KM Herald 2-12-25

Local residents win big lottery payoff ACLU files lawsuit against Cleveland County Schools

Eddie Graham of Belmont entered second-chance drawings for years, and his persistence paid off with a $1 million grand prize, collecting his winnings on February 6.

“This is unreal,” Graham said. “I’m still processing it.”

On Wednesday, he won the top prize in the fourth and final 200X The Cash second-chance drawing. The drawing received more than 1.6 million entries.

“This type of thing just doesn’t happen to me,” he said. “It couldn’t have come at a better time though.”

The 200X The Cash game featured four second-chance drawings. Each drawing offered one $1 million prize, one $200,000 prize, and twenty-five $500 prizes.

“I’ve been doing the second chance for years,” he said. “The only tickets I buy are second-chance ones.”

Eddie Graham of Belmont is a $1 Million Grand Prize Winner. Photo by North Carolina Lottery https://nclottery.com/

When Graham arrived at lottery headquarters Thursday, he had a decision to make. He could receive his prize as an annuity of $50,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $600,000. He chose the lump sum of $600,000 and, after required tax withholdings, took home

$430,500. Graham plans to use the winnings to pay bills, buy a used truck, and possibly buy a house. He also wants to help his family. “I can use this to take care of my daughter and granddaughter,” he said.

See LOTTERY, Page 5A

Leaf season wraps up Feb. 14

Leaf Season will wrap up on February 14! On this day, city crews will survey the streets to identify any piles that have already been raked to the curb for collection. If you have leaves ready for pickup, make sure they’re out by this date!

After February 14, any leaves you want collected must be bagged and placed at the curb, separate from your regular trash. The Street Department will be happy to collect those for you. Thank you for helping keep our community clean!

By Loretta Cozart

In a February 5 statement, the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina (ACLU) described its filing of a lawsuit against Cleveland County Schools over banning high school students from playing an LGBTQ+-themed trivia game.

The statement read, the ACLU of North Carolina and Charles Johnson of the law firm of Robinson, Bradshaw filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against the Cleveland County Board of Education for violating the First Amendment and Equal Access Act. The Board has banned a student group from playing a quiz game highlighting LGBTQ+ people

who have made significant contributions to American society, deeming the activity “indecent.”

The lawsuit, which was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, alleges the school district’s actions violate the rights to free speech, freedom of association, and equal access to school resources.

According to the lawsuit, the game contains no content that could reasonably be viewed as lewd, obscene, defamatory, or depicting criminal activity. By preventing one student group from discussing LGBTQ+ individuals and media while allowing other student groups, such as the Bible

Club, to discuss any topics they like, the lawsuit argues that the Board’s decision amounts to unconstitutional discrimination.

“It is longstanding law that students do not shed their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse gate, and school officials cannot prohibit student speech simply because they disagree with its message or find it uncomfortable,” said Ivy Johnson, staff attorney for the ACLU of North Carolina. “The game in question simply recognizes significant LGBTQ+ figures in pop culture and history, such as Harvey Milk, George Takei, and Ellen DeGeneres. Acknowledging that LGBTQ+ people See LAWSUIT, Page 5A

CCS School Board reviews graduation distinctions

During the February Cleveland County School Board meeting, members discussed Policy 3450, which would increase the distinction requirements based on grade point average effective June 2027. The distinction of cum laude would remain unchanged. However, both distinctions for magna cum laude and summa cum laude could be increased. For graduating students

Trump administration halts EV Charging Station program

The Trump administration has decided to halt the approval of state electric vehicle infrastructure deployment plans, effectively pausing the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. This decision, announced on February 6, 2025, has significant implications for the future of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the United States.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a memo to Department of Transportation directors, stating, “The new leadership of the Department of Transportation (US DOT) has decided to review the policies underlying the implementation of the NEVI Formula Program.” The memo further explains that the current NEVI Formula Program Guidance, dated June 11, 2024, and all prior versions of this guidance, are rescinded. The FHWA is updating the NEVI Formula Program Guidance to align with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

In an executive order, President Donald Trump declared, “All agencies shall immediately pause

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the disbursement of funds from programs created by the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.” This order specifically targets the NEVI Formula Program and the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) grant program, which have significantly benefitted Tesla in recent years. The order states that agencies submit a review of “processes, policies, and programs for See HALTS, Page 5A

Cleveland County

SCHOOLS

graduating before July 2027, it is now stipulated that students with a 4.20 weighted grade point average shall receive the distinction of magna cum laude. And students with a 4.30 or higher weighted grade point average shall receive the distinction of summa cum laude. The changes would im-

pact students graduating after June 2027. Changes would require that students with a 4.30 weighted grade point average shall receive the distinction of magna cum laude, and students with a 4.50 or higher weighted grade point average shall receive the distinction of summa cum laude. This is the first reading of Policy 3450, and the school board’s discussion will be published in next week’s Herald.

New virus discovered in the US heightens pandemic fears

In a startling development, researchers have identified a new virus in the United States that could cause a pandemic. This discovery has raised significant concerns among health experts and the public alike. The virus, known as the Camp Hill virus, is a type of henipavirus, a family of viruses that includes some of the most dangerous pathogens known to humans.

Researchers at The University of Queensland in northern short-tailed shrews in Alabama first identified the Camp Hill virus. Dr. Rhys Parry from the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences at The University of Queensland confirmed the presence of the virus in these small mammals, which are widely distributed across Canada and the US. The Camp Hill virus

was confirmed in shrews in the US state of Alabama. This marks the first time a henipavirus has been found in North America, a significant finding that suggests these viruses may be more globally distributed than previously thought1.

According to Dr. Parry, “Henipaviruses have caused serious disease and death in people and animals in other See VIRUS, Page 5A

Afternoon Adventures: Lift Every Voice, presented by Bright Star Theatre

Bright Star Theater will present a captivating journey of speeches, songs, and poems from throughout Black History at Mauney Memorial Library’s Community Room, 100 S Piedmont Ave, Kings Mountain, on Wednesday, March 5, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for children ages 6 –12. Sing along with selections from the Civil

Rights Movement, hear excerpts from speeches that changed the country by Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth, and meet Maya Angelou, Phyllis Wheatley, and so many more! This production is a great celebration of literature, song, and the spoken word.

Registration Required at https://mauneylibrary.libcal.com/ event/12961220

This Bright Star actor portrays Dr. Martin Luther King. Photo by Mauney Memorial Library

■ OBITUARIES

Joe Sephus Wyte

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Joe Sephus Wyte, 87, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on February 5, 2025 at Caromont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia. Born March 23, 1937 in Cleveland County, NC.

He was the son of the late James Wyte and Nella Morrison Wyte and was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Rebecca “Becky” Clara Self Wyte, and brothers James Wyte, Jr. and Tommy Wyte. Joe retired after 46 years of service as a superintendent at Mauney Hosiery in Kings Mountain. He was a man of many talents. Joe developed a green thumb

through his years of gardening, enjoyed honing his craft of woodworking, and was a great mechanic--he was good with tools and could fix anything. He was an avid fan of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels athletic department and Atlanta Braves baseball. His love of sports led him to coach little league teams for many years. He also enjoyed traveling. Joe was a wonderful father, grandfather, and husband who loved and cared for his wife. His memory will be cherished and treasured by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his Sons: Scott Wyte and wife, Laura Dawn, of Wilmington, NC; Mark Wyte and wife, Johnna, of Kings Mountain; and Joey Wyte and wife, Julie, Bellevue, KY; siblings: Jake Wyte of Kings Mountain; William Wyte and wife, Brenda, of Blacksburg, SC; Libby McDaniel of Kings Mountain; Carolyn Ammons and husband, Mike, of Denver, NC; grandchildren: Crystal Shoe and husband, Jase; Hannah Moore and husband,

Margaret Louise Carpenter Lybrand

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Margaret Louise Carpenter Lybrand, 92, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on February 4, 2025 at Peak Resources in Cherryville, NC.

She was born August 12, 1932 in Cleveland County, NC, daughter of the late Walter James and Marie Wright Carpenter and was

preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, James Austin “Jim” Lybrand Jr. Louise was also preceded in death by her sister, Grace Wolfe.

She was a longtime member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. Louise worked in the banking industry at First Union Bank in Kings Mountain for several years. After leaving the bank, she worked in the family business, Lybrand Construction and Interiors, for many years with her husband, Jim. Louise enjoyed collecting antiques and gardening. She had a tremendous garden every year and loved canning and putting away the many vegetables she grew. She and Jim were avid travelers, enjoying both national and international trips. In later life, they took many senior trips with friends. Louise was a loving mother and grandmother to

GC FAST Team arrested 89 offenders in 2024

The Gaston County Fugitive Apprehension and Suspect Tracking (FAST) Team was established in April 2023 to apprehend individuals with active warrants for violent crimes, drug trafficking, and repeat offenses. Led by the Gaston County Police Department, the FAST Team collaborates closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of all residents in Gaston County.

In 2024, the FAST Team successfully arrested 89 offenders facing over 230 charges, including serious offenses such as murder, kidnapping, robbery, and child sex crimes.

The Gaston County Police Department extends its gratitude to our partner agencies—the Bessemer City Police Department, Cherryville Police Department, Dallas Police Department, Lowell Police Department, the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, and the United States Marshals Service— for their invaluable contributions to making our communities safer by targeting and apprehending the county's most violent offenders.

Included below are a

Andrew; Seth Wyte; Jacob Wyte and wife, Mia; Emily Yeager and husband, Craig; and Anna Wyte

Joe is additionally survived by four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial service was held at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Dr. Steve Taylor officiating.

Visitation was held immediately following the service in the Christian Activities Center at Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Interment was in Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.

Donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the Bethlehem Baptist Church Building Fund at 1017 Bethlehem Road, Kings Mountain, North Carolina 28086 or online at www.bethlehemkmnc.org/give

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

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

two generations. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her children: James A. “Jim” Lybrand III and wife Lynn, Shelby, NC and Jayne Lybrand Dowdy and husband Bradley, Boone, NC; grandchildren: Jamie Washburn and husband Jay, Lance Lybrand, Andrew “Drew” Dowdy, and Rebecca Dowdy; great-grandchildren: Ella, Claire, Kate, and Quinn Washburn. A graveside service was held on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Mountain Rest Cemetery with Reverend G. Scott Homesley officiating. Interment was held in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC. Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.

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

Mary Lynne Palmer Zeunik

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Mary Lynne Palmer Zeunik was born October 16, 1946, in Battle Creek, Michigan and went home to the Lord on February 5, 2025, at her home in Kings Mountain, NC.

Mary was preceded in death by her grandparents, Wayne and Mamie Broughton, mother, Lois Walters, sister, Kay, brother, Jack, daughter Charlotte and granddaughter Hannah.

She was the loving wife to James Zeunik, mother to Teri (Tom Duffy) of Stafford, VA, Laura Palmer of Hudson, NC and Kimberly Whisnant of Bessemer City; stepchildren, JP (Sherri Zeunik) of Woodstock, GA, Rob (Carla

Zeunik) of Paisley, Fl, Lisa Zeunik of Lady Lake, Fl and Scott Zeunik of Kings Mountain; grandmother to Ellen, Ashlee, Claire, Sam, Haley, Alexis and Lea;step-grandchildren, Michael and Ashley; great-grandmother of 4 with 1 more due within days.

Mary moved to North Carolina from Michigan in 1993 to build a ServiceMaster franchise with her husband Jim. In her free time Mary loved to garden, enjoyed time with grandchildren and bringing laughter to all. In later years, she enjoyed watching the hummingbirds and squirrels outside of her window, along with loving her precious fur family Aqui and Shredder before their passing and her baby Sheba.

The many stories that could be shared would only give you a glimpse of the person she was to each of us, and you would still never see the full vibrant person she was in life.

Most that knew Mary thought of her as a sweet southern little lady, but she had a strong and determined and no-nonsense personality. She had fight, strength and stubbornness without match, and used that to the very end.

The family would like to give a special thank you to

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Marguerite Thomason Plonk, 93, of Kings Mountain, NC passed away on February 5, 2025 at McLeod Hospice House in Florence, SC.

Born November 26, 1931 in Greenville, SC, she was the daughter of the late Belton Oswell Thomason and Bertha Johnson Thomason. Marguerite was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-one years, William “Bill” Law-

GCPD investigating human remains found near Dallas

rence Plonk and her siblings Belton Oswald Thomason, Jr. and Lilla Thomason Dalton. She was a member of Saint Matthews Lutheran Church. Prior to leaving the education field to raise her family, Marguerite was an elementary teacher. She was a lady of leisure with simple taste while having a passion for playing bridge and reading. Survivors include daughters: Jodie Mercier and husband Mark of Asheville, NC, Janice and Nick Foong of Florence, SC, Jill and Terry Lovell of Kings Mountain, NC, and Jaqueline and Fadi Saliba of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren: Julien Mercier, Dr. Chelsea Foong Hughes and husband Andrew Hughes , Andrew Foong, David Foong and wife Ronnie, Blake and Victoria Lovell and Layla, Isabella, and Drew Saliba; step-grandchild: Jessica Plascencia and husband Oscar; great-grandchildren: Will and Samuel

Tonda Helms, whose constant companionship, loving care and generous heart made the worst days better and the good days even more special for Mary and her family over the past eight years.

Mary had many lifelong friendships but a special thank you to Bobby and Sue Hayes for the many years of being a part of the family by becoming friends with the neighbors.

Mary was a member of Cherokee Street Baptist Church in Kings Mountain and enjoyed listening to Roger Green preach and Sue Hayes sing.

Mary’s wit, cheeky smile and bright eyes will be missed by all who knew her. The family received friends 6:30-8:30 pm on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Greene Funeral Service, West Chapel, 216 Archie Whitesides Road, Gastonia. The funeral service was held 1:00 pm Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Cherokee Street Baptist Church, 421 South Cherokee Street in Kings Mountain with Roger Green officiating.

Interment followed at Mountain Rest Cemetery in Kings Mountain. Online condolences may be sent to greenefuneral.com

Hughes Memorial service will be held on Saturday February 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church with the Reverend John Yost, III and the Reverend G. Scott Homesley officiating. A private interment will follow at St. Luke’s Cemetery.

Visitation is Saturday February 15, 2025 prior to the service from 12:45 to 1:45 in the fellowship hall at Saint Matthew’s Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Saint Matthew Lutheran Church, 201 North Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain NC 28086 or Friends of Mauney Memorial Library, 100 South Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain NC 28086. Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com. Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services , Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

few notable FAST team arrests for 2024.

