of the moon lesson last week. After removing one of the two biscuits from Oreo cookies, students created the eight phases of the moon using the sweet creme filling. After the lesson, the students ate their phases of the moon project and learned just how sweet learning can be.

Ex-deputy now flies drones through Goodwill training

Joseph Clemmer is excelling as a Drone Pilot 1 with Duke Energy, but the retired Gaston County Sheriff’s Deputy never imagined he’d one day be flying drones for a living.

“I had no clue,” Joseph explained. “I wasn’t even looking for a career in drones, that’s what blew my mind more than anything.”

With 30 years of experience in law enforcement, Joseph was first introduced to drones as a deputy, when he and a colleague were assigned a one-week training course at Gaston Community College. It was a few months after that training when the then retiree saw an ad for drone pilot training via Goodwill University and inquired.

“I started reading up on it and seeing the opportunities in drone technology. So, I thought this might be a good opportunity to get in the field,” Joseph explained. “I learned a lot in that oneweek course [at Gaston Community College], but it was still not enough for me to receive my certification.”

At Goodwill’s Construction Skills Training

Center, Joseph was able to take the Drone Pilot Training course, which provided him the knowledge and skills needed to professionally operate drones in just eight weeks! Following that course, Joseph took the FAA remote pilot knowledge test, paid for by Goodwill, to receive his certification.

The skills learned at Goodwill served as the launching pad Joseph needed to excel at his current job with Duke Energy.

“We fly the drone, and we take pictures of the power lines and all the equipment that’s on that pole,” Joseph explained of his current role as a Drone Pilot 1. “Before drones, they used to send a bucket truck out there with a man and a bucket to get up on the lift and look at the equipment. They still do it, but with our job, we can travel and cover a lot more ground than what they can.”

Drone Pilot training is not the only training course taught at the Goodwill Construction Skills Training Center.

Other courses offered include Forklift training, Construction Basics

training, Commercial Carpentry training, Blueprint Reading & Estimating training, HVAC training and Electrical training. Students also receive innovative training using Interplay and VR technology.

Goodwill University training courses, like the one Joseph took, are available to the community free of charge thanks to donations and purchases made by shoppers at Charlotte-area Goodwill retail locations.

“Goodwill is a great program,” Joseph said. “I mean, a lot of people don’t realize what you all offer and how it helps folks.”

In addition to free courses, Goodwill participants also receive complimentary wraparound services. They have access to family stability services, and are assigned a Career Navigator and Employer Engagement Representative to help with their job search and, ultimately, their success.

Students in Mrs. Deason and Ms. Cannedy’s class enjoyed their Moon phases lesson.

Students used Oreo cookies to learn a sweet lesson on Moon phases. (Photos provided)

Mr. Cooke before his haircut. Photos by Sunshine Smith

Mr. Cooke after his haircut by Principal Robinson.

Top raffle ticket salespersons cutting the hair of their PE teacher. Pictured L-R: Bear Wagman, Mr. Cooke, and Bella Smith.

Mountaineers sweep North Gaston to go 5-0 in Big South Conference

Wyatt Davis gets victory in Friday shutout at home

Kings Mountain’s Mountaineers got another outstanding pitching effort from Wyatt Davis and Colton Mayes and took advantage of eight bases on balls to shutout North Gaston’s Wildcats 5-0 in a Big South Conference baseball game Friday night at KM’s Lancaster Field.

The Wildcats, who had taken the first place Mountaineers extra innings earlier See DAVIS, Page 2B

Caleb Broome’s grand slam leads KM over Wildcats 9-1

Three Kings Mountain pitchers combined for a no-hitter and 17 strikeouts but North Gaston’s Wildcats took advantage of 11 walks to force the Mountaineers to go eight innings to win 9-1 in a Big South Conference game last week in Dallas. The Mountaineers were held scoreless for five innings before taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the sixth. North Gaston got a bases-loaded See BROOME, Page 2B

Caleb Broome’s grand slam home run highlight of KM’s 9-1 eight-inning win over North Gaston’s Wildcats.

Photo by Tina Moose

Kings Mountain right hander Wyatt Davis works on a 5-0 win over a good North Gaston team in Big South Conference game Friday night at Lancaster Field. Photo by Gary Smart

Colton Mayes takes a mighty cut at the ball in KM’s win over North Gaston Friday at Lancaster

Field. Photo by Gary Smart

KM outfielder Lucas Saldo has the bead on a fly ball in Mountaineers’ win over North Gaston Friday. Photo by Gary Smart

DAVIS

From Page 1B in the week in Dallas, were simply no match this time around.

The game got underway with Davis striking out the side in the top of the first and the Mountaineers coming in to take advantage of a Zane Brockman double sandwiched around two walks followed by a bases-loaded North Gaston error to take an early 1-0 lead. The Wildcats would go on to commit four errors while Davis was sending 12 of their batters back to the dugout via the strikeout route. KM’s senior right hander used up all but one of his allotted 105 pitches and Mayes came on to get the Wildcats three up, three down in the top of the seventh and end the game.

After Brockman’s first inning double, the Mountaineers wouldn’t get another hit until the top of the fifth after North’s southpaw Caleb Cloninger reached his allotted 105 pitches. But the Wildcats committed four errors and that along with Davis’s pitching and good defense was enough to keep the Mountaineers in a battle with Cleveland County rival Crest for first place.

Kings Mountain increased its lead to 2-0 in the second when Caleb Broome reached base on an error and scored when the North right fielder dropped a fly ball off the bat of Jacob Hamrick.

BROOME

From Page 1B walk in the bottom of the inning to tie the game and force extra innings.

Caleb Broome’s grand slam home run accounted for half of the Mountaineers’ eight runs in the extra frame.

Zane Brockman worked the first five innings for the Mountaineers. He struck out 10 but walked six.

Wyatt Davis pitched the sixth and seventh and got the win when the Mountaineers unloaded on the Wildcats in the top of the eighth. Davis struck out four and walked three. Aidan Taylor came on in

The Mountaineers scored their final three runs in the fourth on three walks, three errors and a wild pitch.

After Ashton Pope came in to pitch for the Wildcats in the bottom of the fifth, KM loaded the bases on a single by Taylor, double by Broome and an intentional walk but Pope buckled down to fan Irby to get out of the jam.

North Gaston threatened in the top of the sixth inning following one-out back-to-back singles by Pope and McSwain but Davis got Bates on a fly ball to right field and Walker on a grounder back to the mound. Kings Mountain got a one-out double from Jason Melton in the bottom of the sixth but Pope fanned two batters to get out of the jam.

The Mountaineers were scheduled to go to Forestview last night. They travel to Shelby today for a non-conference game and resume Big South play at home Thursday for a 7 p.m. contest with Forestview.

It has been designated as Little League Night. After that the Mountaineers will travel to Shelby to compete in the Lions’ annual Easter Tournament on April 1013. Big South play resumes April 18 with South Point coming in for what could be an earth-shaking Earth Day Night. That big game will feature free giveaways from the City of Kings Mountain as well as a race against Woodsy the Owl around the bases.

the bottom of the eighth and walked two but struck out three to get the save. Broome went 2-for-4 to lead the Mountaineers at the plate. Brockman, Jacob Hamrick, Cole Irby, Colton Mayes and Jack Toney added a hit apiece.

