KM Herald 5-31-23

2023

SECTION INSIDE!

City of KM proposes total budget increase of

$11.2M

By Loretta Cozart

LIVE at Patriots Park, Saturday, June 3

City welcomes Freebird, The Ultimate Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute

The City of Kings Mountain welcomes Freebird, The Ultimate Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute LIVE at Patriots Park, Saturday, June 3, 2023.

JIM PALENICK City Manager

During a city council budget work session held on Monday, May 22 at city hall, Kings Mountain City Manager Jim Palenick proposed a Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget of $65,079,820, an increase of $11,174,987 from last year’s budget of $53,904,822. The proposed budget includes a 5-cent property tax increase, a 10% increase in water and sewer, in addition

to a solid waste fee increase of $2.49, and a stormwater fee increase of $1.50. There are no increases proposed for electric or natural gas. How does the city’s proposed property tax rate increase of 5-cents, to a new rate of 48-cents, compare with that of other municipalities of comparable size to Kings Mountain? Cities compared include Lincolnton: 56-cents, Newton: 54- cents; Morganton: 57-cents; Albemarle: 64-cents, and Lexington: 65-cents, for an average property tax rate of .59-cents.

The budget also includes $1.8 million for paving and road improvements. “ThirtySee BUDGET, Page 5A

Covering Lynyrd Skynyrd’s catalog of hits, Freebird, The Ultimate Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute celebrates a band whose time was short, but music carries on four decades after their lead singer Ronnie Van Zant and others were lost in a plane crash October 20, 1977.

“We are really looking forward to finally performing at Kings Mountain,” said lead singer, Vic Harris. “All I can say is, Kings Mountain is going to get one heck a concert.”

Country music artist, Ryan Perry will open the show at 6:00 p.m., followed by Freebird at 8:00 p.m.

Great food, inflatables for the kids, and much more will be available.

Best of all, the concert is FREE.

Patriots Park is located at 220 South Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain.

For more information on the concert or cruise-in, contact the City of Kings Mountain at 704730-2101 or access their website at www.kingsmountainevents.com.

Memorial Day Observance held in Kings Mountain

By Loretta Cozart

City of Kings Mountain held its Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 29 at American Legion Post 155 located at 613 E. Gold Street at 10 a.m. Due to rain, the observance was taken indoors.

The new Albemarle Lithium space is taking shape. Just to the right is 133 West. Photo by Loretta Cozart

Lots going on along W. Mountain Street

By Loretta Cozart

One need only walk down West Mountain Street to notice the transformation that section downtown has seen in the last three years.

John McGill transformed the building at 133 West and Iris Hubbard brought her upscale restaurant of the same

name downtown, followed by David Stone purchasing and renovating the Imperial Theater, known most recently as Friendly Pool Hall. Along the sidewall, the wall has been recently painted to complement the rest of the building.

Across the street, Griffin’s Drug Store once occupied what has become Albemarle Lithium’s new space downtown. And Jimbo Thompson’s crews have been working upstairs See GOING ON, Page 8A

The event began with a Piper Prelude by the Loch Norman Pipers, followed by the Presentation of Colors by Boy Scout Troop 92 Honor Guard. Dr. John Howze, Pastor of People’s Baptist Church offered in Invocation. Pastor Gabriel Thombs lead those gathered in the Pledge of Allegiance. Vocalist Sharon Robbs sang the “Star Spangled Banner.” Mayor Scott Neisler welcomed everyone and reminded them of the importance of remembering those who have been lost in battle while in the service of the United States of America.

The Keynote speaker was Jim Sherman, U.S. Army, Commander, American Legion District 23. Dale Brittan and Dale Saxon performed the Ballad of the Green Barret. And Jim Medlin, U.S. Staff Sergeant, USAF, 1967 – 1971, followed reciting A Toast to the Flag.

“A Toast to the Flag” was a poem penned by journalist, John Jay Daly. John Day was a poet, drama critic and newsman, who worked

See MEMORIAL, Page 8A

FREEBIRD, THE

Marine Corps League 1164 Honor Guard - (photos provided)

RYAN PERRY

Office, Shelby Police Department and North Carolina State Bu

CCSO partners with Dunkin’ Donuts raising funds for Special Olympics

By Loretta Cozart

Cleveland County Sher-

iff’s Office partnered with Dunkin’ Donuts to “Cover the Cruiser” and raise funds for Special Olympics Athletes in North Carolina.

“What an AMAZING day for our Special Olym-

pics Torch Run. We had a great turn out from the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, Shelby Police Department and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation,” Sheriff Norman said. CCSO will be back at Dunkin’ Donuts on Tuesday to continue to Cover the

■ POLICE

ARRESTS

MAY 20: Frankie James Dobbins, 42, Kings Mountain, failure to appear, misdemeanor larceny; trespass; $1,000 secure bond.

MAY 22: Amador Fabian, 34, 216 Catherine Street, assault on a female, $5,000 secured bond.

MAY 22: Alvin Fred Harris Jr., 38, Gastonia, assault on a female, District Court May 23.

MAY 23: Carcamo Julian Cristin Archaga, 28, 1023 Mountain Crest Drive, motor vehicle theft, $5,000 secured bond.

MAY 23: Bart Steven Snider, 60, 807 Rhodes Avenue, misdemeanor aggravated assault, $7,500 secured bond.

INCIDENTS

MAY 18: A resident of Alpine Drive reported theft of a handgun from a vehicle.

MAY 19: A resident of Lord’s Landing, reported larceny of two I phones valued at $1100.

MAY 19: A resident of Woodland Drive reported vehicle theft valued at $35,000. WRECKS

MAY 18: Officer Earls said a 2009 Honda operated by Travis Dawson, Manor Road, struck a 2012 Jeep operated by Joseph Safrit, Gastonia in the parking lot of 610 East King Street. Property damage was estimated at $3,500.

MAY 19: Officer Graham said a hit and run driver struck a 2007 Ford owned by Kevin Osborne, 602 Lee Street, and parked on Lee Street. Property damage was estimated at $2,000.

MAY 19: Officer Hernandez said a 2017 Nissan operated by Robert Junior Marable, Northwoods Drive, struck a 2009 Ford operated by Gary Porter, Shelby. Marable pulled out from the off Ramp at 161 South off US 74. Property damage was estimated at $4,000.

MAY 20: Officer Medlin

CarMax contract worker arrested after having marijuana delivered to dealership

Officers from the Gastonia Police Department have arrested and charged 39-year-old Michael Kenneth Williams of Elgin, SC, for possession of marijuana and possession with intent to sell or deliver after Williams received a package at his Gastonia workplace that contained over three pounds of suspected marijuana.

On May 22 at 9 a.m., GPD officers responded to the CarMax located at 1600 Remount Road for the report of a possible drug violation.

Officers spoke with a store manager who stated that during the early morning hours of the previous day, CarMax received a large box from California that was addressed to Williams. The manager indicated that Williams routinely receives packages addressed to him and that this package had an unusual odor.

Officers opened the box and found over three pounds of suspected marijuana inside. Officers seized the alleged marijuana, re-sealed the box, and waited for Williams to arrive at work to claim the package.

At approximately 12:30

Cruiser. For a minimum donation of $1, you can place a custom-made placard on the cruiser. Those who donate more than $20 and will receive a free Torch Run T-Shirt FREE. All the proceeds went to Special Olympics North Carolina.

said Donovan Cherry, Charlotte, operating a 2015 Jeep, was backing in the parking lot of Circle K, 305 Cleveland Avenue, and struck a 2013 Nissan operated by Malinda Roberts, Baker Street. Property damage was estimated at $4,000.

MAY 20: Officer Childers said Cameron Petti, Brice Street, was backing his 2004 Nissan in the parking lot of Ingles, Shelby Road, and hit a parked, unoccupied Volvo owned by A Line inc. of Pineville. Property damage was estimated at $10,500.

CITATIONS

MAY 14: Kathrine Gail Norton, 24, Mountain Terrace Lane, revoked license, no registration, no electronic inspection.

MAY 17: Melanie Freeman, 57, West Gold Street, revoked license, expired tag.

MAY 17: Tony Currence, 50, Rhodes Avenue, expired tag.

MAY 18: Spencer Hall,

Various law enforcement agencies participated in the Special Olympics Torch Run.

p.m., officers were notified that Williams was at work and had claimed the package.

Officers observed Williams walking outside the business with the package, stopped him, and asked if the box was his. Williams stated that the box was his.

Officers verified the identity of Mr. Williams and that his name was the same as the package’s intended recipient.

Williams was arrested and transported to the Gaston County Jail, where he was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver. He was released after posting a $10,000 bond.

The Torch Run raises funds for Special Olympics Athletes in North Carolina.

25, Dallas, expired tag no inspection.

MAY 18: Katasha Robbins, 37, Chesterfield Court, expired tag, speeding. MAY 18: David Simmons, 34, Grover, revoked license, fictitious tag, no registration, no liability insurance.

MAY 18: Joseph Wayne King II, 42, Liberty Street, stop sign violation.

MAY 18: Whitney Smith,

GRAND OPENING

Saturday, June 3 125

EVERY

June thru August 8 AM until 12 Noon

Cruise-In continues in downtown Kings Mountain

The LIVE at Patriots Park Downtown Cruise-In is coming back to Kings Mountain, Saturday, June 3.

That day, Railroad Avenue will be filled with street or stock cars, trucks and motorcycles too. The Cruise-In, coincides with

the 2023 Live Music at Patriots Park Concert Series being held the same day. This is the second Cruise-In held this year.

Roads impacted during the events will be Railroad Avenue, West Gold Street, and a portion of West Mountain and South Cans-

ler Streets. The cruise-in will start at 5:00 p.m. each night of the concert series. Space has been limited to the first 100 cars. No registration or fee is required. With live music and cool rides, you do not want to miss this event.

Concert and Cruise-In will bring heavy traffic to Downtown KM on June 3

due to the increase in motor vehicles and pedestrians. Please plan to travel on different roads if you are impacted by road closures.

For more information on the Concert Series or Cruise-In, contact the City of Kings Mountain’s Special Events Department at 704-730-2101, or visit their website at www.KingsMountainEvents.Com. You may also visit their Facebook page at @cityofkmspecialevents.

Albemarle Corp. recognized by American Chemistry Council with 10 Responsible Care Awards

Albemarle Corp.

recognized for leadership in Safety & Environmental Stewardship

Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB), a global leader in providing essential elements for mobility, energy, connectivity, and health, announced in May that it received 10 American Chemistry Council (ACC) Responsible Care® Awards for its continued excellence in sustainability initiatives for health, safety and environmental areas of focus.

MercLok™ P-640, the company’s mercury remediation solution, was awarded the Product Safety Award for driving improvement in chemical product safety. Introduced in December 2022, MercLok™ is a game-changing remediation technology that captures mercury and helps prevent it from spreading throughout the food chain.

“Our transformative technologies are making daily lives safer and healthier for

people around the world,” said Netha Johnson, president of Albemarle Specialties.

“Our work in Specialties advances Albemarle’s commitment to sustainability and is a proof point for how we operate with people and planet in mind.”

Albemarle also received the Initiative of the Year Award (medium-sized companies) for advancing process safety and environmental performance with its Process Safety Maturity Assessment.

The assessment is a grading system used to gauge progress in each site’s process safety journey — developing and improving management systems to reduce the risk of major accidents.

The company also earned five facility safety awards for demonstrating significant achievements in employee health and safety performance at their Kings Mountain, North Carolina; New Johnsonville, Tennessee; Magnolia, Arkansas; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Silver Peak, Nevada sites. The Kings Mountain, New Johnsonville, and Magnolia sites

also received Waste Minimization, Reuse, and Recycling Awards.

These awards were announced at the Responsible Care & Sustainability Conference & Expo in Fort Lauderdale. During the conference, the ACC recognized chemical industry leaders for their exceptional environmental, health, safety and security performance, their commitment to sustainability, and their sound chemicals management. Responsible Care awardees qualify based on exemplary performance and are selected by a committee of internal and external experts.

“ACC Responsible Care awardees drive meaningful and positive impacts for our people and our planet by advancing safer, more sustainable products and processes,” said ACC Vice President of Sustainability and Responsible Care Mitch Toomey. MercLok™ is a registered trademark of Albemarle Amendments LLC.

Pieces of Kings Mountain History

As a member of the Col. Frederick Hambright DAR chapter, I have a strong interest in the Battle of Kings Mountain.

Ida Pauline Neisler was the first Regent of our chapter in 1916; her half-sister, Bonnie Eloise Mauney Summers was the first chapter historian. Growing up in Kings Mountain during the 1960’s and 1970’s resulted in my love for the history of this community and its people.

I remember reading the works of Bonnie Summers regarding the forebears of our city and trying to imagine what life in Kings Mountain was like in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

I wasn’t sure why these ladies chose to form our DAR chapter in that year, but I knew they had hoped to name the chapter the “Kings Mountain Chapter” or the “Kings Mountain Battle Chapter,” but the name was already taken by an existing DAR Chapter in York, SC. So, they decided to name the chapter for Col. Frederick Hambright, “because six Charter members were of lineal descen-

dent” and because they considered him to be “one of the bravest officers in the battle.”

Last week I stumbled across a pamphlet at the Library of Congress online entitled “Battle at King’s Mountain, Proposed Centennial Celebration, October 7, 1880”. To my surprise, I realized that the individuals who conceived the idea of a centennial celebration were from the City of Kings Mountain. Imagine that! Just five years after the city received its charter on February 11, 1874, our citizens became the catalyst for the 1880 celebration of the Battle of Kings Mountain.

While reading the program, I found the following passage. I have taken the liberty of using the gentlemen’s full names when I knew them. “A meeting of the citizens of Kings Mountain and vicinity, on Saturday May 24th, 1879, to take the initiatory steps towards the celebration of the centennial of the battle

of Kings Mountain. Dr. James Wright Tracy, was called to the chair; Isaac Walton Garrett and William Andrew Mauney were appointed secretaries.” Others noted in the meeting were Capt. William T. Reilley Bell, Dr. Benjamin Franklin Dixon, P.S. Baker, Dr. T.J. Walker, F.S. McGinnis, and R. S. Sugg.”

A second meeting was planned for July 25, 1879, and in that meeting the King’s Mountain Centennial Association was formed. The Execu-

tive Committee included the names of Governors of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Committees on “Invitations and Correspondence”, “Ways and Means”, “Historical Records and Relics”, “Monument”, “Troops”, “Police”, and “Transportation” formed. It is obvious that the planners of this event knew that to be successful, influential men of means from across the region would be needed to bring their goal to reality.

It was at that moment, I realized that the apple

Looking Back

As graduation approaches on Saturday, June 3, it is a good time to reflect on graduations past. The photo and article ran in the May 16, 1935, Herald. At the time, the school building we know of as Central had been rebuilt just two years prior. The student body was far fewer in number back then.

“These students have done outstanding work and have won honore in some field during the

past year. Beginning with the last row, L-R: Pauline Goforth, who won the local and county reading contest; Hank Wilson, who won the local and county declamation competition, Ruth McGill, and Clyde McSwain who represented our school at a citizenship banquet given by the Kiwanis Club; Clyde McSwain also won a place on the all-conference basketball team; Dorothy Hord who won a place on the

all-conference banket ball team; Dorothy Plonk, who won the local and state piano contests.”

“Middle Row: Louise Brackett, who was winner of the D. A. R. essay con- teat, and who was an alternate for the debate; Sara Mae Falls, Martin L. Harmon, Ruby Hughes. and Juanita Putnam, who represented our school in the triangular debate, and Juan ta Putnam it also the See LOOKING, 5A

didn’t fall far from the tree. Ida Pauline Mauney Neisler and Bonnie Eloise Mauney Summers, two charter members of the Col. Frederick Hambright Chapter, were following in the footsteps of their father, William Andrew Mauney, who made great effort to honor those who sacrificed much for liberty at the Battle of Kings Mountain.

The other charter members of our chapter, and every new member since, joins to honor those who came before and won for us, as Thomas Jefferson said, “the seal of our Independence.”

In a report submitted by the Library Committee, Senate Report 557, Sixtieth Congress, First Session, Mr. Swanson reported: “It was a battle in which there was not a regular soldier of the American Army, but was fought solely by the people of a few States who helped to create the country and to win its independence” It humbles me to realize that the citizens of Kings Mountain continue to associate themselves so closely with the Battle of Kings Mountain, not to be boastful or to brag. We do See PIECES, Page 5A

Reevaluate your church mission spending…

For 50 years of my life, I’ve been associated with churches that have given over $4,000,000 collectively to outside denominational endeavors.

The typical mainline denominational church/ parish will collect weekly offerings from their members. A percentage of this money each month is given to a state office. The state office will in turn keep a large percentage of the money for state denominational purposes. The rest of it will be sent to the national office. Some denominations have an international mission office and an American denominational office.

Local churches are always encouraged to give more of their weekly offerings to the state and national causes. The state and national entities employ people who do denominational work. They have full time salaries, medical insurance, retirement plans and usually newer model cars to drive. They need more money like most everyone else.

Many churches will give 10, and often as high as 25, percent of their general offering to these outside entities. The denomination rewards the church by praising them. Patting them on the back. They will usually list the top 100 giving churches on their denominational website or state publication piece. They will work hard to enlist the pastor of the church to serve on state committees. This is done to make the pastor feel important and to keep their hand in the local church through the church’s pastor. Executives from the denomination will come a couple of times a year to visit the church and praise them for their generosity. This usually is about the summation of what the local church gets back from their sacrificial 10 to 25 percent giving.

In far too many cases the local church deprives itself of needed money to fund their own local needs. The local minister often has to scrape to get by while the church is mailing a big check to the denominational hierarchy.

I’ve been a strong advocate of international and state missions most of my life. However, I’m tired

of seeing so many small churches do without while the state and national entities – regardless of the denomination – do and have more.

If your church has been mailing 15 percent of its money down to the state office every month then why not keep eight percent of that to do local mission work in your neighborhood? Will the state or national office come to your town and help the homeless? Are they in your town helping unwed mothers and ministering to pregnant teenagers? Are they supporting the local halfway house for drug addicts and safe house for abuse victims? Are they going door to door in your neighborhood telling people about God’s love? Too many churches rationalize, “We are doing mission work by sending our money to the state office.” Churches should use more of their mission money at home. Your local area has needs. Jesus gave The Great Commission to go into the world but too often we miss what is right in our face. I’m for supporting mission work around the world but your greatest mission work is in your neighborhood.

LORETTA COZART

Glenn Mollette Guest Editorial

This 1814 Maj. Chronicle Marker, Kings Mountain National Military Park, Blacksburg (SC) is considered the second oldest Revolutionary War Marker in America. Photo courtesy of Adam Domby

KMHS CLASS OF 1935 HONOR STUDENTS

Proposed city budget would pave 35 streets

by Loretta Cozart

BUDGET

From Page 1A

five streets will be paved throughout the city,” Palenick said. “And, $100,000 is included for parks and recreation capital improvements. A five percent wage increase has been set aside for city employees included in the budget as well.”