Kolt Daniel Thomas

• Possession of Cocaine

• Possession of Heroin

• Possession of Stolen Firearm

• Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon

Dominic Pope

• Battery of Unborn Child

• Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence

• Kidnapping/False Imprisonment

• Parole Warrant

Katelynn Suzanne Black

• Death by Distribution

Elvis Jose Cabrera Martinez

• Wanted in Honduras for Child Rape

• David William Pace

• Murder

• Kidnapping (2 counts)

• Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

• Assault by Pointing a Gun

Zachary Dean Williams

• Indecent Liberties with a Child

• Solicit by Computer

• Attempted Statutory Rape </= 15

• Attempted Statutory Sex Offense </= 15 Marquavio Jerlix McCoy

• 1st Degree Murder

• Common Law Robbery

On February 5, at 8:40 am, unidentified remains were found by maintenance crews working on a section of the highway north of Dallas. This is an active investigation, and no other information is currently

available for release.

Anyone with additional information on the incident is asked to please call Detective J. Henderson at 704-866-3320 or CrimeStoppers at 704-861-8000.

New House Bill to reduce property taxes for some NC seniors

Under a new bill proposed last week, North Carolina seniors who have lived in their homes for at least fifteen years could see their state property taxes reduced.

The North Carolina General Assembly introduced House Bill 59 on February 4, aiming to expand the Elderly/Disabled Homestead Exclusion. This bill, sponsored by Representative Erin Paré, a Republican representing southwest Wake County, proposes significant measures to alleviate property tax burdens for senior citizens and disabled residents in North Carolina.

The bill outlines that a permanent residence owned and occupied by a qualifying owner will receive a property tax exclusion amounting to $25,000 or 50% of the residence's appraised value, whichever is greater. To qualify, owners

must be at least 65 years old or totally and permanently disabled, have an income not exceeding $48,000, and have owned and occupied the property as a permanent residence for the previous fifteen consecutive years.

This legislative move aims to provide substantial financial relief to North Carolina's senior citizens, ensuring they can maintain their homes without the added stress of high property taxes. The bill's implementation is set for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 20261. Representative Paré described her reasons for presenting the new Bill through posts to her X (Twitter) social media account: "I am continuing to cut your taxes at the state level. The Democrats on the #WakeCounty Board of Commissioners

See BILL, Page 5A

Marguerite Thomason Plonk

Injured CCSO deputy needs community’s help

By Loretta Cozart

On Wednesday, January 8, Cleveland County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Taylor was engaged in a high-speed pursuit, lost control of his vehicle, and struck a tree head-on. The vehicle immediately caught fire while Deputy Taylor removed himself from the vehicle. Passersby pulled him away from the burning vehicle, as well as K-9 Thanos. The Sheriff’s Office asks for anyone able or willing to donate to Deputy Taylor during this tragedy. All proceeds go directly to Deputy Taylor and his wife Mindy for expenses during his lengthy recovery.

If you want to help Deputy Taylor, there are several ways to give. Checks or money orders should be made to Mindy Taylor or Cleveland County Community Development Corporation. In the MEMO line, put “Still Standing/Rober Taylor.” Mail to PO Box 2808, Shelby, NC 28151. You can donate directly to a bank account at any NC State Employees Credit Union using account number 64558046.

DEPUTY ROBERT TAYLOR (Photo by CCSO)

NC auto insurance companies request 22.6% rate increase

By Loretta Cozart

North Carolina insurance companies have requested a statewide average 22.6% increase in automobile insurance rates. The North Carolina Rate Bureau, which represents the state’s automobile insurance companies and is not part of the Department of Insurance, filed the request with the Department on February 3. The insurance companies requested that the rates take effect on Oct. 1. State law gives the Commissioner of Insurance 60 days to review the rate request to determine if the increase is justified based on the data submitted. If Insurance Commissioner Mike

Causey does not agree with the requested increase, he and the Department of Insurance can negotiate a settlement or call for a hearing.

Settlements have been reached on automobile rate filings in the past. If the case goes to a hearing, a hearing officer will rule on the request. This rate filing follows a February 2023 filing in which the insurance companies requested a statewide 28.4% increase. That filing resulted in a settlement of an overall average 4.5% yearly increase for two years. In a statement, N.C. Rate Bureau COO Jarred Chappell indicated that the request for an increase is due to the rising costs of vehicles and repairs and the

increased frequency of accidents.

“This request reflects the fact that vehicles and repairs are getting more expensive, partly because automakers pack so much technology into modern vehicles,” Chappell said. “Accidents have become more common, partly because distracted driving has eroded driving habits. Vehicle weights are up, and so is horsepower, both of which make accidents more severe.”

Chappell stated that North Carolina has among the lowest auto insurance rates in the country and mentioned that an increase is necessary to attract many companies to write policies in the state.

Over $1B requested to rebuild WNC after Helene

By Loretta Cozart

On February 3, Governor Josh Stein requested $1.07 billion in immediate funding to support urgent rebuilding needs in western North Carolina. Governor Stein’s budget request includes funds to strengthen the economy, get people back into homes faster, repair infrastructure, support farmers, fix private roads and bridges, remove debris, and help school children stay at grade level.

nomic Development Partnership of North Carolina’s VisitNC division to support North Carolina’s tourism industry and to attract travelers and new businesses to the area.

• $100 million for revenue replacement grants to support local governments whose resources were exhausted by immediate disaster response as they work to keep water and sewer services going, pay law enforcement, and support school operations.

for the wildfire season and mitigate future risk. Caring For Families and Children

• $34.2 million for school districts that missed 15 or more days of school to provide summer instruction and other support services to ensure students continue to perform at grade level on End-of-Grade and End-ofCourse assessments.

• $20 million to fund food banks in affected areas.

Community Scholarship

Empowering Future STEM Leaders

“The people of western North Carolina have suffered tremendously since Helene swept through,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I appreciate what the General Assembly has done so far, but it’s time for us to step up and get them the money they need right now to rebuild. We can’t forget western North Carolina, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that the state shows up for them.”

Governor Stein announced his budget request at MANNA Food Bank, which works with over 300 community-based nonprofit food assistance partner agencies in 16 western North Carolina counties.

Providing Safe and Warm Places to Live

• $150 million for a Helene Home Construction and Repair Program to immediately start rebuilding the estimated 5,100 homes that need to be rebuilt post-Helene.

• $25 million to support people struggling to afford rent, mortgage, or utility costs because their home or livelihood was affected.

• $10 million for Back@ Home, a program that supports people who are without homes and provides them with case management support.

• $2 million to help college students struggling to pay tuition, fees, or emergency expenses that might force them to drop out of school at UNC Asheville, Appalachian State University, and Western Carolina University.

For the budget to be implemented, the following steps need to occur:

1. Approval by the General Assembly: Governor Stein has publicly appealed to the General Assembly to approve the budget request. The General Assembly must review and approve the proposed budget to allocate the necessary funds.

To

Albemarle is dedicated to Cleveland students.

Albemarle is dedicated to supporting Cleveland County students.

To Apply:

• $50 million in incentives for affordable housing construction.

• $25 million to fill in gaps for home repairs that FEMA does not cover.

Repairing Infrastructure

Must be a high school senior attending school in Cleveland County, NC.

Must be a school senior school in Cleveland NC

Must intend to pursue a STEM at an accredited two- or college university or vocational-technical school with full-time enrollment for the entire academic year

Must intend to pursue a STEM major at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school, with full-time enrollment for the entire academic year.

Must have minimum GPA of 3 0 on a 4 0 scale

Must have minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

“MANNA has been an essential resource for the people it serves, and its work has become even more critical since Hurricane Helene struck,” said Governor Stein. “As these organizations continue the daily work of supporting their community, we have a responsibility to support them.”

• $75 million to repair private roads and bridges.

• $25 million to clean up local parks and greenways in affected areas.

• $12 million to expedite debris removal.

2. Allocation of Funds: Once approved, the funds will be allocated to various programs and initiatives outlined in the budget request. These include grants for businesses, support for small towns and counties, revenue replacement grants for local governments, and incentives for affordable housing construction.

Awards:

Scholarship Awards:

Four-Year Up to two awards of renewable for up to three years or until a bachelor's is earned

Four-Year Institutions: Up to two awards of $5,000 each, renewable for up to three years or until a bachelor's degree is earned.

Two-Year or Vocational/Technical Schools: Up to two awards of $2,500 each, renewable for one additional year.

Two-Year or Schools: Up to two awards of renewable for one additional year

Scan here to apply today!

Applications accepted Feb. 6-March 6.

Where will the funds go? The Governor’s budget request includes funding in the following categories. Here is an overview of some of the programs included under the Governor’s proposal. Strengthening the Economy

• $10 million to provide backup power for emergency operations and other critical infrastructure.

• $4 million to repair septic systems. Supporting Farmers

3. Implementation of Programs: The allocated funds will be used to implement the programs and initiatives. The program includes rebuilding homes, repairing infrastructure, supporting farmers, and providing support services for families and children.

https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/albemarle

https://learnmore scholarsapply org/albemarle

• $150 million across two grant programs for businesses that suffered physical damage or significant economic loss.

• $30 million for grants to small towns and counties to rebuild downtowns and other business districts.

• $15 million to the Eco-

• $15 million for grants to farmers for verified uninsured losses to crops, livestock, aquaculture, and infrastructure.

• $100 million to help farmers clear debris and repair their land and waterways to resume production and protect against future flooding.

• $19.4 million to prepare

4. Monitoring and Reporting: The budget implementation will be monitored to ensure the funds are used effectively and efficiently. Regular reports and updates will be provided to track the progress of the rebuilding efforts.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation planned to partially reopen I-40 on the Tennessee-North Carolina border on Jan. 1. Reopening the road has been delayed due to a second collapse. NCDOT said complete repairs in that area could take years. Photo: NCDOT

NC Supreme Court upholds Child Sexual Abuse Survivors Right to Sue

By Loretta Cozart

In a landmark decision, the North Carolina Supreme Court has upheld the SAFE Child Act, allowing alleged victims of child sexual abuse to file lawsuits years after the statute of limitations would have otherwise barred them. This ruling, delivered on February 3, 2025, has significant implications for survivors seeking justice and accountability.

The SAFE Child Act, passed unanimously by the General Assembly in 2019, created a two-year “revival window” from January 2020 to December 2021. This window allowed victims of child sexual abuse to file lawsuits that had previously been time-barred. The Act aimed to provide a path to justice for survivors who had been unable to come forward within the original statute of limitations due to the trauma and complexities associated with child sexual abuse.

Chief Justice Paul Newby, writing for the majority, addressed the constitutional challenge posed by the Gaston County school board in the case of McKinney v. Goins. The school board argued that the SAFE Child Act’s revival window violated the state constitution’s Law of the Land Clause by retroactively altering the statute of limitations. The plaintiffs in this case were three former East Gaston High School students who alleged abuse by their wrestling coach in the mid-1990s and early 2000s.

“This case asks whether our state constitution limits the legislature’s authority to revive previously expired tort claims by retroactively altering the applicable statute of limitations,” Newby wrote. “In other words, does the expiration of a tort claim’s statute of limitations create a constitutionally protected vested right?”

Newby explained that the court’s longstanding approach to constitutional questions begins with a presumption of the act’s constitutionality. The court then considers the text of the constitution, the historical context in which the people of North Carolina adopted the applicable constitutional provision, and precedents.

“Because we hold that there is no constitutionally protected vested right in the running of a tort claim’s statute of limitations, we affirm the decision of the Court of Appeals as modified,” Newby concluded.

Justice Allison Riggs, who had previously served on the Court of Appeals, wrote an opinion rejecting the Gaston school board’s argument and

upholding the SAFE Child Act. Riggs did not participate in the Supreme Court’s consideration of McKinney v. Goins, but the other six justices agreed to uphold the Act. However, Justice Anita Earls, a fellow Democrat, did not join Newby’s opinion. Instead, she wrote a separate concurring opinion to explain her disagreements with the majority’s reasoning.

“First and foremost, where we agree: All justices would hold that the political branches may enact remedial legislation that empowers survivors of child sexual abuse to recover for the harm they endured at the hands of their abusers and those that enabled the abuse, through civil litigation of claims that would have otherwise been barred by the statute of limitations,” Earls wrote.

“We agree that our previous cases do not create a substantive entitlement to a statute of limitations, nor does the Law of the Land Clause impair the legislature’s ability to alter remedial provisions for the defense of one’s rights.”

Earls emphasized that today’s judgment enables plaintiffs like Dustin Michael McKinney, George Jermey McKinney, and James Robert Tate, the three former East Gaston High School students alleging abuse by the school wrestling coach in the mid1990s and early 2000s, as well as other plaintiffs who brought revival claims under the SAFE Child Act, to have their day in court. “Despite this broad consensus, the majority uses this case to expound ‘the methodology by which we evaluate a constitutional challenge.’

The majority explains that its interpretive method is not to ‘isolate the [constitutional] provision’s meaning at the time of its ratification,’ as previously thought, but rather to trace a constitutional provision back in time to its earliest appearance in our constitutions and key its meaning to that time,” Earls continued. Earls strongly disagreed with this approach, arguing that it freezes the meaning of the constitution in amber according to narrow circumstances in centuries past. She warned that this form of extreme originalism threatens to bring the law and constitutional protections back to a time when slavery was legal, and women could not own property or vote.

In a separate case, Cohane v. The Home Missioners of America, Earls wrote for a unanimous court, with Riggs once again recused from the decision. The issue before the court was whether the SAFE

Child Act’s revival provision resuscitates claims against direct abusers as well as those who allegedly enabled the abuse. Earls concluded that the Act does not distinguish between abusers who personally harmed the plaintiff and those organizations, institutions, and parties that employed or supervised the abuser or otherwise condoned, ratified, or facilitated the abuse.

While some cases based on the SAFE Child Act can proceed, they cannot move forward if a court issued a final ruling against plaintiffs before 2019. Justice Richard Dietz wrote for the unanimous court in a pair of cases involving anonymous John Doe plaintiffs against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte. Dietz explained that the SAFE Child Act would have revived plaintiffs’ time-barred claims except for the fact that courts had already entered final judgments dismissing those claims with prejudice because they were time-barred.