The no-hitter was the second of the young season for the Mountaineer pitching staff. Brockman earlier pitched a perfect game against Hunter Huss with every out being a strike out.

The Mountaineers committed only one error and Brockman, Irby and Toney pulled a double play.

North Gaston’s only run came on a sacrifice fly by Wayne McSwain. The Wildcats committed four errors.

BIG SOUTH 3A BASEBALL STANDINGS

(Through Friday, March 31)

Will Spicer’s 67 medalist in BSC match Golfers second at Lincoln CC

Kings Mountain High’s Will Spicer shot a 67 to take medalist honors in last week’s Big South Conference golf outing at Catawba Creek Golf Course in Gastonia. Cramer shot a 291 to take team honors. Kings Mountain was second at 304 and Crest third at 322. South Point shot 330 fol-

lowed by Forestview 367, host Ashbrook 404, North Gaston 419 and Hunter Huss 462.

Other Kings Mountain scores were Caleb Marr 73, Josh Gillespie 81, Thomas Spicer 83 and Baylor Benton 86.

Kings Mountain High’s golfers finished second to Stuart Cramer last week at Lincoln Country Club. North Gaston was the host team. Cramer shot 292 to KM’s 299. South Point was third at 326 followed by Crest 327, Ashbrook 333, Forestview 364, North

Gaston 416 and Hunter Huss 474.

Will Spicer led the Mountaineers with a 70. Baylor Benton shot 75, Josh Gillespie and Caleb Marr 77 each and Thomas Spicer 78.

Jacob Hamrick takes a big rip in Kings Mountain’s win over the North Gaston Wildcats Friday at Lancaster Field.

Photos by Gary Smart

Jack Toney takes a big swing at the ball in Friday’s game with North Gaston at KMHS.

KM men’s, women’s track run season record to 22-0

Kings Mountain High’s track teams ran their records to 22-0 last week with a sweep of five area schools at John Gamble Stadium.

The Lady Mountaineers finished with 155.33 points to second place Shelby’s 139.33. Crest ran third at 77 followed by East Rutherford 67, Burns 47 and Bessemer City 35.33.

The Mountaineers rolled up 185 points to Shelby’s 140. Crest ran third with 85 followed by Burns 82, East Rutherford 18 and Bessemer City 8.

KM’s Max Thompson had a big day, winning the 1600, 800 and 3200. His 1600 time of 4:33 made him an automatic

qualifier for the Western 3A Regional meet.

Hunter Cruise was a double winner, taking the pole vault at 11 feet even and the 400 meter dash in 53.47.

Kings Mountain’s 4x100 relay team consisting of Barry Moore, Zavion Smith, Bryson Brown and Robert Kendrick won in 44.69.

The 4x400 relay team won in 3:50.62. Members were Hunter Cruise, Tyler Furman, Immanuel Feemter and Marty Lovingood.

The Kings Mountain women had four first places, led by the 4x400 relay team of Brooke Waseman, Kieanna

Goff’s 16-under takes second at Hootie even

Ellis, Nicole Poston and Kamari Odems with a season best time of 4:51.30.

Divinity Ervin won the 3200 meters and was second in the 1600 meters.

Alexis Jackson won the triple jump and was second in the pole vault.

Jailen Moore won the shot put.

Other second place finishers included Brooke Waseman, London Brown, Alyssa Deal and Janiya Hunt in the 4x100 relay, Sarah Eagle in the 3200 meter run and Kallie Hope, Kinley Putnam, Carley Evans and Divinity Ervin in the 4x800 meter relay.

KMHS softball routs Cramer, South Point

Kings Mountain High’s women’s softball team won two games last week to remain in second place in the Big South 3A Conference behind Cleveland County rival Crest. The KM ladies (5-1 in the BSC) were scheduled to travel to Crest (5-0) last night with hopes of creating a tie for first place.

The Lady Mountaineers defeated Stuart Cramer 11-3 Friday night in Cramerton after crushing South Point 13-3 on Tuesday in

Belmont. Kings Mountain started off strong in both games behind good hitting and pitching.

At South Point, the Lady Mountaineers tallied 12 hits led by Austyn Dixon with 3-for-5. Alayna Patrick also had multiple hits including a home run.

Ava Tipton, Paige Fleming and Cheyanne Reynolds all had multiple RBIs. Maddie Huffman hurled the victory.

The Lady Mountaineers

exploded for six runs in the top of the first to begin Friday’s rout at Stuart Cramer. Cheyanne Reynolds, Alayna Patrick, Austyn Dixon and Desiree Green all had multiple hits for the Lady Mountaineers.

Kings Mountain also got a dominant effort from the pitching combination of Kali Weaver and Maddie Huffman. Huffman struck out 12 batters in five innings to get the win.

Kings Mountain’s Alex Goff, a senior on the University of Kentucky men’s golf team, carded the second lowest tournament with a 16-under-par 200 to finish second at the Hootie at Bulls Bay Intercollegiate tournament last week.

He opened with a 6-under 66 on Sunday, followed by a 7-under 65 on Monday and a final round 3-under 69 on Tuesday.

It was the second lowest 54-hole score in UK program history and earned

Marr’s 39 leads KM golf over Highland

Kings Mountain High’s golfers defeated Highland Tech and Burns in a trimatch last week at Kings Mountain Country Club.

The Mountaineers defeated Highalnd Tech 171179. Burns did not have a team score.

Caleb Marr led the Mountaineers with a 39. Michael King shot 42, Gabe Short 44, Cade Leigh 46 and Alex Browning 51.

him Southeastern Conference Golfer of the Week honors.

Goff has three top 10 finishes and seven of his eight tournaments have resulted in a top 20.

Goff will be inducted into the Kings Mountain Sports Hall of Fame on May 6 at Central United Methodist Church. Other inductees are Chris Henson, Miles Boyd, Cedric Thompson, Tim Hines and Suzette Feemster. Intercollegiate tournament.

SPORTS THIS WEEK

Wed., April 5 7 p.m. – High school baseball, Kings Mountain at Shelby (JVs at 4 p.m.)

Thurs., April 6

4 p.m. – High school track, Kings Mountain at Stuart Cramer.

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

6 p.m. – Women’s soccer, Ashbrook at Kings Mountain.

7 p.m. – High school baseball, Forestview at Kings Mountain (Little

League Night)

Tues., April 10

TBA – High school baseball, Kings Mountain in Easter Tournament at Shelby. (Continues through April 13).

Wed., April 11 TBA – High school softball, Kings Mountain in Cherryville Tournament (Continues on Thursday, April 12, time and opponent to be determined).

Hugo the Hornet and Lil Richye visit North

School

By Anna Hughes

North Elementary students and staff enjoyed a visit from Hugo and the Hornets Bus on March 23. Hugo and Lil Richye presented the “Heroes of History” show to an excited audience. The program shared Hugo’s three keywords: Leadership, Perseverance, and Knowledge.