How does that translate to the average citizen’s monthly budget? For a person who owns a $100,000 house, the city estimates the increase to be $12.79 per month. For $200,000 home, it is estimated the additional cost will be $17.51 per month. And for a $400,000 house, citizens will see an increase to $26.40 per month.

“The city has been using money from the electric fund until the money has been depleted.” Jim Palenick said in an interview with the Herald. “We have, for years, kept the city's property tax artificially low, and the city took money away from its electric utilities, and its gas utility, it didn't reinvest in those utilities, and it didn't develop rate stabilization funds for those. So it didn't develop high quality appropriate fund balances for them. The time has come to pay the piper,” he explained.

“We're doing this in a fiscally responsible way, and planning for the future in a very strategic way. The key is as we are growing, and we will continue to grow a lot, so we must reinvest in a lot of these things, the infrastructure, the amenities, and the quality of life. Because we've neglected parks for a very long time, we allocated $100,000 in park improvements in this budget. But in the future, we expect to add a lot more.”

Kings Mountain is unique in that it maintains both a public library and a senior center. In many communities they are maintained instead by the county. The library’s proposed budget is $837,050, and the senior center’s is $837,500.

Palenick continued, “The city has $1.8 million in total paving and road improvements included in this budget. That compares to recent years of $200,000 to $300,000. And over $4 million was included for rolling-stock purchases, in-

cluding two new fire trucks that are needed. The city is replacing the leaf pickup machines, which have been a real source of concern and controversy because we haven't been as responsive. We haven't been as good, as serviceable, as we should have been in that program, and we realized that a lot of it all came down to the poor quality of our equipment. So that's all being replaced.”

“If we can start, for instance really focusing this year on paving and road construction and some necessary rolling stock and large equipment purchases, then in future years you're going to see a whole lot more about Parks and Recreation, Streetscape, and other major infrastructure things that we'll try to focus on,” he said.

The proposed budget does not add any additional positions to the General Fund. “We have made a change where we are hiring a city engineer but eliminating a position that had been set aside for communications. But there's no net increase. It's the same, relatively flat. In Stormwater we propose adding two new positions to meet state mandated requirements.

Streetscape is not included in the budget for several reasons, he said, “Number one, one of the things that is in this budget is that we are moving away from the city being responsible for running the Main Street program, having actual city employees do that work, and it being a city function. We are proposing to have a contract with a local non-for-profit of stakeholders from the downtown and small business owners, who then we will contract with to do all those things.”

In summary, Palenick said, “We are proposing a 5-cent property tax increase. For a local government, property taxes are considered a general revenue to be used for services that are not paid for by specific user fees, public safety, public works, streets, administration, etc. That generates about $1,000,000 a year. That is not $1,000,000 to

increase the budget, it's $1,000,000 that goes toward debt service (repaying city debts). A $1,000,000 in debt service translates to over $5,000,000 in capital improvements.”

Additionally, if approved, the cost for a typical new single-family house building permit will increase from $800 to $1,647, which is in line with what both Gaston County and the City of Shelby charge. Palenick said, “On the building permits, we certainly comply with the law, we provide the minimum basic level of service, and we're working on fully covering the cost for moderate level of service, but again, not quite,” he said.

So, while we've made various changes to get us closer to industry standards and we're getting more competitively surrounding units, we're not adding any additional fees, we are adjusting them. And don't forget, this only affects construction and new growth, so most people do not pay these fees. You pay it because you're building something, adding something, developing something, and most people who do that are used to this within the environment of what they do, and the city would remain very competitive.”

He continued, “And the primary reasoning for this budget is that we are trying to get these utilities, solid waste electric, gas, water, sewer, etc., to truly be closed loop enterprise funds to pay for themselves. They should not subsidize each other, and they should also pay for themselves. So, when we see solid waste doesn't pay for itself, we're trying to get it closer. We have increased building permits, mostly on the larger commercial and industrial side, trying simply to get that program to pay for itself. It still doesn't, but it's getting closer.”

“Stormwater increased simply because the city was in violation. We weren't doing enough. Our program isn't robust enough. The state has said, ‘If you don't start doing it, you're going to be in trouble.’ We will do it better, we'll be hiring two people, and we'll start to be much more active.” The alternative would be to pay a $25,000 fine.

“We've increased this

budget by over $5 million worth of capital improvements. And we're setting the stage to say if we have this amount of property tax dedicated to debt service for capital reinvestment in the future, we will continue to reinvest in the city the way we should have been doing for years and years but haven't. The time has come to start doing that. So, that's why I say the future will be streetscape, parks and rec, and other things like that. Because there must be a way to pay for them in the most appropriate way,” he said.

“We are at a critical point,” Palenick concluded. “What we do in the next couple of years, the decisions we make, the tools we have, and the sources available to us will have a profound impact on our ability to do this work.”

Friday afternoon, the city manager updated city council on some positive information regarding current energy trends that suggest, absent unexpected changes to demand or supply which might otherwise result from climactic events; geopolitical upheaval; or natural disasters, we can expect Natural Gas prices to remain fairly flat, or trend lower.

Since the greatest single economic impact/burden to individual citizens comes as a result of their electric and gas bills, there exists a distinct possibility that in FY23-24, actual decreases to electric and gas bills could yet occur could result, affecting or making up for, or surpassing, the possible increase(s) posed by the 5-cent property tax and the solid waste and water/sewer fee adjustments.

In the summer and fall of 2022, (between July and November) the City of Kings Mountain increased the P.P.A. (Purchase Power Adjustment) component of Electric rates by 2.75-cents per kilowatt-hour (KWH) due to rapidly rising Natural Gas rates, resulting in electric rate increases to residents of approximately 25% on their electric bills.

And, because the city also maintains a rate structure which automatically adjusts Natural Gas bills to fluctuate with the commodity cost of Natural Gas, our residents were also experiencing significant increases in their monthly gas bills.

If such trends hold, the city could look to lessen or decrease its PPA (Purchase Power Adjustment) rate charge to electric customers; and its gas customers would automatically see their rates decrease.

According to Moody’s, “Expected 2023 natural gas prices are around 44% lower than forward market expectations in December,”. That has resulted in 2023 expected power prices more than 40% lower than 2022 in some regions, according to the research note which cited S&P Global Market Intelligence data.”

What does the possible gas rate decreases mean for citizens? The data indicate that a rate reduction of just

2.5% for an average residential electric and gas bill would nearly offset the proposed 5-cent property tax rate increase for valuations up to $100,000. A rate reduction of 5% for an average residential electric and gas bill will closely offset our proposed property tax rate increase for valuations up to $200,000. For those owning little property ($50k or less), the 5% reduction noted above would virtually offset all proposed 23-24 tax and fee increases combined -- the net increase would be less than $1 per month, total, assuming the customer pays/ utilizes all City services –water, sewer, solid waste, and stormwater.

Cornerstone Church of God Revival June 4-7

Cornerstone Church of God will hold a revival on June 4-7. Sunday, 11 AM and 6 p.m. and Monday-Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Evangelist Blake Shuler

LOOKING

From Page 1A school news reporter.”

“Front Row: Sara Herndon, who won the grammar grade reading contest, Ladd Hamrick, who won the declamation medal at East School; Bill Wilson, who won the grammar grade

PIECES

From Page 4A so to honor those patriots who sacrificed much for our freedom. These men left their families during the height of harvest season, with the possibility of Indian raids upon their families eminent, to put an end to the threats issued to them by Maj. Patrick Ferguson. Maj. William Chronicle and Col. Frederick Hambright, with their “Lincoln County Men”, were chosen to lead the men to Lit-

will be the guest speaker. Pastor is John Freeman. The church is located at 202 Margrace Rd., Kings Mountain, NC. For more information call 704-689-4430.

declamation contest; and Neil Mauney who won the East School reading contest.”

As we wax nostalgic while reading the names of family and friends, we honor these students, current students, and future ones who work so hard to represent the best city in the state, Kings Mountain, so well.

tle Kings Mountain to meet and defeat Ferguson. They did their job and quickly returned home to their families, without desire for fanfare or praise. To them, God, Home, and Country meant everything.

On Memorial Day, let us also remember the 29 men who fought for our freedom and died during the Battle of Kings Mountain. Their sacrifice has made all the difference in our nation’s history and was the turning point in the defeat of the British just one year later.

The proposed city budget provides 1.8 million for paving and road improvements across the city, in both Cleveland an the Gaston County portions of Kings Mountain. The streets to be paved include:

A Generous Heart

(5th & Final Part of “The Invitation” Series)

Sometimes while driving to work in the mornings I listen to the radio station. One day while driving, I heard a story that really touched my heart. It was about a 12 year-old boy who found out about some children who had lost everything in a fire. Compassion overtook him to the point that he gave every toy and piece of clothing he had, even the shoes he was wearing. His mother asked him why he had so many bags of things to give away. He replied, “Mom, I have everything and these kids have nothing.” Wow! What a big heart this young man has! I believe that he tapped into a biblical, spiritual principle of the early church. Acts 4:32-35 (NLT) says, “All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what

they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.”

EVERYTHING COUNTS

If we compare ourselves with other people, it can hinder us from giving what we have to offer because we think that we don’t have enough or that we are inadequate. However, all of us have something

of value to give to others that can benefit them and bring them joy. For example, you may be good at cooking, while someone else can buy a meal for someone; both acts of kindness benefited the person. Maybe someone can put $200 dollars in a card, but you only have $20 dollars. As long as you are a cheerful giver, and you give from your heart what you have, you will find that your life will be filled with so much happiness. As you serve and lend a hand to others with your time, talent, and treasures – you become God’s hands extended in the earth. 2 Corinthians 8:12 (NLT) states, “Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.”

PRAY THIS PRAYER:

“Lord, Your word says that If we, being evil, know how to give

good gifts to our children, how much more will you, our Father who is in heaven, give what is good to those of us who ask! I thank and praise you for being the ultimate giver. Father, you are the greatest giver because you gave your one and only son; whoever believes in him won’t perish, but will have everlasting life. Forgive me for sometimes being self-centered, thinking about what I want to receive instead of what I can give. Forgive me for complaining about what I don’t have. Help me to remember that you have invited me to give with a cheerful heart. May I find great joy in being a blessing to people and glorifying your holy name. In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen.”

Danyale Patterson would love to hear from you! Contact her at www.danyale.com to share a testimony, send a prayer request, or book her to speak.

www.momsinprayer.org

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

Kings Mountain Area Church Directory

Emmanuel Independent Baptist Church 102 Canterbury Road 704-730-7855

Faith Ablaze Church 1128 S. York Road 704-739-8496

Faith Baptist Church 1009 Linwood Road

Faith Holiness Church Hwy. 161/ Bessemer City Rd. 704-739-1997

Family Worship Center 1818 Shelby Road 704-739-7206

First Baptist Church 605 W. King Street 704-739-3651

Family Worship Center

1818 Shelby Rd. • Kings Mountain, NC

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

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

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

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

Remembering the Unknowns

U.S. Army’s account of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Although there were unknown Soldiers who died on battlefields throughout U.S. history, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier had its genesis in World War I.

In 1916, after a British army chaplain noticed a grave marked "An Unknown British Soldier," he got the idea for what would become the United Kingdom's Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. That memorial was dedicated Nov. 11, 1920, two years after the armistice that ended WWI.

The idea took hold and spread among other wartime allies, including France, Italy and the U.S. On Nov. 11, 1921, the U.S. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was dedicated in Arlington National Cemetery.

Military historian Patrick K. O'Donnell researched the backstory to that dedication, including the stories of the Soldiers who brought the unknown Soldiers' remains to Arlington. He published his findings in the book "The Unknowns: The Untold Story of America's Unknown Soldier and WWI's Most Decorated Heroes Who Brought Him Home."

On Sept. 29, 1921, the War Department ordered the selection of an unknown Soldier from those buried in France. The selection process was carried out by the U.S. Quartermaster Corps, in cooperation with the French and U.S. Navy, O'Donnell said.

Three weeks later, a Quartermaster Corps team exhumed four bodies of unidentified Americans from each of four American cemeteries in France: Aisne-Maine, Meuse-Argonne, Somme, and St. Mihiel.

"Each was examined to ensure that the person had been a member of the American Expeditionary Forces, that he had died of wounds in combat, and that there were no clues to his identity whatsoever," O'Donnell said.

After mortuary preparation, the bodies were placed in identical caskets and shipping cases. The reason for this elaborate proceeding, O'Donnell explained, was to ensure that the one unknown Soldier chosen would be truly a random selection, as this unknown would represent the many other unknowns. This followed the practice used by the other allies in their own process of selecting their own unknowns.

On Oct. 23, all four caskets arrived by truck at the city hall of Chalonssur-Marne. Sgt. Edward F.

KM Historical Museum’s 20th Annual Reverse Raffle & Auction date set

In March 1926, soldiers from nearby Fort Myer were first assigned to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The guards, present only during daylight hours, discouraged visitors from climbing or stepping on the Tomb. Photo by army.mil

Younger of Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 50th Infantry, American Forces in Germany, was given the honors of selecting the unknown Soldier the next day.

Younger himself had been wounded in battle and had received the Distinguished Service Cross for valor. An elaborate ceremony followed, O'Donnell related. Younger, carrying a spray of white roses presented by a Frenchman who had lost two sons in the war, led the procession. As the French band in the courtyard played a hymn, Younger walked around the caskets several times before placing the roses on one to indicate his selection.

Younger then saluted the chosen unknown American, after which the U.S. and French officials came forward to pay their respects. O'Donnell noted that the roses that had been placed on the casket remained there and were later buried with the unknown Soldier in Arlington.

Following the ceremony, the casket of the unknown Soldier was carried in a horse-drawn caisson through Chalonssur-Marne to the railroad station, where it was placed aboard a special funeral train provided by the French government and taken via Paris to Le Havre, O'Donnell said. Along the way, more French and U.S. units and dignitaries honored the unknown Soldier in an elaborate and dignified fashion.

Finally, on Oct. 25, the unknown Soldier was carried aboard the cruiser USS Olympia back to the United States. On Nov. 9, the Olympia arrived at the Washington Navy Yard. On hand to receive the body of the unknown Soldier were all the service chiefs, the secretary of war, and General of the Armies John J. Pershing, O'Donnell said.

The procession, led by the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, accompanied the

Every September, Kings Mountain Historical Museum hosts a fundraiser to generate revenue necessary to support our programming. The Annual Reverse Raffle and Auctions has been acclaimed the “best event of the year in Kings Mountain” and this 20th annual fundraiser will be held in-person at the H. Lawrence Patrick Senior Center in Kings Mountain on Saturday, September 16. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The museum issued an announcement stating, “We anticipate a sold-out event with 300 tickets bought by indi-

horse-drawn caisson containing the unknown Soldier to the Capitol rotunda, where more honors were bestowed by dignitaries, including President Warren G. Harding, and ordinary American citizens.

On Nov. 11, eight highly decorated WWI veterans, handpicked by Pershing himself, escorted the unknown Soldier to Arlington National Cemetery, O'Donnell said.

Pershing, the body bearers, and the unknown Soldier had come "full circle," O'Donnell said. Those service men had left America's shores years earlier. While they were prepared to sacrifice themselves, they hadn't at the time fully comprehended the true cost of war. While one had paid the ultimate price, O'Donnell said, each had come home forever changed by battles won and friends lost.

Today, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded by Soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, "The Old Guard." Since 1921, two other unknown Soldiers have joined the World War I unknown Soldier: one from World War II and one from the Korean War. The selection process was similar to the first.

At one time, a fourth unknown, representing the Vietnam War, was entombed there as well, O'Donnell said. However, that service member was later identified as Air Force Capt. Michael J. Blassie. He was exhumed and reburied in his home state of Missouri, per his survivors' wishes.

viduals throughout the region, and we offer a Grand Prize of $10,000! Each ticket is $125 (Entry for 2 People). It also includes 2 drink tickets per person, heavy hors d'oeuvres, a 1 in 300 chance of winning the $10,000 Raffle Prize, along with other raffle items!”

This event is a great opportunity for local business owners to showcase their business while investing in the community. Kings Mountain Historical Museum is currently welcoming event sponsors as well as in-kind donations for auction items. The Museum is recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit tax-exempt organization; donations are tax deductible as permissible by law. To find out more about sponsorship and donation opportunities, please call 704-739-1019 or email kmhmdirector@outlook.com.

The Schiele Museum’s T. rex to be temporarily removed

Have you ever seen the towering Tyrannosaurus rex in the lobby of The Schiele Museum of Natural History? This museum icon is slated to be removed, repositioned, and later relocated as part of a series of exciting changes coming to the museum. The T. rex in its current form will be on display through Sunday, June 18.

The Schiele acquired the Wankel T. rex cast in 1999 as part of a temporary exhibit. In 2000, a generous gift from the Dickson Foundation allowed the museum to purchase the cast, which has been on display in the lobby ever since. Once considered a dim-witted creature that lumbered along dragging its tail, the most recent science portrays T. rex as a dynamic member of a prehistoric ecosystem. It has been likened to a gigantic bird, tending its young and possibly covered with feathers for at least a portion of its life.

The Schiele’s T. rex cast will eventually be put back on exhibit in a new pose that better represents the latest science.

“While it’s difficult to part with our T. rex in its current form, we want to reflect the latest science in our exhibits and programming to share with the public,” says Dr. Ann Tippitt, The Schiele’s Executive Director.

To learn the details about the science prompting these changes, join The Schiele during the month of June for recurring presentations of “The Dinosaur King”, free with museum admission and facilitated

Gardens are a Work of Art

by local paleontology students. Details are available on the calendar of events at schielemuseum.org.

The Schiele’s lobby will be under construction during the summer months. While the subject of the display that will replace the T. rex is still under wraps, a planned opening is scheduled for late September 2023. The museum will remain open during construction. Visit schielemuseum.org for details.

Clev. Co. Arts Council’s 2023

Garden and Outdoor Living Tour

Like a painter, a gardener experiments with colors. Should a plant with bright orange blossoms go behind a dark purple bush? Like a sculptor, a gardener will look for plants with interesting shapes. Like a photographer, a gardener considers the changing light during the

day. Join Cleveland County Arts Council (CCAC) on Saturday, June 3, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., as our selfguided tour of six lovely

(The recipes in today’s Cooking Corner are from “100 Years in the Kitchen,’’ by First Presbyterian Church.)

outdoor living spaces returns and see the outside “artistry” that has been created.

Tickets ($20) may be purchased from the Arts Council, 111 S. Washington St., Shelby, Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and on our website www.ccartscouncil.org. You

can also purchase them at individual homes the day of the event (cash/check only).

Also, that day Paradise Garden Center, a sponsor of the event, invites you to stop in to see their selection of indoor, outdoor, annual, and perennial plants, many grown on site. While there, enjoy a slice of wood fired pizza in their outdoor kitchen from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Paradise Garden Center is located at 460 Cherryville Rd Shelby, 704480-1012 and is open 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

2 t. baking powder

PINA COLADA

COCONUT CAKE

Dottie Southwell

Prepare white cake mix in 9x13x2 inch pan. While cake is still hot, punch holes in cake.

MIX

1 can sweetened

condensed milk

1 can Pina Colada mix.