“Plaintiffs contend that the SAFE Child Act overrides those earlier judgments and permits them to bring their newly revived claims,” Dietz wrote. “The General Assembly does not have the power to set aside a final judgment of the judicial branch.”

Dietz emphasized that under well-settled separation of powers principles, the legislature has no right to annul a judgment or decree of a court already rendered. “Had plaintiffs returned to the court that entered the judgments and sought relief based on the SAFE Child Act, that court may have exercised its discretion to set aside the judgments in the interests of justice. But plaintiffs chose instead to file entirely new lawsuits and insist that the General Assembly can override final judgments of the judicial branch,” Dietz wrote.

The North Carolina Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the SAFE Child Act marks a significant victory for survivors of child sexual abuse. It reaffirms the state’s commitment to providing a path to justice for those who have suffered from such heinous acts. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, this ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the rights of survivors and holding abusers accountable.

Six Ways

Valentine’s Day – Extend Love

Valentine’s day is almost here and how many valentines will you have? In elementary school we traded Valentine cards. We actually had a big box and we stuffed it full of valentine cards to our classmates. If we received 20 or 30 valentine cards then we felt good because we had a lot of valentines.

You may or may not receive many cards this year if any at all. Nice cards are expensive as are flowers, candy and dinners. Whether you receive a Valentine card or not doesn’t determine the number of people in your life you care about or who care about you. Some people may determine their self-worth by how many friends they have on social media. Are they really your friends? Possibly you go to church with a lot of people you care about and who care about you. Maybe you still have several family members you are close to and who love you and you love them.

We have so much

hate in the world. Political parties are filled with hate.

Many Democrats hate President Donald Trump. Many Republicans hate former President Joe Biden. Some Republicans and Democrats hate each other. Some people hate Elon Musk. Some people hate or love the Philadelphia Eagles. People hate former husbands, wives, girlfriends and boyfriends.

Hate is obvious in the world. In many of our major cities there is a murder every day. Too often more than one. What does hate accomplish? It’s a very negative emotion that has negative results. Someone often gets hurt where hate is involved. Hate hurts the hater. Hate does not create a spring of well-being and joy. Hate cuts deep within us and your body doesn’t’ react positively to this long-term dark emotion. There is a line of demarcation. The Jewish people who had loved ones raped and murdered by Hamas don’t feel loving toward Hamas. The citizens of Ukraine don’t

feel loving toward Putin and Russia. We surely understand their feelings. Yet, somehow and some way in this life we have to find a way to rise above and to soar higher. It’s not always easy to love, but love covers a multitude of sins.

I don’t know how Jesus could love me. All my sins put him on the cross. Yet, over and over again, the Bible tells me that God loves me and for what reason? I have done nothing to deserve his love. Try to show and tell more people you love them. Call some people this week and tell them you love them. Tell some Democrats and Republicans you love them. Tell some sinners you love them. You never know, some of the love you give just might come back to you.

When Mary anointed Jesus in the Bible, the entire house could smell the perfume. Jesus had the perfume all over him, but Mary also had the perfume all over her. Love anoints others but often we end up anointed as much as the ones to whom we extended love.

Seasonal flu and respiratory illnesses surge in NC

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) updated its weekly Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard last Wednesday, showing a dramatic increase in flu activity and flu-related deaths, bringing the total number of deaths this season to 117.

The number of influenza-positive cases reported within North Carolina's public health network rose from 142 on November 30 to 5,842 on February 1.

"While fewer flu-related deaths have been reported so far this season compared to last season, we are at the height of seasonal respiratory illnesses, and this is a reminder that influenza can be very serious," said State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D., MPH. "Taking preventative measures against flu and other respiratory illnesses like getting vaccinated, regularly washing hands, covering your cough, and staying home when sick are important to help protect you and your family."

Influenza is spreading widely throughout the state and is likely to peak in the coming weeks. Fifty-one new flu deaths were added to the statewide dashboard last week, but the newly added deaths occurred over the previous few weeks as there are often delays in reporting. COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continue to spread,

although RSV levels have decreased in recent weeks.

Early testing and treatment with an antiviral drug can help prevent respiratory infections from becoming more serious. Treatments work best if started soon after symptoms begin. If you begin to feel sick, contact your doctor right away to see if you need treatment with a prescription antiviral drug. Treatment for flu and COVID-19 is especially important for people with severe illness and those at high risk of serious complications based on age or medical conditions.

It is not too late to get your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, as vaccinations are the best way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from these infections. Vaccinations are especially important for those at higher risk of severe viral respiratory disease, including people 65 years and older, children younger than 5, pregnant women, those with a weakened immune system, and those with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Vaccines and treatments to protect against RSV are also available for older adults, pregnant women, and infants.

In addition to vaccination, the following precautions should be taken to protect against the spread of respiratory viruses: Regularly wash your hands with soap and water.

Alcohol-based cleaners or sanitizers can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses to others but do not work for other common viruses like norovirus.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects that may be contaminated.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discard the tissue promptly.

Stay home when sick, except to seek medical care or testing, and take steps to avoid spreading the infection to others in your home, including staying in a separate room from other household members, using a separate bathroom, avoiding contact with other members of the household and pets, not sharing personal household items like cups, towels, and utensils, and wearing a mask when around other people.

For more information on respiratory viruses, including how to access vaccines, testing, and treatment in your community, visit www.vaccines.gov/en, flu.ncdhhs.gov or covid19. ncdhhs.gov.

A respiratory virus surveillance summary that includes information on flu, COVID-19, and RSV-related activity across North Carolina is updated weekly at covid19.ncdhhs.gov/ dashboard.

Glenn Mollette Guest Editorial

VIRUS

From Page 1A

regions. One of the most dangerous is the Hendra virus, which was first detected in Brisbane, Australia, and has a fatality rate of 70 percent.

Another example is the Nipah virus, which has recorded fa-

LAWSUIT

From Page 1A exist is not inappropriate or indecent. The Cleveland County Board’s decision here is a direct violation of students’ First Amendment rights.”

A Cleveland County school banned a student group from playing an LGBTQthemed quiz game, deeming the activity “sensitive,” even though none of the information was inappropriate, the ACLU claims. The game did not include any depictions of sex, violence, illegal drug use or any other inappropriate content, the lawsuit alleges.

The lawsuit followed a demand letter from the ACLU to Cleveland County Schools in December detailing their complaint.

The Activism Club, founded by a student during their freshman year, meets weekly during the school’s flex period. The club discusses subjects not typically covered by the school curriculum, such as Women’s History Month, suicide prevention, the Black Lives Matter movement, breast cancer awareness, and the Gaza war. Although the club meets during the school day, the school does not sponsor it, nor is it part of the official curriculum.

Last spring, the student proposed a Jeopardy-style quiz game to highlight the contributions of LGBTQ+

tality rates between 40 and 75 percent in outbreaks in Southeast Asia, including in Malaysia and Bangladesh. The discovery of a henipavirus in North America is highly significant, suggesting these viruses may be more globally distributed than previously thought."

Henipaviruses are known for their ability to cause severe disease and death in both hu-

individuals to American society. The game, a text-only PowerPoint presentation, included questions about figures like Harvey Milk, Ellen DeGeneres, and Pete Buttigieg. The club’s advisor approved the game, but the school principal required parent permission slips and presented the material to the school district.

When the student again requested to play the game, this fall, the school district prohibited it, citing concerns over the topic’s sensitivity and referencing the North Carolina Parents’ Bill of Rights and two district policies: “Selection of Instructional Materials” and “Distribution and Display of Non-School Materials.” The letter from the ACLU argues that these policies were misapplied. First Amendment and Equal Access Act Violations: The ACLU claims that the district’s decision constitutes content and viewpoint discrimination, violating the First Amendment. The letter references case law to support the argument that students’ rights to freedom of speech extend to school-sponsored activities, if they do not disrupt school operations. Additionally, the letter asserts that the district’s actions violate the Equal Access Act by discriminating against the student club based on the content of its speech.

With the demand letter, the ACLU requested that the school district resolve the

mans and animals. The most notorious members of this family are the Hendra virus and the Nipah virus. The Hendra virus, first detected in Brisbane, Australia, has a fatality rate of 70%. The Nipah virus, which has caused outbreaks in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Bangladesh, has recorded fatality rates between 40% and 75%. These viruses are zoonotic, meaning they can

situation within thirty days by allowing the proposed activity to proceed. Since the school district did not comply, the ACLU pursued legal action on behalf of the student.

Fisher raised concerns about the legality of the activity under NC Senate Bill 49, known as The Parents’ Bill of Rights. This bill prohibits certain topics in K-4 education. However, it does not restrict these topics at the high school level.

The ACLU letter said Fisher later cited two district policies: “Selection of Instruction Materials,” related to the official curriculum, and “Distribution and Display of Non-School Materials.”

School District policy allows banning the distribution of materials that are lewd, obscene, libelous, abusive, disruptive, illegal, age-inappropriate, inaccurate, or promote illegal products for minors. On Jan. 20, the district’s attorney said the suggested game was deemed indecent by community standards, inappropriate for students’ ages, and encouraged breaking school rules. The lawsuit claims the game mentioned bisexuality and included song lyrics about cigarettes.

The ACLU argued the district’s reference to both policies is contradictory, as it has not clarified whether the Activism Club is curricular or non-curricular.

be transmitted from animals to humans, often with devastating consequences.

The discovery of the Camp Hill virus in the US is particularly concerning because it shows that shrew-to-human transmission can occur. Dr. Parry noted that the closest known henipavirus to Camp Hill virus that has caused disease in humans is the Langya virus, which crossed from shrews to humans in China1. This suggests that the Camp Hill virus could potentially infect humans, although more research is needed to understand the full extent of this threat.

Identifying the Camp Hill virus in North America has significant global implications. Henipaviruses have caused severe disease and death in other regions, and their presence in the US raises the possibility of a new pandemic. Dr. Parry emphasized the importance of developing vaccines for the virus family to protect against potential outbreaks1. Co-author Dr. Ariel Isaacs added that the next step for researchers is to characterize key surface proteins on the virus involved in cell entry, which could help identify better ways to protect against it1.

Health experts have been warning about the potential for new pandemics for years. Dr. Suresh Kuchipudi, a bird flu researcher based in Pittsburgh, recently said that the world is closer to another pandemic than ever since the coronavirus outbreak2. He highlighted the rising cases of Avian flu among humans, including a deadly H5N1 strain found in Texas, as a significant concern2. Dr. Kuchipudi stressed that the virus is already globally present and infecting many mammals, including humans2. "This virus has been on the top of the pandemic list for many years and probably decades. And now we are getting dangerously close to this virus po-

HALTS

tentially causing a pandemic," he said during a White House briefing2.

The Camp Hill virus, a newly discovered henipavirus in the United States, has raised concerns due to its potential to cause severe illness in humans. While there is currently no evidence that the virus has infected humans, it is important to understand the symptoms associated with henipaviruses, as they can provide insight into what might be expected if human transmission occurs.

Henipaviruses, including the Hendra and Nipah viruses, are known to cause a range of symptoms in humans. These symptoms can vary in severity and may include:

Fever: One of the most common symptoms, often accompanied by chills.

Headache: Persistent and severe headaches are often reported.

Respiratory Symptoms: These can include cough, sore throat, and difficulty breathing.

Neurological Symptoms: Encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, is a serious complication that can lead to symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain may also occur.

In severe cases, henipavirus infections can lead to respiratory distress and encephalitis, which can be fatal.

The Hendra virus, for example, has a fatality rate of 70%, while the Nipah virus has recorded fatality rates between 40% and 75% in outbreaks in Southeast Asia1.

Given the potential severity of henipavirus infections, public health officials must monitor the situation closely and for individuals to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.

The Centers for Dis-

ease Control and Prevention (CDC) has closely monitored the situation. In a recent report, the CDC highlighted the presence of henipavirus infections in North America and emphasized the need for continued surveillance and research3. The report noted that RNA metagenomic analysis of tissues from wild-caught northern short-tailed shrews in Alabama revealed the novel henipavirus, supporting its placement within the shrew henipavirus clade3. This finding underscores the importance of understanding the virus's transmission dynamics and potential impact on public health.

Given the potential threat posed by the Camp Hill virus, public health officials are urging residents to take preventive measures. These include avoiding contact with wild animals, particularly shrews, and practicing good hygiene to reduce the risk of infection. The CDC also recommends that healthcare providers be vigilant in identifying and reporting any suspected cases of henipavirus infection4. Early detection and prompt response are crucial in preventing the spread of the virus and mitigating its impact on public health.

The discovery of the Camp Hill virus in the US is a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of emerging infectious diseases. As researchers continue to study this new virus and its potential impact, public health officials and the general public must remain vigilant and prepared. The lessons learned from past pandemics, such as COVID19, highlight the importance of early detection, rapid response, and global cooperation in addressing emerging health threats. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, we can better protect ourselves and our communities from the potential dangers of new and emerging viruses.

From Page 1A issuing grants, loans, contracts, or any other financial disbursements” within 90 days. Agencies cannot disburse more funds unless the “Director of OMB and Assistant to the President for Economic Policy have determined that such disbursements are consistent with any review recommendations they have chosen to adopt.”

The NEVI Formula Program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aimed to improve the EV charging network with $5 billion

LOTTERY

From Page 1A

The winning continued with Christine Geise of Concord, who tried her luck in a second-chance drawing and won the $400,000 grand prize on February 5.

in funding. Currently, 55 charging stations are operational, with 903 more in progress. However, the new memo allows states with finalized contracts to continue, but unfinished contracts are on hold. Legal questions surround the administration’s authority to stop a congressional program, and potential lawsuits are anticipated. Tesla, a significant beneficiary of the NEVI and CFI programs, faces uncertainty with this new directive. The company recently won a $100 million award from the CFI program to build charging infrastructure for heavy-duty electric trucks

chance with their Multiply the Cash scratch-off tickets by scanning them into their lottery accounts, which automatically entered them into the drawing. In addition to the $400,000 top prize, the drawing had four $20,000 winners and ten winners of $500.

across Illinois. Tesla has also sought around $100 million in CFI funding to build a truck-charging corridor between Northern California and southern Texas, but that application has been passed over multiple times. The suspension of the NEVI Formula Program and the CFI grant program raises concerns about the future of EV infrastructure development in the United States. As the nation strives to transition to sustainable energy, the halt in funding could slow progress and create challenges for companies like Tesla at the forefront of this transition.