Over the last couple weeks, as teachers found students reading around the school, they were given “Buzzin Good Reader” tickets. These tickets were part of a school wide drawing for 75 lucky students to board the Hornets bus to pick out a book to add to their home library.

This motivational program is part of the Hornets and BARINGS Bus literacy initiative along with North Elementary’s commitment to growing lifelong readers.

Sacred Concert April 2

Lil Richye talks to the students.

HIRE Vets Medallion Award; Governor encourages employers to apply

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders are encouraging North Carolina employers to hire veterans and to apply for recognition with a HIRE Vets Medallion Award, an official program of the U.S. Department of Labor that recognizes an employer's commitment to veteran employment. The application period runs through April 30, 2023.

“As America’s most military-friendly state, North Carolina is working hard to connect our veterans with good jobs, and the HIRE Vets program is a great way for companies to demonstrate their support for these brave servicemembers,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “All businesses can benefit from employing veterans, just as our state benefits from their continuing service.”

HIRE Vets medallions are the only federal-level veterans’ employment awards that recognize an organization’s commitment to veteran hiring, retention and professional development.

In 2022, 27 North Carolina

companies received a HIRE Vets Medallion Award. The N.C. Department of Commerce pioneered a firstof-its-kind online feature that highlights North Carolina employers that have received the HIRE Vets medallion award on the state’s NCWorks job search portal and on the NCWorks Veterans Portal, located at veterans.ncworks.gov. This tool helps veterans more easily find jobs that the recognized companies are currently advertising.

“As our First in Talent economic development plan emphasizes, the talent found in our military veteran population is an asset for North

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 28th of March, 2023 as Executrix of the Estate of EDWARD GENE WILKIE, 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, Donna Jean Wilkie, Executrix on or before the 5th of July, 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 5th day of April, 2023.

Donna Jean Wilkie, Executrix

Estate of Edward Gene Wilkie

2642 Prospect Church Rd Mooresboro, NC 28114

KMH (4/05, 12, 19 & 26/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 23rd of March, 2023 as Administratrix of the Estate of JERRY GENE JENKINS, 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, Angela Dorian Humphries, Administratrix on or before the 29th of June, 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 29th day of March, 2023.

Angela Dorian Humphries, Administratrix

Estate of Jerry Gene Jenkins

2014 Flint Hill Church Road Shelby, NC 28152

KMH (3/29, 4/05, 12 &19/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

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

File No. 23 E 140

In the Matter of the Estate of:

JEWEL LEE CANIPE, Deceased.

Having qualified on the 7th day of February, 2023 as Administratrix of the Estate of Jewel Lee Canipe, 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 Administratrix on or before the 29th day of June 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 29th day of March, 2023.

Leesa Canipe Lusk, Adm.

1034 Bethlehem Church Road Grover, NC 28073

Nichole B. Greene GREENE LAW OFFICES, PLLC

806 North Lafayette Street Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (3/29, 4/5, 4/12 & 4/19/2023)

Carolina,” said N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders.

“The HIRE Vets program provides an opportunity for North Carolina employers to stand out as they compete to recruit veterans, who can bring with them excellent skills, training, experience, work ethic and leadership.”

The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is based on several criteria, ranging from

veteran hiring and retention to providing veteran-specific resources, leadership programming, dedicated human resources, and compensation and tuition assistance programs – with requirements varying for large, medium, and small employers. There is a fee to apply for the HIRE Vets Medallion Program, which is used to cover the costs associated with carrying out the HIRE Vets Act. The fee for large employers is $495 per applicant, the fee for medium employers is $190 per applicant, and the fee for small employers is $90 per applicant. One of many North Carolina employers recognized by the program to date is Atriax, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned architecture and engineering firm based in Hickory, North Carolina. Founded in 2001 by two retired Air Force veterans,

Atriax serves the local area as well as the Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the US Air Force.

“Atriax is honored to receive the Gold-level HIRE Vets Medallion Award this year,” said Edward H. Henson, the President of Atriax and an Air Force veteran.

“We are totally committed to supporting our nation’s veteran heroes. Veterans are the leadership and backbone of our company and our country. They answered America’s call to serve. Supporting them in their post-service careers is a privilege and an honor.”

Following efforts like the 2021 “Honor Veterans by Hiring Veterans” campaign in conjunction with the N.C. Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, and “Employ A Veteran Week” each November, the state’s

participation in the HIRE VETS Medallion Award Program reaffirms the Administration’s commitment to supporting North Carolina’s veteran population. The N.C. Department of Commerce works in close partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor and employs 70 NCWorks Veterans Services professionals (all of whom are veterans themselves). These professionals, located at NCWorks Career Centers across the state, help connect veterans to employers, as well as to training opportunities. The department also partners with North Carolina For Military Employment (NC4ME) on special hiring events.

To learn more and apply for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award Program, go to www. HireVets.gov

York County Revolutionary War 250 initial stakeholder interest meeting

The South Carolina Revolutionary War Sestercentennial Commis-

sion was chartered by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2018. They

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 21st day of March, 2023 as Executor of the Estate of ELIZABETH C. COFFEY; AKA, ELIZABETH COOPER COFFEY, 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, James Kenneth Gantt, Executor, on or before the 29th of June, 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 29th day of March, 2023

James Kenneth Gantt, Executor Estate of: Elizabeth C. Coffey; aka, Elizabeth Cooper Coffey 3030 Longwood Drive Shelby, NC 28152

KMH (3/29, 4/05, 12 & 19/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 27th of March, 2023 as Administrator CTA of the Estate of VIRGINIA EPLEY MARLOW, 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, David E. Epley, Administrator CTA on or before the 5th July, 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 5th day of April, 2023.

David E. Epley, Administrator CTA

Estate of Virginia Epley Marlow 1931 E. Hudson Blvd. – Apt. B Gastonia, NC 28054

KMH (4/05, 12, 19 & 26/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK File No. 22 E 1063

In the Matter of the Estate of: WILLIAM H. MASTERS, Deceased.

Having qualified on the 16th day of December, 2022 as Administratrix CTA of the Estate of William H. Masters, 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 Administratrix CTA on or before the 29th day of June 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 29th day of March, 2023.

Nichole B. Greene

GREENE LAW OFFICES, PLLC

806 North Lafayette Street Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (3/29, 4/5, 4/12 & 4/19/2023)

were given “authority and responsibility to plan and execute… a proper observance of the Sestercentennial (250th Anniversary) of the American Revolution in South Carolina.”

As such, the commission is encouraging all 46 counties in South Carolina to establish their own county 250th committee. Once established, these committees will plan efforts to commemorate and celebrate the unique role that their county played in the American Revolution.

Historic Rock Hill, The Fort Mill History Museum, and The Culture & Heritage Museums of York County cordially invite you to attend an initial York County interest meeting on Friday, May 5 from 1:303:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at The Museum

of York County, 4621 Mt Gallant Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732.

Representatives from the South Carolina Revolutionary War Sestercentennial Commission will be present to walk us through forming a York County 250 Committee as well as answer any questions we may have. This will be an informal conversation so please come ready to learn more about this exciting opportunity.

