KM Herald 4-2-25

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Downtown KM First Friday FUN events scheduled

Kings Mountain’s First Friday Fun event dates have been scheduled for the remainder of the year by KM Forward. Merchants in downtown Kings Mountain can participate by registering with KM Forward’s Director, Loretta Cozart, at director@kmforwardnc.org.

Albemarle donates to KMPD’s Road to Hope-Shelby fundraiser

Kings Mountain Po-

lice Department received a $1,000 donation from Albemarle to support the Road to Hope-Shelby event. “The contribution plays a vital role in helping us honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty,” KMPD shared on Facebook.

Dates for First Friday FUN are April 4, May 2, June 6, July 4, August 1, September 5, October 3, November 7, and Decem-

Downtown businesses are encouraged to offer specials on the first Friday of every month and to display the First Friday Fun flyer in their windows. A flyer will be distributed to each participating merchant. Visit www.discoverkingsmountain.com for a list of participating merchants. Check back often, as new merchants are signing up daily.

can shop for their perfect prom dress at Girl Talk Min-

4th Annual Prom Dress Giveaway on Saturday, April

Family Life Center at 311 Ellis Street.

Talk

Girl Talk 4th Annual Prom Dress Giveaway April 5

By Loretta Cozart

Girl Talk Ministry has partnered again with Book Me Boo Events & Rentals for the 4th Annual Prom Dress Giveaway through a program spearheaded by Tiana Roberts.

Girls come from various schools, including Forestview, Kings Mountain, Shelby, Hunter Huss, and Cleveland Early College. Every girl who visits leaves with a dress and jewelry, some even leaving with shoes. The event will take

Road to Hope-Shelby is an initiative that brings together law enforcement officers and survivors from across Cleveland County and surrounding areas, as well as other communities throughout North Carolina. Through this event, they also provide emotional and financial support to the families of Law Enforcement in times of need, promoting a sense of appreciation for the sacrifices made by officers and their families.

Community support is instrumental in enabling the success of the Annual Memorial Ride, which raises awareness for organizations

place on Saturday at the Bynum Chapel Family Life Center in Kings Mountain, located at 311 Ellis Street, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

During the fourth annual event, girls will have the opportunity to visit, shop, and take home beautiful dresses for their prom, creating lifelong memories.

Tiana expressed her excitement, saying, “It is every girl’s dream to go to prom, look beautiful, and create unforgettable memories. It is amazing to let them shine for that moment and allow them to feel loved and seen. I am excited to give back and bless someone who needs it, and I give God all the glory!”

such as Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) and the Officer Down Memorial Page (O.D.M.P.), while also helping to ensure that logistical needs are met for all involved, including the riders, support staff, and families. This year, the first part of

the ride will begin in

allowing a stop at the Kings Mountain Police Department on the route to Raleigh. From there, the second half will finish in Washington, DC. “We are deeply grateful for Albemarle's commitment to this meaningful cause and for standing with us in remembrance and support of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice,” the press release said. “Thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of law enforcement families.”

Local businesses held ribbon cuttings

Elle Ruth Salon and Spa and Simply Grace held ribbon cuttings at 1111 Shelby Road in Kings Mountain last Saturday morning.

Teresa Toney and Tonya Crawford welcomed friends and family to individual ribbon-cutting ceremonies for their respective businesses.

Joining Teresa at Elle Ruth Salon and Spa are Kaylee Carroll, Susan McCarty, and Olivia Thompson.

The ribbon cutting was provided by KM Forward, and they encourage you to visit these businesses at their new location.

Owner of Simply Grace, Tonya Crawford, cuts the ribbon as friends and family join in the celebration.