Pour over cake and let cool.

MIX

1 large container Cool Whip

1 pkg. (8 oz.) frozen coconut

Spread on cool cake and sprinkle a second package frozen coconut on top.

CHOCOLATE SYRUP

CAKE

Debbie Patterson

1 stick butter

1 cup sugar

4 eggs

2 cups plain flour

¼ t. salt

1 can chocolate syrup

1 t. vanilla

Cream together margarine and sugar. Add other ingredients. Mix well. Bake in tube pan for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

MILLION DOLLAR

POUND CAKE

Clara Rhea

1 lb. whipped margarine

3 cups sugar

6 eggs

4 c. plain flour unsifted

¾ cup sweet milk

1 t. vanilla

1 t. almond flavoring, or use more vanilla

Cream margarine and add sugar. Add eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each, add flour and milk alternately. Add extrac.t Bake one hour and 45 minutes at 300 degrees. Leave in pan one hour before removing.

Bake in large tube pan.

GINGERBREAD

LIGHT AS A FEATHER

Charlene Padgett

Pour ¼ cup boiling water

over ½ cup shortening

Add

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup molasses

1 beaten egg

1

½ cup sifted flour

½ tsp. salt, baking powder and soda, each

2 t. ginger

1 t. cinnamon

Beat until smooth. Bake in a greased 8-inch square pan in 350-degree oven for 25 minutes. Cool in pan on rack.

The locations on the tour include:

• Carole and Jack Arey 2160 Twin Chimney Rd. Shelby 28152

• Bruce and Julie Duncan 4622 Fallston Rd. Fallston 28042

• Peggy and Dennis Goforth 100 Hogan Dr. Shelby 28150

• Debbie and Brent Ferrell

220 Belvedere, Shelby 28150

• Tate Towery 332 Elizabeth Ave. Shelby 28150

• William and Susan McCraw

406 Trinity Church Rd. Mooresboro 28114

For more information on this event or to purchase tickets call 704-484-2787 or visit ccartscouncil.org or https://www.facebook.com/ events/286085626511205/.

the right thing. because it’s the right thing to do.

The Schiele Museum’s T. rex will Be temporarily removed during lobby update. Photo by The Schiele Museum

MEMORIAL

From Page 1A

for the Washington Post.

He wrote this now famous poem early in his career and it was published in 1917.

A Toast to the Flag

Here’s to the red of it:

There’s not a thread of it, No, nor a shred of it

In all the spread of it

From foot to head,

But heroes bled for it, Faced steel and lead for it, Precious blood shed for it, Bathing it Red!

Here’s to the white of it:

Thrilled by the sight of it,

Who knows the right of it

But feels the might of it

Through the day and night?

Womanhood’s care for it, Made manhood dare for it, Purity’s prayer for it

Keeps it so White!

Here’s to the blue of it:

Beauteous view of it, Heavenly hue of it,

Star-spangled dew of it — Constant and true.

States stand supreme for it, Diadems gleam for it, Liberty’s beam for it Brightens the Blue!

Here’s to the whole of it:

Stars, stripes and pole of it, Body and soul of it;

O, and the roll of it, Sun shining through;

Hearts in accord for it, Swear by the sword for it, Thanking the Lord for it, Red White and Blue!

Afterward, Brittan and Saxon performed “He Ain’t Heavy.”

Vietnam Veterans of Kings Mountain did Thirteen Folds of the Flag, and American Legion Post 155 presented a wreath, followed by TAPS being played by Marine Corps League 1164.

Loch Norman Pipers presented a Piper Interlude during the Retrieval of the Colors by Boy Scout Troop 91. Closing remarks were given by Mayor Scott Neisler.

GOING ON

From Page 1A to prepare the lofts. While Mountain Holiday is still closed due to water damage, workers have replaced the roof and finished interior paint and trim. The flooring goes in next, and the store

Veggies like these will be available each Saturday morning from 8 a.m. until noon, from June 3, through August thanks to a partnership between The Davidson Association and Shelby Foothills Farmers’ Market.

Farmers Market opens this Saturday June 3

By Loretta Cozart

The Davidson Association is partnering with the Shelby Foothills Farmers’ Market to bring a much-needed satellite farmers market to Kings Mountain this summer. The market will be located at the vacant Wells Fargo parking lot downtown at 125 S Battleground Avenue on Saturdays. The market opens this Saturday, June 3rd through August from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The Kings Mountain market will serve as a smaller version of the Shelby market providing a variety of fresh foods.

“The Davidson Association is committed to making a difference in the community,” stated Tamra Moody, Chair of the Health Committee for the Davidson Association, and coordinator of the Kings Mountain farmers market project.

“We know that the only way that Kings Mountain can have

a successful farmers market is if everyone comes together to make it happen. We couldn’t have put this project together without the help of the Cleveland County Cooperative Extension Office, the City of King Mountain, and the Foothills Farmers’ Market Committee. We are also grateful to Phil and Sandie Dee for allowing us to use the Wells Fargo property as our venue this summer.”

“We are asking the community to support the market weekly. We are asking our local restaurants to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables from the market. We are also asking high school students in the horticulture department to volunteer at the market this summer. This is truly a community event. If you know of anyone that may be interested in selling at the KM market this summer, please email us historicdavidson@gmail.com. Fees will be waived this year,” Moody said.

Skynyrd Tribute Band on June 3, go a little early and check out the new changes along Mountain Street. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Member of Marine Corps League 1164 plays TAPS.

Photo by Shelby Foothills Farmers’ Market

Those who are able stand for the Invocation.

13 Folds

The Imperial Mercantile looks sharp, commanding a presence along Mountain Street. Photos by Loretta Cozart

The sidewall of The Imperial Mercantile has been painted to compliment the rest of the building.

"Squeeze the Day" at Greenbrook Design

Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce’s First Friday, at Greenbrook Design, is this Friday, June 2, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

You are invited to Join Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce for a fun summer evening sponsored by - Debbie Philbeck with TR Lawing. Hope Griffin

Leadership changes at Cleveland Community College

Dr. Bruce Mack returned to Cleveland Community College on May 8.

"I'm excited to be back working in my hometown," said Mack. "I plan to continue building on the growth and great things that are happening here. I'm honored to be here and be part of the Yeti family."

He is replacing Dr. Becky Sain, vice president of Academic Affairs, who is retiring after 32 years of service to the College. “I am excited to hand over the leadership of Academic Affairs to Dr. Mack. We have worked together closely over the years, and I am confident he is the right person to step into this position.”

Sain has seen a lot of changes to the College, both physically and in how the community views the College. She is excited that the community is be-

ginning to see “that CCC is one of the best assets of Cleveland County and the surrounding area.”

She looks forward to the next chapter of her life as she reflects on her time at the College. “CCC really changed my life. It has been a place where I could grow professionally and personally. At CCC we are a family sharing our ups and downs, but always working together for the good of all.”

Mack is returning to CCC from the North Carolina Community College System office, where he served as the vice president of economic development.

Before taking the job with NCCCS, Mack worked at CCC for more than 20 years, serving as vice president of economic and workforce development, dean of advanced manufacturing and pub-

lic services, director of customized training, and drafting and mathematics instructor.

In his new role as vice president of academic affairs, Mack will oversee curriculum development, program assessment, faculty development, and academic planning.

He holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Gardner-Webb University and has dedicated his career to advancing educational excellence and student success. "Dr. Mack's knowledge, leadership, and commitment to the values of CCC make him an ideal candidate for this critical position," said Dr. Jason Hurst, president. "We are fortunate that he will have the month of May to work alongside Dr. Sain before her retirement begins on June 1."

2023 Operation Dry Water

Operation Dry Water (ODW) is a year-round boating under the influence awareness and enforcement campaign. The 2023 national Operation Dry Water heightened awareness and enforcement three-day weekend will take place July 1 - 3.

As the July 4th holiday approaches, millions of boaters from across the country will convene on our nation’s waterways.

With the increased public presence on the water, there is also an increase in the number of boating incidents and fatalities that take place during this time.

From July 1 – 3, local law enforcement in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard, will be participating in the national Operation Dry Water heightened awareness and enforcement weekend. Participating law

enforcement agencies will be focused on educating boaters about safe boating practices across the country, which includes sober boating. Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in recreational boater fatalities. In the days leading up to the July 4th holiday, boaters will notice an overall increase in officer patrols both on the water and at recreational boating checkpoints. The priority during this holiday weekend is to provide boaters with a safe and enjoyable experience by removing dangerous and impaired boaters from the waterways. Whether you’re at the

helm of the vessel or a passenger on board, boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is equally dangerous. Operating a vessel while impaired is illegal on all bodies of water and can lead to serious injuries, death, and legal consequences. In NC, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. Boaters are reminded to always boat sober and to wear a life jacket when on or around the water.

Operation Dry Water is a year-round boating under the influence awareness and enforcement campaign with the purpose of reducing the number of alcohol and drug related incidents and fatalities through increased recreational boater awareness and by fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol and drug use on the water.

will provide live music.

Special guests at the event include Clifford's Army Rescue Extravaganza, Jordan Jackson of Night Owl Iron Works &

Forged and Fire Winner. Vintage Lemmon Candles and lemon pastries will be available for sample and purchase by Royal T Cafe.

MountainTrue chooses Craggy Mountains for its 2023 BioBlitz

MountainTrue’s BioBlitz will be held on June 10, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Craggy Mountains. Every year, MountainTrue hosts a Bioblitz event where they gather experts, enthusiasts, and lifelong learners together to document every living organism we can find in a given area. They identify and catalog organisms in-person and virtually using the online app iNaturalist to make the event accessible to all. This year’s Bioblitz will focus on the Craggy Mountains, lasting from June 10 to June 25. This is an area of astounding biodiversity that the Forest Service has recommended for permanent designation in the new Forest Plan for Pisgah National Forest. MountainTrue and Friends of Big Ivy are partnering to hold an in-person bioblitz on June 10. We’ve recruited over 20 experts to lead you, your friends, and your family to discover and photograph the natural diversity of the Craggy Mountains. What’s more, the information you collect will be crucial in documenting the individual character of the area, helping the Forest Service to better protect it, and in demonstrating to Congress that it should be designated a permanently protected National Scenic Area.

If you can’t make the event on June

10, you can still participate! All you need is a smartphone with the iNaturalist app (or a digital camera) and to sign up for the 2023 MountainTrue Craggy Mountain Bioblitz. You don’t even have to know the identity of the plants and animals you photograph — just take pictures of the unique features of each organism and upload those to iNaturalist and a worldwide network of experts will help identify your observations. Tell your friends, neighbors, family, and fellow naturalists and citizen scientists, and get prepared for a Bioblitz like no other! Visit https://mountaintrue.org/ to sign-up for this event.

GCPD presents lifesaving awards

On Tuesday, May 2, the Gaston County Police Department recognized several Telecommunicators from the Communications Division for their outstanding service to the community.

Telecommunicators Christy Gantt, Deyawna Rollinson and Tess Gibson were recognized for their handling of 911 calls involving patients in cardiac arrest. Each telecommunicator provided lifesaving CPR instructions to the caller resulting in the patient surviving. Each employee was awarded a certificate and challenge coin commemorating their service.

Senior Telecommunicator Tracie Dunivan and Trainee Alisha Bolin were recognized for their part in helping a 911 caller deliver a baby. Dunivan and Bolin coached the caller through childbirth instructions as well as postpartum care for the child and mother. Dunivan and Bolin were also awarded a certificate and challenge coin.

911 telecommunication centers can significantly impact the number of lives saved through Telecommunicator CPR programs.

The American Heart Association estimates that about 250,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest incidents occur each year. Out of those incidents, only about 10% of the victims survive. Each telecommunicator employed by the Gaston County Police Department is trained to give CPR and childbirth instructions over the phone, while simultaneously keeping the caller calm as they wait for emergency personnel to arrive.

TESTA HOSPICE HOUSE NEEDS YOUR HELP – Individuals are needed this summer to water outside plants at Testa Hospice House at 321 Kings Mountain Blvd. in Kings Mountain. If you, or anyone you know would like to help, contact Krista Haynes at 980-408-2338 or 980408-2359.

Tracie Dunivan and Alisha Bolin were awarded a certificate and challenge coin for helping a caller deliver a baby and care for the mother. (Photos by GCPD)

Tess Gibson was awarded a certificate and challenge coin commemorating her saving the life of someone in cardiac arrest.

DR. BRUCE MACK AND DR. BECKY SAIN

This couple contributes their observations to MountainTrue’s BioBlitz. Photo by MountainTrue

2023 KMHS seniors awarded almost $4M

Kings Mountain High School celebrated their seniors and two underclassmen for their accomplishments on Tuesday, May 23. The following students have been awarded

$3,938,454 in scholarships.

Scholarships include:

• American Legion Outstanding Senior Boy: Lamont Littlejohn

• Gardner-Webb University Scholarships- Lindsay Burrows, Riley Hawkins, Jake Lloyd, Trace Phillips, Angela Sanchez, Keith St. Clair, and Olivia Young

• $1,000 Kings Mountain Rotary Club Scholarships: Jake Lloyd, Riley Hawkins, and Makalyn Rikard $500

Kings Mountain Rotary

Club Scholarships: Eli Osborne

• $1,000 Bridges Hardware Career and Technical

Education Student of the

Year: Star McKinney

• $250 Myra McNeely

Scholarship from Cleveland County Arts Council: Austin Calhoun

• $500 Sandy Kistler

Memorial CTE Scholarship:

Kylee Falls

• $500 CTE Honor Soci-

ety: Mary-Quay Moss

• $500 College Board

Big Future ScholarshipAngela Sanchez

• Mt. Olive Baptist

Church - Kalon Porter

• $800 Lyle Gash Inspire

Fund - Khalia King

• $300 Donald Deal

Scholarship: Lillian Lutz, John Eagle and Karisa

Waldt $1,000 Elks Lodge

Nursing Scholarship - Rai-

ley Bolt

• $500 Faith C. Webber Memorial Scholarship:

Khalia King, Makayln Rikard and Carter Grace Reed

• Male Athlete of the

Year: Curtis Simpson

• Female Athlete of the

Year: Ja'Niya Hunt

• Female Mountaineer

Career Athlete: Divinity

Ervin

• Male Mountaineer Ca-

reer Athlete: Zane Brockman

• Chuck Gordon Dedication Award: Alayna Patrick and Jake Lloyd

• $2,500 NCHSAA

Charlie Adams Endowed

Scholarship - Divinity Ervin

• $1,000 Charlotte

Knights Healthcare Scholarship - Kylee Falls

• Wendy's High School

Heisman Athlete Recog-

nition: Megan Carley and Zane Brockman

• $1,000 Beta Epsilon

Chapter of The Delta Kappa

Gamma Society - Divinity

Ervin and Jake Lloyd

• $1,000 ADK Helen Logan Memorial Teachers

Scholarships: Jake Lloyd, Lillian Lutz, and Makenzie

Wofford

• $4,000 Alfred Ash Memorial Scholarship - Khalia

King $100 Principal's Pick

Art Award - Austin Calhoun

• $200 James Barry

Ware Memorial Scholarship - KMHS Class of 1969 - Kylee Falls

• $1,000 Carl F. Mauney

Memorial Scholarships:

Katelyn Fleming

• $1,000 Ollie Harris

Scholarship - Marty Lovingood

• $1,500 Sonny Peeler

Memorial Scholarship:

Cameron Rhom

• $1,000 Jim Scruggs

Scholarship: Mackenzie

Wofford

• $1,000 NC Head Start

Scholarship: Jordan Mull

• $200 Ida Pauline

Mauney Neisler DAR

Scholarship: Railey Bolt

• $1,000 KM Hall of Fame Scholarships - Jake

Lloyd. Khalia King, Carter Grace Reed, Zane Brockman, Alayna Patrick, Austyn Dixon, Camille Currence, Maggie Honeycutt, and Jacob Hamrick.

• $200 Shelby Exchange

Club ACE Award: Cameron Rhom

• $500 Darrell L. Keller,

CPA, PA Accounting Scholarship - Tyler Cramer

• $2,000 Dixie Youth

Baseball ScholarshipCameron Rhom

• $500 Shelby Negro

Women's Club Scholarship - Taylor Smith

• $1,000 North Carolina

Coaches Association Scholarship - Mary Quay Moss

• $500 Third Tuesday

Morning Breakfast ClubKalon Porter

• $500 Cleveland County

Education Foundation A. Mickey Church Scholarship: Paige Bagwell, Calum Bolin, Railey Bolt, Maley Bridges, Caleb Broome, Seth Brown, Lindsay Burrows, Megan Carley, Colby Carroll ,Tyler Cramer, Camille Currence, John Eagle, Divinity Ervin, Kylee Falls, Katelyn Fleming, Garrett Freeman, Saylor Goforth, Tiquan Grier, Jacob Hamrick, Riley Hawkins, Abby Henson, Khobren Hetland, Anna Holder, Maggie Honeycutt, Ashton Hullender, ZoeyJohnson, Mark Kelly, Khalia King, Lamont Littlejohn, Jake Lloyd, Lillian Lutz, Ricardo Martinez, Hannah McCall, Hailey McCal,l Taylor McSwain, Mary-Quay Moss, Jordan Mull, Eli Osborne, Alayna Patrick, Trace Phillips, Kalon Porter, Nicole Poston, Karlee Ramsey, Carter Grace Reed, Makylah Reid, Cameron Rhom, Angela Sanchez, Christopher Schrader, Payton Slycord, Nicholas Spencer, Aubrey Thomas, Sindy Ulloa Vasquez, Karisa Waldt, Olivia Wilson, and Olivia Young.

Athletic Commitments:

• Dalton Smith (football) - Brevard College

• Lamont Littlejohn (football) - Saint Augustine's University

• Austyn Dixon (softball)

- University of South Carolina Aiken

• Alayna Patrick (softball) - Gaston College

• Lindsay Burrows (cheerleading) - Gardner Webb University

• Carter Grace Reed (cheerleading) - Charleston Southern University

• Caroline Barber (volleyball) - Mars Hill University

• Paige Bagwell (volleyball) - Mars Hill University

• Divinity Ervin (cross country and track & field) - Southern Wesleyan University

• Jake Lloyd (football)Gardner Webb University

• Isaiah Eskridge (football) - Norfolk State University

• Richardson (football)Norfolk State University

• Wyatt Davis (baseball) - Lenoir Rhyne University

• Zane Brockman (baseball) - University of North Carolina at Pembroke

• Cole Irby (baseball)Tusculum University

• Eli Osborne (basketball) - Methodist University

• Priest Wilson (basketball) - St. Andrews University

• Marty Lovingood (cross country and track & field) - Cleveland Community College

The Career and College Promise program at Cleveland Community College provides students with the opportunity to earn certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees while they are still in high school. These are the juniors and seniors at KMHS who graduated from CCC in May 2023.