Those interested should RSVP to Zach Lemhouse by Monday, April 17. You can learn more about The South Carolina Revolutionary War Sestercentennial Commission as well as steps to creating a county committee by visiting southcarolina250.com.

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 9th day of March, 2023 as Executor of the Estate of VERA M. MOSS, 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, Mark E. Moss, Executor, on or before the 15th of June, 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 15th day of March, 2023

Mark E. Moss, Executor

Estate of: Vera M. Moss 5492 Valley Run St. Hickory NC 28601

KMH (3/15, 22, 29 & 4/05/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 31st of January, 2023 as Administrator of the Estate of ADDIE FEASTER, 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, Kevin Feaster, Administrator on or before the 29th of June, 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 29th day of March, 2023.

Kevin Feaster, Administrator

Estate of Addie Feaster 2606 Nottingham LN - Apt. E Monroe, NC 28110

KMH (3/29, 4/05, 12 &19/2023)

Gardner-Webb Offers On-Campus Undergraduate Courses for Summer ‘23

Register Now for First Session

Beginning May 17

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb

University is offering both traditional and online courses for the 2023 Summer Terms. By coming to the Boiling Springs campus or to GWU’s Charlotte Center for either one or two of the terms, students can make progress toward their degrees while learning from professors in smaller classroom settings.

“The traditional academic year typically runs for 9-10 months, screeching to a halt in May at many schools,” observed Gardner-Webb President Dr. William Downs. “At GWU we want to make sure that students instead have the opportunity to continue their studies year-

round, accelerating their path toward graduation at a pace of their choosing.

That’s why having a robust menu of courses available during the summer months is such a priority. We look forward to having current GWU students take advantage of these courses, as well as those from other universities who may be home for the summer and wish to pick up a course or two as a transient student.”

Enrolling in a summer term at Gardner-Webb also has the benefit of no surprises when it comes to transfer credits, noted Vice President for Enrollment Management Dean T. Clark. “Undergraduate students are guaranteed the credits they earn will apply to their current degree program at Gardner-Webb,” he affirmed. “It’s also a great way to concentrate on just one class instead of

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:

VICKI A. THRIFT aka VICKI ANN ARMSTRONG THRIFT, Deceased.

Having qualified on the 8th day of March, 2023 as Executrix of the Estate of Vicki A. Thrift aka Vicki Ann Armstrong Thrift, 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 Executrix on or before the 24th day of June 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 22nd day of March, 2023.

Mary A. Lynn, Ex.

3008 Harmon Homestead Road

Shelby, NC 28150

C. Andrew Neisler, Jr, CLONINGER & NEISLER ATTYS

P.O. Box 515, 300 E. King Street Kings Mountain, NC 28086

KMH (3/22, 3/29, 4/5 & 4/12/2023)

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:

JUDY KAY BAILEY BLACK, Deceased.

Having qualified on the 28th day of March, 2023 as Administratrix of the Estate of Judy Kay Bailey Black, 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 Administratrix on or before the 7th day of July, 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 5th day of April, 2023.

Martha Louise Black, Admin. 609 Sterling Drive Kings Mountain, NC 28086

C. Andrew Neisler, Jr, CLONINGER & NEISLER ATTYS

P.O. Box 515, 300 E. King Street Kings Mountain, NC 28086

KMH (4/5, 4/12, 4/19 & 4/26/2023)

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:

BARBARA F. BUMGARDNER aka BARBARA FORD BUMGARDNER, Deceased.

Having qualified on the 14th day of March, 2023 as Executrix of the Estate of Barbara F. Bumgardner aka Barbara Ford Bumgardner, 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 Executrix on or before the 24th day of June 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 22nd day of March, 2023.

Melanie F. Bumgardner O’Bryan, Ex.

9718 Spring Crest Court Charlotte, NC 28269

C. Andrew Neisler, Jr, CLONINGER & NEISLER ATTYS

P.O. Box 515, 300 E. King Street Kings Mountain, NC 28086

KMH (3/22, 3/29, 4/5 & 4/12/2023)

a whole semester’s worth of classes.”

For traditional undergraduate and graduate students, the first summer session is May 17-June 20, and the second summer session is June 21-July 25.

The 10-week term is May 17-July 25.

The eight-week summer term for the Gardner-Webb online undergraduate program is May 24-July 25.

Courses are offered in the Godbold College of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Health Sciences. Classes will also be offered in the Physician Assistant program, the School of Divinity and the Master of Business Administration 10-month program. View the summer schedule, here.

For help selecting a course, or for more information about the summer programs, contact the Student Success Center at (704) 406-4563 or email advising@gardner-webb. edu.

CDC Data Modernization Initiative evolves

The goal of CDC’s Data Modernization Initiative (DMI) is to get better, faster, actionable insights for decision-making at all levels of public health. DMI is a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar effort to modernize data across the federal and state public health landscape. Their vision is to create one public health community that engages robustly with healthcare, communicates meaningfully with the public, improves health equity, and has the means to protect and promote health.

Launched in 2020, DMI is a multi-year, billion-plus dollar effort to modernize core data and surveillance infrastructure across the federal and state public health landscape.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for data that moves faster than disease.

DMI will give CDC the ability to tap into more sources of data and to move quickly to put the pieces together on new and emerging threats, as well as to handle the complexity of the available data in a way that leads to timelier and more accurate public

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATOR

Having qualified on the 7th of March, 2023 as Administrator of the Estate of Catherine Marie Oliver (23 E 241), 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 John D. Oliver, Administrator c/o A. Susan Biggers, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before June 15, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate settlement with the undersigned.

This the 15th day of March, 2023.

John D. Oliver

Administrator of the Estate of Catherine Marie Oliver

c/o A. Susan Biggers Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C.

402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150 KMH (3/15, 22, 29 & 4/05/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATOR

Having qualified on the 8th of March, 2023 as Administrator of the Estate of Linda Lee Hoyle Willis (23 E 242), 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 Bobby Ray Hoyle, Administrator c/o A. Susan Biggers, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before June 15, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate settlement with the undersigned.

This the 15th day of March, 2023.

Bobby Ray Hoyle

Administrator of the Estate of Linda Lee Hoyle Willis

c/o A. Susan Biggers Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C. 402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (3/15, 22, 29 & 4/05/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATOR

Having qualified on the 8th of March, 2023 as Administrator of the Estate of Karen Elizabeth Bosserman (23 E 211), 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 Howard Willard Davis, Jr., Administrator c/o A. Susan Biggers, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before June 15, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate settlement with the undersigned.

This the 15th day of March, 2023.

Howard Willard Davis, Jr.

Administrator of the Estate of Karen Elizabeth Bosserman c/o A. Susan Biggers Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C. 402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150 KMH (3/15, 22, 29 & 4/05/2023)

health decisions.

DMI’s priorities include:

• Building the Right Foundation: See how we’re improving data collection, analysis, and sharing at CDC and across a set of core public health surveillance systems that are used for all diseases and conditions. Get details on cloud-based services, real-time data collection, state, and local capabilities, and more.