Teresa Toney, friends, and associates gathered to hold a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Ella Ruth Salon and Spa on Saturday, March 29. Photos by Loretta Cozart

Shelby,

Community Affairs Operations Specialist Cindy Estridge of Albemarle delivers a $1,000 donation to KMPD for their Road to Hope-Shelby fundraiser. Photo by KMPD

Ashley Champion, Tiana Roberts, and Kyrea McCluney partner once again to make wishes come true for many girls across Cleveland County. Photos by Girl Talk Ministries

Girls

istry’s

5, at Bynum Chapel

Photos by Girl

Ministries

■ OBITUARIES

Carolyn Moore Parsley

KINGS MOUNTAIN,

NC – Carolyn Moore Parsley, 75, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on March 25, 2025 at Carolina Care Health & Rehabilitation in Cherryville, NC.

She was born September 16, 1949 in Cleveland County, NC, daughter of the late Frank and Marga-

ret Short. Moore and was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Richard Parsley and a sister, Linda Dixon. Carolyn was a lifelong faithful member of Patterson Grove Baptist Church where she enjoyed watching after the children of the church. Carolyn was a wonderful caregiver and worked most of her life in daycare’s. She enjoyed playing the piano and was an avid Bingo player. Carolyn was always an outgoing person, never met a stranger and enjoyed being around people. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend to everyone. Her spirit and heart will be long remembered by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by sons: Thomas Richard Parsley

Lee Childers

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Jeanette Lee Cook Childers, 88, of Kings Mountain, NC passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Summit Place in Kings Mountain, NC.

She was born April 30, 1936 in Cleveland County, NC, daughter of the late Rev. Howard T. and Vernease Cook. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years William (Bill) H. Childers, a daughter Janet Lee Childers and a brother Edward T. Cook.

Jeanette was a long time member of Temple Baptist Church where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and served as a Youth Director along with her husband. She is a current member of First Baptist Church, Kings Mountain where she was a choir member. During her lifetime she

Meta Amanda Kopruch

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Meta Amanda Kopruch, age 105, passed to her heavenly home on March, 29, 2025 at White Oak Manor after a period of declining health.

She was born on April 7, 1919 to the late Christian Smeilus and Margaret Schlemonant Smeilus in Alt-Sussemilken, East Prussia, and was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Erich Kopruch and grandson, Kristopher Kopruch.

Meta was a longtime member of St. Matthew’s

and wife Kim and John Alexander Parsley and wife Angie; grandson: Christian Parsley and sister: Sandra Bumgarner and husband Mike.

Funeral service was held on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Patterson Grove Baptist Church with Pastor Brad Bridges officiating.

Jacqueline Blanton

Visitation was held on Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 2:50 PM prior to the service at the church

Interment was held in Patterson Grove Baptist Church 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.

knew and loved her.

worked for the Margrace Mill, and Matthew Belk at Eastridge Mall in Gastonia where she was the secretary for the store manager. She then went to work with her husband at Childers Heating and Cooling until they both retired in 2004.

She served as leader of a local Brownie troop back in the ‘60’s, volunteered at local voting sites and was involved in her church’s activities. She loved her church and the Joy Sunday School class. She was famous for her candied yams at church functions, cheered for the Carolina basketball team, could play a mean game of Rook with family members and was on a lady’s bowling team. Jeanette and her husband loved to travel and would take their daughters on family vacations to New York, Texas, Louisiana, Mexico, Massachusetts, Arizona, Hawaii and every year a week at Myrtle Beach.

Later she and her husband were able to travel internationally to France, Germany, the Holy Land, Greece, Barbados, Aruba and many other places. Once her grandson was born, they took him traveling too. After retirement she took trips to New York with ladies from the church and out West with her neighbors. She is going to be missed by everyone who

Lutheran Church and retried from Carolina Throwing Company in Kings Mountain. After retirement she enjoyed traveling, especially to her home country, Germany. She was known for her kind, friendly spirit and generous heart. She loved to grow vegetables in her garden and cook large German meals for her family and friends. She would often gift them with her wonderful cakes and desserts. Most of all she loved to go for long walks. It was not unusual for her to walk two to three hours per day. She will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her children: Annamarie Dittrich of Bienstaedt, Germany, Heidi Jones (Bruce), and Klaus Kopruch, all of Kings Mountain, NC; grandchildren: Ines Goetz (Volker) of Bienstaedt, Germany, Jason Crawford (Summer) of Charlotte, NC, and David Crawford of Kings Mountain, NC;