February 1 and, after required federal and state tax withholdings, took home $230,889.

On Thursday, January 30, Devin Gullatte of Cherryville took a chance on a $1 Cash 5 ticket and won a $321,794 jackpot.

Geise found out she won the top prize in the fourth and final 2024 Multiply The Cash Second Chance drawing when she got an email notification from the lottery. There were more than fifty-three million total entries in the drawing. She arrived at lottery headquarters Friday to collect her prize and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $287,000.

Players got a second

BILL

Gullatte bought his lucky Quick Pick ticket from Curve View Express on West Warren Street in Shelby. His ticket matched all five numbers in the drawing to win the jackpot. The odds of matching numbers on all five balls are 1 in 962,598.

He claimed his prize at lottery headquarters on

for decades, paid county property taxes diligently for countless years, and planned to live the rest of their lives in the homes they have worked hard to pay off. Some have to choose between paying for necessary living expenses and their property tax bills, which, in some cases, have shot up 80%+ within the last decade. Unacceptable.”

“That’s why I am filing a bill this week to help our seniors,” Paré stated. “My bill extends the existing elderly/disabled homestead

Cash Five is one of six lottery games in North Carolina where players can buy their tickets at a retail location or with Online Play through the lottery’s website or the NC Lottery Official Mobile App. Monday’s jackpot is $130,000. The North Carolina Educational Lottery has generated over $10 billion statewide for public schools. In 2023, $10,560,249 raised by the lottery went to education programs in Cleveland County. A cumulative total of $120,731,218 was raised for Cleveland County schools from the lottery’s inception on March 30, 2006, through June 30, 2023.

exemption (50%) to seniors aged 65 years old and older who have paid property tax on their primary residence for at least 15 years and have an income at or below 70% of AMI (county Average Medium Income).”

House Bill 59's next step is to be referred to the Committee on Finance. If the committee finds the bill favorable, it will then move to the Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House for further consideration.

True Love

Part 1 February is often coined as love month. With Valentine’s Day only a couple of days away, I wanted to briefly consider the word and meaning behind love. There are many definitions and examples of love. To be sure, the world gives us pictures and descriptions of love, yet they all seem to lack meaning. However, I want to look at what God says about how Christians should love and the importance of true love compared to other attributes.

In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Paul speaks profoundly about the supremacy of love, even above the most spectacular acts of faith, service, and sacrifice. He writes: “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to

the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

These verses strip away all the acts we often hold up as measures of spiritual success—eloquent speech, miraculous knowledge, immense faith, and self-sacrifice—and remind us that without love, they are empty. It is easy to get caught up in the externals of Christian life: the teachings we share, the ministry we serve in, and even the sacrifices we make. But Paul is making it clear that these are meaningless if they are not driven by love.

In The Four Loves,

C.S. Lewis touches on this theme by discussing the different types of love. His chapter on charity defines charity as the love of God flowing through us toward others, a selfless love that is not based on what we can get from others but what we can give. Lewis emphasizes that this love, unlike the other kinds of love (affection, friendship, and eros), is unearned and unconditional: “Charity is the supernatural love of God.”

We often mistake the actions of sacrifice and service as the measure of love. Still, we can be left feeling empty without the underlying motive of love for others and God. In the

words of Lewis, “To love at all is to be vulnerable.”

True love, especially the love that Paul speaks of, requires vulnerability—it asks us to go beyond what is comfortable and convenient, to pour ourselves out without expecting anything in return.

Paul’s message is not just a moral command but a reminder of the ultimate purpose of all Christian action: to love others as Christ has loved us. As C.S. Lewis also says, “He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only.”

Without love, all the acts of charity or sacrifice we perform become meaningless; they are hollow shells without the fullness of God’s love within them.

In our walk with Christ, let us check our hearts and

actions. Are we speaking, serving, and sacrificing for love, or are we simply going through the motions? As Paul and Lewis remind us, the greatest thing is love—love that comes from God and is given freely to others. Without it, we are nothing. With it, we reflect the heart of Christ in all that we do.

May our lives be marked by this love, both in what we do and in how we do it. I leave you with the chorus of a familiar hymn. “They’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.”

Love and blessings, Jonathan

Arise Church

KM Church Of The Nazarene Church

127 Countryside Rd. • Kings Mountain, NC

830 E. King St.

Bethlehem Baptist Church 1017 Bethlehem Road

704-739-7487

Boyce Memorial ARP Church

Edgemont Drive

704-739-4917

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

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

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

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

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

King’s City Church 1128 York Road 704-739-8496

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

Notice: In order to accommodate the number of churches in our communities, we will print two alternating lists of churches each week. If you don’t see the church you’re

Dr. Jonathan M. Bundon Worship Pastor First Baptist Church

KM Gateway Trail 5K

& 10-mile runs

to be held March 22

By Loretta Cozart

Kings

runs for March 22 this year at 807 S. Battleground Ave. in Kings Mountain. Runners can sign up at www.runsignup.com.

The runs are professionally managed on the day of the run, on Facebook, and at the website www.runsignup.com.

Sponsors for the run receive a thank you letter and complimentary runner forms to give to runners. Complimentary run shirts are given to the runners, and nice trophies are awarded to winners of all ages and run categories. Run Shirts have the sponsor names on the back, and a large banner is placed with sponsor names on the front of the trail building. They are listed on the trail website each year.

The trail opened in 2009 and began having annual 5K and l0-mile runs for a fundraiser, exercise, and getting folks to Kings Mountain. Many local folks from a large area around Kings Mountain come to participate in a healthy event, giving runners something to look forward to and having lots of outdoor fun.

Kings Mountain Gateway Trail Director Shirley Brutko said, “2025 marks the Kings Mountain Gate-

way Trail’s 16th year, and all the runs have been a big success. We usually have anywhere between 180 to 230 runners participating and approximately 150 attending and watching the event.”

“It supports tourism and economic development for Kings Mountain, the county, and the region. Sometimes, we have out-of-town runners who stay at our local hotels,” she continued.

“We run in all weather and sometimes have rain, snow, ice, and sunshine. We serve refreshments at the event and have a large tent to shelter runners if needed. All sponsor dollars are used to pay for the run expenses and to help with trail needs such as upkeep, etc.”

To sign up, visit www. runsignup.com. For more information, call 704-6853549 or 704-739-9663.

The Schiele presents 24th Annual Fossil Fair

Visitors can travel back in time at The Schiele Museum of Natural History on Saturday, February 22, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM during the 24th Annual Fossil Fair. Participants can search for North Carolina fossils, meet live animals (“living fossils”), mine for gemstones, explore the Dino Safari exhibit, talk to geologists and paleontologists, enjoy a dinosaur-themed planetarium show, and learn all about prehistoric life.

For rock collectors, gemstone enthusiasts, or fossil hunters, the museum will have experts to identify specimens, educate visitors, and sell geodes, fossils, rocks, jewelry, and more. Visitors can mine for their own gemstones in a running water sluice and search for mini fossils in a specially constructed dig site. There will also be family-friendly scavenger hunts, crafts, and hands-on activities.

2024 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Petite Pearls and Debutantes

The 67th annual Debutante Ball, sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Zeta Mu Omega Chapter, in partnership with Twenty Pearls Foundation, was held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Pamela K. Warlick Performing Arts Center, on the campus of Gaston Day School.

Thirteen Petite Pearls and nineteen Debutantes were presented during this year’s annual Debutante Ball. Pearls and Debutantes participated in numerous activities and events throughout the season, and both completed a service project.

The Petite Pearls were se-

In addition, The Schiele will have specimens on display that will be part of the future Elizabeth Williams Robinson Hall of Dinosaurs. Now under construction, this space will be the largest dinosaur exhibit in the Carolinas, with 4,200 square feet of authentic fossils, interactive learning experiences, and full-bodied cast specimens of T-rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Apatosaurus, and more.

Museum Program Spe-

cialist and Fossil Fair coordinator Nathan Chapman says, “On the surface, fossils may seem cold and lifeless, but they are invitations to explore the amazing history of life on Earth! From dinosaurs and giant insects to volcanoes and floods, fossils reveal the story of worlds that once were.”

The Schiele would like to thank First Horizon Bank for its generous support of Fossil Fair. Tickets for this one-day-only event are available at the door for $18 per person and provide access to all activities, including the “Jurassic Flaws” planetarium program, which shows exclusively during Fossil Fair every 30

minutes throughout the day. Discounted advance tickets can be purchased online at schielemuseum.org.

The Schiele Museum of Natural History inspires wonder, curiosity, and an appreciation of the natural world, providing the region with a unique educational resource. Visitors to The Schiele learn about the world around them through exceptional programming, fascinating exhibits, and ongoing research. To learn more, visit SchieleMuseum. org or follow The Schiele on social media.

on their academic/scholastic achievements, personality, and high moral characteristics. The culmination of the ball was the crowning of the 2024 Miss Petite Pearl Princess and the 2024 Debutante Queen of the Ball. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® is America’s first Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women. Founded on January 15, 1908, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC, Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, promote unity and

gressive interest in college life, and to be of “Service to All Mankind.” Alpha Kappa Alpha has over 355,000 initiated members in graduate and undergraduate chapters in 12 countries including the United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Dubai, Germany, Japan, Liberia, Nigeria, South Korea, South Africa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Zeta Mu Omega is involved in and supports local programs in Cleveland County, Gaston County, and York County as well as national service programs. Zeta Mu Omega also supports health services, including Aids, Alzheimer’s, Cancer, Heart and Stroke,

Boy Scouts officially rebranded to Scouting America

By Loretta Cozart

In a historic move, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has officially changed its name to Scouting America. This rebranding reflects the organization's ongoing commitment to inclusivity and its mission to welcome every youth and family in America to experience the bene-

CROCKPOT

TUSCAN CHICKEN

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 tsp. Italian Seasoning 1/2 tsp. onion powder Kosher salt, to taste Cracked black pepper to taste

2 cloves garlic minced 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes drained and chopped

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 cup baby spinach chopped

• Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Season on both sides of the chicken.

• Spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. Layer the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the crockpot.

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, chopped sundried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese.

• Pour the sauce over the chicken into the crock pot.

• Cook on high for 3 hours, or low for 5 hours.

fits of Scouting. For the first time in its 115-year history, the Boy Scouts of America has undergone a significant name change. The organization announced the rebranding last spring, and it officially took effect on February 8, coinciding with the organization's 115th anniversary.

The new name, Scouting America, aims to be more

• Right before serving, add the chopped spinach to the crockpot. Replace the lid and allow the spinach to wilt.

• Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve over cooked pasta.

22 MINUTE CHOCOLATE CAKE (Fran Black)

Put into saucepan and bring to a boil:

1 stick butter 1 cup water

1/2 cup shortening 3-1/2 tablespoons cocoa

Mix together in bowl:

2 cups PLAIN flour

2 cups sugar

Add ingredients from saucepan, then add: 1/2 cup buttermilk 2 eggs 1 teaspoon soda 1 teaspoon vanilla Bake in 13x9 pan at 400 degrees for 20 minutes ICING

inclusive and better reflect the diverse membership the organization now serves. Roger Krone, President and CEO of Scouting America, explained the timing of the name change: "The board, executive committee, and myself, we kind of looked at where we were and said, 'Probably now would be a good time,'" See SCOUTS, Page 8A

Mix together in saucepan: 3-1/2 tablespoons cocoa 1 box confectioners sugar 1/3

DEBUTANTE WINNERS: Kennedy Davis, Zaniah McDowell, Jaelynn Nickson, Jada Martin, and Sanye Miller. Photo by Katherine Pendergrass

PETITE PEARLS 2024 WINNERS – Addison Conyers, Kaylyn McBeth, Jordan Roberts, Cydney Patterson, and Bryce Taylor.

The Schiele Museum of Natural History on Saturday, February 22, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM during the 24th Annual Fossil Fair.

Teddy Bear and Friends hold barbecue sale to benefit North Shelby School

By Alan Hodge

What do you get when you combine caring volunteers, deserving special needs students, and over 1,000 barbecued chicken halves with all the fixins’? The answer is the Teddy Bear and Friends Chicken Dinner at North Shelby School. For over 20 years, Carl “Teddy Bear” Fortenberry and his friends have held an annual chicken dinner fundraiser for the senior class at the school. This past Friday saw them repeat that awesome act of love. The event raises money each year for a special trip to Myrtle Beach for school seniors.

Principal Paula Stevens talked about the school.

“The school’s roots go back over 50 years,” she said. “It used to be north of Shelby and was called the Children’s Center.”

Despite its name, the current sparkling clean and modern building was completed seven years ago and is behind James Love Elementary School south of Hwy. U.S. 74, just off N.C. 150.

“We are a special purpose school for students with significant levels of disabilities,” Stevens said.

Students range in age from kindergarten to 22 years. There are 67 students. Students are placed at the school following recommendation from their Individual Educational Program Team.

“We have a rigorous course of study tailored to their individual needs,” she said. “We also have college classes here where students can learn vocational skills.”

The school mascot is a Mustang and the mottos “Mustangs Have Character” and “Our belief is that all students can learn” are apt descriptions, not only of the students but the dedicated staff as well.

The chicken barbecue event started out small and has grown over the years into one of Cleveland County’s most successful and heartwarming charitable happenings. Fortenberry described the chronology of the cause.

“The idea started in 2004 when my friend Robert Hunt and I started it,” said Fortenberry. “We were members of the Harley Owners Group in Gastonia and had done a similar event for West St. School there. Later I was at the old school (Children’s Center) and a child there told me she wished we would do a beach trip for them.”

The beach trip itself is one that is in many ways a dream come true for the students who go.

“This year a dozen seniors will make the trip,” said Fortenberry.

“Most of them have never been to the beach or been away from home overnight. We will stay at a nice hotel. We will take them out to eat and give each one fifty dollars to spend at places like Broadway on the Beach. We will also go out on the pier. They all have a ball.”

Stevens praised the benefit.

“It is a wonderful event,” she said. “School staff helps with the chicken sale. They love the kids.”

According to Stevens, the beach trip is super safe.

“It is very well supervised,” she said. “Some of the adults that go along include retired North Shelby School staff.”

Volunteers make up the main body of folks who run the event.