Associate in Arts:

• Anna Holder

• Maggie Honeycutt

• Khalia King

• Jordan Mull

• Makalyn Rikard

Associate in Science:

• Maley Bridges

• Megan Carley

• Riley Hawkins

• Nicole Poston

• Cameron Rhom

• Makalyn Rikard

• Nicholas Spencer

• Aubrey Thomas

Criminal Justice

Certificate:

• Seth Brown (2022)

• Anna Holder

• Angela Sanchez (2022)

• A’Sean York

Early Childhood Education certificate:

• Divinity Ervin

• Star McKinney

• Makylah Reid

• Abbigail Skidmore

• Mackenzie Wofford

Business Administration

Certificate:

• Lawren Thomas Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration certificate:

• Jacob Morton William Nail

Collision Repair

certificate:

• Andrew D’Angelo,

• Robert Demetro

• Ronnie Murray

• Jason Pegg

• William Whiteheart

• Elijah Williams

• Electrical Systems

Technology: Bryce Hall

Other Scholarships:

• Paige Bagwell - Mars Hill University Athletic and Academic scholarship

• Caroline Barber - Mars Hill University Athletic and Academic scholarship

• Railey Bolt - ETSU Honors college and Powell Choral Scholarship

• Caleb Broome - USC Upstate Junior Scholar Scholarship, SC LIFE scholarship, and USC Upstate Dean's Scholar Scholarship

• Lindsay BurrowsGardner Webb University cheerleading scholarship

• Tyler CorneliusUNCG Chancellor scholarship, NC scholarship, and the Spartan Scholarship

• Tamari Cruell - UNCG Chancellor's Scholarship, NC Scholarship and Spartan Scholarship

• Camille CurrenceUNCG Chancellor’s Scholarship, Spartan Scholarship, Susan Morris Safran Merit Scholarship in Nursing

• Austyn Dixon - USC Aiken Athletic Scholarship

• John Eagle - Virginia Tech Scholars Scholarship

• Divinity Ervin - Southern Wesleyan Athletic Scholarship, Southern Wesleyan Academic Scholarship, Southern Wesleyan Church Matching Scholarship

• Isaiah Eskridge - athletic scholarship to attend Norfolk State University

• Katelyn FlemingWofford College academic scholarship

• Saylor Goforth - University of South Carolina Capstone Scholar Scholarship

• Riley Hawkins - Ingles Markets Scholarship, Gardner Webb University Ignite Excellence Scholarship

• Anna Holder - Miss Mountie Scholarship, NCSU

Pack Promise Scholarship, NC State Chancellor’s Leadership Development Program, NC Scholarship, and Bob Jordan Leadership

Scholarship

• Caleb Holland - Ferrum College scholarship Maggie Honeycutt - Jairy C. Hunter

Jr. Scholarship

• Nathan Inthavong - National Service Scholarship and The Citadel Foundation

Pooled Leadership Scholarship

• Cole Irby - athletic scholarship to Tusculum

University Michael King - Scott Ellis Merit Scholarship to Campbell University

• Lamont Littlejohn - St. Augustine University Presidential Scholarship and St.

Augustine Athletic Scholarship

• Marty Lovingood - athletic scholarship to Cleveland Community College

• Michael Lubas - UNCG Chancellor’s scholarship, Spartan Scholarship, NC Scholarship, UNCG ES Cheats Scholarship

• Lillian Lutz - John H. and Martha Barnes Robinson Music scholarship

Ricardo Martinez - Carolina Covenant from UNC

Chapel Hill Hannah McCall - William Jackson Goodrum

Scholarship

• Dylan Moore - NC Scholarship, 1898 Teal Transformation scholarship, and UNCW Gold Academic award

• Jordan Mull - Carolina Covenant from UNC Chapel Hill Eli Osborne

- Methodist University Wright Scholarship Alayna Patrick - Gaston College

Athletic Scholarship Trace Phillips - Gardner Webb Ignite Scholarship

• Carter Grace Reed - Charleston Southern Cheerleading Scholarship, Charleston Southern Academic Scholarship

See SCHOLARSHIPS, Page 11A

GCPD needs help finding stolen ATV

Gaston County Police Department Seeks Assistance in Stolen Motor Vehicle Case Sometime between Sunday, May 21, and the morning hours of Monday, May 22, the ATV was stolen from a resident's detached garage off Lowell Spencer Mountain Road in Gastonia, N.C.

The stolen ATV is a duck camouflage colored 2012 All Terrain Kawasaki with tan, black and green markings. The ATV has an orange Monster Energy Drink logo on the

front side and a radiator that sits above frame just in front of the steering wheel. It also has aftermarket tires with HD Outback printed on them.

A neighbor saw a potential suspect driving a camouflage-colored ATV on the victim's property on Sunday, May 21, heading toward the wooded area behind the victims' house. The potential suspect was described as a mixed-race male in his 20's with long black hair, baggy brown shirt, and baggy pants.

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:

JAMES HAROLD MILLIRON, Deceased.

Having qualified on the 2nd day of May, 2023 as Administrator CTA of the Estate of James Harold Milliron, 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 Administrator CTA on or before the 19th day of August, 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 17th day of May, 2023.

C. Andrew Neisler, Jr, CLONINGER & NEISLER ATTYS

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

KM (5/17, 5/24, 5/31 & 6/7/2023)

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:

JUDITH B. LOVELACE, Deceased.

Having qualified on the 9th day of May, 2023 as Executor of the Estate of Judith B. Lovelace, 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 Executor on or before the 19th day of August, 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 17th day of May, 2023.

Bobby Dale Davis, Ex.

6109 Storehouse Road Mint Hill, NC 28227

C. Andrew Neisler, Jr, CLONINGER & NEISLER ATTYS

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

KM (5/17, 5/24, 5/31 & 6/7/2023)

SCHOLARSHIPS

From Page 10A

There were no working security cameras in the area.

If you see the pictured ATV, call the GCPD Communications Center at 704866-3300 and reference the case number 202300043070 If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Officer J. Saumeth with the Gaston

County Police Department at 704-866-3320 or Crime Stoppers of Gaston County at 704-861-8000 and reference the case number.

CITY OF KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED BUDGET

FY 2023-2024

The proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 to be effective July 1, 2023 for the City of Kings Mountain has been presented to the City Council and is available for public inspection in the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 101 West Gold Street during normal business hours and on the City’s website at www.cityofkm.com.

There will be a Public Hearing on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall for the purpose of discussing the proposed budget.

Karen A. Tucker City Clerk KMH (5/31, 6/07/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 25th of May, 2023 as Co-Administrator and Co-Administratrix of the Estate of DARRELL M. FORBES; AKA, DARYLE M. FORBES, 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, Darrell Forbes Jr., Co-Administrator and/or Tina Champion, Co-Administratrix on or before the 31st of August, 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 31st day of May, 2023.

Darrell Forbes Jr., Co-Administrator

Estate of Darrell M. Forbes; aka, Daryle M. Forbes 103 McGinnis Dr. Grover, NC 28073

And/or

Tina Champion, Co-Administratrix 806 Southridge Dr. Kings Mountain, NC 28086 KMH (5/31, 6/07, 14 & 21/2023)

• Cameron Rhom - Scott Ellis Scholarship from Campbell and Campbell Presidential Scholarship AJ Richardson - Athletic Scholarship to Norfolk State.

• Makalyn Rikard - NC Scholarship

• Angela SanchezCollege Board Big Future

Scholarship

• Szemere Satchell - Academic Scholarship to Belmont Abbey

• Dalton Smith - Academic scholarship to Brevard College Taylor Smith - Academic Scholarship to East Carolina University

• Nicholas Spencer - JA Campbell Merit Scholarship to Campbell, Herman

Hoose Scholarship, Campbell University Presidential Scholarship

• Aubrey Thomas - Dean and Carolyn Westmoreland Scholarship

• Karisa Waldt - North Greenville University Music Scholarship and North Greenville University Founders Scholarship

• Olivia Wilson - Belmont University Merit Scholarship

• Priest Wilson - St. Andrews University Athletic scholarship, St. Andrews University Honors Society Scholarship

• Mackenzie WoffordNC A&T Aggie Award of Excellence

• Olivia Young - NC Scholarship and Bulldog Pride Scholarship

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 3rd of May, 2023 as Executrix of the Estate of FANNIE ELLEN MITCHELL BROOKS, 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, Theresa Simon, Executrix on or before the 10th of August, 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 10th day of August, 2023.

Theresa Simon, Executrix

Estate of Fannie Ellen Mitchell Brooks 102 Oakcrest Belmont, NC 28012

KMH (5/10, 17, 24 & 31/2023)

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: DONNA KAY PHILLIPS, Deceased.

Having qualified on the 26th day of April, 2023 as Administrator of the Estate of Donna Kay Phillips, 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 Administrator on or before the 12th day of August, 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 10th day of May, 2023.

C. Andrew Neisler, Jr, CLONINGER & NEISLER ATTYS P.O. Box 515, 300 E. King Street Kings Mountain, NC 28086 KMH (5/10, 5/17, 5/24 & 5/31/2023)

By JIM MILLER Editor

How Medicare Covers Physical Therapy Services

Dear Savvy Senior,

Does Medicare cover physical therapy, and if so, how much coverage do they provide? My 66-year-old husband was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and will need ongoing physical therapy to help keep him moving.

Worried Wife

Dear Worried,

Yes, Medicare does indeed pay for physical therapy along with occupational and speech therapy too, if he needs it, as long as it’s prescribed by his doctor. You’ll also be happy to know that Medicare has no limits on how much it will pay for therapy services, but there is an annual coverage threshold you should be aware of. Here’s what you should know.

Outpatient Therapy

To get Medicare Part B – which covers outpatient care – to help cover your husband’s physical therapy, it must be considered medically necessary and will need to be ordered by his doctor. The same holds true for occupational and speech therapy.

He can get these services as an outpatient at a number of places like a doctor or

therapist office; in a hospital outpatient department; at an outpatient rehabilitation facility; at skilled nursing facilities if he is being treated as an outpatient; and at home through a therapist connected with a home health agency when he is ineligible for Medicare’s home health benefit.

For outpatient therapy, Medicare will pay 80 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible ($226 in 2023). You will be responsible for the remaining 20 percent unless you have supplemental insurance.

But be aware that if his therapy costs reach $2,230 in a calendar year (2023), Medicare will require his provider to confirm that his therapy is still medically necessary. Medicare used to set annual limits on what it would pay for outpatient therapeutic services, but the cap was eliminated a few years back.

You also need to know that treatment recommended by a physical therapy provider but not ordered by a doctor is not covered. In this situation, the therapist is required to give your husband a written notice, called an Advance Beneficiary

Notice of Noncoverage or ABN, that Medicare may not pay for the service. If he chooses to proceed with the therapy, he is agreeing to pay in full.

Inpatient Therapy

If your husband happens to need physical therapy at an inpatient rehabilitation facility like at a skilled nursing facility or at your home after a hospitalization lasting at least three days, Medicare Part A – which provides hospital coverage –will pick up the tab.

To be eligible, his doctor will need to certify that he has a medical condition that requires rehabilitation, continued medical supervision, and coordinated care that comes from his doctors and therapists working together.

Whether you incur out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and coinsurance, and how much they are, will depend on the setting for the treatment and how long it lasts. For more information on inpatient therapy out-of-pocket costs see Medicare.gov/coverage/inpatient-rehabilitation-care.

Medicare Advantage Coverage

If your husband is enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (like an HMO or PPO), these plans must cover everything that’s included in original Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. However, some Advantage plans may require a person to use services from physical therapy practices within an agreed network. If he has an Advantage plan, you’ll need to contact his specific plan before selecting a physical therapy provider to confirm they’re within the network.

More Questions?

If you have other questions about coverage and costs for therapeutic services, call Medicare at 800-633-4227 or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which provides free Medicare counseling. Visit ShipHelp.org or call 877-839-2675 to connect with a local SHIP counselor.

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

NC joins effort to establish regional fisheries mitigation for offshore wind development

Governor Roy Cooper announced on Friday, May 26, that North Carolina has joined other Atlantic Coast states involved with the Special Initiative on Offshore Wind (SIOW) on a coordinated project to support fisheries mitigation in the development of offshore wind along the East Coast.

“It is important that we work to meet our state’s offshore wind energy goals while still protecting our marine fishery industry,” said Governor Cooper. “We are committed to collaborating with other states in this effort to make sure we achieve both goals.”

North Carolina is working with Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware.

Currently, the Initiative is focused on establishing a framework to compensate commercial and for-hire fishermen in the event of economic impact related to offshore wind development. The goal is to develop a regional approach for administration of any financial compensation paid by developers. Economic impacts from coastal fishing in North Carolina top $4.5 billion annually.

Together, the states plan to develop consistent, fair, and transparent compensatory mitigation procedures and through the non-profit Initiative, establish a regional fund administrator

LEGAL NOTICE

for fisheries compensatory mitigation.

Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order 218 sets a target of 2.8 GW of offshore wind energy resources off the North Carolina coast by 2030 and 8.0 GW by 2040. The Special Initiative on Offshore Wind, which has been coordinating input into the process, has included multiple stakeholders such as the Responsible Offshore Development Alliance on behalf of the commercial fishing industry, offshore wind devel-

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 15th of July, 2021 as Administratrix of the Estate of PERRY EARL HUSKEY, 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, Carrigan E. Huskey, Administratrix on or before the 17th of August, 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 17th day of May, 2023.

Carrigan E. Huskey, Administratrix

Estate of Perry Earl Huskey

811 Pleasant Drive Shelby, NC 28152

KMH (5/17, 24, 31 & 6/07/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 2nd of May, 2023 as Administratrix of the Estate of PEGGY LYNN BEASON, 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, Barbara Frazier, Administratrix on or before the 10th of August, 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 10th day of August, 2023.

Barbara Frazier, Administratrix

Estate of Peggy Lynn Beason

2904 Elizabeth Ave Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (5/10, 17, 24 & 31/2023)

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 388

In the Matter of the Estate of: MICHAEL TODD BERRY, Deceased.

Having qualified on the 10th day of May, 2023 as Administratrix of the Estate of Michael Todd Berry, 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 28th day of August 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 24th day of May, 2023.

Laura Hall 104 Ida Circle Shelby, NC 28152

KMH (5/24, 5/31, 6/7 & 6/14/2023)

Recall on Texas Pete® Buffalo Wing Sauce

T.W. Garner Food Company is voluntarily recalling 50,688 bottles of 12 oz. Texas Pete® Buffalo Wing Sauce with best used by 120623T 065239 UPC 0 75500 10011 6 because some of the bottles may contain Texas Pete® Extra Mild Wing Sauce which contains soy. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or lifethreatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

was located instead of Texas Pete® Extra Mild Wing Sauce. The bottle of Texas Pete® Buffalo Wing Sauce was missing the allergen declaration of soy. Investigation indicates the problem was caused by applying the wrong label during a portion of the production run.

opers through American Clean Power, the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and legal experts specializing in the development and administration of mitigation funds.

According to their website, “SIOW is guided by a Steering Committee of diverse interests, including representation from offshore wind developers, NGOs, and state policy makers.”

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 2nd of May, 2023 as Administratrix of the Estate of JOE ALLEN ADERHOLDT, 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, Kathy Lea Aderholdt Houser, Administratrix on or before the 10th of August, 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 10th day of May, 2023.

Kathy Lea Aderholdt Houser, Administratrix

Estate of Joe Allen Alderholdt PO Box 312. Denver, NC 28037

KMH (5/10, 17, 24 & 31/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 27th of March, 2023 as Administratrix of the Estate of DAVID L. NORRIS, 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, Demetria C. Luzader, Administratrix on or before the 10th of August, 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 10th day of August, 2023.

Demetria C. Luzader, Administratrix

Estate of David L. Norris, Jr. 2664 Quail Ridge Dr. Gastonia, NC 28056 KMH (5/10, 17, 24 & 31/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 2nd of May, 2023 as Executor of the Estate of JAMES ELDRIDGE PHILBECK: AKA, JAMES E. PHILBECK, 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, Christopher Dean Philbeck, Executor on or before the 10th of August, 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 10th day of May, 2023.

Christopher Dean Philbeck, Executor

Estate of James Eldridge Philbeck; aka, James E. Philbeck 1326 Wyanoke Ave. Shelby, NC 28152

KMH (5/10, 17, 24 & 31/2023)

The product can be identified as a 12 oz. glass bottle with orange sauce, called Texas Pete® Buffalo Wing Sauce. The only product affected has best used by 120623T 065239 printed on the cap of the product. No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after a report was received from a direct customer that a bottle labeled as Texas Pete® Buffalo Wing Sauce

Product was shipped to distribution centers and retail stores located in AL, CT, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NY, PA, SC, TN, TX & VA. Consumers with a soy allergy or sensitivity who have purchased Texas Pete® Buffalo Wing Sauce with a best used by 120623T 065239 with a UPC 0 75500 10011 6 are urged not to consume the product and dispose of it or return it to their place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact Mrs. Katerine Cardoso, Quality Assurance Manager at (336) 231-6417 MondayFriday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm EST or email at ContactUs@garnerfoods.com.

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 12th of December, 2022 as Administratrix of the Estate of THOMAS EDWARD 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, Joyce B. Ussery McSwain, Administratrix on or before the 31st of August, 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 31st day of May, 2023.

Joyce B. Ussery McSwain, Administratrix

Estate of Thomas Edward McSwain 705 Hampton St Shelby, NC 28150 KMH (5/31, 6/07, 14 & 21/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 11th of May, 2023 as Executor of the Estate of TERESA G. HILL; AKA, TERESA HILL, 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, Jonathan E. Mathews, Executor on or before the 17th of August, 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 17th day of May, 2023.

Jonathan E. Mathews, Executor Estate of Teresa G. Hill; aka, Teresa Hill 314 Lake Montania Rd Kings Mountain, NC 28086 KMH (5/17, 24, 31 & 6/07/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION

FILE NO. 23-E-362

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ELENE C. MARTIN EXECUTOR’S NOTICE

Having qualified on the 21st day of April, 2023, as Executor of the Estate of Elene C. Martin, 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 Executor on or before the 11th day of August, 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 10th day of May, 2023.

Thomas W. Martin, Jr.

Executor of the Estate of Elene C. Martin 200 Belvedere Ave. Shelby, NC 28150

Thomas W. Martin, Jr. FLOWERS & MARTIN, P.A. 200 Belvedere Ave.

Shelby, NC 28150 (704) 482-4441 KMH (5/10, 17, 24 & 31/2023)

Gov. Cooper commits to collaborating with other states to achieve both goals of meeting the state’s offshore wind energy goals while still protecting our marine fishery industry. Photo by Special Initiative on Offshore Wind

FDA approves first oral antiviral for COVID-19 in adults

On Thursday, May 25, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the oral antiviral Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir tablets and ritonavir tablets, co-packaged for oral use) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID19 in adults who are at high

LEGAL

risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death. Paxlovid is the fourth drug—and first oral antiviral pill—approved by the FDA to treat COVID19 in adults.

Paxlovid manufactured and packaged under the

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE OF NUNCUPATIVE WILL PROBATE BY PUBLICATION

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

This the 31st day of May, 2023.