She is survived by her daughter: Cindy Mixter and husband Mark A. Mixter, Wendell, NC; grandson: Ryan W. Mixter and wife Martha, Wendell, NC; great-grandsons: H. Fox Mixter and Lincoln Mixter, Wendell, NC; sisters: Juanita Scott and husband Hollis Scott, N. Myrtle Beach, SC; Martha (Kitty) Carder, Gamaliel, KY; Marjorie Abbott, Rome, GA; Sheila Robertson and husband Mike Robertson, Wendell, NC and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service was held on Monday, March 31, 2025, at 12:00 PM at First Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. John Sloan officiating.

Visitation was on Monday, March 31, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 11:50 AM prior to the service in the Stained Glass Room of First Baptist Church.

Interment was held in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jeanette’s memory may be made to Carolina Caring Hospice at www.carolinacaring.org

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

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

great-grandchildren: Cynthia Goetz, Julianna Williams, Kagan Kopruch, Ethan Crawford, Avery Crawford, and Morgan Crawford.

Graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at Mountain Rest Cemetery with Reverend John Yost III officiating.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the cemetery.

Interment will be held in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Meta’s memory may be made to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church at 201 North 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.

Jacqueline (Jackie) Blanton passed away on March 15, 2025 at age 95 from pneumonia age related conditions. Jackie was born on September 23, 1929. Jackie was predeceased by her father and mother, Ben and Opal Blanton, her brother, Benny Blanton, and her life partner, Ferman Weatherford. She is survived by her cousins Thomas Welchel, Joseph Welchel, Robert Welchel, and Caroline Tracy. She will be dearly missed by her special friends, Les and Sheila Ivie, Kathy Lovelace, Joan Shep Sheppard, Rachel Hamrick, and Betsey Wells. Emmitt and Layla will also greatly miss their adopted Grandmother. Jackie was very close to her mother’s side of her family. Her cousins, Tommy Welchel and Carolyn Welchel Tracy, have fond memories of our family get-togethers at Wade’s Restaurant in Spartanburg.

Jackie was born at the beginning of the Great Depression. Her father died unexpectedly when she was six years old from appendicitis. Her mother was eight months pregnant at the time with her brother, Benny. It was also the middle of the Great Depression. It was a very challenging time for her mother. She remembers vividly the challenges her family faced in the following difficult years. These events had a large influence on Jackie’s strong character and generosity in her adult life.

Jackie was living with her parents, Ben and Opal Blanton, on a small farm in Cherokee County, SC when her father died. Her mother sold the farm and moved with Jackie and Benny, Jackie’s new baby brother to a house in Gaffney that they had built earlier. It was here that Jackie spent her remaining childhood and early years.

Jackie attended Limestone College following graduation from Gaffney High School. She graduated from Limestone with a degree in teaching, and would later add a Master’s degree in Reading Education. Jackie began her teaching career at East El-

ementary in Kings Mountain, where she taught for 30 years, followed by teaching for 20 years at Grover Elementary school. Numbers alone do not begin to tell how many residents of Cleveland County had the good fortune to have been in her third grade class that she taught for fifty years. Many grandparents and parents with children of their own remember being in her third grade class. Education was Jackie’s vocation. She taught for more than fifty years in Kings Mountain and Grover schools. She especially loved helping children learn to read. Many of the children in her classes developed a lifelong love of reading that helped their later success in school and career. She used storytelling to help her class improve their reading skills. She had a remarkable talent for reading folk tales such as Grandfather Tales and Jack Tales in the dialect where they were places. Jackie was an active member of the Cleveland County chapter of the North Carolina Retired Personnel association. She served as membership chair for many years. Jackie was a Charter Member of the Beta Chi Alpha Delta Kappa, a sorority for female educators and remained a member until her death. Jackie received many awards and citations during her career for outstanding performance in education. A plaque honoring Jackie is on the in the NC Board of Education building in Raleigh. Jackie received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine after her retirement for fifty years educating the children of Cleveland County. This is the highest honor awarded by NC governors for significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments. Jackie loved to talk about cooking. She was always on watch for recipes to send to friends. An attempt was made to count the cookbooks and recipes that she had saved. This attempt was not successful as there were just too many.