This year over a dozen folks in bright yellow “Teddy Bear and Friends” t-shirts did everything from preparing food plates to handing them out to hungry customers, to cleaning up after the last box was sold. Bob and Cindy Cabaniss have volunteered every year since the “It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done,”

“It is a great fund raiser for our special needs students,” said Cindy. No story about the event would be complete without mentioning the food and the folks who made it. Three cheers to the guys who barbecued the 1,000 chicken halves. The job was done on several huge barbecue smokers at a farm site about

two miles from the school by Doug Fortenberry (Carl’s cousin) and a crew of over a dozen helpers who did everything from stoke the coals to put the finished product in containers for transportation to waiting plates. Desserts were prepared by lady volunteers. Dozens of cakes and other goodies were heaped on room and wafted out into the hallway.

Other fixins’ for the plates included traditional baked beans, slaw, rolls, and pickles. The chicken sale is always a sellout.

“Last year we raised over $10,000,” said Fortenberry. “We also got sponsorship funds from places like mers Motorcycle Club.” Teddy Bear and Friends is a 501c(3) charity. Donations are always accepted. Anyone who wants to donate to this incredibly wonderful and meaningful cause can contact Carl “Teddy Bear” Fortenberry at 704477-8774.

SCOUTS

From Page 7A

Krone told USA Today. The organization recently emerged from a three-year bankruptcy tied to the largest child sex abuse case involving a national organization in U.S. history. The name change comes as the organization seeks to move forward and grow its membership.

The rebranding also marks the fifth anniversary of welcoming girls into Cub Scouting and Scouts BSA programs. Scouting America currently serves more than 176,000 girls and young women across all programs, including over 6,000 who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout2. "Though our name will be new, our mission remains unchanged: we are committed to teaching young people to be Prepared. For Life," Krone emphasized.

The decision to rebrand has sparked mixed reactions. Some view it as a necessary step towards inclusivity, while others see it as a departure from tradition. Rhett Hillard, scoutmaster of Scouting America Troop 50 in Fulton, Missouri, noted that the new name "doesn't

rank highly" in comparison to other changes the organization has made over the past six to seven years.

Some people feel that the name change represents a departure from the organization's long-standing traditions. They believe that the original name, Boy Scouts of America, held significant historical and cultural value.

The rebranding aims to be more inclusive by welcoming girls and young women into the organization. While many see this as a positive step towards gender equality, others argue that it undermines the traditional male space that the Boy Scouts represented.

The name change has sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some users have expressed anger and frustration, accusing the organization of being influenced by "wokeness." Comments like "Another institution that was great for boys to learn how to become men, has been destroyed by wokeness" reflect the sentiment of those opposed to the change.

The name change comes after the organization emerged from a three-year bankruptcy tied to the largest child sex abuse case involving a national organization in U.S. history. Some people view the rebranding as an at-

tempt to move past this difficult period, while others see it as a way to distract from the organization's troubled past.

Despite the controversy, Scouting America remains dedicated to providing a safe environment where young people can learn meaningful life skills and have fun, educational experiences. The organization continues to instill values through the Scout Oath and Law, preparing young people for lives of purpose and impact2. As Scouting America moves forward, it aims to strengthen communities and support the nation's youth.

The organization has provided more than 7 million hours of volunteer services for community improvement and other projects across the country annually2. "Scouting America provides a welcoming, safe environment where youth can become the best version of themselves by learning from and respecting each other," Krone said2.

The name change is a significant milestone in the organization's history, and Scouting America looks forward to continuing its mission of character development and values-based leadership training for all of America's youth.

Volunteers are the driving force behind the annual Teddy Bear and Friends Chicken Dinner. Founder and

organizer Carl Fortenberry (blue ball hat) and North Shelby School principal Paula Stevens (denim jack-

Volunteers Cindy Cabaniss (left) and Pat McDonald with one of the delicious desserts that were part of the chicken plates. McDonald baked over 20 cakes herself.

Doug Fortenberry shows off some of the 1,000 chicken halves he and his crew prepared.

KM ladies beat North

Kings Mountain High’s women’s basketball team edged North Gaston 54-52 last week for its second win of the season.

The KM men took the nightcap, 62-46.

The Lady Mountaineers placed three players in double figures, led by Byrd

with 15 points and Miller and Pettis with 10 each.

Dixon-Velez scored nine, Martin eight and Guy two.

In another game last week the Mountaineers fell to Hunter Huss, 8163. Huss went on top 19-9 after the first quarter and led 34-30 at the break out-

scored the Mountaineers 24-16 in the third to start breaking the game open.

Jaleel Smith led the Huss attack with 27 points. Xavier Hutchens scored 17 and Ethan Daniel and Kee’donn Linney 12 each for KM.

Patriots rolling toward conference championship

The Kings Mountain Middle boys basketball won two more big games last week and are rolling toward another conference championship

The Patriots’ latest victories were over West Lincoln 59-19 and East Lincoln 58-31. They took a 10-1 overall record and 9-0 conference mark into their last regular season game. They will host either Shelby or East Rutherford in the first round of the conference tournament today at 5:30.

KM started the game ice cold from the field against West Lincoln. After making their first shot of the game, a King Moore’s steal for a lay-up, KM made only one of their next 10 shots before back-to-back steals by Carlos Boyce gave the Pats an 11-1 early lead.

The second quarter saw the host team settle down from the field as six Patriots players contributed to the scoring. Boyce (4 points), Moore (2 points), Elijah Long (2 points), Antonio Gomez (4 points), Amir Parker (2 points), and Kavion Byers (6 points) help out-score West 20 to 11 for a 33 to 16 halftime lead.

In the third period, KM applied a full-court defense, limiting the visitors to just one field goal. Two Gomez passes to Boyce,

an offensive put back by Byers, and Parker’s 3-pointer extended the lead to 46-18.

KM’s bench closed out the scoring by chipping in 12 of the team’s 13 points. Desmond Nolan (4 points) led the way, as Mani Anderson (2 points), Jaden Byers (2 points), Ajay Fagan (2 points), and Bryce Wilson (2 points) all got in the scoring column.

KM was led by: Carlos Boyce 15 points Kavion Byers 12 points King Moore 7 points Amir Parker 7 points Antonio Gomez 4 points Desmond Nolan 4 points

Elijah Long 2 points Ajay Fagan 2 points

Jaden Byrd 2 points

Mani Anderson 2 points Bryce Wilson 2 points

All 11 players scored (The second time this year they have accomplished this.

Coach Cole: “We did not get off to a great start but were able to maintain West’s offense,” Coach Cole said. “ For the second time in two games we held a team to just one field goal made. That’s championship defense.”

The KM 5th-quarter team played its last game of the year against East Lincoln and won 58-31.

Micheal Rice led the way on offense and defense playing well on both

ends of the floor. “The 5th-quarter team improved tremendously throughout the year and the future is bright,” Cole said.

The Patriots followed that big win with a 58-31 win over East Lincoln in the regular season finale.

After two sub-par shooting nights in the last two games, the Patrios scored a season-high 22 points in a quarter. All five starters got in on the action as Kings Moore, 7 points, and Carlos Boyce, 6 points pace the Patriots. Antonio Gomez, 4 points, Amir Parker, 3 points, and Kavion Byers’ 2 points rounded out the scoring as KM led 22 to 8 after one.

KM was able to extend its lead to 35-17 at the half. Boyce with four points, Byers four, Gomez three and Bryce Wilson two points closed out the KM first-half scoring frenzy.

KM’s Moore scored six of his game-high 15 points as KM pushed its lead it 46-24 heading into the final stanza.

Seven Patriots scored in the fourthth quarter, Boyce, Moore, Gomez, Byers, Wilson, Elijah Long, and Mani Anderson finished off the Falcons for a final socre of 58 to 31.

KM YMCA winter basketball game scores

Pinnacle Classical Academy robotics team advances to state championship

international grade 7-12 robotics competition. Pinnacle Classical Academy's Pi Rho Eagles team finished in seventh place out of 24 teams and secured a spot in the state championship, which will be held on February 16 at North Carolina A&T University.

Pinnacle Classical Academy also finished in third place in voting for the Inspire Award, which honors professionalism, creativity, and innovation. "We are so proud of our students," said Angela Brooks, Dean of Secondary Education. "We are also grateful for the coaches, parents, and community members who have worked so hard to assist our robotics team over the years."

Founded in 2013, Pinnacle Classical Academy is a tuition-free K-12 school that attracts 1,174 students. For enrollment information, please visit www.pinnacleclassicalacademy.com.

Kings Mountain High football standout Jayden Gash signs to continue his education and playing career at Mars Hill University. He is pictured in the front row with his parents, Josh and Ebony Gash. Back row, left to right, are KMHS athletic director Matt Bridges, head football coach Strait Herron and principal Melissa Wilson.

Kip Cozart

L-R: Maddoxx Johnson, Alex Roberts, Braylon Gentry, William Stockham (alumnus), Chesnee Stewart, Holden Austin, Evan Burleson, Jeremiah Black

Elite K-2nd Grade

Beginners Division

Elite Ducks Thompson 17

Elite Kings Trull 16

Elite Ducks Thompson: Cam Price 8, Cali Boyce 5, Kaleb Walls 3, Kaanan Walls

Elite Kings Trull: Mahkai Hayes 6, Ryan Smith 5, Aaydin Foster 2, DJ Simmons 2

Elite Orangemen 32 Elite Thunder Tate 28

Elite Orangemen Jordan: Ki Homsley 26, Kendrick Halvorson 4, Jamese Lipscomb 1, Bryson Roberts 1. Elite Thunder Tate: Timothy Tate 9, Gavin Smith 9, D.J. Simmons 5, Sahmir Patter-

Mighty Mites K-2 Division

KM Elite Jordan 34

Shelby Panthers Blue 22

KM Elite Jordan: Timothy Tate 10, Ryan Smith 8, Cali Boyce 5, Gavin Smith 5, Ki Homsley 4, Sahmir Patterson 2 Shelby Blue: Harris 11, Gullatte 6, Borders 2, Davis 2, Howell 1. Shelby Panthers White

son 2, Landry Austin 2, Jacob Satterfield 1.

Elite 4th-6th Grade Next Level Girls Division

Elite Thompson 25 Elite Moore 16

Elite Thompson: Alayla Padgett 18, Sadie Bert 3, Landry Austin 2, Mia Thompson 3. Elite Moore: Kamoni Moore 6, Alia Epps 6, Zoey Caple 4. Elite Poston 17 Elite Evans 8

Elite Moore: Makailyn Poston 13, Sienna Black 4 Elite Evans: Kayleana Roberts 3, A’lyric Armstrong 3, Josclyn Ruffin 2

KM Elite Trull 7

16

Shelby White: Ussery 6, Mikael 4, Wright 4, Gash 2

KM Elite Trull: Cam Price 5, D.J. Simmons 2. Pee Wee 3-4th Division:

Shelby Panthers White 28 KM Elite Evans 5 Shelby White: Surratt 8, Wright 6, Cannon 4, Collins 4, Ogbueze 4, Mi-

kael 2, Collins 2. KM Elite Evans: Kamoni Marable 4, Kam Fortenberry 1. KM Elite Evans 22

Shelby Panthers Blue 13

KM Elite Evans: K.J. Moore 8, Kam Fortenberry 5, Karter Sanders 3, Khamoni Marable 2, Trey Jeter 2, Liam Pierce 2

Shelby Blue: Spikes 9, Williams 2, Shaver 1, Schnech 1. Midget 5-6th Grade Division Shelby Panthers 27

Amtrak train collides with truck in Bessemer City

On Tuesday, February 11, at approximately 4:27

a.m., Kings Mountain Fire Department responded to a mutual-aid request to assist Bessemer City with a wreck involving an Amtrak train and a semi-truck at the Lewis Farm Rd. and Bessemer City-Kings Mountain Hwy. crossing. The train did not derail.

There were 114 passengers on the train, and no injuries were reported, including the truck driver. GEMS was also on the scene to confirm. The area was shut down for an extended period, and commuters were encouraged to find alternate routes.

Housing availability gap widening in NC

By Loretta Cozart

A new statewide report released on February 5 shows that North Carolina faces a significant housing inventory gap across all income levels and geographic areas. The gap is expected to increase with projected job and population growth.

The upside? Closing the rental and for-sale housing gaps in North Carolina could generate $489 billion in economic activity and create nearly 2.2 million jobs in the state. The research, commissioned by the NC Chamber Foundation, North Carolina Home Builders

PUBLIC NOTICE

Association, and NC REALTORS®, quantifies the extent to which current and projected housing supply meets demand and examines the economic impact of lack of access to housing. The findings detail rental and for-sale housing supply

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S AMENDED NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

THIS ACTION BROUGHT PURSUANT TO THE POWER AND AUTHORITY contained within that certain Deed of Trust executed and delivered by Tristan Greene Reynolds dated June 10, 2021, and recorded on June 10, 2021 in Book 1843 at Page 1 in the Office of Register of Deeds of Cleveland County, North Carolina. As a result of a default in the obligations contained within the Promissory Note and Deed of Trust and the failure to carry out and perform the stipulations and agreements contained therein, the holder of the indebtedness secured by said Deed of Trust made demand to have the default cured, which was not met. Therefore, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will place for sale that parcel of land, including improvements thereon, situated, lying and being in the City of Kings Mountain, County of Cleveland, State of North Carolina, and being more particularly described in the heretofore referenced Deed of Trust. Said sale will be a public auction, to the highest bidder for cash, at the usual place of sale at the Cleveland County Courthouse, Shelby, North Carolina, on February 19, 2025 at 11:30 AM

Property Address: 508 Landing St, Kings Mountain, NC 28086

Tax Parcel ID: 7952

Present Record Owners: Tristan Greene Reynolds

The terms of the sale are that the real property hereinbefore described will be sold for cash to the highest bidder. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. The successful bidder will be required to pay revenue stamps on the Trustee’s Deed, any Land Transfer Tax, and costs for recording the Trustee’s Deed.

The real property hereinabove described is being offered for sale “AS IS, WHERE IS” and will be sold subject to all superior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, and other encumbrances. Other conditions will be announced at the sale. The sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids, as by law required. The sale will not confirm until there have been ten (10) consecutive days with no upset bids having been filed.

If for any reason the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property, or if the sale is set aside, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the bid deposit. Furthermore, if the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may declare the sale to be void and return the bid deposit. In either event, the purchaser will have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s attorney, or the Trustee.

Additional Notice Required for Residential Real Property with Less Than Fifteen (15) Rental Units:

An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007,may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least ten (10) days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

Posted: ____________________________________________

Witness: ____________________________________________

Assistant/Deputy Clerk of Superior Court

Albertelli Law Partners North Carolina, P.A., Substitute Trustee

By: _____________________________________________

Albertelli Law Partners North Carolina, P.A.