• Accelerating Data into Action: Explore how we’re tapping into more data sources, promoting health equity, and increasing capacities for scalable outbreak response, forecasting, and predictive analytics. Get details on open data, linkages, privacy, interoperability, artificial intelligence, and more.

• Developing a State-of-the-Art Workforce: Learn about how we’re building and using next-generation skills for actionable public health insights. See details on recruitment, training opportunities, and other related projects and activities.

• Supporting and Extending Partnerships: Discover how CDC and

our partners are ensuring transparency, addressing policy challenges, and solving problems together. Find details about organizations, forums, communities of practice, workgroups, and more.

• Managing Change and Governance: Find out how we’re making sure resources are used wisely, monitoring progress, and supporting strategic innovation for new ways of thinking and working. Get details on change management, governance, monitoring and evaluation, acquisition, and more.

In 2021, Congress dedicated $50 million to continue data modernization activities.

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act provided an additional $500 million to CDC to advance surveillance and analytics infrastructure, as well as to establish a forecasting center for emerging biological threats.

In 2022, Congress dedicated and additional $100M, and $175M in 2023 to modernize public health data surveillance and analytics at CDC and state and local health departments.

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 19th of December, 2022 as Executor of the Estate of PATRICIA ANN RICE, 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, Ricky Fred Davis, Executor on or before the 5th of July, 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 5th day of April, 2023.

Ricky Fred Davis, Executor Estate of Patricia Ann Rice 762 S. Battleground Ave. Grover, NC 28073

Counsel for the Estate McINTYRE ELDER LAW PO Box 165 Shelby, NC 28151 KMH (4/05, 12, 19 & 26/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 13th of January, 2023 as Executor of the Estate of CLAUDE BRYCE GAMBLE, 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, Brandon Cooke, Executor on or before the 29th of June, 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 29th day of March, 2023.

Brandon Cooke, Executor Estate of Claude Bryce Gamble 117 Oak Grove Clover Hill Church Rd Lawndale, NC 28090

Counsel for the Estate McINTYRE ELDER LAW PO Box 165 Shelby, NC 28151

KMH (3/29, 4/05, 12 &19/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 28th of February, 2023 as Executor of the Estate of DONALD JAMES DOUGHERTY, 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 Elder Law in Shelby, North Carolina, on or before the 22nd day of June, 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 22nd day of March, 2023.

Gregory S. McIntyre, Executor McINTYRE ELDER LAW 112 S. Tryon Street Suite 700 Charlotte, NC 28284

KMH (3/22, 29, 4/05 & 12/2023)

(772) 4672620 burnsedvp@gmail.com

EMPLOYMENT

WANTED: PAINTER FOR VA-

CANT RENTAL PROPERTY. (704) 487-5480

WILLIAMS FLORIST, INC, NOW HIRING EXPERIENCED FLORAL DESIGNERS. 701 Suttle Street Unit E, Shelby, NC. (704) 408-1681

LOCAL DRIVER NEEDED; PART TIME LOCAL PART TIME DRIVER NEEDED. CLASS C, B & CDL-A.

DROP RESUME OR APPLY IN PERSON AT 365 OAK

Great pay and benefits. Must have a clean driving record and at least 2 years CDL driving experience. Please apply in person at MVS 325 Spindale St., Spindale NC (828) 748-5353 dlane64.mvs@gmail.com

ONE ON ONE CARE. Is hiring for 2nd and 3rd shifts in the residential homes. If interested apply in person at 203 Lee St, Shelby NC.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT. Main Street Belmont, NC. Call for info. (704) 830-7837

BUSINESS SERVICES

SHIPMAN’S MASONRY- 48 YEARS EXPERIENCE. Brick, Block & Stone, Outside Fireplaces, Foundations, Underpinnings. “Free Estimates”. 1st Quality Work! (863) 532-1587

TIM’S HOME REPAIR. Over 30 years remodeling. Commercial/ Residential, Interior/Exterior, Baths/Kitchens; gut to finish. Also general carpentry, drywall, painting, tile, flooring. 614-4043037.

D&D LANDSCAPING. We cut yards, Trim bushes, haul of trash ETC. Give us a call. Very reasonably priced! Serving Cherryville, Vale, Lincolnton area 704-530-1237 or 704-9744056. (704) 974-4056 daniel. edens2@gmail.com

WILL CLEAN HOUSES AND BUSINESSES. Reasonable rates. Call or text me at 704419-9016 or email me at sgacsa@aol.com 0

JAMES BALLARD PAINTING

SERVICE. Paint Kitchen Cabinets, Stain Decks, Outside Painting. Pre-estimated price. References available. 828-4297511, 828-429-3743. Ask for James. YEAR LONG LAWN CARE. Grass cutting, Trimming and Blowing. 980-522-3335.

MARK’S LAWN SERVICE. Reasonable Rates. We go the extra mile for our customers. Call 704-884-1605 or 601-2126941.

CUSTOM GARDEN BEDS, CUSTOM DECKS, CUSTOM PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AND MORE. Call today for a FREE Consultation, 503-9900826.

HOMEOWNERS, CONTRACTORS, REAL ESTATE AGENTS, need a little work? Jackson Corbin Property Services, LLC. Specializing in small jobs/punch list. Carpentry, painting, plumbing, tile, etc. Need a hand for a day or two?

Give me a call. Professional quality work, affordable prices. 828-980-1823 or email jacksoncorbin71@gmail.com

FMB ALL SEASON LAWN

SERVICE. Services: mowing, mobile detailing, fleet, cleaning, excavating. Owner Eric (704) 692-7521

REASONABLE RATES LAWN SERVICE. Mowing, trimming, edging. (704) 472-4737

CLEVELAND COUNTY GARAGE DOORS. Summer Tuneup Special, $69.95. We will check all your equipment lube, make sure it’s working correctly. We repair broken doors. Also offering new installations. 704477-9119 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) 2950750

EB MOBILE MECHANIC. I will come to you to repair any car, lawnmower or tractor. Honest & reliable. (704) 300-2332

BUSINESS SERVICES

RETAINING WALLS, PAVERS, GRADING, DEMOLITION, site cleanup, ponds, fencing, maintenance, irrigation, landscaping, pruning, planting, excavator work. 828-453-8113.

YARD SALES

CLEVELAND COUNTY

YARD SALE SATURDAY, APRIL 8TH. 8:00-? Household items, furniture, clothing, many other things. If rain, will reschedule. 406 Alan Drive, Kings Mountain, NC 28086

BIG YARD SALE. SAT., APRIL 8TH, 7am-12pm. Pictures, Christmas Decorations, knick knacks, books, dishes, handbags, shoes and furniture.

CANCEL IF RAIN. 2937 Poplar Circle, Shelby, NC 28152

YARD SALES- TROTTER

LN, KINGS MOUNTAIN. Sat., April 8th, 7:00 AM - Until. Multiple yard sales on Trotter Lane, Kings Mountain, NC 28086

MULTIPLE YARD SALESKINGS MOUNTAIN, SAT., APRIL 8TH, 2023 FROM 7:00 AM - ? TROTTER LANE, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC 28086

ANTIQUES

UNIQUE ANTIQUE STATION.