Ferman Weatherford was Jackie’s best friend and partner. She greatly enjoyed the many years spent at their home in Polkville after her retirement from teaching. They enjoyed the quiet and beauty of their life in the country. Jackie enjoyed watching fireworks with Ferman at Polkville Baptist Church and going to the Mason’s

Barbecue event. They enjoyed travel, especially to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Their neighbors, Les and Sheila Ivie became Jackie’s dear friends. They were a great help to Jackie after Ferman passed away, especially in her later years. She was like a second mother to Les. Her word was law – argument did not help. Jackie’s life was brightened by her long friendship with Kathy Lovelace. Kathy made Jackie a member of her family. Jackie spent many Fridays at Kathy’s house having her hair done and enjoying corn dogs in the air fryer.

Jackie was a passionate member of the Democratic Party. She was very active in promoting their goals in Cleveland County and North Carolina.

Jackie’s absence from our daily lives will leave a large space. Her friends will miss being able to call and share their day with her.

Jackie had a great love for children. She often told the story of the visit that she and Ferman made to the Masonic Children’s Orphanage in Oxford, NC. She and Ferman gave much time and funds to support their welfare, especially those in the greatest need of help. Donations in her memory may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital Greenville, Masonic Home for Children Oxford, and St. Jude’s Children’s hospital. Improving children’s literacy was Jackie’s most valued goal. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to give free books to children from birth until they begin school was a very favorite charity. Her family appreciates so much the help and kindness given to Jackie by Les and Sheila Ivie, and Kathy Lovelace and family, although words are not adequate.

Jackie’s pastor, Will Davis, and fellow church members of Polkville Baptist Church were a great consolation for her.

Thank you also to the staff at The Pancake House for making Jackie’s lunch of Texas Chicken special. A visitation and funeral service will be held at Polkville Baptist Church on Saturday, April 5. Visitation will begin at 1:00 and funeral service at 2:00. Graveside burial will follow. To sign the guest book, please go to www.clevelandfuneralservices.com. A service of Cleveland Funeral Services & Crematory, Inc.

Jeanette

Tuesday morning,

reports

campfire. The fire was quickly extinguished, according to a Facebook post by the City of Kings Mountain. Photo by City of KM

Sheriff’s office seizes 15.85 lbs. of cocaine in Shelby

On Wednesday, March 26, the ClevelanÅd County Sheriff’s Office Community Interdiction Team (CIT) conducted a vehicle stop on Highway 74 at the intersection of Old Boiling Springs Rd in Shelby, NC. During the vehicle stop, Deputies located 15.85 lbs. of Cocaine, with a street value of $180,000, and $20,198.00 in cash.

Armando Loya-Cendjas, Alejandro Inurereta Cordova, and Diego Emir Oje-

da-Sanchez were arrested and taken to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.

• Armando Loya-Cendjas, 47, of 928 West Octave St., Pasco, Washington, was arrested for WFA; F-conspire to traffic cocaine and placed under a $500,000 Secured Bond.

• Alejandro Inurereta Cordova, 24 of 6708 Tenaza Drive, Olmito, Texas was arrested for two counts of WFA; F-conspire to traffic cocaine, and one count of WFA; M-resisting a public officer, and placed under a $400,000 Secured Bond.

• Diego Emir Ojeda-Sanchez, 22, of 1081 New Circle Rd., Lexington, Kentucky was given a $400,000 Secured Bond.

“The Sheriff’s Office

will continue to make drug investigations a high priority,” Sheriff Alan Norman said. “Statistics have shown for years that drug use leads to other crimes, in particular breaking & entering and larcenies, where users have to steal to fund their habit. The violence associated with drug dealing is also a huge concern of mine, and those dealers who possess guns during drug transactions will be a very high priority.”