205 Regency Executive Park Drive, Suite 100 Charlotte, NC 28217

Tel: 704-970-0391

24-SP-88 // 24-003722

KMH (2/05/2025 & 2/12/2025)

inventory in each of the one hundred counties in North Carolina for a fiveyear projection period from 2024 to 2029.

“Addressing North Carolina’s significant housing supply gap is more than just meeting immediate demand; it’s a critical investment in our state’s future,” said NC Chamber Foundation President Meredith Archie. “With projected population and job growth, accessible and available housing is essential to supporting our communities, strengthening infrastructure, and creating an environment where workers and businesses can thrive. This report highlights the barriers and gaps in housing across the state and provides actionable data to inform local and statewide policy discussions and solutions.”

The report concludes that the number of households in the state is projected to increase by 5% (218,160 households) between 2024 and 2029.

North Carolina faces a five-year housing inventory gap of 764,478 units (322,360 rental units and 442,118 for sale units).

The state has an overall for-sale availability rate of 0.8%, well below the 2%- 3% range of a healthy market.

Only nine counties, representing less than 10% of the state’s counties, have a median home list price under $200,000. This makes it likely that many lower-income households, including first-time homebuyers, will have difficulty purchasing affordable homes.

The statewide vacancy rate for multifamily rental units is 5%. This is within the healthy market range of 4%- 6%, but affordable rental programs show near-zero vacancies, and over 41,000 households wait for affordable rental housing.

“The data and key findings of the housing study

underscore not only the pressing need but also the urgency of implementing tangible solutions to bridge the housing inventory gap at all income levels across the state,” said NC REALTORS® 2025 President John McPherson. “Effectively addressing North Carolina’s housing needs will require a collaborative, solutions-driven approach that brings together the business community, state and local elected officials, and key stakeholders. By identifying geographically tailored solutions, we ensure access to quality housing, support economic growth and strengthen communities statewide.”

The report details county-specific housing supply and demand data and indicates variation among regions across the state. While urban counties dominate the overall numbers, rural counties face disproportionately high gaps relative to their household bases.

The study estimates that Cleveland County will have a 4,759-unit overall housing unit gap between 2024 and 2029, including a shortage of 1,412 rental properties and 3,347 for-sale properties. Nearby, a 15,359-unit housing gap is projected for Gaston County, a 7,201 gap in Lincoln County, a 10,651 gap in Catawba County, a 4,822 gap in Burke County, and a 3,009 gap in Rutherford County. Eighty counties in the state have projected increases in the number of households, with the largest percentage increases projected to occur in Brunswick (15.3%), Johnston (12.2%), and Currituck (11.3%) counties. Wake and Mecklenburg counties are projected to have the most significant increases in new households, totaling 41,241 and 35,676, respectively. Twenty counties have a projected decrease in the

number of households, with individual declines that range from less than 0.1% (Vance County) to 3.0% (Northampton County).

“This report demonstrates the urgency of policy changes needed for housing and the financial benefits for the community and all levels of government,” said North Carolina Home Builders Association Executive Vice President Tim Minton. Nationally recognized research group Bowen National Research conducted the Housing Supply Gap analysis, and Dr. Michael Walden, Reynolds Distinguished Professor at North Carolina State University and president of Walden Economic Consulting, conducted the economic impact analysis. Through nonpartisan research and collaboration, the NC Chamber Foundation fosters a sustainable future for North Carolina’s businesses and communities. It disseminates information, crafts policy recommendations, tracks progress and drives a vision for economic growth. The Foundation’s work supports the NC Chamber and aligned organizations in advocating for North Carolina as a top ten state for living, working, and doing business. NC REALTORS® is a non-profit trade association with over 57,000 members and forty-three local associations in North Carolina. It promotes its members’ success and enhances life quality by advocating for housing affordability and property rights. Founded in 1921, the North Carolina organization is the largest state Home Builders Association in the U.S., with over 16,000 members and a network of local associations. It advocates home ownership through advocacy, education, and professional development.

A semi-truck and train collided on Lewis Farm Road in Bessemer City early Tuesday morning.

$25 Million initiative for NC. school improvement

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction unveiled a $25 million initiative today, funded by the Golden LEAF Foundation, to improve school performance through innovative educational strategies. The announcement was made during the State Board of Education meeting, and the board will hold its vote on two con-

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK File No. 25 E 80

In the Matter of the Estate of: JOSEPH SEAN MOWERY, Deceased.

Having qualified on the 29th day of January, 2025 as

Administratrix of the Estate of Joseph Sean Mowery, 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 13th day of May, 2025 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 7th day of February, 2025.

Madison Brittain Caleb Rd. Shelby, NC 28152

T. Brandon Jaynes Archonix Law

412 N. Lafayette St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (2/12, 2/19, 2/26 & 3/5/2025)

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATRIX

Having qualified on the 24th of January 2025 as Administratrix of the Estate of Martha Virginia Anderson (24 E 883), 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 May 15, 2025, 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 12th day of February, 2025.

A. Susan Biggers

Administratrix of the Estate of Martha Virginia Anderson

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

402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (2/12, 19, 26 & 3/05/2025)

PUBLIC NOTICE

EXECUTRIX NOTICE

Having qualified on the 27th of January 2025 as Executrix of the Estate of Linda Ann Sisk AKA Linda Napier Sisk (25 E 76) 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 Angelene Theresa Hanzely, c/o A. Susan Biggers, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate settlement with the undersigned.

This the 12th day of February, 2025.

Angelene Theresa Hanzely

Executrix of the Estate of Linda Ann Sisk AKA Linda Napier Sisk

c/o A. Susan Biggers

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

402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (2/12, 19, 26 & 3/05/2025)

PUBLIC NOTICE

EXECUTRIX NOTICE

Having qualified on the 23rd of January, 2025 as Executrix of the Estate of Barbara Ann Ledford Smith

AKA Barbara Ledford Smith (25 E 56) 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 Wanda Annette Smith Walker, c/o A. Susan Biggers, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before May 15, 2025, 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 12th day of February, 2025.

Wanda Annette Smith Walker

Executrix of the Estate of Barbara Ann Ledford Smith

AKA Barbara Ledford Smith

c/o A. Susan Biggers

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

402 East Graham Street

Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (2/12, 19, 26 & 3/05/2025)

tracts and a Request for Proposals (RFP) to support the work of the grant on Thursday.

The Golden LEAF Schools Initiative is a fiveyear comprehensive and innovative approach to educational improvement. It targets school culture, pedagogy, leadership, math

instruction, and career readiness.

“The Golden LEAF Schools Initiative is an important step toward achieving my vision: ensuring every child in North Carolina’s public schools achieves educational excellence,” said State Superintendent of Public

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK File No. 24 E 869

In the Matter of the Estate of: GLENDA KAY HAMMOND, Deceased.

Having qualified on the 16th day of January, 2025 as Executor of the Estate of Glenda Kay Hammond, 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 13th day of May, 2025 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 6th day of February, 2025.

Lisa Green 311 S. Poston St. Shelby, NC 28150

T. Brandon Jaynes Archonix Law

412 N. Lafayette St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (2/12, 2/19, 2/26 & 3/5/2025)

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATRIX

Having qualified on the 31st of January 2025 as Administratrix of the Estate of Rosa Lee Hannon AKA Rosalie Hannon (25 E 83), 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 May 15, 2025, 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 12th day of February, 2025.

A. Susan Biggers

Administratrix of the Estate of Rosa Lee Hannon AKA

Rosalie Hannon

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

402 East Graham Street

Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (2/12, 19, 26 & 3/05/2025)

PUBLIC NOTICE

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE

Having qualified on the 31st of January 2025 as Executor of the Estate of Troyce B. Smart McSwain AKA Troyce McSwain (25 E 84), 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 David Michael Meetze, c/o A. Susan Biggers, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before May 15, 2025, 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 12th day of February, 2025.

David Michael Meetze

Executor of the Estate of Troyce B. Smart McSwain AKA Troyce McSwain

c/o A. Susan Biggers

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

402 East Graham Street

Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (2/12, 19, 26 & 3/05/2025)

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATRIX CTA

Having qualified on 3rd of February 2025 as Administratrix CTA of the Estate of Thomas Edward Ramsaur (25 E 16), 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 Gwendolyn Ramsaur Smart, Administratrix CTA, c/o A. Susan Biggers, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before May 15, 2025, 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 12th day of February, 2025.

Gwendolyn Ramsaur Smart

Administratrix CTA of the Estate of Thomas Edward Ramsaur

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

402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (2/12, 19, 26 & 3/05/2025)

Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green. “In order for North Carolina’s public schools to become the best in the country, we must rethink how we approach teaching and learning, and we must provide our schools with the appropriate support to do so.”

Green continued, “I also want to take this opportunity to recognize the great

leadership of former Superintendent Catherine Truitt, who played a pivotal role in leading the development of this initiative in partnership with the Golden LEAF Foundation. Her vision, dedication, and commitment to improving educational outcomes for North Carolina’s students were instrumental in making this initiative

See SCHOOL, Page 5B

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 24 E 971

In the Matter of the Estate of: JO ANN SCHILLING, Deceased. LETTERS OF TESTAMENTARY

The undersigned, having qualified as Co-Executors of the estate of Jo Ann Schilling, deceased, late of Cleveland County, hereby notifies all persons having claims against this estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 1st Day of May 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to this estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 29th Day of January, 2025.

James E. Schilling III 2406 Bending Oak Dr. Chattanooga, TN 37421

Robin Dyer 410 Stroud Rd. Shelby, NC 28152

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PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 13th of January, 2025 as Administratrix of the Estate of JOHN WESLEY FORNEY (25 E 5), 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, Hope Wilkerson Forney, Administratrix on or before the 22nd of April, 2025, 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 22nd day of January, 2025.

Hope Wilkerson Forney, Administratrix

Estate of John Wesley Forney 112 Covenant Court Shelby, NC 28152

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PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 27th of January, 2025 as Administratrix of the Estate of WILLIAM EUGENE BLANTON (25 E 66), deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, Donna Blanton Rash, Administratrix on or before the 5th of May, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 5th day of February 2025.

Donna Blanton Rash, Administratrix

Estate of William Eugene Blanton 1045 Allison Dr Shelby, NC 28150

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PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 25 E 89

In the Matter of the Estate of: WALLACE PRESTON CARROLL, SR., Deceased. LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION

The undersigned, having qualified on February 3, 2025, as Administratrix of the estate of Wallace Preston Carroll, Sr., deceased, late of Cleveland County, hereby notifies all persons having claims against this estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 14th Day of May 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to this estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 12th Day of February, 2025.

Tina Gantt 2570 S. Post Rd. Shelby, NC 28152

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Congressman Tim Moore votes to pass the HALT Fentanyl Act

week,

which passed the House in a bipartisan vote. This legislation would give law en-

SCHOOL

From Page 4B possible. We are proud to build upon the work that she started and look forward to continuing her legacy of innovation and excellence in education.”

“Golden LEAF Schools represents our commitment to long-term economic advancement through developing the workforce for the future. We are grateful for the visionary leadership of Superintendent Green and former Superintendent Truitt, whose dedication and leadership have been instrumental in bringing this initiative to life,” said Scott Hamilton, President of the Golden LEAF Foundation. “This initiative not only addresses immediate educational needs but also sets a precedent for future scalability and success. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on students, educators, and communities across North Carolina."

The Golden LEAF Schools Initiative’s foundation is based on a proven approach to school improvement called Marza-

forcement the tools they need to combat the fentanyl crisis devastating communities in North Carolina and across the country.

“Fentanyl is wreaking

no’s High-Reliability Schools (HRS) model and will include intensive coaching and resources. Additionally, participating schools will receive math resources and coaching, career readiness resources, and funding for travel, stipends, and bonuses. At the core of this innovation model is the HRS framework, which is designed to help schools create a safe environment for both students and staff, improve operational efficiency, provide high-quality instruction aligned with clear learning goals, use ongoing assessments to meet student’s individual needs and foster a culture of growth, collaboration, and innovation. The initiative will support twenty middle schools across two cohorts. All participating schools must be located in rural counties with persistent Tier 1 or Tier 2 economic status. Low-performing schools will join the Transformative Schools Cohort (TSC) and receive the full range of resources and interventions. Schools in the Personalized, Competency-Based Education Cohort (PCBE) will receive targeted support in

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 13th of February, 2024 as Administrator of the Estate of TAMARA M. THOMAS (23 E 678), 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, Charles E. Thomas, Jr., Administrator on or before the 29th of April, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 29th day of January, 2025.

Charles E. Thomas, Jr., Administrator

Estate of Tamara M. Thomas 152 Waterwood Dr. Shelby, NC 28150

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON REQUEST FOR ANNEXATION

The public will take notice that the City Council of the City of Kings Mountain has called a public hearing on the question of annexation of the following contiguous area described herein to be held at City Hall, 101 W. Gold Street, Kings Mountain, North Carolina in Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, as requested by petition filed pursuant to G.S. 160A-31 and being known as Case No. A-24-1:

Cleveland County Parcel 10968 – Map 4-28, Blk 1, Lot 11 consisting of .82 acres more or less

The public is invited and encouraged to attend. Opportunity for public input will be offered during the public hearing portion of the meeting. For additional information, please contact the City Clerk at 704-734-0333. City of Kings Mountain Karen Tucker, City Clerk (KM_02/12/25)

PUBLIC 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: MICHAEL STEVEN SMITH, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified on the 27TH day of January, 2025, as Administrator of the Estate of MICHAEL STEVEN SMITH, deceased, late of Cleveland County, 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 7th day of May, 2025, this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment.

This the 5th day of February, 2025.

Paul Dean Smith, Admin. 705 Bell Road Kings Mountain, NC 28086

C. Andrew Neisler, Jr.

CLONINGER & NEISLER ATTYS

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

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havoc on our communities, killing North Carolinians at an alarming rate and tearing families apart — it has to stop,” said Congressman Moore. “The bipartisan HALT Fentanyl

transforming instruction within their schools. A hallmark of the initiative will include frequent networking across the cohorts to facilitate collaboration and share best practices in implementing the HRS framework.