233 E. Graham Street Shelby, NC 28150

Counsel for the estate:

McIntyre Elder Law

KMH (5/31, 6/07, 14 & 21/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 17th of May, 2023 as Administrator of the Estate of OFFIA VIRGINIA BLANTON, 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, Brenton S. Begley, Administrator on or before the 24th of August, 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 24th day of May, 2023.

Brenton S. Begley, Administrator

Estate of: Offia Virginia Blanton

McINTYRE ELDER LAW

233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (5/24, 31, 6/07 &14/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

PEGGY ANN ENGLAND, Plaintiff, vs. BOBBY DEAN BURRIS, Defendant. 22 CVD 2191

The respondent, Bobby Dean Burris, that in action entitled as above has been commenced in the Superior Court of Cleveland County, North Carolina for the divorce complaint. Defendant will further take notice that they are required to appear at the office of the Superior Court of said state and county and answer or respond to the petition filed in said action or action or the petitioner will apply for relief demanded in said complaint.

This the 24th day of May, 2023.

Brenton S. Begley

Attorney For Plaintiff

McIntyre Elder Law

233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (5/24, 31, 6/07/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 21st of March, 2023 as Administrator CTA of the Estate of BETTY SUE MAUNEY NELSON, 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, Brenton S. Begley, Administrator CTA on or before the 10th of August, 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 10th day of May, 2023.

Brenton S. Begley, Administrator CTA

Estate of: Betty Sue Mauney Nelson

McINTYRE ELDER LAW

233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (5/10, 17, 24 & 31/2023)

emergency use authorization (EUA) and distributed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will continue to be available to ensure continued access for adults, as well as treatment of eligible children ages 12-18 who are not covered by today’s approval. Paxlovid is not approved or authorized for use as a pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis for prevention of COVID-19.

“While the pandemic has been challenging for all of us, we have made great progress mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on our lives,” said Patrizia Cavazzoni, M.D., director for the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Today’s approval demonstrates that Paxlovid has met the agency’s rigorous standards for safety and effectiveness, and that it remains an important treatment option for people at high risk for progression to severe COVID19, including those with prior immunity. The FDA remains committed to working with sponsors to facilitate the development of new prevention and treatment options for

Recall on PowerXL Stuffed Wafflizer Waffle Makers

COVID-19.” Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, approval of a new drug requires, among other things, substantial evidence of effectiveness and a demonstration of safety for the drug’s intended use(s).

In considering approval of a drug, the FDA conducts a benefit-risk assessment based on rigorous scientific standards to ensure that the product’s benefits outweigh its risks for the intended population.

In conjunction with Thursday’s approval, the FDA is providing all prescribers with important information for prescribing Paxlovid properly and safely, such as dosing instructions, potential side effects and information regarding drugs that may cause drug-drug interactions with Paxlovid. The most common side effects of taking Paxlovid include impaired sense of taste and diarrhea. Patients should discuss with their health care provider whether Paxlovid is right for them.

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 2nd of May, 2023 as Executrix of the Estate of PHILLIP GREENE, 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, Susan W. Greene, Executrix on or before the 10th of August, 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 10th day of August, 2023.

Susan W. Greene, Executrix

Estate of Phillip Greene

2624 Cleveland Ave. Grover, NC 28073

Counsel for the Estate McINTYRE ELDER LAW PO Box 165 Shelby, NC 28151 KMH (5/10, 17, 24 & 31/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 15th of May, 2023 as Administrator of the Estate of TINA MAE WHISNANT, 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, Brenton S. Begley, Administrator on or before the 24th of August, 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 24th day of May, 2023.

Brenton S. Begley, Administrator

Estate of: Tina Mae Whisnant

McINTYRE ELDER LAW

233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (5/24, 31, 6/07 &14/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 19th of May, 2023 as Administratrix of the Estate of LARRY LOWELL SALE, 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, Kelly Sale Bridges, Administratrix on or before the 31st of August, 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 31st day of May, 2023.

Kelly Sale Bridges, Administratrix

Estate of: Larry Lowell Sale 405 E. Homestead Ave. Shelby, NC 28152

Counsel for the Estate

McINTYRE ELDER LAW

233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (5/31, 6/07,14 & 21/2023)

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled PowerXL Model ESWM02 (five inch) and Model ESWM03 (seven inch) Stuffed Wafflizer waffle makers and contact Empower Brands to receive a free latch adaptor part and written instructions to complete the repair.

Hot pieces of the waffle or stuffing can be expelled from the waffle maker during use or upon opening the product, posing a burn risk to consumers. The firm has received 44 reports of incidents including 34 burn injuries with three requiring medical attention.

This recall involves PowerXL Model ESWM02 (five inch) and Model ESWM03 (seven inch) Stuffed Wafflizer waffle makers. The waffle makers were sold in 11 colors including black, white, red, cinnamon, gray, lavender, lemon, ocean, slate, seafoam, and sage. The PowerXL logo is located on top of the waffle maker. The product measures approximately 5 inches in diameter (Model ESWM02), or 7 inches in diameter (Model ESWM03). The model numbers and date codes are printed on a tag attached to the power cord, with all date codes included in this recall.

The product is sold at Walmart, Kohl’s, Big Lots,

BJ’s Wholesale Club, Best Buy, The Home Depot, Target, Sam’s Club, and other home goods stores nationwide and online at www. QVC.com, www.walmart. com, www.kohls.com and other websites from July 2021 through October 2022 for between $30 and $60. Contact Empower Brands toll-free at 866-276-0063 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, email at wafflizerrecall@ brandprotectplus.com or online at www.prodprotect.com/ recall/wafflizer or https:// powerxlproducts.com and click on “Safety Recalls” at the top of the page for more information.

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 12th of May, 2023 as Executrix of the Estate of ROBBIN CAMP GOINS, 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, Erica Lynn Johnston, Executrix, on or before the 24th of August, 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 24th day of May, 2023.

Erica Lynn Johnston, Executrix

Estate of Robbin Camp Goins 101 Wade Drive Kings Mountain, NC 28086

Counsel for the Estate McINTYRE ELDER LAW PO Box 165 Shelby, NC 28151 KMH (5/24, 31 6/07 & 14/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATRIX

Having qualified on 5th of May 2023 as Administratrix of the Estate of Joel Maddox Jackson (f/k/a Joel M. Simmons) (23 E 402), deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them, duly verified, to A. Susan Biggers, Administratrix, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before August 17, 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 17th day of May, 2023.

A. Susan Biggers

Administratrix of the Estate of Joel Maddox Jackson (f/k/a Joel M. Simmons)

Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C. 402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150 KMH (5/17, 24, 31 & 6/07/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATRIX

Having qualified on 8th of May 2023 as Administratrix of the Estate of Eddie Gene McSwain (23 E 375), deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them, duly verified, to A. Susan Biggers, Administratrix, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before August 17, 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 17th day of May, 2023.

A. Susan Biggers Administratrix of the Estate of Eddie Gene McSwain Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C. 402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150 KMH (5/17, 24, 31 & 6/07/2023)

to the First 50 Customers on Saturday, May 27th. Located at 303 E. Main St., Cherryville (704) 435-5436

EMPLOYMENT

PART-TIME MINISTER OF MUSIC. Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Forest City NC is seeking a part-time Minister of Music. Send resume to mountvernonforestcity@ gmail.com or mail to 2676 Hudlow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043 (828) 286-9294 mountvernonforestcity@ gmail.com

FULL-TIME YOUTH PASTOR/ASSOCIATE PASTOR. Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Forest City NC is seeking a full-time Youth Pastor/Associate Pastor. Send resume to mountvernonforestcity@gmail.com or mail to 2676 Hudlow Rd. Forest City NC 28043 (828) 286-9294 mountvernonforestcity@gmail.com

BUSINESS SERVICES

DAVID’S STUMP GRINDING SERVICE. PROFESSIONAL REMOVAL OF ALL STUMPS BIG OR SMALL. 20 YRS. EXPERIENCE. OWNER, DAVID HOLIDAY 980-282-9420 (980) 282-9420 DAVIDHOLIDAY20@GMAIL.COM

WILL CLEAN HOUSES. Reasonable rates. Call or text me at 704-419-9016 (704) 4199016

FOR SALE

MURRY RIDING MOWER. 40” cut, Briggs engine, 4 speed manual shift. Very good

FOR SALE

WOOD FLOOR SANDING EQUIPMENT, EVERYTHING. Best Offer! well kept, top of the line, all you will need to sand & finish beautiful wood floors (828) 342-2461 mike.crowell49@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY MARKET BE-

GINS JUNE 7TH. Can’t make it to the Foothills Farmers’ Market on Saturday? We will be open on Wednesdays starting in June, 8-12, at the Bobby Bell Pavilion. Find your summer favorites and more with easy parking and a relaxed atmosphere. (704) 470-7603 info@ foothillsfarmersmarket.com

GOLDEN DOMERS TOY AND HOBBY. Visit our NEW LOCATION .....Model Cars, Die-cast Cars & Trucks, Tractors, Hot Wheels, Construction Toys, Sports Memorabilia, Autographed Items, Hard to Find Items! See Mike & Brandon Willis. We’re located at 104 Oliver Ave. (behind El Acapulco Mexican Restaurant in Boiling Springs), Shelby 704-297-0102 or 704-297-0103

REUNIONS

POOLE REUNION. June 11th at Belwood Community Center. Please arrive with a well filled picnic basket and prepare to socialize. Lunch at approx. 1pm.

EMPLOYMENT

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

ONE ON ONE CARE, INC. Is hiring for Day Program Activity Coordinator. Includes some transport. Mon- Fri- 7am-3pm Also hiring for 2nd and 3rd shifts in the Residential homes, rotating schedule. Off every other weekend. If interested, apply at 203 Lee St. Shelby, NC 28150 LAUNDROMAT ATTENDANT PART TIME, 10AM3PM. Keeping the laundromat clean and tidy, including but not limited to mopping floors, cleaning washers and dryers, cleaning tables, cleaning restrooms, and doing wash dry fold for customers who wants this service. The candidate needs to be responsible and require minimum supervision to perform the duties, be prompt, and enjoy working with people. Please apply at www.mountainwashlaundryshelbync.com under “APPLY FOR EMPLOYMENT”. mantendra la lavandería limpia y ordenada, lo que incluye, entre otros, trapear pisos, limpiar lavadoras y secadoras, limpiar mesas, limpiar baños y lavar y secar para los clientes que desean este servicio. El candidato debe ser responsable y requerir una supervisión mínima para desempeñar sus funciones, ser rápido y disfrutar trabajando con personas. Favor solicite en www.mountainwashlaundryshelbync.com bajo “SOLICITUD DE EMPLEO”. laundryhelp@carolina.rr.com

LOCAL CDL DRIVERS NEED-

ED. Home everyday full or part time, 2 years experience, clean driving record, 53’ trailers, excellent pay and benefits. Apply in person at Cyclone Trucking, Inc. Cherryville, NC. 704-5307489, (704) 236-4095

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

BUSINESS

OPPORTUNITIES

LAWNCARE LABORER. Experience preferred but will train right person. Please leave message, (704) 240-4836

BUSINESS SERVICES

RETIRED GENERAL CONTRACTOR available for deck repairs and small repairs. Stairs, deck and porch railings, etc. Call Bob 828-476-6058. (828) 476-6058

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.

SURGE PRESSURE WASHING, INC. House washing starting @$99. surgepwinc.com (704) 284-9292

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

SHIPMAN’S MASONRY- 48

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

YARD SALES

CLEVELAND COUNTY

HUGE FAMILY YARD SALE!

Sat., June 3, 2023, 7:00am-?

HALL CROSSING SUBDIVISION! WOMEN’S, MEN’S CHILDREN’S CLOTHES & SHOES, TOYS, FURNITURE, HOME DECOR. 202 Hall Crossing Drive, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC 28086

GASTON COUNTY

HUGE YARD SALE, NICE AND CHEAP! Sat., June 3rd, 2023, 8:00am-3:00pm. Huge yardsale! Household, furniture, tools, nice womens clothing, workout clothing, nice shoes, jewelry and more! Lots of new items too! CHEAP!!! 2341 Jenkins Dairy Road, Gastonia, NC 28052 (704) 836-6556 kelly. norman@stericycle.com

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

HUGE MOVING SALE! Friday, Saturday, Sunday, June

2-4, 8AM-until. Tools, furniture, appliances, household, John Deere 130 riding mower w/trailer. 117 Meadows Drive, Rutherfordton, NC 28139

FOR SALE

STEEL BUILDINGS (OPEN OR FULLY ENCLOSED) 14 on Display. 12’ Wide to 40 EVEN 60 Clear Span. “We do Grading, Gravel, Concrete” TURN KEY! J Johnson Sales, 2690 221South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895 MEN’S BRAND NEW Cruiser Bicycle. $100. Must sell. 828782-7221.

LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT for sale. Call 704-571-8213 for more information.

RARE VINTAGE HOT WHEELS. 70’s, 80’s, 90’s. Collection consists of over 260 cars with carrying cases. Call for more info. (704) 692-4816

FOUR UNFINISHED INTERIOR DOORS. Hollow core Lauan, no casing. $75 each. 2002 GMC Safari, good condition, $1200. 828-286-0275.

ITEMS FOR SALE. All steel trailer-52 x 12, Cattle Gate-9ft. Heavy duty stove pipes and coon traps. Call 704-476-9273 for more info.

STORAGE BUILDINGS NEW, USED, REPOS “BUY, SELL, TRADE!” J Johnson Sales, Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895 LARGE HANDMADE ANTIQUE WOODEN BOX. Hinged lid. Great for storage. $100. 704-473-6587. SIX CHERRY PADDED DINING CHAIRS. Excellent condition-$300. 704-473-6587.

LOTS OF ITEMS: Baby strollers, lots of kids toys, Power Wheels, bikes, etc. Also 2 free cats. Call 828-200-7441.

ITEMS FOR SALE S&W 357

Pistol. Coal Miners Edition. 1 of 75-$1400. Predator 6500 watt Generator. Brand new. Never used-$700. Power Horse 3200 P.S.I. Pressure Washer-$200. 704-750-4896. TRAILER-BUY-SELL-TRADE!

“Must Have Title” J Johnson Sales (828) 245-5895

From $639 month. J Johnson Sales, 2690 221South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895 CO2 TANK 20LBS. Have 2, $150 I have two co2 tanks, one is full and the other is 1/3. Can send pictures by phone. (704) 300-1818 kim_hopper@bellsouth.net

HORSE QUALITY HAY FOR SALE. Call (704) 487-6855

USED CAMPER TOPS: BUY/ SALE/TRADE. Various sizes and styles. Keep it dry and safe! 828-980-0788 or 828286-8674.

16’ HEAVY DUTY EQUIPMENT TRAILER. New floors, lights & wiring. $1500. Call for more info. (704) 751-7312

deliver, 30+ years experience in repair work. 828980-0853, 704-476-9383.

WANT TO BUY

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

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

RECLINER ALL ELECTRIC $800.00. Black leather with hidden armrest storage. Cup holders, all electric with USB port, (704) 692-5200 GASTON MEMORIAL PARK. 2 cemetery plots in Garden of Four Seasons.

OLD GAMBLING MACHINE

$125. Would make a good man cave piece. (704) 300-1818 kim_hopper@bellsouth.net

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

COMPLETE KING BEDROOM SUITE. Solid wood. Mattress and Boxsprings optional. Excellent condition. $800. 704-4827949. 60-90% OFF NEW STILL IN BOX MERCHANDISE.

Household, decorative, kitchen, children’s, jewelry and toys at former BJ’s Gift Shop. Call and leave message for appointment. 704-300-3058

PLANTS FOR SALE. Hostaover 20 varieties, Daylily, Iris, Yellow Bells, Crape Myrtle. 206 Woodburn Drive, Forest City. 828-245-0245.

FOR SALE RAINBOW VACUUM. PURCHASED IN 2008

FOR $2000 USED VERY LITTLE SO IN GREAT CON-

DITION INCLUDES ALL ATTACHMENTS ASKING $900 CASH. (828) 287-3412 TEDDYBEAR93_890@YAHOO.COM

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

FARM & GARDEN

LANDSCAPING /ROCK

BUCKET FOR SALE Fits John Deere front end loader. slightly used. $1500 (704) 813-2289 rlputnam66@att.net

CHICKEN LITTER FOR SALE. You haul. Price depends on truck size. 704-692-8752

6588 INTERNATIONAL 4WD TRACTOR 177 Horsepower with Turbo. Price Reduced to $19,500 for quick sell! Call 704487-6929 or 704-689-6042

TOMATO & PEPPER PLANTS FOR SALE. Also chickens for sale. For info call 704-4733023.

PETS & LIVESTOCK

TOY & MINI AUSSIES. UTD shots 7 worming, vetted. (828) 289-6756

GERMAN SHEPHERDS PUPPIES. Rare, old-time, large boned beauties. Great pets and companions. Friend for life. Must see beautiful babies. If no answer, please leave a message. 828-675-4968.

SHIPPING CRATE $35.00. I have wood shipping crates for sale with lids. 3 different sizes I can send pictures of them. (704) 300-1818 kim_hopper@ bellsouth.net

NEW CAR SHED FOR THE NEW YEAR! Single Car $288

Down from $89 month. Double $395 Down from $123.45 month. J Johnson Sales, 2690 221South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895

TRAILERS, TRAILERS! DUMP TRAILERS, GOOSENECK, DECK OVER,

TOY YORKIE POO/MALTI.

Female puppy, 7 months old, wormed, groomed, shots UTD. Only approx 7 lbs grown. $800. 13 wks Lab Mix puppy, black with white chest, wormed, groomed, shots UTD. Started on puppy pads. $150. All with approved homes only. No calls after 10pm. Wanted 2 young adult Bantam hens. 828-3910919.

AKC REGISTERED LABRADOR RETRIEVER PUPPIES. Ready to go. Have had 1st & 2nd shots/wormed. Yellow & Black $500. Call or text 828429-0210.

CLASSIFIEDS CONTINUED TO PAGE 15

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATRIX CTA

Having qualified on 21st of April 2023 as Administratrix

CTA of the Estate of Emma B. Pruett (06 E 537), 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 Rita Mae Strange aka Rita Mae Glenn, Administratrix CTA, c/o A. Susan Biggers, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before August 10, 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 10th day of May, 2023.

Rita Mae Strange; aka, Rita Mae Glenn

Administratrix CTA of the Estate of Emma B. Pruett

Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C.

402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (5/10, 17, 24 & 31/2023

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATRIX

Having qualified on 15th of May 2023 as Administratrix of the Estate of Sandra Kathryn Jugan (23 E 435), deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them, duly verified, to A. Susan Biggers, Administratrix, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before August 24, 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 24th day of May, 2023.

A. Susan Biggers

Administratrix of the Estate of Sandra Kathryn Jugan

Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C.

402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (5/24, 31, 6/7 & 6/14/2023)

CLASSIFIEDS CONT’D FROM PAGE 14

PETS & LIVESTOCK

AKC REGISTERED CANE

CORSO PUPS. 7 boys, 2 girls.