The Sheriff’s Office takes complaints of drug sales very seriously, Norman said, and requests that anyone with information on drug dealers in their neighborhood contact the Vice/ Narcotics Division at 704484-4987.

Larceny at Food Lion last week

On March 24, a larceny occurred at Food Lion at 610 E. King Street in Kings Mountain. KMPD is seeking the public’s help in identifying the individual pictured above, who was connected to the incident by video surveillance from the store.

If you have any information regarding the identity of this person, please contact Patrolman Archie with the Kings Mountain Police Department at 704-7340444. You can also leave an anonymous tip through the Cleveland County Crime Stoppers app.

GCP investigating after Ashbrook High School classroom assault video went viral

The Gaston County Police Department posted on its Meta (Facebook) page on March 17 that it is investigating a classroom assault at Ashbrook High School depicted in a viral video on social media posted on March 26. The alarming footage led school administrators to report the incident to the School Resource Officer (SRO), prompting an investigation, according to police.

The video shows the incident that took place on March 25, where a student at Ashbrook High School swung and hit another student in the back of the head and neck area. The aggressor then got up and continued to throw punches. The victim fell out of their seat and onto the ground, guarding their head and crying loudly. Laughter can be heard in the background, and no one intervened to help. The Gaston County Police Department post read: “School administration reported the incident to the School Resource Officer (SRO), and an investigation of the incident immediately ensued. The Gaston County Police take all incidents of school violence seriously. The full investigation was turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to obtain petitions.” See VIDEO, Page 5A

Doris Upchurch had a great time celebrating her 95th birthday with her family and friends at the Cherryville Country Club on Sunday, March 23, 2025.

On

March 25, at 9:22 a.m., KMFD responded to

of smoke seen in the wooded area near East Gold St. and South Gaston St. The Kings Mountain Fire Department and Kings Mountain Police Department quickly responded and discovered a pallet burning, possibly used as a

This suspect is wanted by KMPD in a larceny last week. Photo by KMPD

DIEGO EMIR OJEDA-SANCHEZ

ALEJANDRO INURERETA CORDOVA

ARMANDO LOYA-CENDJAS

OPINION

Pieces of Kings Mountain History

Today, we take the drive to the Kings Mountain National Military Park for granted: it is so easy to get there that we think little about it. Whether you travel to the park via US Highway 29 or Route 161, you can reach your destination in no time. I love driving the Main Park Road, a two-lane blacktop through serene woods. Here, we get a glimpse of the area before the battle occurred. It is an especially beautiful place in the spring and fall. While reading from

the Col. Frederick Hambright DAR Chapter’s Minutes Book and other historical records, I gained a new appreciation of that road and the effort it took to build. In 1916, the DAR ladies from our chapter could only wish for a decent road to the battlefield. They took great pains to lobby for a better road at the state and federal levels; years later, their dream became reality. Before the Battle of Kings Mountain, the area that makes up the National Military Park was crisscrossed by Indian paths. One went from the Catawba Nation through what would later become the City of Kings Moun-

Your Life Speaks

Poem In Honor of Arlene Barrett

By Rusty Baumgardner

Daughter, wife, mother, friend, and selfless servant to the town, Your life speaks… your endless heart for others and enduring strength in every storm, your unwavering faithfulness to forgive and love, your fearlessness and trust through adversity, your patience that guides so many to see, hear, and follow the way across any mountain, your song of light, a reflection of God’s gaze, chasing the darkness from all around you, your arms of grace forever open, and in all these things, the evidence of love none of us can escape, lifting us to live like you, Arlene Barrett.

tain. The area near the battleground was known as a good place to hunt, but farming wasn’t ideal due to the rocky soil. If you search online, you can find Mouzon’s Map of North and South Carolina 1775 to view these paths.

In the mid-1700s, many sought their fortunes in the Carolinas on the Colonial Road. The Upper Road, or Piedmont Road, was especially popular among the Scots-Irish colonists who settled in the backcountry. In the 1780s, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia were known as the backcountry.