Tues.-Sat. 11am-4pm. Farm House Decor, Antiques, Collectibles, Vintage Toys, Hot Wheels, Jewelry, MORE. 985 US 74 Business Hwy., Ellenboro. Find us on FB. 828-3820075.

FOR SALE

WATER TOTES $75 Burning barrels $15. Solid top plastic or metal barrels $12. Feed Barrels (Plastic with Lids & Rings) $20. Toro Riding Mower & John Deere $700 each. Call Jeff, Hickory, NC (828) 327-4782

BRAND NEW MEN’S Cruising Bicycle. $100. Must sell. 828-782-7221.

LARGE COUCH & LOVE

SEAT. Burgundy print, great condition, $380 for both. Mid size Kenmore refrigerator with ice maker, works great $80. In Cherryville. 704-830-6991.

FURNITURE FOR SALE. Miscellaneous Furniture. Call 828289-4611 for more details.

CEMETERY LOT FOR SALE.

Cemetery Lot 639 at Rose Hill in Fallston. Convenient to sidewalk and road. Call 704-4725682, 4:00pm-8:00pm.

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

USED CAMPER TOPS: BUY/ SELL/TRADE. Various sizes and styles. 828-980-0788 or 828-286-8674.

HAIER AIR CONDITIONER.

20 AMP 240 Volts. Very good condition. Call Linda. (704) 860-4247

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

FOR SALE

ITEMS FOR SALE. 2-3 point hitch for layoff plows, All steel trailor-52 x 12, CattleGate-9ft. Call 704-476-9273 for more info.

FARM

FOR SALE

WE’VE GOT THE KNIVES &COINS! Jake’s Knives & Coins located at 1008 S. Lafayette St., Shelby. Call 704-6006996 (980) 295-5568

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

WINSTON CIGARETTES ELECTRIC CLOCK $500. Call or text: (704) 300-1818 kim_ hopper@bellsouth.net USED GOLF CARTS FOR SALE and chargers. $2,000 to $3,500. Call for more details. 704-301-7872.

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. 704-434-6389, (704) 473-0867

COLLECTIBLE DOLLS FOR SALE! Nothing priced over $25.00. Contact 704-434-7833

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS with Scratch Pads! Press Room Printing. 704-482-2243. (704) 538-5788

TRACTORS, EQUIPMENT, RIDING MOWERS, GARDEN TILLERS, GO-KARTS. Ready to mow. All in excellent condition. Can deliver, 30+ years experience in repair work. 828980-0853, 704-476-9383.

BROWN SOFA & LOVE SEAT. Each have 2 incliners built-in. Good condition. $285 (704) 538-3285.

Call/text Jackson Corbin, 828980-1823.

BOATS

12’ ALUMACRAFT FLAT BOTTOM JON BOAT. Load Rite trailer. New, never been in water. Both 2019. Call for appointment to see. (704) 865-4281 PETS & LIVESTOCK

WHITE COKE TABLE. Round, fair condition, 2 red metal folding Coke chairs, excellent condition and 2 Coke round pillows. $200 OBO. 704-769-4091 CEMETERY SPACES $2600.00 for 4 spaces at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Hickory. (704) 772-5096 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 STEEL BUILDINGS

LOST & FOUND FOUND A WHEELCHAIR. Call 704-472-5682 between 4:00pm and 8:00pm and describe.

WANT TO BUY

WANTED EARLY MODEL CHEVY OR DODGE VAN. Good condition. Will trade a new 5x8 enclosed trailer. 704735-8998, cell 704-530-7576.

WANT TO BUY PONTOON BOAT 24 ft. to 30 ft., prefer to buy without motor or trailer. 704-300-8201.

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. 704692-6767, (704) 487-0228

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

WANT TO BUY

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

WANT TO BUY CARS, TRUCKS. Trailers, Tractors, Farm Equipment. Must have ID and proof of ownership. Callahan’s Towing. (704) 692-1006

AKC/CKC REGISTERED BOXER PUPPIES. Total price $700. READY TO GO! 2nd shots and 3rd deworming..call/ txt for more info 1/M 3/F Location: Shelby,NC (704) 477-3900 wbmanning33@gmail.com

SOUTH AFRICAN BOERBOELS PUPPIES. 7 weeks 01/24/2023 Registration # 2020217770 (ARBA). The Dad is Brindle the Mom (Fawn). Puppy Dewormed and Shots. Office Visit-Routine 3/7/2023 DAPP 3/7/2023 puppies still available? Good homes are important to us so tell us what kind of home you can offer. two five two two three six five seven one nine, 7 week old cute puppies available. Text or email to set up an appointment to come see the puppies. Rehome fee applies. (252) 236-5719 johnrobers@gmail.com

$639 month. J Johnson Sales, 2690 221South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895

TRAILER-BUY-SELL-TRADE! “Must Have Title” J Johnson Sales (828) 245-5895 HORSE QUALITY HAY FOR SALE. Call (704) 487-6855

FARM & GARDEN

CKC YORKSHIRE TERRIER PUPPIES. Look who’s hopping down the bunny trail!!! Yorkie babies will be ready April 4th just in time for Easter! $1,200, Shelby, NC area. Raised in our smoke free, clean environment home. (704) 689-4163 mitchelljl60@yahoo.com

7 PIT BULL PUPPIES. 8 weeks old, shots & wormed, 4 females, 3 males. $300 each. Call Ray, (704) 734-7243

NETWORK ADS

Jobs Wanted

GASTON COUNTY SCHOOLS IS HIRING teachers, teacher assistants, bus drivers, and cafeteria, maintenance, and office staff. Register online for our job fair on Friday, April 28, 2023: www.gaston.k12.nc.us/jobs

for victims of crime and co-victims of homicide in NC. Go to: https://bit.ly/crimestudy - Or contact us: crimestudy@ unc.edu - (919) 525-1148. Health Services ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. FREE information kit. Call 866-579-0885 Home Improvement Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-877649-1190 Home Improvement BCI Walk In Tubs are now on SALE! Be one of the first 50 callers and save $1,500! CALL 855-737-1822 for a free in-home consultation. Miscellaneous The Generac PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-866-642-1883 Miscellaneous DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER? You may qualify for a substantial cash award - even with smoking history. NO obligation! We’ve recovered millions. Let us help!! Call 24/7, 844-641-0129 Miscellaneous FREE high speed internet for those that qualify. Government program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet service. Bonus offer: Android tablet FREE with one-time $20 copay. Free shipping & handling. Call Maxsip Telecom today! 1-877224-7739 Miscellaneous Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-9313643 Miscellaneous AUTO INSURANCE STARTING AT $49/ MONTH! Call for your fee rate comparison to see how much you can save! Call: 833-472-0580 Miscellaneous Denied Social Security Disability? Appeal! If you’re 50+, filed SSD and denied, our attorneys can help! Win or Pay Nothing! Strong, recent work history needed. 877553-0252 [Steppacher Law Offices LLC Principal Office: 224 Adams Ave Scranton PA 18503] Miscellaneous Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material – steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer - $500 Discount + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-855585-1815 Miscellaneous DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844-496-8601 www. dental50plus.com/ncpress #6258 Miscellaneous Don’t Pay For Covered Home Repairs Again! American Residential Warranty covers ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE/ $100OFF POPULAR PLANS. 888-993-0878 Miscellaneous ARE YOU BEHIND $10k OR MORE ON YOUR TAXES? Stop wage & bank levies, liens & audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, & resolve tax debt FAST. Call 844-5102330 (Hours: Mon-Fri 7am5pm PST) Miscellaneous SAVE MONEY ON EXPENSIVE AUTO REPAIRS! Our vehicle service program can save you up to 60% off dealer prices and provides you excellent coverage! Call for a free quote: 877-324-4071 (Mon-Fri :9am4pm PST) Miscellaneous LONG DISTANCE MOVING: Call today for a FREE QUOTE from America’s Most Trusted Interstate Movers. Let us take the stress out of moving! Speak to a Relocation Specialist, call 833-586-8395 Miscellaneous PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Pest, rodent, termite and mosquito control. Call for a quote or inspection today 877593-6072 STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED

Bethany Baptist Easter Sunrise Worship Service to be held on April 9

Bethany Baptist Church will hold their Sunrise Worship Service on Easter Sunday, April 9 at 7AM.

They also hold a Worship Service every Sunday at 11 AM. The community is invited. “He is worthy! Come and worship the Christ with

Bethany Baptist Community Easter Celebration, April 8

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Easter Celebration, Sat., April 9

us!” John 11:25-26. Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.

The church is located at 211 Cleveland Ave., Grover.

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 6th of March, 2023 as Executrix of the Estate of JERRY L. MODE, JR., 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, Melinda Mode Cooke, Executrix on or before the 15th of June, 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 15th day of March, 2023.

Melinda Mode Cooke, Executrix

Estate of Jerry L. Mode, Jr.

2328 Mountain View Rd Hickory, NC 28602

KMH (3/15, 22, 29 & 4/05/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 6th day of March, 2023 as Co-Executor and of Co-Executrix the Estate of DOUGLAS M. SHYTLES, 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, Mark D. Shytles, Co-Executor, and/or Rhonda S. Cloninger, Co-Executrix, on or before the 15th of June, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in Executrix bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 15th day of March, 2023

Mark D. Shytles, Co-Executor

Estate of: Douglas M. Shytles

141 Candlewood Dr Kings Mountain , NC 28086

And/or

Rhonda S, Cloninger, Co-Executrix

Estate of: Douglas M. Shytles

124 Centerpointe Rd Belton, SC 29627

KMH (3/15, 22, 29 & 4/05/2023)

PETS & LIVESTOCK

PETS & LIVESTOCK

FAINTING GOATS. 1 and 2 years old does. Some full blooded. Some dwarf/fainters cross. 828-248-8060.

CHICKENS. 4 Beautiful Game Roosters, $10 each or 4 for $30. Hens $15 each, also Bantams, and 5 free roosters. (704) 4731311

MINIATURE PINSCHER PUPPIES: 10 weeks old, ready to go, male and female, $500 each. Miniature Pinscher breeding pairs, ready to breed, $500 per pair. 828-351-8227.

Join Bethany Baptist Church in Grover, NC for a Community Easter Celebration at. Saturday April 8.

They will have a craft bazaar from 8AM-1PM. Hot dogs will be served at noon and the Easter Eggstravaganza is from 1-3.

This is a family celebration with egg dying, games, egg hunt and a free gift from God. Come and celebrate hope and joy and treats!

The church is located at 211 Cleveland Ave., Grover.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS CLEVELAND COUNTY

Having qualified as Co-Executors of the Estate of Connie B. Ledford, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, the undersigned do hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 26th day of June, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 22nd day of March, 2023.

C. Scott Ledford, Karen Ledford Roberts and Barry T. Ledford, Co-Executors of the Estate of Connie B. Ledford c/o McGill and Hassan, P.A. 8816 Red Oak Boulevard, Suite 220 Charlotte, North Carolina 28217

Patrick D. Craig, J.D. McGill and Hassan, P.A. Attorneys for Estate 8816 Red Oak Boulevard, Suite 220 Charlotte, North Carolina 28217 KMH (3/22, 29, 4/05 & 12/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 27th day of January, 2023 as Executor of the Estate of LORETTA DIANNE BYERS LEWIS; AKA, LORETTA D. LEWIS; AKA, LORETTA BYERS LEWIS, 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, Richard W. Lewis, Executor, on or before the 15th of June, 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 15th day of March, 2023

Richard W. Lewis, Executor

Estate of: Loretta Dianne Byers Lewis; aka, Loretta D. Lewis: aka, Loretta Byers Lewis

174 Parker Herndon Rd. Pittsboro, NC 27312

KMH (3/15, 22, 29 & 4/05/2023)

PETS & LIVESTOCK

IMPORTED ROTTWEILER PUPPIES. Available April 6. $650. 828-755-7335.

DOG KENNELS 5X10, 10X10, 10X20. Dog Houses, Tops for Kennels. “Delivery & Setup

Available” J Johnson Sales 2690 221South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895

CAMPERS

POMERANIAN CHIHUA-

HUA PUPPIES, 2 males, 2 females, 9 weeks old.

Shots, worming UTD.

Call, text, FaceTime avail. $300 ea. 704-600-5388

BLOODHOUND NEEDS NEW

HOME. 5 yrs old, No papers.

$200. Call 828-289-4611 if interested.

DYSARTS WOLF KENNEL.

Celebrating 50 years of breeding wolf-hybrid puppies. 2 liters available, 20 pups to select from. Puppies available from parents on-site. 75% Wolf, 25% Shepherd. $400 each. www. dysartswolfkennel.com. Facebook at Dysart Wolf & Shepherd Kennel. 828-429-0053, 828-748-9238.

TOY AND MINI AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS. Male and female, assorted colors, some blue-eyed. Shots, wormed, fully vetted. 828-289-6756.

2017 RUSTIC TRAIL TEARDROP CAMPER. $10,500 OBO Grizzly Bear Model. Excellent condition! AC/heat, queen bed, converts into sofa w/table. metal tool box. (828) 772-1242

SCENIC RIDGE COUNTRY CAMPGROUND. Cherryville, NC. Cabins. RV Spots, Daily Weekly, Monthly, Seasonal Sites. (704) 435-0938

CARS & TRUCKS

2005 CHEVROLET

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church is partnering with Washington Missionary Baptist Church to present “Resurrection Celebration”

“Unity In The Community”

on Saturday, April 8, 2023,

12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m.

Guest speaker will be Minister Omar Smith of Palmer

Grove Baptist Church, Kingstown, N.C. There will be food, music, boune house, games for all ages and an Easter Egg hunt sponsored by Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club. The event will be held at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 235 A.W. Black Street. Everyone is invited.

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 13th of February, 2023 as Executrix of the Estate of ESSIE MAE McSWAIN; AKA, ESSIE M. McSWAIN, 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, Shirley McSwain, Executrix on or before the 29th of June, 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 29th day of March, 2023.