Ready to go. Shots current. Call Ronnie for more info. (704) 9742716

STANDARD POODLE PUP-

PY. CKC REGISTERED. Shots and wormed. Female. $1,500. 9 weeks old. (704) 813-7411

LABRADOODLE F1B CURLY

PUPS. Beautiful, Curly, F1B standard labradoodle pups. Males & females, cream, apricot, & black. Some with white markings. Fee includes first puppy shots, vet visit & multiple dewormings. Deposit holds, pick up first week of June. (704) 6926713 paintedshilohfarm@yahoo. com

AKC MINI SCHNAUZER PUP-

PIES. Vet checked and first shots. Call or text. (704) 915-

0004

MALTIPOO PUPPIES 8 WEEKS

OLD. All females, 1st shot & wormed. $400. (704) 477-6762

PETS & LIVESTOCK

BLUE TICK BEAGLE PUPPES. 1st shots & wormed. Parents on site. $300 each. (704) 692-6787

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATRIX

Having qualified on 17th of May 2023 as Administratrix of the Estate of Barbara Ann Davidson (23 E 59), deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them, duly verified, to A. Susan Biggers, Administratrix, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before September 4, 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 31st day of May, 2023.

A. Susan Biggers

Administratrix of the Estate of Barbara Ann Davidson Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C.

402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (5/31, 6/07,14 & 21/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATRIX

Having qualified on 20th of April 2023 as Administratrix of the Estate of Linda Elaine Steele (22 E 339), deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them, duly verified, to A. Susan Biggers, Administratrix, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before August 10, 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 10th day of May, 2023.

A. Susan Biggers

Administratrix of the Estate of Linda Elaine Steele Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C. 402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (5/10, 17, 24 & 31/2023

PETS & LIVESTOCK

AKC LAB PUPS FOR SALE

AKC registered labs. Sir is also HRCH titled champion. Great parents with great bloodlines. Will be great hunting labs or a wonderful house pet. Looking for their forever homes. Call Tommy @ 980-429-0873 for all info or pictures. (980) 429-0873 wyantfarms1@icloud.com

AKC REGISTERED BELGIAN MALINOIS PUPS. Out of good working lines. Will make good protection dogs. Asking $400 each. 704-284-2099

CARS

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified as Ancillary Executor of the Estate of Mary M. Wilkins, deceased, late of Rockwall County, Texas, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned Ancillary Executor c/o John D. Veazey, 422 South Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792 on or before August 24, 2023, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment.

Tyler A. Wilkins, Ancillary Executor of the Estate of Mary M. Wilkins, Deceased

John D. Veazey, Attorney Van Winkle, Buck, Wall, Starnes & Davis, P.A. 422 South Main Street Hendersonville, NC 28792

KMH (5/24, 31, 6/07 &14/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATOR

Having qualified on 19th of April, 2023 as Administrator of the Estate of Jody Lisa Baker (23 E 356), 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 Brad Alexander Baker, Administrator c/o A. Susan Biggers, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before August 10, 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 10th day of May, 2023.

Brad Alexander Baker

Administrator of the Estate of Jody Lisa Baker

c/o A. Susan Biggers Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C. 402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150 KMH (5/10, 17, 24 & 31/2023

VACATIONS

OCEAN LAKES MYRTLE BEACH. Cottage N34. 2 bedroom, 2 bath, den, kitchen, dining, covered deck, near country store. Call Dorcas, 803-7182659. BEACH HOUSES AT OCEAN LAKES. 2BR, 2BA, sleeps 6, golf cart, Wifi, Weeks and weekends available. 704-473-1494

MOBILE HOMES

AKC REGISTERED CHAMPIONS on both sides of pedigree. Male Akita puppy 13 weeks old. (704) 974-7041

FULL BLOODED BASSET

HOUND PUPS. Ready for rehoming, no papers, 3 males, 1 female, rehoming fee $300 each. 828-289-1258.

DOG KENNELS 5X10, 10X10, 10X20. Dog Houses, Tops for Kennels. “Delivery & Setup Available” J Johnson Sales 2690 221South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895

CONTURNIX QUAIL $5 Quail Chicks $3 ea. Quail eggs $6 per doz. Bob Whites $8.00. Hatching Eggs. 704-476-9943 (704) 476-9943 jw28178@ gmail.com

AKC REGISTERED LABRADOR PUPPIES. These are beautiful dogs from champion bloodline. Both parents on site. Vet-checked, dewormed, first shots. Chocolate or black. Available 5/20/2023. $800. Call or text (704) 473-4891

CARS & TRUCKS

YORKSHIRE TERRIER, BEAU-

TIFUL CUDDLY BABIES. Adorable Yorkshire Terrier babies ready for their new homes. First vaccination and wormings started on pee pad training. These will be tiny babies and are full of personality. Text 82 8 28four 462 one for more information (828) 284-4621 llmrwm2003@gmail.com

BABY POLAR/BLACK BEAR

HAMSTER. $15 for each and we have so many of them. (919) 4785314 jonesgirl1995@gmail.com

2 AKC MALE TOY POODLES.

1 cream, 1 black, vaccines up to date, tails/dewclaws removed, ready 6/18, parents on-site. 828980-3225.

MALE SABLE CKC REG-

ISTERED PUG PUPPY. Vet

Checked, shots UTD, CKC registration forms. $1200. (919) 7717458

CKC GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES. 5 girls, 1 boy. Ready to go. Dewormed and first shots. Parents on site. $350 each. Call or text 704-418-2934 (704) 418-2934

5 YEAR OLD TOY COCK-A-

POO. Female, black & white, loves cuddles & car rides. $450. Toy Yorkie Poo / Malti female puppy. 7 months old, wormed, groomed, shots UTD. Only approx 7 lbs grown. $800. 3.5 year old blue & white Pit mix male, neutered & house trained. Loves walks, cuddles, car rides. $350. All with approved homes only. No calls after 10pm. 828391-0919.

ADGA REGISTERED NIGERIAN DWARF GOATS. Kids and 1-2 year old does. Some polled, moonshots, blue eyes. All handled daily. 828-248-2125.

AKC/CKC REGISTERED

GREAT DANE PUPPIES. Ready to go June 4th! Will come up to date on vaccinations and be microchipped. $1600 each. Males and females available! Blue Merle, Blue Fawn, Lilac Merles, Blue Mantle. (704) 734-8538

BOXER PUPPIES. Total price $500 READY TO GO! 3rd shots and 3rd deworming. Call/txt for more info 1/M 2/F Location: Shelby, NC (704) 477-3900 wbmanning33@gmail.com

1998 DODGE RAM 1500 4WD, Quad cab. 2001 Dodge Ram 1500, 2WD Quad Cab. 2 for 1 Trucks. $3000 each or both for $5000. (704) 600-5534

1995 CHRYSLER LEBARON 2 convertibles, 1 for parts. $1000 firm. No batteries. 828453-0828 (828) 453-0828

2006 PONTIAC G6 116,809 miles, Call for Price, (704) 7481890 sales@ctcautosports. com

1990 MERCEDES 420SEL $6500 (704) 460-5965 jvester62@gmail.com

see. $7,200. Call 704-692-9117

2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON 1200cc Sportster, 18,000 miles. $5,000. Also kids 4 wheeler and kids mini-bike. Call for info. (828) 247-0506.

VACATIONS

BEACH RENTAL: Beautiful Oak Island, NC. 3BR, 2BA house & 2BR, 2BA. Near beaches, restaurants. Close to Wilmington, Myrtle Beach. 828744-9191.

OCEAN LAKES, BIG DISCOUNTS. On Spring & Fall Weeks. 7 houses, 3 ocean front, some with golf carts. Call Tammy Patterson, 704-418-4756. SCENIC RIDGE COUNTRY CAMPGROUND. Cherryville, NC. Cabins. RV Spots, Daily Weekly, Monthly, Seasonal Sites. (704) 435-0938

MAKE HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY. RENT TO OWN Mobile Home, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, in Rutherfordton, NC, $49,999 (828) 544-0900

MOBILE HOME FOR SALE. 3 bedroom, 2 bath. Must be moves. Call Johnny. (828) 312-2840

REAL ESTATE

CLEVELAND COUNTY

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

today at Laurel Hill Apartments 1526 Eaves Rd., Shelby NC or call for more information 704-487-1114. Equal Housing Opportunity. LIONS SENIOR VILLAGE has 1 bedroom HUD subsidized apartments for low income seniors. Taking applications now. Age 62 or older. Equal Housing Opportunity. 211 North Morgan Street, Shelby, NC (704) 4827723 (704) 482-7723 Lions@ RPMMANAGED.COM

OPEN HOUSE FOR TINY HOMES. Please come view this property on Sunday, June 4, 2023, from 2:00 until 4:00 pm at our open house. Hosted by Sharon Kelly, Realtor, Coldwell Banker King. Marion, NC 28752 (979) 690-6781 skelly@coldwellbanker.com

OUT OF AREA

HOUSE WITH 26 ACRES. 3 septics, well/city water, pool, enter trails from home, 4 outbuildings, never timbered. $149,000. 276-245-7475 (276) 245-7475 jmatusevich@comcast.net

FOR RENT

CLEVELAND COUNTY BRICK HOME FOR RENT. 2

1 bath, large yard. No

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

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

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

2 & 3 BEDROOM MOBILE HOMES. Small private park between Spindale and Forest City. Starting at $600 per month. 828-382-0475.

North Elementary first graders book signing

First Graders at North Elementary School wrote books about their life in first grade. Parents were invited to a book signing party and were served snacks. We are very proud of our little Authors!

Mrs. Deason and Ms. Cannedy's Class wrote the

book "First Grade Rocks!". Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Watson's Class wrote the book "Swimming Through the First Grade". Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Wease, and Mrs. Price's classes wrote the book "Hanging in our K-1 Combo Class."

Scenes from North School First Graders’ book signing.

Photos by Anna Hughes

MRS. DAVIS, MRS. WEASE AND MRS. PRICE'S CLASSES

MRS. DEASON AND MS. CANNEDY’S CLASS

MRS. SMITH AND MRS. WATSON’S CLASS

KINGS MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2023

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

275 to receive diplomas Saturday

By Loretta Cozart

Commencement exercises

for the 275 seniors in the Kings Mountain High School Graduating Class of 2023 will be held Saturday, June 3, at 9 a.m. in Gamble Stadium on the KMHS campus.

“We are excited to celebrate the KMHS Class of 2023 and look forward to the commencement service,” said Dr. Dustin Morehead, Principal, who said there is no limit on the number of people who can attend. No masks are re-

quired.

In the event of rain, the graduation program will be held in B.N. Barnes Auditorium on the school campus.

Seniors will practice Thursday and Friday, June 1, and June 2 from 8:30 a.m. -12 noon at the stadium and will be guests at a Senior breakfast at 8 a.m. Friday, June 2.

Seniors will lead the graduation program with special music, speeches by the valedictorian, the No. 1 student academically in the

class, and the salutatorian, the No. 2 student academically in the Class of 2023.

Diplomas will be presented by KMHS Principal Dr. Dustin Morehead, assisted by Cleveland County Schools Supt. Dr. Stephan Fisher and a representative of the Cleveland County Board of Education.

The Class of 2023 will be dressed in black robes with white collars and graduation cords which signify the campus clubs in which they were active, including

National Honor Society, white stole; Beta Club, gold cord; Renaissance club, turquoise cord; CTE Honor Society, purple and white cord; National/International Honor Thespian, royal blue cord; Scholar Thespian, royal blue and gold cord; TR-IM Music Honor Society, light pink cord; National Art Honor Society, multi-colored cord; Student Participation Organization, blue cord; and FCCLA, red and white cord.

Senior Class officers are SPO President Dylan Moore, SPO

Vice-President, Railey Bolt, SPO Secretary, Taylor Smith, Senior Class President Carter Grace Reed, and Senior Class Representative Jacob Hamrick. Junior Marshals are Matthew Rikard, Meile Songaila, Callie Stimpson, Hunter Cruise, Melia Myers, Jaidyn Moses, Zachary Propst, Madden Green, Zachary Johnson, Addison Peeler, Anthony Anselmo, Manoah Allen, Rebecca Foy, Chance Habel, Elliot Habel, Rodney Unnasch, and Lisa Welborn.

Rhyne University, Zane Brockman (baseball) - University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Cole Irby (baseball) - Tusculum University, Eli Osborne (basketball) - Methodist University, Priest Wilson (basketball) - St. Andrews University, and Marty Lovingood (cross country and track & field) - Cleveland Community College.

Photo by Jill Cruise

Photo by TPS PHOTOGRAPHY

Kings Mountain High School Class of

Inthavong joins Marine Corps

By Loretta Cozart

Nathan Inthavong signed his papers to join the Marine Corps on May 10. Since he was a child, that is all that he has wanted to do, be a Marine. He met with Sgt. Matthew Stewart and that sealed the deal for him. Since then, was all in.

Nathan will report to ROTC Boot Camp for NSI, new student indoctrination at The Citadel. He will be known as a knob and spend nine months learning Knob

Knowledge, also known as Fourth Class Knowledge. It grew out of the tradition of upper classmen asking knobs (freshmen or fourth classmen) questions to enhance their familiarity of The Citadel and its history, and to build esprit de corps. At the Citadel, Nathan will focus his academics on political studies, intelligence, securities studies, and military affairs.

When asked why he wanted to join the Marines, Nathan said, “Because of my family. My grandparents and parents came here from Laos. They were in a refugee camp and then brought here by a church. They gave my family food, clothes, and a place to live here in Kings Mountain. These people helped my family and I want to

repay them and the county that welcomed us in,” he said.

Nathan plans to serve in the Marines for 10years, then go into the reserves until he is considered too old to serve. When he graduates from The Citadel, he will receive a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant, USMC.

“For fun, I run cross country track, study the military code, and listen to music. I train, hang out with friends, and read my bible,” Nathan said.

When asked what advice he would give his ninth-grade self, Nathan said, “Be locked-in, academically focused, exercise, and do more strength training.”

“I credit my future successes to Sgt. Stewart and appreciate all that he has done for me,” he said. Nathan’s parents are Khanpheth Ounchanghane and Sida Inthavong. He has two siblings, Tyler and Jasmine Inthavong.

Photo provided

Thirty-one KMHS students receive associate degrees or certificates from CCC

Maley Bridges, Megan Carley, Riley Hawkins, Nicole Poston, Cameron Rhom, Makalyn Rikard, and Aubrey Thomas.

Skidmore, and Mackenzie Wofford.

Did you know?

• Associate in Arts: Anna Holder, Maggie Honeycutt, Khalia King, Jordan Mull, and Makylah Reid.

• Associate in Science:

• Criminal Justice Certificate: Anna Holder and A’Sean York.

• Early Childhood Education certificate: Divinity Ervin, Makylah Reid, Star McKinney, Abbigail

• Business Administration Certificate: Lawren Thomas.

• Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration certificate: Jacob Morton and William Nail.

• Collision Repair cer-

tificate: Andrew D’Angelo, Matthew Conner, Robert Demetro, Cameron Herndon, Ronnie Murray, Jason Pegg, William Whiteheart, and Elijah Williams.

• Electrical Systems Technology: Bryce Hall.

A study from the Gap Year Association found that 77 percent of students who take a gap year do so between high school and college. Parents may not know how to react when their soon-to-be or newly minted high school graduates bring up the idea of taking a gap year, but additional findings from the GYA’s “National Alumni Survey” might inspire parents to look at gap years more positively. For example, the survey, the findings of which were based on the responses of hundreds of American and Canadian citizens who had taken gap years in the past,

found that 98 percent of respondents indicated their gap years helped them develop as a person, while 96 percent felt their gap years improved their self-confidence. In addition, 84 percent of respondents felt that they acquired skills to be successful in their careers during their gap years. Perhaps of most interest to parents of high school students contemplating gap years is that 73 percent of survey respondents felt their gap years increased their readiness for college and 57 percent said their gap years helped them determine what they wanted to study in college.

Kings Mountain High School Class of 2023

Justice Fussell

Kevin Garcia-Diaz

Athena Gardner

Mkenzy Gerecke

Journie Gill

Kalyn Gillespie

Saylor Goforth

Tiquan Grier

Mikaylah Griffin

Alexis Guest

Ashley Gural

Adam Guy

Bryce Hall

Brandon Hamilton

Jacob Hamrick

Candice Harlow

Brianna Harrelson

Rebecca Hawkins

Alex Hayes

Chloe Hayes

Kylie Hemphill

Jayden Henderson

Abby Henson

James Hetland

Tara Hoefle

Anna Holder

Maggie Honeycutt

Nicholas Horn

Breanna Houey

Jaiden Huffman

Ashton Hullender

Triston Hullender

Savannah Humphries

Anthony Hyman

Ashlynn Ilges

Holder to attend NC State for Environmental Engineering

By Loretta Cozart

Anna Holder has already earned her associate degree in fine arts from Cleveland Community College, and a Criminal Justice Certificate. In the fall, she will attend NC State University to earn a degree in Environmental Engineering.

Anna earned the extra degree and certificate on some strong family advice. “It was my mom’s idea,” she said. “It was a good idea and helped me prepare for college. I took courses in criminal justice, English, history, biology, communications, and pub-

Congratulations, Classof2023!

1200 E. Church Street Cherryville NC 28021 CAROLINAFCU.ORG I 704-435-0186

lic speaking, among others.”

At Kings Mountain High School, Anna was very active. She cheered for the school, played club volleyball, and enjoyed time with friends. She competed for Miss Mountie and won, and then took care of her community service obligations. That title earned her a

scholarship. Other scholarships include Cleveland County 500, and a Dover Scholarship at the time of the interview.

With a degree in Environmental Engineering, Anna looks forward to an outdoor career as a problem-solving consultant alleviating soil issues.

When asked what advice she would give her

younger self, Anna said, “Don’t worry about things so much, because all the new stuff can be overwhelming. Try to relax. An associate degree gives you a good sense of what you like. And for me, that’s an environmental degree.”

Anna Holder is the daughter of Angie and Grant Holder. She has a sister, Kelsie Holder Davis.

ANNA HOLDER

Kings Mountain High School Class of 2023

Carley continuing her education in cosmetic chemistry

By Loretta Cozart

Megan Carley earned her associate degree in math and science at Cleveland Community College while enrolled at Kings Mountain High School. She is confident that having taken college courses during high school will help save money.

At the time of the interview, Megan was unsure which college she’ll choose. “I’ve been accepted at UNC Chapel Hill and the University of South

Carolina,” she said. “I have always been interested in cosmetic chemistry and intend to minor in business as an undergraduate. ” “I haven’t decided if I’ll work toward a master’s degree, but it is an option.

Earning my associate degree in high school puts me at an advantage,” she said. “I have many classes completed before arriving on campus.”

When asked why she is interested in cosmetic chemistry, she replied, “When I was younger, I

had bad acne, so I took the time to find affordable and effective products that worked for me. Having faced that, I know that skin issues can result in lower self-esteem. I just want to help people and give them confidence.”

Megan did her homework before deciding upon an associate degree. “If you can save money for college while you are in high school, you should do it. I investigated and realized that I had already taken many courses that could

apply toward an associate degree; I only needed to add a few more classes. I spoke to a counselor at Cleveland Community College and decided it was the right choice for me. I would highly recommend the program.” she said.