The British and American Patriots reached Little Kings Mountain through “an old Cherokee trail,” now known as the Colonial Road. This is the only historical structure in the park remaining from the time of the battle,” according to The National Parks Conservation Association’s “Resource Assessment” done in 2010. Today, remnants of this road can be found throughout the park and continue beyond its boundaries on private land.

When President Herbert Hoover visited in 1930, a “one-day road” was constructed between US Highway 29 and Route 161 to carry dignitaries and guests from the Charlotte-Atlanta Railway to the battlefield. While it seems hard to

Looking Back

enjoy their trip instead of fighting traffic. Kings Mountain’s train depot was built in 1925 and turns 100 years this Fall.

believe, it is estimated that more than 75,000 people attended the event that day. Five months later, on March 3, 1931, the park ownership was transferred to the National Park Service and renamed the “Kings Mountain National Military Park.” By 1941, the Civilian Conservation Corps relocated the Main Park Road southward to help obscure its view from the top of the battlefield ridge. The new roadway was designed to accommodate the new road alignment, featuring swales lined with stone rubble, wide grassy shoulders, concrete, and See PIECES, Page 5A

–Mark Twain

Men are Men and Women Are Women Bill introduced in NC Senate

Today, a bill was filed in the NC Senate that aims to define “male” and “female” by biology in NC law and to restrict men and boys from entering women and girls’ private spaces. The bills mirror President Trump’s recent executive order ‘Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government’ which declared that Federal policy will recognize the “biological reality of sex” and restricts men from entering women’s private spaces in federal agencies and facilities. NC Values Coalition Press Director Ashley Vaughan applauded the bill, saying, “North Carolina must return to the common sense understanding that men are men, women are women, and men should not be allowed to rob women of their safety and privacy by invading their private spaces. Defining male and female by biology in North Carolina law is important because when men can identify as women it invalidates hundreds of laws and See BILL, Page 5A

When Do People Die?

A Catholic Priest, A Jewish Rabbi and a Baptist minister were discussing the beginning of life. The Priest said, “Life begins at conception. The Rabbi said he believe at birth. The Baptist minister thought for a minute and said, “I believe life begins when the last child leaves home and the dog dies.”

Glenn Mollette Guest Editorial

While there are different opinions about when life begins, what is the answer to the question, “When does life end?” Most of us would agree when we breath our last breath is when it’s over for us. However, too often the ending of life is even more grim than us fighting for a breath of air and then we are nothing but a body of flesh and bone for some else to dispose. Too often life for many ends months or maybe even years before our final physical moment. Actually, possibly it has already happened to you and you haven’t even realized that you are already dead. You died and you didn’t even know it. You’ve been starring at your television, scrolling through social media and maybe even walking around the aisle of the grocery store just as dead as old King Tut, but not physically, just mentally, emotion-

ally and spiritually. It happens to the best of people. You lose all interest in life.

You have nothing that you look forward to. There is nothing you particularly want to do No place you really want to go and nobody you want to be around. You’re dying, because you’ve given up. There are several scenarios that can bring us to this motionless zombie stage of life. Losing a spouse, losing a job, losing a child, a business failure, financial failure, a major sickness or just outliving all your family and your friends. Too often people detach themselves from everyone or anything going on which limits their activity and interest even more.

No doubt crippling disease changers our personalities and our interests. Battling cancer, diabetes, a neurological disease or take your pick of many more, changes our attitude about wanting to be out and about and doing what we use to do. Going to church, the local Kiwanis Meeting, or singing in the community choir may not have the same appeal.

Regardless of what you or a loved one has going on it’s well to take notice of this stage of life and not be too hard on your friend or yourself. Here is what you must try:

1. Keep moving. Move whatever you can. Even if you are wheel chair bound, move your mind and whatever part of your body that you can move.

2. Keep doing Do something. Read, pray, exercise, go to church, walk. Clean your house. Work a job, mentor people. Be a friend to others. Use your imagination.