“Programs like the Golden LEAF Foundation Schools Initiative are important in advancing the State Board of Education’s goal of providing every child in North Carolina with the opportunity to succeed academically,” said Eric Davis, chairperson of the State Board of Education. “To truly transform our public schools, we must embrace innovative strategies that lead to better outcomes for all students.”

"The Golden LEAF Foundation Board is proud to support this transformative initiative. Golden LEAF Schools is perfectly aligned with our mission to increase economic opportunity by investing in the potential of our students in rural and economically distressed communities,” said Ralph Strayhorn, Chair of the Golden LEAF Foundation Board of Directors.

The application for the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative opened on January 13. The deadline for applying is 5:00

Act ensures that the criminals who traffic and sell this deadly drug face the toughest penalties possible. We need to give law enforcement the tools they need to fight back, strengthen

PM on March 21. For more information, Requests for Proposals (RFP), and application links, contact communications@dpi.nc.gov.

The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to receive a portion of North Carolina’s funding from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers. For more than 25 years, Golden LEAF has worked to increase economic opportunities in North Carolina’s rural and tobacco-dependent communities through leadership in grantmaking, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship as an independent and perpetual foundation.

The Foundation has provided lasting impact to tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and rural areas of the state by helping create 68,000 jobs, more than $780 million in new payrolls and more than 98,000 workers trained or retrained for higher wages.

For more information about Golden LEAF and their programs, please visit their website at GoldenLEAF.org.

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 15th of January, 2025 as Executor of the Estate of HENRY GALLMAN ARTHUR (25 E 22), 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, Brady Mitchell Arthur, Executor on or before the 22nd of April, 2025, 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 22nd day of January, 2025.

Brady Mitchell Arthur, Executor Estate of Henry Gallman Arthur 217 W 25TH Street (#314) Norfolk, VA. 23517

KMH (1/22, 29, 2/05 &12/2025)

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 21st of January, 2025 as Administratrix of the Estate of BETTY BRIDGES GOODSON (24 E 649), 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, Debbie G. Martin, Administratrix on or before the 29th of April, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 29th day of January, 2025.

Debbie G. Martin, Administratrix

Estate of Betty Bridges Goodson 1307 New Prospect Church Road Shelby, NC 28150

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LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 25 E 18

Having qualified as Executrix of the Estate of Leora Shull Collum aka Leora S. Collum, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said Leora Shull Collum aka Leora S. Collum, to present them, duly verified, to the undersigned, Janice C. Halford, c/o Loann S. Meekins, Teddy Meekins & Talbert, PLLC, 405 E. Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150 on or before the 24th day of April, 2025 or same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 22nd day of January, 2025.

Janice C. Halford, Executrix of the Estate c/o Loann S. Meekins

Teddy Meekins & Talbert, PLLC

405 E. Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150.

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border security, and take down the cartels responsible for flooding our communities with fentanyl.”

TIM MOORE

Specifically, the HALT Fentanyl Act will permanently extend President Trump’s 2018 Schedule I classification under the Controlled Substances Act, ensuring law enforcement has the authority to prosecute traffickers to the fullest extent. It closes legal loopholes that allow traffickers to alter fentanyl compounds to evade law enforcement and strengthens public health protections while maintaining safeguards for legitimate medical research.

Key Background:

• In 2023, more than 107,000 people died of drug overdoses; roughly 75,000 of whom died from synthetic opioids—largely illicit fentanyl or fentanyl-related substances.

• Illicit fentanyl poisoning deaths among teens accounted for 77% of adolescent overdose deaths in 2021.

• Illicit fentanyl poisonings are now the number one cause of death among adults 18-49— more than cancer, heart disease, and car accidents.

• Fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances (substances that have a similar chemical structure to fentanyl but are not

identical) are 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and easier to produce than cocaine or heroin. Since small doses of fentanyl are extremely potent, it’s easier to illegally smuggle small batches across the border.

• Recently, Border Patrol has seized record amounts of fentanyl, but enough still enters the U.S. to kill every American many times over.

• Currently, fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances temporarily fall under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act due to an emergency order that expires on March 31, 2025. If the emergency class-wide scheduling order expires:

• Many fentanyl-related substances will become street-legal, meaning law enforcement has no authority to seize these extremely lethal drugs.

• Drug traffickers will be empowered to push deadlier drugs on our streets, skirting federal law by changing as little as one molecule in the fentanyl formula to create legal variations.

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection will lose the authority to seize these substances crossing the border.

Congressman Tim Moore represents the 14th Congressional District of North Carolina, including Cleveland, Gaston, Burke and Rutherford Counties, as well as parts of Mecklenburg and Polk Counties. Visit timmoore.house.gov for more.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATRIX CTA

Having qualified on 3rd of January 2025 as Administratrix CTA of the Estate of Barbara Jean Leigh A/K/A Barbara Benfield Leigh (25 E 4), 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 Karen A. Kendrick, Administratrix CTA, c/o A. Susan Biggers, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before April 25, 2025, 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 22nd day of January, 2025.

Karen A. Kendrick

Administratrix CTA of the Estate of Barbara Jean Leigh A/K/A Barbara Benfield Leigh Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C. 402 East Graham Street

Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (1/22, 29, 2/05 & 2/12/2025)

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATRIX

Having qualified on 10th of January 2025 as Administratrix of the Estate of Alleen B. Beheler A/K/A Aileen Beheler (24 E 828), 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 April 25, 2025, 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 22nd day of January, 2025.

A. Susan Biggers

Administratrix of the Estate of Alleen B. Beheler A/K/A Aileen Beheler

Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C. 402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (1/22, 29, 2/05 & 2/12/2025)

PUBLIC NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 25 E 0003

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LEON LEVERETT STRAIGHT JR.

Having qualified on the 8th day of January, 2025, as Executor of the Estate of LEON LEVERETT STRAIGHT JR., deceased, 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 on or before April 22, 2025 or this notice will be pleased in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the Estate should make immediate payment.

This the 22nd day of January, 2025.

Robert H. Lutz, Administrator

Of the Estate of Leon Leverett Straight Jr. Lutz Law Firm, PLLC 310-8 East Graham Street Shelby, NC 28150

Attorney for the Estate: Robert H. Lutz Lutz Law Firm, PLLC 310-8 East Graham Street Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (1/22, 29, 2/05 & 12, 2025)

This

Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) voted in favor of H.R. 27, the HALT Fentanyl Act

All Classified Ads That Have Been Paid and Placed

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PROTECT YOUR INVEST-

MENTS ! Steel Buildings & Covers. Hay Barns, Boat Storage Sheds, Pavilions, Tractor & Implement Storage. J Johnson Sales in Forest City. (828) 245-5895

BEST KEPT SECRET

AROUND! COLLECTOR’S

DREAM! We Buy, Sell & Trade. Gold, Silver, Rare & Unique Items, Knives, Antiques, Coins, Gold Eagles, Collectibles and Much More. We Offer Appraisals on Coins•Knives•Jewelry. You’ve Gotta Come Check Us Out! Jake’s Knives & Coins located at 1008 S. Lafayette St., Shelby. Call 704-600-6996 or (980) 295-5568 NEWS www.NC4Ever.com NC4ever@usa.com

COFFEE MADE BETTER. www.cherryvillenc.com NC4ever@usa.com

INDOOR YARD SALE!! Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Mooresboro School Gym, 308 W. Main St., Mooresboro NC 28114. 8am - 2pm. $10 for each table (CASH ONLY) Bring your own tables / display. Setup is Sat. from 7am-8am, or 1pm6pm the Friday before. “FREE ADMISSION”. Questions: Call Keith 828-351-8822 or Mickey 828-447-7231.

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 704-2970102 or 704-297-0103

EMPLOYMENT

HANDYMAN WANTED: Handyman wanted to remodel rental units. Pay based on experience. Must have tools. 336-225-1050.

POLK COUNTY DIRECT SERVICE PROVIDER. WEEKENDS / NIGHTS in Polk County located just off Hwy 74 and I-26. Must be 18+ with a valid Driver’s License and HS Diploma or GED. Full and part time available! $14 per hour to start plus hiring bonus for both full and part time! Direct service providers (DSP) s in resident care homes for developmentally disabled adults in Polk County. Not a physically demanding job, great for seniors. Very light cleaning and easy meal prep in a quiet atmosphere. Plenty of time for reading, studying, crochet, watching tv, etc. Great for college students, night owls, etc.. Frequent raise reviews with increases happily given with excellent attendance and performance. (828) 8590259 p.culbreth@siainc.org

EMPLOYMENT

SOFIDEL TISSUE SOFIDEL TISSUE IN SHELBY NC IS NOW HIRING! STARTING PAY: $21.20 PER HOUR; APPLY AT: INDEED.COM

BUSINESS SERVICES

HYDRAULIC CYLINDER REPAIR. Skid Steer, Wreckers, Rollbacks, Splitters, Tractors, etc. 30 years experience. Shelby, NC. (Joe) (704) 6921097

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

NEED HELP WITH PROJECTS Around Your House or Business? 30 years of experience. Free estimates. Landscaping, Minor Repairs, Ceiling Fans Installed, Install Mini Blinds, No job to small! Call or text (704) 692-4449

PAINTING, ROOFING, TILE FLOORS, wood decks, fences & carpentry work. Free estimates. Now is the time to paint outside! Ask for Harold or Jim 828-429-7511.

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

ERIC MOBILE MECHANIC. I will come to you to repair any car, full service on lawnmowers or tractor. Honest & Reliable! (704) 300-2332

KODAK COMPLETE CONCRETE FINISHING LLC. Free estimates. Serving North & South Carolina. Call 704914-5010.

CLEVELAND COUNTY GARAGE DOORS. Summer Tune-up Special, $69.95. We will check all your equipment lube, make sure it’s working correctly. We repair broken doors. Also offering new installations. 704-472-9367.

YOUR TRUSTED HANDYMAN SERVICES. NEED A HELPING HAND AROUND THE HOUSE? LOOK NO FURTHER! WE ARE HERE TO HELP TACKLE YOUR NEEDS. DON’T LET THOSE HOME REPAIRS PILE UP—CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE! (704) 466-2333

AUCTIONS

CHERRYVILLE MINI STORAGE AUCTION PUBLIC SALE - 930AM, Feb. 19th, 2025 at Cherryville Storage, 1001 E Main St., Cherryville, NC. Contents of Units: #2/20/39 McEntyre for Non-Payment of Storage Rent. (704) 473-7358 andrew. sain@gmail.com

YARD SALES

CLEVELAND COUNTY

INSIDE YARD SALE SATURDAY, February 15th, 8:00am. Tools, furniture, dishes, glassware. Lots everything. 610 South Washington Street, Shelby, NC 28150

YARD SALES

CLEVELAND COUNTY

MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE

SALE. Men’s clothes: XL & XX, pants 36/30 & 38/30, shoes size 12. Women’s clothes: mostly small sizes, shoes size 6-1/2 -7; Girls clothes: size 7/8; Kitchen items, LR tables, small dresser, table & 6 chairs, toddler toys, photography equipment, misc items. Sat., Feb. 15th, 2025 from 9:00 AM12:00 PM. Rain or Shine! 491 Ridgedale Dr., Shelby, NC 28150

FOR SALE

STEEL SHELTER. 12’ wide, 30’ long, 14’ tall. Sides go all the way down to ground. Green. $2,000. Call (704) 865-4281

RAINBOW VACUUM

CLEANER. $400. In good condition and all attachments are present. Cash only! (828) 287-3412 teddybear93_890@yahoo.com

1 MAUSOLEUM AT ROSE HILL. Located in Fallston, NC. $4000. (704) 739-3770

FULL SIZE HEADBOARD WITH SILVER STUDS. Beige in color, $40. 2 lingerie chests, 6 drawers each, color white, $50. Make-up table with glass mirror, $25. Small roll top desk with keys $50. (704) 460-9494

J JOHNSON SALES. Steel Buildings, Carports, Garages. Large On-site Display. J Johnson Sales in Forest City. (828) 245-5895

STEEL BUILDINGS, CARPORTS, GARAGES, WORKSHOPS. Car, Truck, Boat, Storage. Grading & Concrete “Turn Key Job”! Large On-site Displays. J Johnson Sales. 2690 Hwy. 221, Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895

DUMP TRAILERS & EQUIPMENT TRAILERS. Aluminum Trailers. “Large Selection!”. Financing and Rent to Own Available. No Credit Check! J Johnson Sales, 2690 Hwy. 221 S., Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895

TRAILERS, NEW, USED, REPO. In stock Dumps, Enclosed, Concession Trailers and Equipment. Inventory changes weekly! Call or Come By! Financing or Rent to Own Available. J Johnson Sales, 2690 Hwy. 221 S., Forest City, NC 28043 (828) 245-5895

METAL ROOFING. Carport

Metal “ One Piece OR The Whole Roof” We get deliveries twice a week! J Johnson Sales 2690 Hwy. 221 South, Forest City NC 28043. (828) 245-5895

7 TON EQUIPMENT TRAILER “LOADED”. $0 DOWN ! Approx. $200 Month *wac ; 5 TON DUMP TRAILER “LOADED” $0 DOWN ! Approx. $240 Month *wac; 6’x10’ & 6’x12’ Utility Trailers $0 DOWN ! Approx. $90-$100 Month *wac. J Johnson Sales 2690 Hwy. 221 South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895

HAM RADIO TOWER. 54’ Tall. Already laying on ground in Three 18’ Sections. Base plate included. Located in Shelby, NC. $280 (704) 9131290

FOR SALE

STORAGE BUILDINGS (WOOD•STEEL•VINYL). New Buildings from Approx. $100 month *wac (Includes Delivery & Set Up on Concrete Blocks. J Johnson Sales 2690 Hwy. 221 South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895

STORAGE BUILDINGS. 8’x8’ Up To 16’x40’ Built On Site IN ONE DAY! Financing OR Rent to Own Available. You Choose Your Colors and Placement of Your Doors & Windows. Delivery and Set Up is Included! J Johnson Sales 2690 Hwy 211 S. Forest City, NC. (828) 2455895

MORGAN’S FIREWOOD. Green oak. Cut, split, delivered. $75. 828-395-0758.

HARDWOOD FIREWOOD Seasoned 90% Oak. $70-1/2 ton, $85 delivered, small bundle packs-$3 ea. 312 Helton Rd., Cherryville. 704-4353970.

