HORD’S CONTAINER SERVICE (704) 466-6008 Volume 132 • Issue 22
kmherald.com • 704-484-1047
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
75¢
Parker building progress By Loretta Cozart Michael Parker, president of Parker Construction and Development, bought the old Sagesport/Fulton’s building last summer and has begun work to reclaim the century old building. The three-story structure had collapsed upon itself, from the rooftop to the basement. Many citizens worried about the outcome of this historic property, but the work to clear the debris and begin Parker’s new vision for this building has begun. It is an exciting time to witness the rebirth of an historic Kings Mountain landmark. This building has housed Sagesport, Fulton’s, Myer’s Department Store, and Piggly Wiggly, among other businesses. “I became interested in this building because it is one of the few freestanding buildings downtown. It is located on a corner lot and has plenty of parking nearby,“ he said. “I hope that our actions to save this building and revitalize it will spark even more mo-
City Council listens to the staff’s recommendations for amendments to the 2020 – 2021 budget as a result of lost revenues due to COVID-19. Photo City of KM Facebook Live Parker’s building has been gutted and all debris removed. Photo Loretta Cozart mentum in the area and inspire others to take the same initiative and invest in making Kings Mountain a better place to raise a family, live, work and play.” The building’s basement has been filled-in and all the debris hauled away. It is interesting to see the structure with the interior stripped down to the walls. One can see that the large second story windows were once bricked in, leaving only small windows that reduced the sunlight upstairs. Plaster covered the new brick
inside. With electricity, the need for large windows was no longer a necessity. At the back of the second floor, doors were added to the window spaces, providing access to what one can only guess was used as a balcony. The building does have beautiful views of Kings Mountain. A doorway once provided access to Cherokee Street, but from the outside one can see it isn’t at streetlevel. So, there was once a See PARKER, Page 7
COVID-19 results in lost revenue
No tax increases proposed in city’s 2020-2021 budget By Loretta Cozart On May 21, at 4 pm, the City of Kings Mountain's mayor, city council, city manager and other city staff held a budget work session in Council Chambers of City Hall to review changes to the 2020 – 2021 proposed budget resulting from a decrease in city revenue from COVID-19. City Manager Marilyn Sellers presented the city staff’s proposed budget that was amended on May 18, due to a reduction in revenue that the staff estimates
to be approximately $1 million dollars as a result of COVID-19. According to Sellers, “The League of Municipalities and the Local Government Commission has stated that, “All the municipalities across North Carolina would experience substantial losses, not only in sales tax, but also in loss of utility revenue from businesses and industries due to cutbacks and closures. Additional anticipated losses could be due to suspension of late fees, delay in disconnections, and probably in
property tax collections. So, we have a lot of unknowns we are facing in preparing the budget.” The total proposed budget is $46,124,966 and is considered flat since it is lower than inflation. Police and Fire would be impacted most by the proposed budget, by approximately 40%. Public Works, sanitation, recycling, and garbage could be impacted by 21%. Primary revisions to the initial budget proposed by the city on May 1 and then revised on May 18 were: See BUDGET, Page 2
Veronét Vineyards and Winery opened Friday, May 22. Photo by Loretta Cozart
In time for Memorial Day
Veronét allowed limited reopening By Loretta Cozart On Friday May 22, Veronét Vineyards and Winery, located on 1549 Ike Brooks Drive in Kings Mountain, received confirmation they could reopen with Phase 2 and released their first round of reservations to their news-
letter subscribers. “We are so grateful that our guests came out to support us this weekend,” said Monique Sullivan, Founder and Managing Partner of Veronét. “It felt great to welcome people back and help them get out and enjoy nature while being safe. We know it’s a unique time, and we are working hard to make sure everyone’s visit is comfortable and keeps them healthy.” Veronét is following social distancing guidelines,
“All our seating is 6-feet apart and seating is by reservation only. Our staff sanitizes between groups and are doing the same for all touch points hourly, plus all staff is wearing masks and gloves at all times,” Sullivan added. Wine service was not available Saturday or Sunday but they provided disposable wine cups so customers could open curbside purchased bottles of wine at a reserved seat. To comply with NCDHHS See OPENING, Page 2
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133 WEST MAKES HEADWAY TOWARD OPENING – The façade at 133 West has been completed, and the interior flooring also installed. It appears that venue could be open for business within the next six to eight weeks. Much depends upon shipping during the Coronavirus pandemic. The side patio, with its winding sidewalk has been poured. The stage needs to be built to complete the hardscapes, then the plantings and other accoutrements can be installed. Photo by Loretta Cozart
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