“I play soccer, and that sport takes a lot of time. In high school, I cheered, played soccer, and participated in a lot of clubs. I just burned myself out. So, I decided to quit cheerleading. It was a tough decision, but I feel so much better now,” she explained. “I have learned that I don’t need to be a jack-of-all-trades. When I finally quit cheer, it allowed me to flourish.”

In her spare time, Megan likes to relax. “Soccer takes a lot of time and energy, so in my downtime I watch movies and relax.”

Megan is the daughter of Kate and Jeff Carley. Her brother Daniel is a student at UNC Chapel Hill.

www.momsinprayer.org

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

Kings Mountain High School Class of 2023

Wofford continuing her education at NC A&T

By Loretta Cozart

Mackenzie Wofford will continue her education at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro with plans to major in Elementary Education.

On the advice of a fellow student, Mackenzie entered the EDU program at Kings Mountain High School. This year, she assisted at Bethware Elementary School three days a week in Gloria Bowman’s second-grade classroom.

“Mrs. Bowman is what every elementary teacher should be, very patient. She is a great teacher and I have learned so much from her,” Mackenzie said.

In high school, Mackenzie participated in the Art Club. “We decorated for Homecoming, and it was a lot of fun. In addi-

The week of the interview, they painted tote bags. “I recommend that students join clubs in high school and take advantage of the fun things the school offers opportunities to do,” she said.

Outside of school, Mackenzie likes traveling, going to new restaurants, and reading romance novels. She is the daughter of Dennis and Leeann Wofford. She has two siblings, Cortney Sims and Demaris Wofford.

Kings Mountain High School Class of 2023

Kalon Porter

Karlie Postell

Nicole Poston

Porsha Poston

Jammie Quick, Jr.

Teranae Rainey

Cristhian Ramos-Perez

Gabriel Ramsey

Jackalyn Ramsey

Karlee Ramsey

Carter Grace Reed

Malachi Reeves

Makylah Reid

William Rhom

Alchino Richardson

Marcos Richardson

Makalyn Rikard

Kailey Rimmer

Vanyah Roberts

Julia Saldias

Lucas Saldo

Kairee Sanders

Christopher Schrader

Trinity Sexton

Autumn Short

Jessica Sierra

CoRey Simpson

Abbigail Skidmore

Payton Slycord

Dalton Smith

Emily Smith

Kenneth Smith

Michael Smith

Taylor Smith

Bryan Solis-Martinez

Dixon to play college softball

By Loretta Cozart

Austyn Dixon has played softball since she was 8-years old, starting out as a pitcher and catcher. “My mom played in high school, but she always wanted me to dancer. Early on, I played sports at Kings Mountain Family YMCA,” she said. After high school Austyn will attend college at USC-Aiken on a softball scholarship.

But her true calling is

nursing. “I have always loved nursing and plan to earn by BSN and work at Levine Children’s Hospital.” To start on that path, she earned her CNA while in high school, taking her exam on May 1.

“During my freshman year, softball season was cancelled due to the pandemic,” she said. Austyn played both softball and basketball for KMHS during her sophomore, junior, and senior years. In her spare time, she enjoys

Best Wishes 2023

GRADUATES... YOU EARNED IT!

108

hanging out with friends and shopping.

High school goes by really fast,” she said. “Don’t take any day for granted. People tell me that I am a role model. It makes me feel good to know that I can do that for Kings Mountain.”

Austyn is the daughter of Jonathan and Alicia Dixon. She has two siblings: sister Anniston and brother Cole

KMHS Class Of 2023

Senior Class Favorites and Officers

Flower: Sunflower

Song: “I’ll Always Remember You” by Miley Cyrus

Motto: “If you can’t find the sunshine, BE the sunshine!”

2023 KMHS Officers: SPO President: Dylan Moore

SPO Vice President: Railey Bolt

Senior Class President : Carter GraceReed Senior Class Representative: Jacob Hamrick

SPO Secretary: Taylor Smith

AUSTYN DIXON (Photo by KMHS)

Kings Mountain High School Class of 2023

Nicholas Spencer

Austin Spurlin

Keith St Clair

Tia Stephens

Latham Stone

Dikwan Tate

Trinity Tedford

Aubrey Thomas

Cody Thomas

Lawren Thomas

Karagan Thompson

Cayden Trull

Sindy Ulloa-Vasquez

Jackson Upton

Anttronita

Connor

Donovan

Matthew

Toby

Broome attending USC Upstate to become exercise science physician assis

By Loretta Cozart

Caleb Broome entered the EMT program at Cleveland Community College while still in high school and can obtain his National EMS Certification when he turns 18-years old. National EMS Cer-tification assures the public, licensing officials, and employers that the EMS professional is compe-tent.

After high school, Caleb will attend USC Upstate fo earn a degree in Exercise Science. “Certification in the National Registry enables me to work as an EMT while I’m in college,” he said. “And that will be very helpful. The field appeals to me because it is very hands on. You don’t just take notes and tests. It is a great program

for visual learners.”

“In April, a MedCenter Air helicopter landed on the practice field of KMHS. We got to look inside the helicopter, and some of the students got to board the aircraft. We got to ride in the ambulance and learned about the importance of seating to keep the patient stable.”

When asked what advice as a senior he would give his freshman self, Caleb answered. “COVID was very difficult for me because I am a visual learner. Doing the work without hands-on opportunities was hard. I would tell myself to stay on track and try to prioritize my work.”

Caleb is the son of Chris and Misty Broome. He has three siblings, Blake, Madison, and Ava.

Bolt to attend East Tennessee State University

By Loretta Cozart

CALEB BROOME

How-to establish a well rounded school resume

A quality education is priceless. Lessons learned in the classroom are vital to students’ long-term success, serving as a foundation as young adults transition from the role of student to professional.

An academic résumé is a great vehicle for young people to illustrate how wellrounded their educational experiences have been. Such

résumés also give college admissions departments a snapshot of students’ accomplishments, hobbies and extracurricular activities. In fact, the National Society of High School Scholars says there are certain criteria that colleges and trade schools look for in students — and things graduate schools may look for in university students who hope to do postgraduate

work. Recognizing these attributes can help students better prioritize their time as they look to build strong résumés.

• Grade point average:

The NSHSS says some colleges will recalculate students’ GPAs based only on core subjects, such as math, language arts, social studies, science, and foreign languages. It is essential to do

well in these core subjects.

• Advanced placement classes: Many schools weigh honors or AP classes more heavily toward GPA or acceptance requirements due to their rigor. AP courses often translate directly into college credits, which can make them even more valuable to high school students.

See RESUME, Page 14B

Railey Bolt has had a very busy high school career doing things she loves. She has always enjoyed theater and theater camp. As a freshman, she participated in Shrek: The Musical. As a junior, she was in 9 to 5, in the role of Roz Keith for which she won a Blumey Award in the regional High School Musical Theatre Awards. In Mama Mia, she played the role of Sophie Sheridan, for which she re-ceived a second Blumey nomination. At the time of this interview, she was preparing a digital portfolio of costumes she created for a Blumey.

Railey participated in the Drama Club and is President of the International Thespian Society. “While at Kings

Mountain High School, I took the CNA class, not because I want to become a nurse, but because I enjoy helping people.”

At East Tennessee State University, she plans to earn a degree in public health through the Global Citizens Honors College.

When not in school, Railey loves hanging out with friends and the people she loves. She enjoys theater and finds it very rewarding.

When asked what advice she would give her 9th grade self, Railey answered, “In 9th grade I struggled with my self-image. Looking back now, I would advise me to be more confident.”

Railey is the daughter of Katie and Jonathan Bolt, and has a sister Elizabeth Bolt.

Hunter Turnow

Venson

Washburn

Watkins

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MacKenzie Wells

Kings Mountain High School Class of 2023

Eskridge to play football for Norfolk State University

By Loretta Cozart

Isaiah Eskridge is looking forward to his college career and playing football for Norfolk State University. Since the age of seven he has played football, starting out with KM Elite. His dad played football and he is Isaiah’s role model.

Isaiah focused on his studies in school, taking honors classes in English and math, college biology, and college psychology.

All those years of study, practice and preparation have paid off for Isaiah and his family. “I was offered 22 scholarship offers, full rides. The hardest part was deciding which school to choose.”

In college, he wants to major in finance. “I’ve always found it very interesting, and I plan to be a financial advisor,” he said.

When asked what ad-

vice he would give freshman players, Isaiah said, “Enjoy football, but be serious about it. Work toward it. In high school you only have 10 games in a season to show how well you can play. Exercise year round, not just before the season starts. You must prepare yourself for the game, and you must be ready to play well.”

In his spare time, Isaiah enjoys playing video games and hanging out with his friends A.J., Lamont, and Priest.

“I have a lot to be thankful for and I credit my dad because he has helped me so much,” Isaiah said. “Coach Cruise taught me the basics, and Coach Kennedy helped me with the mental side of the game.”

Isaiah is the son of Sam Eskridge, III, and Laquantis Eskridge. He has two siblings, Octavia and Preston.

10 graduation party success tips

Graduation season is a bustling time of year. Not only are there many school-sanctioned, graduation-related events to attend, but also job fairs or other opportunities for grads to contend with.

Many soon-to-be graduates also host parties of their own. Even though the school lessons may be finished, there is still much to learn — especially as it applies to throwing a successful party that marks the end of school.

1. Set a budget. As with any other party planning, a budget is key to determining the scope and affordability of what you may have in mind.

It may dictate whether you’re hosting a party at home with some finger foods or hosting something more elaborate.

2. Speak to your graduate. Ask the future graduate what he or she desires of the party. After all, this is about the grad and not necessarily the parents. Does he or she want a party at all? If so, should

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it be an intimate gathering or a come-one, comeall event?

3. Pick a date carefully. If your town’s school has graduation in May or June, you’ll be fighting the crowds and competing with many other people for vendors and services. Think about hosting the graduation party after party season slows down, such as in July. This reduces the likelihood of scheduling conflicts.

4. Send invitations early. The experts at Shutterfly.com advise sending invitations at

least a month in advance of the party. This way guests can mark the date and plan accordingly. Formal invitations are fitting for a formal occasion, so skip the casual invite text and use a paper or digital invitation instead.

5. Clue in neighbors. If the idea is to have a party at home, don’t leave neighbors in the dark about a large group of people descending on the street. Be courteous and let them know you’re expecting crowds and noise. Better yet, invite some neighbors to join in the fun.

6. Provide extra seating. Give guests plenty of places to congregate. Borrow or

rent extra tables and chairs to maximize comfort.

7. Consider catering. Whether you host a party at home or at a venue, professional caterers can take a big load off of your shoulders. Let the experts calculate how much food is needed and then be on call to set up chafing dishes or buffet bars. If your grad prefers fast food, many franchises now offer catering as well.

8. Set up beverage stations. Chances are you’ll have a mix of adults and underage guests in attendance. Set up alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverage stations that are clearly marked. Enlist the

help of someone to monitor the spirits so that everyone drinks responsibly.

9. Share the memories. A photo board or another way to highlight photos of the graduate can take guests on a trip down memory lane.

10. Plan some activities. Whether it’s a DJ, a favorite game like volleyball or a karaoke machine, give guests something to do to stay engaged.

Graduation parties are something to think about well in advance of the big day. With planning and follow-through, special occasions can be successful.

Isaiah Eskridge makes a tackle.

Hetland’s love for art will last a lifetime

By Loretta Cozart

“Khobren” Hetland

James

7 gift ideas for soon-to-be graduates

It would be an understatement to say that it has been an interesting few years for the Class of 2022. Due to the pandemic, many soon-to-be grads spent a significant portion of their school years adapting to a changing landscape, both at school and at home. While it is an accomplishment to reach graduation in a “normal” situation, students who have succeeded and thrived in the face of pandemic-related adversity are worthy of extra celebration.

Graduation gifts are a great way to show grads how proud you are that they stayed the course in the face of significant challenges. Here are seven gift ideas for graduates.

1. Journal: Graduates are about to start new chapters in their lives. Either a blank journal or one with writing prompts can help grads get their thoughts on paper to document both the many moments that will shape the next few years.

2. Mascot- or schoolthemed offerings: If a high school graduate will be going on to higher education, then visit the college or university’s spirit shop to purchase anything from sweatshirts to blankets to coffee mugs featuring a school logo or mascot. On the first day of classes, the new student will already feel part of the team.

3. New wardrobe: Graduating means forging new paths, whether in a career or through additional schooling. Grads can look the part with several items from a favorite retailer. Those who are unsure of the graduate’s style can purchase a gift card and let the grad go on a spending spree.

4. Framed school photo

or map: A piece of artwork can evoke strong emotions of time spent on campus. Frame a black-and-white or sepia-tone print of the aerial view of campus, or opt for an official school tour map, which indicates buildings and other points of interest. This could become a cherished keepsake.

5. Bedside organizational pouch: Dorm life requires maximizing a small amount of space. An organizational pouch or pocket can keep essentials such as a tablet, book, reading glasses, and remote control close by and organized without taking up a lot of room. Some are designed to rest over a couch cushion or slide between a mattress and bed frame.

6. Automotive essentials: Graduates will be facing all sorts of new expenses, so easing any sort of financial burden can help them in a big way. Vehicles tend to be major financial drains for teens and young adults. Prepaid cash cards, gas station gift cards, vouchers for car washes, and even gift cards to an automotive supply store can help graduates direct their funds elsewhere.

7. Personal coffeemaker: Many people feel coffee is essential to make it through the day. Graduates who will soon be studying for college exams or those waking up early for their first forays into the workforce may appreciate an on-demand pick-me-up. Coffeemakers are much more streamlined these days, and there are pots designed to use loose grounds or special pods to produce cups quickly.

Shoppers can explore many interesting options to commemorate the accomplishments of the class of 2023.

has earned his associate degree in fine arts from Cleveland Community College, and he feels that his love for art, and the need to create, will stay with him throughout his lifetime.

“I enjoy drawing and took Art 1 and Art II in high school, then I stopped taking classes for two-years,” he said. “Then I came back to it because I have an affinity for it. I enjoy it and I like being around others who draw and enjoy art.”

“Art is a hard career to get into, so for me, I think it will be secondary to a nursing career. I’ll be attending Western Carolina University studying nursing, earning a BSN, and becoming a Registered Nurse.”

“In the future, I’ll still get involved in passion projects,

the art that drives me to create,” Khobren said. “I would encourage those students who enjoy art to get involved in the fine arts program. It’s fun, and it helps you learn about history. The teachers take an active role in getting opportunities for their students and submit our art for competitions. We have a supportive teacher.”

Looking back on his high school career, Khobren said, “I would have taken harder classes and focused on them. I have progressed quickly in art. I would push harder to broaden myself. And, I would have studied art from South Africa, the Middle East, and worked to understand those deep concepts.”

“No matter where I go in life, I will do art, enjoy it, and get it out there,” he said. Khobren is the son of Ginger Oliver.

The many benefits of vocational training

Earning a four-year degree is one path toward a rewarding career. However, that path is the only one available to aspiring professionals. Enrolling in a vocational program can provide students with the skills necessary to engage in high-demand and well-paying jobs.

Vocational school, often referred to as “trade school,” can be an advantageous route for many people who are looking for an alternative to college.

In 2020, the National Center for Education Statistics said a four-year private college cost around $50,300 for a student living on campus, while a four-year public college was roughly $24,300 annually. A 2018 poll from The Learning House, a skills training and coursework company, found 35 percent of students said tuition and other fees were their primary concerns when choosing college programs. Trade

schools can cost three times less than other schooling, making them more palatable to young people concerned about the high costs of college.

Career and Technical Education programs number around 1,200 in the United States alone. Many students begin vocational career tracks in high school, according to American Education Services. Here are some benefits to pursuing an education in the trades.

• Lower cost: According to NCES, trade schools cost significantly less than four-year institutions. Data from the U.S. Department of Education says programs may run between $3,600 to $16,000 per year. Most vocational programs last two years, meaning that students graduate with far less debt than they might accrue when pursuing a four-year college program.

• Individualized attention: Many trade programs offer instruction in very intimate settings, with experienced practitioners serving as mentors and trainers. While each program is different, vocational training schools tend to have lower faculty-to-student ratios than traditional colleges.

• Fewer admission requirements: Trade schools may not have the same stringent application and admissions processes as colleges. Course prerequisites and grade point average requirements also may not dictate trade school admissions policies.

• Direct, hands-on training: Unlike a traditional college that marries general education courses with

those specific to a major, trade school programs focus only on skills and training relevant to each student’s chosen career path.

• Less time to complete schooling: More direct lessons means that students can complete their certifications or degrees in shorter times and enter the workforce much more quickly than their counterparts at traditional colleges and universities.

Vocational training in trade schools is a viable option for students who want to spend less money and gain valuable skills they can utilize to earn a good living.

JAMES “KHOBREN” HETLAND

Johnson-Surratt pursues career in the movie industry

By Loretta Cozart

KMHS senior JaLyric

Johnson-Surratt decided young that she wants to work in the movie industry. “I wanted to go into the movie industry since 3rd grade. I had a good English teacher and I loved to write. I was creative and wrote my first script that year about a girl who got bullied. In the end, the characters come together in an inspiring story, and we performed it for the class.”

As a freshman, JaLyric participated in a creative writing and media production class responsible for school announcements for the high school. “In that class with Mrs. Boyce, we all worked during first period to pull the announcements together. We did a Day in History, Black History Month, World History, Ads, Mountaineer Conundrum, and Mountaineer Mindset, those types of segments. Announcements lasted about six minutes.”

The students initially

met in an empty classroom. Over the years, they have made the space their own, including the addition of a green screen to allow for background photos or video to be added during production. Since then, JaLyric has taken on her own segment called Cafeteria Conversations. “We have a lot of fun with this segment and the best part is the answers given by KMHS students. We have some real come-

dians at our school.” When asked what advice she would give to future students thinking about creative writing and

media production, JaLyric answered, “You must be prepared to do the work. This is a student led class and it takes work. We have

our own fun moments, but there is a job to be done and a deadline to be met.”

JaLyric will attend NC Central in the fall. She is the

daughter of Jalissa Johnson and the grand-daughter of Hollis Johnson.

Make graduation day comfortable

Graduation day will arrive before many students have a chance to pause and reflect on their time as students. The pomp and circumstance are deeply rooted traditions passed down through academia. If only comfort was automatically built into the graduation equation. Most graduation ceremonies occur at the end of the school year when temperatures tend to be rather warm. For schools with large student bodies, the distribution of diplomas might take place outdoors on a football field or under a tent. Some ceremonies may take place in poorly ventilated audito-

venue. Remember, it’s always possible to add a layer.

• Stick to sensible shoes. That short trek acrosss the stage to receive the diploma will be watched by hundreds in attendance and possibly recorded for posterity. Avoid slip-ups by wearing comfortable, flat shoes that are skid-resistant.

• Bring some tissues along. Reactions and emotions can run high on graduation day. This day is a milestone, and a few tears may be shed. Have tissues handy to catch stray tears.