Shirley McSwain, Executrix

Estate of Essie Mae McSwain; aka, Essie M. McSwain. 106 Gentry Drive Shelby, NC 28152

KMH (3/29, 4/05, 12 &19/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 28th of February, 2023 as Executrix of the Estate of MELISSA HOOD BURROUGHS AKA, MELISSA HOOD DEVANE, 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, Shannon Burroughs Blackley, Executrix on or before the 15th of June, 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 15th day of March, 2023.

Shannon Burroughs Blackley, Executrix

Estate of Melissa Hood Burroughs; aka, Melissa Hood Devane 812 Hawthorne Rd Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (3/15, 22, 29 & 4/05/2023)

HAPPY EASTER

FOR RENT

CLEVELAND COUNTY

ONE PERSON ONLY. Small mobile home rental. $500 mo, $400 deposit. No W/D hookup. No Pets. Oak Grove area. Call for appointment between 9am6pm. Background check required. $30 non-refundable Application Fee. (704) 734-5820

3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH MOBILE HOME. 2309 Prospect Church Road, Shelby. Freshly painted, new carpet, $1300 month, $650 deposit plus pet deposit required. (704) 6922092

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 704-487-1114.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

EXCELLENT LOCATIONSHELBY. 1 bedroom apartment with kitchen, dining, living room & bath. Private entrance. Washer/dryer hookups. No smoking or pets. Not HAP eligible. Heat & water included in $695 mo. (704) 487-5480

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

MOBILE HOMES & APARTMENTS. In Kings Mountain. Please Call (704) 739-4417

FOR RENT CLEVELAND COUNTY

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 MOBILE HOMES FOR RENT. In Shelby, NC. 1 to 3 bedrooms renting from $695.00 to $850.00 per month. Call Today 704-554-8861. frontdesk@ kluttspropertymanagement. com

RUTHERFORD COUNTY 3 BEDROOM HOUSE, FOREST CITY. 3 bedroom, 2

AKC STANDARD POODLE

PUPPIES READY. $700

AKC STANDARD POO-

DLE PUPPIES READY TO GO. BLACK AND ONE

APRICOT. (704) 689-3213

RN28150@YAHOO.COM

AKC/ICCF REGISTERED CANE CORSA PUPS. Born 1/24/23. Shots & worming current. Great temperament & good with children. (980) 9392143

NICE 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH

HOME. Large yard, carport + car awning, large handicap deck, great neighborhood, no pets. $1400 per month. (704) 473-5240

GCPD K9 Unit assists with Fentanyl and Cocaine seizure

On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, the Gaston County Police Department K9 Unit was contacted to assist a partner agency with an ongoing drug investigation. A Gaston County Police K9 was requested to conduct a sniff of a vehicle believed to be involved with trafficking large quantities of narcotics into both Gaston and Mecklenburg counties.

During the course of the investigation, the Officer’s canine alerted to the odor of narcotics in the vehicle. A subsequent search resulted in the seizure of more than 26 pounds of cocaine and 53 pounds of fentanyl, which has a street value of approximately $4.1 million dollars. This is an on-going investigation and no charges have been filed at this

GCPD officers accept dog walking challenge

By Loretta Cozart

Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement challenged officers from Gaston County Police Department to a dog walking challenge.

Officer Zully Bennett spent some time with Emma and in return got lots of kisses.

Officer Bill Joint spent time with not one but two of dogs, sweet Sadie Mae and Marley.

Emma is a 2-year-old female medium Terrier/Pitt Bull Mix, Sadie Mae is a 3-year-old female medium Terrier/Pitt Bull Mix, and Marley is a 2-year-old female large mix breed. If you are interested in these or other dogs, or others at the shelter that are looking for a forever homes, visit 1491 Business Park Ct, Gastonia, NC 28052 or call (704) 922-8677.

BREAKFAST WORD

By JIM MILLER Editor

How to Choose an Assisted Living Facility

Dear Savvy Senior,

What’s the best way to go about choosing an assisted living facility for my 86-year-old father? Since mom died last year, his health has declined to the point that he can’t live at home anymore but isn’t ready for a nursing home either.

Searching Susan

Dear Susan,

If your dad needs help with things like bathing, dressing, preparing meals, managing his medications or just getting around, an assisted living facility is defi nitely a good option to consider.

Assisted living facilities are residential communities that offer different levels of health or personal care services for seniors who want or need help with daily living.

There are nearly 29,000 assisted living communities (also called board and care, supportive-care or residential-care facilities) in the U.S. today, some of which are part of a retirement community or nursing home. Most facilities have anywhere between 10 and 100 suites, varying in size from a single room to a full

apartment. And some even offer special memory care units for residents with dementia.

To help you choose a good assisted living facility for your dad, here are some steps to follow.

Make a list: There are several sources you can turn to for referrals to top assisted living communities in your area including your dad’s doctor or nearby hospital discharge planner; friends or neighbors who’ve had a loved one in assisted living; or you can do an online search at Caring. com.

Do some research: To research the communities on your list, put a call into your long-term care ombudsman. This is a government official who investigates long-term care facility complaints and advocates for residents and their families.

This person can help you find the latest health inspection reports on specific assisted living facilities and can tell you which ones have had complaints or other problems in the past. To find your local ombudsman visit LTCombudsman.org.

Call the facilities: Once you’ve identified a few good assisted living facilities, call

them to see if they have any vacancies, what they charge and if they provide the types of services your father needs.

Tour your top choices: During your visit, notice the cleanliness and smell of the facility. Is it homey and inviting? Does the staff seem responsive and kind to its residents? Also be sure to taste the food, and talk to the residents and their family members, if available. It’s also a good idea to visit several times at different times of the day and different days of the week to get a broader perspective.

On your facility visit, get a copy of the admissions contract and the residence rules that outline the fees (and any extra charges), services and residents’ rights, and explanations for when a resident might be asked to leave because their condition has worsened, and they require more care than the facility can provide.

Also, find out their staff turnover rate, COVID infection-control procedures and if and when medical professionals are on site. To help you rate your visit, Caring. com offers a checklist of questions that you can download and print at Caring. com/static/checklist-AL-tour.pdf.

How to pay: Monthly costs for assisted living ranges anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000 or more, depending on where you live, the facility you choose, and the services provided. Since Medicare does not cover assisted living, most residents pay out-of-pocket from their own personal funds, and some have long-term care insurance policies.

If your dad has limited financial resources and can’t afford this, most states now have Medicaid waiver programs that help pay for assisted living. Or, if he’s a veteran, he may be able to get funds through the VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit. To find out about these programs, ask the assisted living facility director, or contact his local Medicaid office (see Medicaid.gov) or the regional VA benefit office (800–827–1000). Send

Norman, OK 73070,

Officer Zully Bennett gets kisses from Emma. Photos provided

Sadie Mae enjoyed her walk with Officer Bill Joint.

Marley is ready for her forever home.

seized more than 26 lbs. of cocaine and 53 lbs. of Fentanal.