HAND CRAFTED WOODEN ENTERTAINMENT CTR. Great Deal! Has bottom cabinet doors. Can send pictures, $120.00 or best offer! (704) 718-9122

BEAUTIFUL 1952, 5 PIECE

BEDROOM suite, bookcase headboard, light color solid wood, full size. $500. 828657-5568.

ROSE HILL CEMETERY

PLOTS FOR SALE. Two adjoining plots in Rose Hill Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawndale, NC. Convenient to sidewalk and near bell tower. (202) 361-1876

FREE WOOD. 2 ACRES of tall pine trees in Mooresboro/ Boiling Springs area. Needs to be cut down and hauled off. If interested call 704-974-4468. If no answer, leave message.

SCRAP METAL FOR SALE. some antique pieces. Must load and move yourself. 3 Chihuahua puppies, $250 each. 828-289-9422.

TRAILERS, LAWNMOWER TRAILERS, FLATBED

TRAILERS, Enclosed Trailers, Horse and Cattle Trailers, Saddlery. Check our prices and quality before you buy. Bridges Riding Equipment. Boiling Springs, NC. 704-434-6389, (704) 473-0867

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS with Scratch Pads! Press Room Printing. 704482-2243. (704) 538-5788

CRATES FOR PLANTER

BOXES, or Many Other Uses. Various Sizes. Some with Lids. $25 to $35 each. Call (704) 300-1818

ZERO TURN MOWER Ferris

IS700Z - 61” deck, 26 HP Briggs Vanguard. $7,000. Also, Generator “Power Boss” by Generac 5500 watts. 8500 surge watts - $600. Call 704473-6587.

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

FOR SALE

USED GENEREX HOME GENERATOR. $1500. (704) 477-0516

CLASSIC/VINTAGE POWER TOOLS. 2- table saws (1 Sears Craftsman), 2- band saws, scroll saw, heavy duty table joiner saw, 5HP tiller (needs repair) $600 for all.

828-657-5568

5’X8’ ENCLOSED TRAILER, WHITE. 3 years old. 16’ metal walk board, 14” wide. Electric mini bike new. 300 records, tapes & albums, also Antique dresser. 704-530-7576.

SWEET 16 HANDI QUILTER. Set down quilting machine, side tables that drop. Seperate bobbin winder, bobbins, etc. Must sell. $2000 obo. (704) 434-6337

WANT TO BUY

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

CASH FOR YOUR CAR. Running or not, title or no title. Call Charles Dellinger at Red Road Towing. 704692-6767, (704) 487-0228

WANT TO BUY Old G.I. Joe 12” Size Figures & Accessories From the 60’s and 70’s. Call (828) 351-8822

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

FARM & GARDEN

GARDEN TILLING SERVICES AVAILABLE. Tractor with 6’ rototiller. No job too big or small ! (704) 692-4079

HAY FOR SALE. 1/2 bales-$3, Square-$6, Rd$20-$25-$30. 919 Bethlehem Church Rd. Grover, NC 704418-1744.

HORSE QUALITY HAY FOR SALE. 4x5 Round Bales in barn, $50 each. Fescue and Orchard grass. Outside cow hay $30 per bale. Rutherford County. 828-429-3100.

ROUND BALE HAY. Net wrapped, clean hay. 10 bale minimum. $40 per bale (704) 300-9042 daniel.shires@yahoo.com

WANTED HORSE MANURE FOR GARDEN. Call 704-5388741.

PETS & LIVESTOCK

BOER BILLY GOAT FOR SALE for breeding. $225. 828-980-5067.

MINI DACHSHUND PUPS.

$400. Ready 3-1-25. Two 10 month olds, $250 each. 980436-6158, 704-413-3757 10’X10’X6’ DOG KENNELS. Dog Houses and Dog Buildings. Delivery & Set Up Available. J Johnson Sales in Forest City. (828) 245-5895

CARS & TRUCKS

2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500HD Black, $11,000. Truck-Low Miles. 2006 Lexus ES330, black, 200 thousand miles. $5,000. 704-300-9223.

Only 138,800 miles $23500 OBO. Call (704) 300-1818

1997 FORD F-SUPER DUTY CHASSIS CAB XLT Package. 7.3 Diesel Power Stroke, Removable Pipe Rack. Flat Bed. 146,000 miles, PW,

CARS & TRUCKS

1995 CHEVROLET S-10 4x4. Not running, bad head gasket. $975 AS IS or will sell for parts. 704-678-3743. 1987 DODGE DAKOTA 6-cyl., long bed. $1,000. 704830-4117

1999 PONTIAC FIREBIRD V6. 149,000 miles, automatic, power windows & locks, good condition. $6,900. 828-289-1817.

2024 NISSAN VERSA 6,000 miles. $19,900. Call: 704750-3182. If no answer, Leave message.

2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. 2500 Engine runs good, new 4WD transition. Has some rust. Can fix to drive, clean title. $3950 or will sell for parts. 704-678-3743.

2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE Don’t Wait! Convertible, runs good, new fuel pump not running right. Engine has 86,000 miles. $1000 AS IS. 704-6783743

REAL ESTATE

CLEVELAND COUNTY

kept. Showroom clean. Used only on snow days. White with gray interior. Selling due to recent retirement. $10,300.00 (828) 289-3607 denisedowns0326@gmail.com

REAL ESTATE

CLEVELAND COUNTY

FOR SALE BY OWNER! 1690 Montevista Drive, Shelby, NC.

3 Bedrooms. 1 Bath. Large Corner Lot. Wired Shop Building, Completely Renovated, New HVAC, New Plumbing, New Windows & Doors. Updated Electrical and Septic. Appliances included. $249,900. Call 704-482-0441 or 704-6928190. Shelby, NC 28150

FOR RENT

CLEVELAND COUNTY

135-21 WIGGINS LANE, KINGS MTN. New Single Wide, 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom. Rent $1375, Deposit $1375. No Pets, App. fee $25 per adult. 704-214-4180.

2&3 BEDROOM MOBILE

HOMES. Nice and clean, water furnished. Oak Grove Community, Kings Mtn. Call or text, (704) 739-0259

LARGE 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH mobile homes for rent in Shelby, NC. $875-$900/ mth. Call 828-234-8147

CAMPER LOT AVAILABLE FOR RENT. 1624-9 S Post Rd., Shelby, NC. Lot rent $500 includes up to $125 in utilities & $375 deposit. App fee $25 per adult. 704-214-4180

1003-A MARK DR., SHELBY, NC. Apartment. Bottom floor, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom. Rent $995. Deposit $995. App Fee $25 per adult. 704-214-4180.

FOR SALE BY OWNER! 1690 Montevista Drive, Shelby, NC. 3 Bedrooms, 1Bath. Large Corner Lot. Wired Shop Building. Completely Renovated. New HVAC, New Plumbing, New Windows & Doors. Updated Electrical & Septic. Appliances Included. $249,900. Call 704-482-0441 or 704-692-8190 Shelby, NC 28150

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified as Administratrix CTA over the Estate of Calvin Darrell Crawford; aka, Calvin D. Crawford 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 the undersigned on or before May 16th, 2025, 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 estate administrator.

This is the 12th of February, 2025.

05-E-300

Sharon Forbes, Administratrix CTA

c/o Brenton S. Begley McIntyre Elder Law

233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (2/12, 19, 26 & 3/05/2025)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 25 E 55

Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Jonathon Lee Spiering, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said Jonathon Lee Spiering to present them, duly verified, to the undersigned, Jonathon Adam Spiering, c/o Loann S. Meekins, Teddy Meekins & Talbert, PLLC, 405 E. Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150 on or before the 29th day of April, 2025 or same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 29th day of January, 2025.

Jonathon Adam Spiering, Administrator of the Estate c/o Loann S. Meekins, Teddy Meekins & Talbert, PLLC 405 E. Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150. KMH (1/29, 2/5, 2/12 & 2/19/2025)

FOR RENT

CLEVELAND COUNTY

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) 482-7723 (704) 482-7723 Lions@RPMMANAGED.COM

COUNTRY HOME, PATTERSON SPRINGS AREA. 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath, carport, large yard. References, background check, deposit, and 1st month’s rent required. (704) 473-4654

HOUSE FOR RENT. 1439

Foust Road, Shelby. 3 BR, 2 BA, attached 2 car garage, large out buildings.1 acre lot. $1850 rent +$1850 security deposit. Tenant pays all utilities. 704-236-8198

MOVE IN SPECIAL. 2 & 3 Bedroom, deposit required. Weekly rates. Includes power and water. NO PETS. NO TEXTING. (704) 473-4299 118 KENTBURY DR. GROVER, NC. Single Wide. 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom. Rent $1095, Deposit $1095. App. fee $25 per adult. 704-2144180.

135-12 WIGGINS LANE, KINGS MTN. New Single Wide. 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom. Rent $1375, Deposit $1375, No Pets. App. Fee $25 per adult. 704-214-4180.

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 19th of April, 1995 as Administratrix CTA of the Estate of WILLIE L. BLANTON (89 E 556), 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, Ruth Parker, Administratrix CTA on or before the 29th of April, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 29th day of January, 2025.

Ruth Parker, Administratrix CTA

Estate of Willie L. Blanton

247 Roseborough Road Grover, NC 28073

KMH (1/29, 2/05, 12 &19/2025)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 25 E 79

Having qualified as Executrix of the ESTATE OF PEGGY SHYTLE EAKER, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said Peggy Shytle Eaker to present them, duly verified, to the undersigned, Deniece Eaker Land, c/o Loann S. Meekins, Teddy Meekins & Talbert, PLLC, 405 E. Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150 on or before the 5th day of May, 2025 or same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 5th day of February, 2025.

Deniece Eaker Land, Executrix of the Estate

c/o Loann S. Meekins

Teddy Meekins & Talbert, PLLC

405 E. Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (2/5, 2/12, 2/19 & 2/26/2025)

FOR RENT

CLEVELAND COUNTY

1624-7 SOUTH POST ROAD. Shelby, NC. Camper. Rent $975, Deposit $975. Includes power and water. App. Fee $25 per adult. 704-214-4180.

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

CAMPER LOT FOR RENT. 112A Kentbury Dr, Grover, NC. Lot rent $500 includes up to $125 in utilities & $375 deposit. App Fee $25 per adult. 704-214-4180

LAUREL HILL APARTMENTS LOCATED IN SHELBY NC. Is currently accepting applications for our 2 and 3 bedroom Townhomes. Rent is based on income (and even some expenses are deducted). Call or visit today! 1526 Eaves Road, Shelby, NC or call for more information. Equal Housing Opportunity. (704) 487-1114

RENT GASTON COUNTY COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 2000 SQ FT. Newly remodeled 1 bathroom for rent

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 4th of February, 2025 as Executrix of the Estate of WILLIAM SCOTT WELCH (25 E 53), 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, Tina W. Hollifield, Executrix on or before the 12th of May, 2025, 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 12th day of February, 2025.

Tina W. Hollifield, Executrix Estate of William Scott Welch 116 Ridge Crest Dr. Cherryville, NC 28021

KMH (2/12, 19, 26 & 3/05/2025) PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified as Administrator over the Estate of Helen Burris McClain Rd. 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 the undersigned on or before May 16th, 2025, 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 estate administrator.

This is the 12th of February, 2025.

24-E-851

Dominic Ward, Administrator c/o Brenton S. Begley McIntyre Elder Law

233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (2/12, 19, 26 & 3/05/2025)

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

SUDOKU

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column, and each 3 by 3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9 using

LOW VISION WORD SEARCH

Controversial beliefs

Z Z Z

One who con nes another

Bishop 35. Garlands 37. Bird that ies by the coast

38. Optical device 40. Greek goddess of discord 42. Some are “Rolling” 43. Formerly (archaic) 45. Thrust a knife into 47. German river 49. Atomic #26 50. Make a grotesque face 51. Primordial matter of the universe 55. Chinese philosophical principle

By JIM MILLER Editor

Does Medicare Cover Talk Therapy Services?

Dear Savvy Senior, What types of mental health services does Medicare cover? I struggle with anxiety and depression, and my primary care provider recommended I see a therapist or psychiatrist.

Anxious Annie

Dear Annie, Medicare actually covers both outpatient and inpatient mental health care services and programs to help beneficiaries with anxiety, depression and many other mental health needs. Here what you should know.

Outpatient Coverage

If you’re enrolled in original Medicare, your Part B coverage will pay 80 percent (after you’ve met your annual $257 Part B deductible) for a variety of counseling and mental health care services that are provided outside a hospital, such as in a doctor or therapist’s office, hospital outpatient department or community health center. These services can also be received via telehealth.

You, or your Medicare supplemental

(Medigap) policy, is responsible for the remaining 20 percent coinsurance.

Medicare also gives you the expanded option of getting treatment through a variety of health professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical nurse specialists, clinical social workers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors.

To get this coverage, you’ll need to choose a participating provider that accepts Medicare assignment, which means they accept Medicare’s approved amount as full payment for a service.

If you choose a nonparticipating provider who accepts Medicare but does not agree to Medicare’s payment rate, you may have to pay more. And if you choose an opt-out provider that does not accept Medicare payments at all, you will be responsible for the entire cost.

To locate a mental health care professional in your area that accepts Medi-

care, go to Medicare.gov/care-compare, click on “doctors & clinicians” and type in your location, followed by “clinical psychologist” or “psychiatry” in the Name & Keyword box. You can also get this information by calling Medicare at 800-633-4227.

Inpatient Coverage

If you happen to need mental health services in either a general or psychiatric hospital, original Medicare Part A covers this too, after you’ve met your $1,676 Part A deductible. Your doctor should determine which hospital setting you need. If you receive care in a psychiatric hospital, Medicare covers up to 190 days of inpatient care for your lifetime. And if you use your lifetime days but need additional care, Medicare may cover additional inpatient care at a general hospital.

Additional Coverage

In addition to the outpatient and inpatient mental health services, Medicare also covers yearly depression screenings that must be done in a primary care doctor’s office or clinic. Annual depression screenings are covered 100

percent.

And if you have a Medicare prescription drug plan, most medications used to treat mental health conditions are covered too.

Medicare Advantage Coverage

If you get your Medicare benefits through a private Medicare Advantage plan, they too provide the same coverage as original Medicare does, but may impose different rules and will likely require you to see an in-network provider. You’ll need to contact your plan directly for details.

For more information, call Medicare at 800-633-4227 and request a copy of publication #10184 “Medicare & Your Mental Health Benefits,” or you can read it online at Medicare.gov. Send