• Leave ample time. Crowds will be descending on the school for the festiv-

ities. Traffic and parking issues are to be expected. Early birds will get the best parking spaces and will be around to hear their names called.

• Stay hydrated. Stuffy auditoriums or sun-baked bleachers can quickly make for an uncomfortable setting. While you shouldn’t bring along a bag, purse or too many accessories, tuck a small water bottle under your seat to help you stay refreshed throughout the ceremony. Focus on comfort during a graduation ceremony, as the entire experience should be one to savor and enjoy.

JALYRIC JOHNSON-SURRATT

KMHS Creative Writing and Media Production Class.

Explore these college savings strategies

Enrolling in a trade school or college is widely considered the next step after a student graduates from high school. College is especially popular, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 62.7 percent of high school graduates went on to colleges and universities in 2020.

Finding ways to pay for higher education has long been a goal for students and their families.

PrepScholar, a college testing preparation resource, calculates that, by 2033, students can expect to pay around $237,000 at in-state public universities and $464,000 at private colleges or universities for four-year degrees. That high cost is why so many

Mull to attend UNC-Chapel Hill

Jordan Mull has a full schedule at Kings Mountain High School, taking the necessary courses to earn his diploma and prepare for college. When he saw the opportunity to earn an associate degree before graduation, he took advantage of the opportunity.

He found the online courses straight forward and easy. Most classes were online. When necessary, an instructor came to the high school from Cleveland Community College.

families take proactive steps to set aside funds for college soon after their children are born. No matter the situation, taking the steps to plan and save helps to make schooling more affordable.

529 college savings plan

A 529 is a specialized savings account for college and university costs. Most plans can be opened by a U.S. citizen or resident alien age 18 and older. The individual opening the account can be a parent, grandparent, cousin, or even a friend. The student is the beneficiary of the account. Four-year schools, community colleges and vocational/trade schools accept 529 accounts as

The Class of 2023 has had to deal with COVID-19 in a big way, including the way that they learn. And Jordan has taken full advantage.

“I plan to get a degree in Mathematics at UNC Chapel Hill and go into the

payment sources. The only requirement is that the school must participate in the U.S. Department of Education student financial aid programs.

Education savings account, or Education IRA

The financial experts at Ramsey Solutions say an ESA works like a Roth IRA but it is designed specifically for education expenses. Individuals can invest up to $2,000 (after tax) per year, per child. The account grows tax-free.

insurance field in actuarial science,” Jordan said. Actuarial science assesses financial risks in the insurance and finance fields, using mathematical and statistical methods. He might also double major in Philosophy.

When not studying, Jordan enjoys the gym, bonding with friends, PPFS, and clubs in which he participates: Art, Beta, National Honor Society, Interact, and Ambassadors.

When asked, knowing what he knows now what advice he would give to his younger self, he said, “Take your high school career more seriously, don’t wish for it to be over and really value it, and make smart choices academically.” Jordan is the son of Mike and Nikki Mull, and has two siblings: Kaylee and Koltyn.

The rate of growth varies based on investments in the account. Ramsey estimates that at an average return rate of 12 percent on a $36,000 investment ($2,000 per year for 18 years) would grow to around $126,000 by the time the child starts college. An ESA also can be used to pay for K-12 private school tuition, school supplies, tutoring, or textbooks. It also can be transferred to a sibling if the money is not needed for a particular student.

UTMA/UGMA plan

This plan is different from ESAs and 529s because it is not specifically designed for college savings. The Uniform Transfer/Gift to Minors Act is in the child’s name but is controlled by a guardian until the child reaches age 18 or 21. This mutual fund account can be used to save for college with reduced taxes, or funds can be used for other expenses, such as a car or housing.

Advanced placement classes

AP classes allow high

school students to take college-level courses that can be converted into college credits. Each AP class reduces the need to pay for a class in college. This can add up to some significant savings. In addition, performing well in AP classes may make students more attractive to colleges and universities, helping students to earn academic scholarships. Saving for college can start early and there are various vehicles for families to explore.

JORDAN MULL

Taking the steps to plan and save helps to make schooling more affordable.

Cruell to study nursing at UNC-G

By Loretta Cozart

Tamari Cruell took pharmacy tech courses at Cleveland Community College (CCC) because she enjoys helping others. She currently works at Walgreens and decided to take Cleveland Community College’s Pharmacy Technician Academy to become a certified pharmacy technician as a good base toward her plans in becoming a neonatal nurse.

“My mom is my role model. She is a CNA and has also worked in a dental office. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go into the medical field, but seeing how doctors and nurses have treated me in the past also had a positive impact on me,” she said.

“I enjoyed my pharmacy technician classes at CCC with instructor Mark Woodall. He is a good teacher and created a fun learning environment. It was a good experience,” Tamari said.

When not in school, she enjoys time with her family. “I like to read books and watch TV series like Gray’s Anatomy.”

Looking back, if she could give her ninth-grade self some advice, Tamari said, “I would tell myself to be patient and stick it out. Everything will be okay. And don’t take yourself too seriously.”

Tamari is the daughter of Terri Anderson and Stephano Cruell. She has one sibling, Tazari Cruell.

Ulloa Vasquez to pursue a career in nursing

By Loretta Cozart

Sindy Ulloa Vasquez remembers when her grandmother cared for her as a child. She would create things for the children and her care inspired Sindy to get involved in the CNA program at Kings Mountain High School.

When the opportunity arose, Sindy took Freshman Health Team Relations courses, and later Nursing Foundations working toward her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

She enjoyed the classes so much that she decided to continue her education at ECU in Nursing. “My plan is to become a Nurse Practitioner,” Sindy said. “I recommend this path to anyone, even if they aren’t sure they want to make a career of it or decide not to

go on to college. You can learn a lot to help you in life and, once certified, you can start a job as a CNA at 18-years old.”

Aside from her CNA training, Sindy participated in Track at KMHS, in long distance running, 1- and 2-miles, and the 4 x 800 meter relay. “I plan to continue running after high school and have already run two half-marathons for St. Jude,” she said. She also enjoys drawing and crocheting. “I like to create things. I think I got that from my mom and grandmother,” she said with a smile.

Sindy is the daughter of Kevin Ulloua and Maria Vasquez, and the granddaughter of Maria Gavarette. She has a brother Bryan Ulloa.

college prep courses

High school students, particularly juniors and seniors, spend a considerable amount of time contemplating their academic futures. Students typically feel pressure to set themselves apart from the millions of other teenagers who apply to college each year, and many look to college prep courses as a potential game-changer.

College prep courses can improve students’ standing in the eyes of college admissions officers, but it’s imperative that high schoolers consider a host of factors before enrolling in such courses.

• Time: Today’s high school students are busier than ever. The 2019 American Time Use Survey from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the average high school student spends a little less than 90 minutes each day participating in an extracurricular activity like playing sports, working or volunteering. Coupled with their existing academic responsibilities, high schoolers’ time may already be stretched thin. That’s a significant factor to consider before enrolling in college prep or advanced placement courses, which tend to require more work outside of the classroom than standard classes. Students whose schedules are already full may need to choose between their extracurriculars and college prep courses to avoid being overextended.

• Ripple effect: Students who have the time

to take on the extra work of AP or college prep courses must consider the potential ripple effects of such a decision. It’s true that many institutions view students who excel in AP classes more favorably than their peers who excel in conventional classes. However, students should be sure they can handle AP coursework without adversely affecting their performance in other classes. Students’ grade point averages will likely drop if a strong performance in an AP class comes at the expense of strong performances in other classes. That dip in GPA could negate the benefits of performing well in an advanced course.

• Graduation/admission requirements: A strong performance in an AP class will not negate the basic requirements students must meet in order to graduate high school or be accepted into the college of their choice. Students must confirm that including a college prep or AP course in their class schedules won’t prevent them from taking another course that will help them fulfill their requirements to graduate or enroll in college. College prep and advanced placement courses can help students stand out during the college application process. But students must consider various factors prior to enrolling in such courses.

TAMARI CRUELL

SINDY ULLOA VASQUEZ

KMHS group departs for Italy in June

A group of students, parents, and teachers from KMHS will depart for an 11-day trip to Italy on June 6. The group of 27 includes 16 students, 7 parents, and 4 chaperones, who have been planning for this trip for over a year. They will be joined by another high school group of 20 from Argyle, TX.

The tour will take students on a culture and cuisine themed tour of southern Italy. They will explore charming seaside towns and dig into the local flavor, whether it’s a

RESUME

From Page 8B

• Extracurricular activities: Schools and even future employers look at more than just test scores and GPAs. In a competitive admissions climate, colleges will weigh the

slice of fresh focaccia or a beachside gelato tasting. As they explore these untapped regions, they’ll experience the concept of farm-to-table firsthand during visits to a buffalo mozzarella farm, a family-owned olive grove, and a small-batch factory that takes chocolate from bean to bar.

The tour will also include a few days in Rome where they will take a guided tour of Vatican City, as well as visit the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Piazza Navona.

entire picture of a student. Someone who was heavily involved in sports, clubs and peer-run groups like scouting organizations may find that such participation is what sets them apart from other applicants. Pick extracurricular activities that align with passions rather than just ones that will look good

Their return trip will also include an afternoon and night exploring Toronto, Canada. The trip’s travel is being coordinated by EF Educational Tours. EF has been designing tours for over 55 years, to help educators teach, and so students can learn more about tolerance, other perspectives, and themselves, resulting in immersive, life-changing educational experiences.

Liza Dellinger, the Freshman Academy Director at KMHS, is leading the tour. She previously led a

on a résumé. According to Christine Chu, a premier college counselor at IvyWise, a New Yorkbased education consulting company, students who demonstrate grit, authenticity and integrity stand out.

• Well-crafted essay writing: Essays give students an opportunity to

Congratulations to the World’s Best Graduates!

tour in 2018 to Barcelona and Madrid, Spain.

Priscila Medina, a 9th grade student said, “When I first saw that it would be surrounded by the arts and cuisine, I was so excited. I wasn't only going to see Italy, but I am also going to see the art and culture that created it. My mother and I have always dreamed of going to Italy but never had the right group to go with or know what to do when we got there. Being surrounded by a group of people who share the same interest in

tell their unique stories in ways a résumé cannot. An essay should be highly personal and thoughtful, and also present students as a real person. Students should write essays even when they are optional, as the essay can be a window into what makes applicants tick. It is important for students to continually hone

the country and being able to have someone guide us around is the best dream come true.”

A second 9th grade student, Hadessa Nolen shared, “I want to go on the trip to Italy because I think that it would be an amazing opportunity to experience a different culture and a new way of life. I am excited to go to see the amazing artwork and beautiful architecture. I am excited to try many new types of food and to take the cooking class that we were given the opportunity

their essay-writing skills, which they can ultimately utilize to make a strong impression with university admissions departments.

• Depth, not breadth, of experience: Students should focus their passions on a few select activities over widespread participation in many different ones. Activities that carry

to sign up for. I also think that going on this trip would be an amazing way to learn about the history of Italy and about the people who have made it what it is today.”

Kaylee Belew, an 11th grade student commented, “The trip is once in a lifetime for most kids our age, but the opportunity to get to go with KMHS this summer is an amazing opportunity. The cost of this trip for me has been hard but the sacrifices are going to be well worth it.”

over into academic focus and a future major may be especially valuable.

It’s never too early for students to start building their school résumés. Achievements in and out of the classroom can lay the groundwork for both short- and long-term success

How to make applying to college less stressful

Applying to colleges is exciting for many high school students. But that excitement is sometimes tempered by anxiety. The college application process can affect students’ lives for years to come, so it’s understandable why some teenagers might feel stressed as they apply to college.

The National Center for Educational Statistics says 69 percent of high school graduates in the United States enroll in college the fall after graduating from high school. Many students begin applying to college before entering their senior year of high school. Students can employ various strategies to make applying to college less stressful.

Create an inventory of student experiences and awards

When completing their college applications, students submit a variety of materials.

In addition to students’ track records in the classroom, schools will be interested in kids’ extracurricular activities, hobbies, volunteer work, and even things they do during their free time. Parents and students can work together to develop

a master list that includes information about what students have accomplished during high school. These may include involvement in certain clubs, participation in sports teams, advanced ranking in scouting programs, or even a list of books read. Having this document handy will make it that much simpler to fill out college applications.

Investigate the Common Application

The Common Application began as a niche program for select private liberal arts colleges, but now has grown into an organization that services more than 750 schools. The organization enables students to create an account and complete one basic form that will be accepted by all institutions who are members. The CA helps students streamline the college application process and reduce redundancy. An alert system also helps applicants manage application deadlines.

Avoid applying everywhere

Some students think that applying to dozens of schools will improve their chances of being admitted. However, applicants may

be wasting their time applying to schools they have no intention of attending, and that only adds to the stress of meeting deadlines. Narrow down the possibilities to a handful of favorite schools and go from there.

Use the resources at your disposal

Students who have access to guidance counselors, mentors, college centers, or even teachers who are willing to help with the application process should use these resources wisely. In addition, iPhone and Android apps can help streamline the college application process.

Consider scholarships concurrently

Some schools automatically consider applicants for scholarships, grants and work-study programs. But that’s not so with every school, so students may have to apply on their own or rely on third parties for scholarships. Fastweb is a leading online resource to find scholarships to pay for school. Advance preparation can make the college application process a lot less stressful for students and their parents.

Passports in hand, this group of twenty-seven KMHS students, parents, and chaperones will depart for Italy on June 6. (Photo by KMHS)

D’Angelo follows his passion for collision repair

By Loretta Cozart

According to Kings Mountain High School senior Andrew D’Angelo, he has always been into cars and when he learned he could earn a collision repair certificate at Cleveland Community College during his senior year, he took that path.

“Last year I took college classes in auto body and collision. But the collision repair certificate prepares me for entry-level employment opportunities in the automotive body and refinishing industry right out of high school,” he said.

“I found the certificate courses to be a lot of fun, because I’ve always been into cars, and these are hands-on classes. The auto body and collision courses require bookwork. In the second semester, we did auto body work, sanding, and painting, and I worked on my own car, a red Acura Integra.”

The Collision Repair and Refinishing curriculum at Cleveland Community College provides training in the use of equipment and materials of the auto body repair trade. Students study the construction of the automobile body and

Tips to pay off student debt early

Recent college graduates may be entering the job market with degrees in tow, but many also are leaving school with sizable amounts of student loan debt. According to a 2017 report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, student loan debt rose for the eighteenth consecutive year, while Debt.org reports that student debt in the United States totaled $1.4 trillion in 2017. Canadian students are not faring much better than their American counterparts, owing an average of $28,000 after four years according to the Canadian Federation of Students. Student loan debt is a heavy burden that has shortand long-term affects on borrowers. Sizable student loan debts may affect young professionals’ ability to support themselves, while the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reports that such debt has contributed to a decline in the housing market, as fewer college graduates can afford to buy homes while still in their 20s.

The notion of paying off their student loans before they reach maturity may seem implausible to some borrowers. But there are a handful of ways for adults with sizable student debts to do just that.

• Make more frequent payments. Many homeowners pay their mortgages off early by making bi-weekly payments. Doing so means they will make 26 half-payments, or 13 full payments, each year as opposed to the 12 full payments made by homeowners who pay on a monthly schedule. The same approach can be applied to student loans. That extra annual payment each year can gradually chip away at loan balances, helping borrowers pay loans off

techniques of auto body repairing, rebuilding, and refinishing.

Course work includes auto body fundamentals, industry, overview, and safety. Students will perform hands-on repairs in the areas of non-structural repairs, MIG welding, plastics and adhesives, refinishing, and other related areas.

Reflecting on his high school career, Andrew said, “Do your homework and don’t be lazy. Everything works out in the end.”

Andrew is the son of Michelle Sherwood and Phillip D’Angelo. He has a sister, Eleyna.

How students can narrow their college lists

many options.

before they reach maturity.

• Prioritize paying off high-interest loans. Many students finance their educations by taking out multiple loans. If these loans come with different interest rates, borrowers should pay off the high-interest loans first to reduce the amount they’re spending on interest. Borrowers will still need to make minimum payments on other loans, but any extra money they intend to pay each month should go toward paying down the high-interest loan.

• Refinance loans. Many recent college graduates do not have lengthy credit histories, and some might be carrying low credit scores. Once such borrowers have shown that they can consistently make payments in full and on time, they can approach their lenders to refinance their loans in the hopes of getting a lower interest rate reflective of their creditworthiness. Refinancing may only be available to borrowers with private loans, but this strategy can save student debt holders a lot of money over the life of their loans.

• Take advantage of offers from lenders. Some lenders may reduce interest rates for borrowers who agree to certain terms, such as signing up to receive e-statements or enrolling in automatic payment programs in which money is deducted directly from a borrowers’ bank account on the same day each month. The savings created by such offers may seem insignificant each month, but can add up over time.

Paying off student loan debts early can be done, even for borrowers whose debts are tens of thousands of dollars.

College requires a significant commitment of time and money. High school seniors are expected to have an idea of what they want to do with the rest of their lives and then find schools that can help them achieve their career goals.

By the time many high school students reach their junior year, colleges have undoubtedly already sent them brochures highlighting their programs. Applying to college is much simpler than it once was, thanks in part to various softwares that centralize and streamline applications. But the application process can still be complex and even expensive. To simplify the process and reduce costs, students will eventually need to decide which schools to apply to. The following strategies can help students narrow down their lists.

• Employ the “match,” “reach” and “safety” formula. A match school is one you’re likely to get into. A reach school is one that is more selective and could be a bit of stretch for acceptance. A safety school is one that’s likely a guaranteed acceptance. A well-rounded college list includes a mix of these types of schools. College application fees range from $20 to $90, so set a reasonable limit for applications. Choosing around three to four matches, two safeties and at least one reach is a good cut-off.

• Decide where you “don’t” want to go. Turn the criteria around and narrow down prospects by what doesn’t appeal to you. Maybe you don’t like the hot weather, so certain southern schools may be out. If you do not like large lecture halls, maybe schools with a huge student population and large

classes can be eliminated. Weed out what you don’t like to help narrow your options.

• Consider cost. Before applying to schools, thoroughly research all costs. According to CreditKarma, in 2022 the average tuition at public colleges in the United States was $10,577 per year, while private college tuition cost $33,230. Additional costs include room and board, meal

plans, books, and any technology or additional fees. Discuss these costs with your family. Compare them to what the expected family contribution will be, and approximately how much aid money can be expected from each school (this information is typically included on the school’s website or through college comparison tools). Cost alone could weed out

• Course of study is a major consideration. Eliminate any school that doesn’t offer your intended major. Eliminate schools that do not offer the courses you desire.

• Rate the campus. Visit as many schools as you can in person. A school that looks one way on the internet may not come across the same when you schedule a tour and see the facilities up close. First-hand impressions are important considering this is where you’ll be spending time for the next four years. When narrowing down colleges, some additional considerations are distance from home, campus life, potential internship opportunities, and other criteria that is important to you.

ANDREW D'ANGELO

Andrew D'Angelo’s car as he was working on it. (Photos by Andrew D'Angelo)Andrew D’Angelo’s car after completing the auto body repair and painting.