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Homecoming Queen and Parade Photos Inside
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Volume 134 • Issue 38
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
kmherald.com • 704-484-1047
75¢
Worley hired as City of KM Economic Development Manager By Loretta Cozart City of Kings Mountain hired their new Economic Development Manager Michael Worley about a month ago and, he has made great strides to meet with businesspeople in town. He is familiar with Kings Mountain, having gone to high school in Gastonia and is from the Chapel Grove/Crowders Mountain area of Gaston County. Michael comes to Kings Mountain with a diverse background, giving him a unique perspective in his new role with the city. His own experiences in a variety of business helps him understand the challenges if running a business. He has been in sales and marketing since 1999, when he started out selling Kirby vacuums door to door, earning top awards, and winning trips across the world. Michael has managed various businesses in some form since starting a
MICHAEL WORLEY, Economic Development Manager mail order catalogue in 2001. He later became a lead pastor in Dunn, NC, and graduated from Southeastern Theological Seminary.
In 2013, Michael started an antique business and became interested in auctions; he has held an Auctioneer See WORLEY, Page 2A
Sales tax increase on the November ballot By Loretta Cozart
On November 8, Cleveland County voters can weigh in on a proposed sales tax increase during the General Election. The proposed increase would increase county sales taxes from 6.5 percent to 7 percent, and the funds generated would be earmarked for Cleveland County Schools (CCS). The sales tax increase equates to 25 cents for every $10 spent. Assistant County Manager Kerri Melton spoke during the recent Cleveland County Board of Commissioners meeting saying, “One of your strategic goals was to continue to partner with Cleveland County Schools with the goal to increase teacher supplements and develop a long-term school capital improvement plan. This board has continued to be forward thinking. You realize school capital is a huge part of the county budget and want to continue that momentum of planning for the future and
planning ahead.” During a joint planning meeting held between Cleveland County School Board and Cleveland County Board of Commissioners on August 8, Consultant K-12 Studio Director Ben Thompson shared the findings of a study that assessed the current conditions of CCS facilities. The study found that the funds needed to bring all CCS schools up to date would cost $148 million dollars. And those figures do not include escalation. Regarding the proposed tax increase Melton continued, “Article 46 is one of those opportunities that we have to prepare for the future and help fund those projects that are identified,” she said. “Although minimally invasive to taxpayers or to our residents, it will generate $3 million in revenue which would be used for school capital.” Key facts to know about the sales tax referendum: • Sales and use taxes do not apply to commonly pur-
chased items like unprepared food (i.e., groceries), gasoline, prescription drugs, and motor vehicles. • Passing this sales tax referendum will not affect Cleveland County’s property tax rate. An additional one-quarter of a percent sales tax would generate twice as much revenue as having one cent added to the property tax rate. • Sales tax generates revenue from visitors, in addition to residents. Everyone who shops in Cleveland County pays sales tax. • A total of 46 counties in North Carolina have approved the one-quarter of a percent sales tax referendum including county neighbors Gaston, Lincoln, Catawba, and Rutherford Counties. The Sales Tax Referendum will be located at the end of the ballot. When voting, you will be asked to vote “FOR” or “AGAINST” a one-quarter of a percent increase to the local sales and use tax.
Oliva Wilson was crowned the 2022 KMHS Homecoming Queen on Friday, September 16. She was nominated by the Kings Revue. Olivia is the daughter of Jeff and Erin Wilson. She is pictured with her dad. See additional Homecoming photos on page 7A. Photo by Gary Smart
Clev. County Music Hall Of Fame Inaugural Induction Ceremony is a rousing success By Loretta Cozart On Saturday evening, September 17, Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame (CCMHF) celebrated the rich history of the county at the Don Gibson Theater in Shelby during its inaugural induction of prominent musicians and individuals dedicated to the love of music in the community. Prior to the induction ceremony, a dinner was held in the theater’s gathering space and entertainment was provided. Vice President of the CCMHF Angela Padgett said of the event, “I am overwhelmed by the positive response and support of the community. We had no idea the turnout would be this good, this being our first year. The committee is pleased that we have such dedicated support from the community.” Master of Ceremonies Sarah Lee Owensby, morn-
A good crown enjoys dinner before the induction ceremony. Photo provided ing co-host of 96.9 The Kat, introduced The KAT Awards Presenter Teen Miss Mountie Cindi Stinchcomb following opening remarks by CCMHF President Phil Weathers. CCMHF Board member Jeff Champion presented their first inaugural Hastings Award to Calvin and Terresa
Hastings. The couple donated the WOHS property to the Hall of Fame for use of as the organization’s home. Both Don Gibson and Earl Scruggs once performed at the station, and the building was an integral part of the music scene in Cleveland County for decades. See HALL OF FAME, Page 8A
Potato Project harvesting last week of September Donations of time and money needed By Loretta Cozart Cleveland County Potato Projects plans to harvest potatoes at the
Patterson Springs plot on Sulphur Springs Rd the last week of September. Unfortunately, that was the only plot that survived this year. According to Doug Sharp last week, he reported as only he can, “If you are keeping score, it is Deer 2, Potato Project 1.” Potatoes from this nonprofit feed many Cleveland County residents annually.
And with the soaring cost of food, energy, and rent, cash for many has become tighter than ever. You can help by contributing to the Cleveland County Potato Project, 107 Quail Hollow Dr. Kings Mtn. NC, 28086. The organization is a 501c3 charity. For more information, contact Doug Sharp at 704 472 5128.
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Streetscape work has begun in the 200 Block of W. Mountain Street. Please support local businesses during this time. Remember: Buy local, or bye-bye local. Photo by Loretta Cozart
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