3. Keep trying. As long as you can breathe, don’t quit.

4. Have something to look forward to. This can be anything. Someone’s birthday. A trip to the store. Moving the yard. A family gathering. A weekend trip, a movie, church, it can be most anything.

5. Enjoy whatever you do. Laugh and have a good time.

The only person who can keep you down is yourself. Your number one obstacle is usually yourself. If we can overcome what we mentally put ourselves through then we have a good chance of a good day. A good thought to add here, is the scripture, “If God be for us who can be against us?” Romans 8:21 Another one is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 Now, go and have a good day!

Dr. Glenn Mollette is the author of Uncommon Sense. Available wherever books are sold.

LORETTA COZART

This advertisement ran in the July 18, 1935, Herald, showcasing various travel options and rates on the Southern Railway. The ad touts rates from 1.5 cents to 3 cents per mile, with fairs to suit everyone’s budget. The railroad also offered Sleeping and Parlor cars, as well as a Dining car. Riders were invited to leave their cars at home and travel using Southern. Riders could relax and

KMLT announces

Liberty Mountain auditions

Kings Mountain Little Theatre, founding sponsors Gilbert and Jancy Patrick, and presenting sponsor Albemarle announce upcoming auditions for "Liberty Mountain, The Revolutionary Drama.” Artistic Director Jeremy Homesley and Music Director Ashley DeMar invite everyone interested to join in the fun of participating in the production of this historical drama by playwright Robert Inman.

Liberty Mountain depicts the dramatic events leading up to the October 7, 1780, Battle of Kings Mountain. It brings to life the story of Carolina Backcountry patriots who, with their unexpected victory, helped secure our nation's liberty. The indoor live performance features fullscale theater action, music, epic battles with stage combat, live fire, and other special effects. The cast and crew of approximately 35 have been onstage – and behind the curtain! – opportunities for ages 10 and up. Some actors and technicians will receive a salary for the 6-week commitment, from late August through early October. Performances take place every weekend, beginning September 19, 2025, and ending October 12, 2025. More details and Virtual Audition Applications are available at www.libertymountaindrama.com.

men, 3-5 pre-teen and teenage girls and boys, as well as 4-6 technical and administrative positions. There are open performance opportunities for lead and supporting actors, ensemble, and musicians, as well as backstage and technical positions available.

Audition dates are Thursday, April 24 and Friday, April 25 and Wednesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 8 from 6:00-8:00 PM under the tent at the Liberty Mountain Garden next to the Joy Theatre, 202 S. Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC. There are roles available for approximately 5-10 women, 15-20

Kings Mountain Little Theatre, Inc. is a volunteer-based, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt community theatre. It owns and operates the Joy Theatre and the Liberty Mountain Garden. Reach us at 704-730-9408 for further information about auditions, tickets, and special group rates and packages, or email tickets@kmlt.org.

KM’s Patriots Park Amphitheatre hosts first-ever outdoor drama

By Jeremy Homesley

It makes a lot of sense to tell the story of the Battle of Kings Mountain in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, even though the actual battleground is closer to modern Blacksburg, South Carolina. Mostly because the 10 miles between these two places is as important to this victory as any other part.

I’d go so far as to say that if celebrating, teaching, and entertaining about the Battle of Kings Mountain in the heart of downtown Kings Mountain, North Carolina seems odd, just think about the heroes who traveled those miles and hundreds more to save themselves by defending their southeastern neighbors. A brand new outdoor drama, from the same people who bring you Liberty Mountain at the Joy Theatre each year, along with support from the wonderful Kings Mountain Little Theatre and the City of Kings Mountain’s Tourism Development Authority, is making its debut in Patriots Park on the Liberty Falls Amphitheatre Stage. Starting Friday, April 11th at 7:30 pm, with performances continuing until the following Friday, the entire event is completely free to the public!

There will be a living history encampment and exhibit each day of the event, staffed with 18th-century reenactors from 12 pm to 5 pm, sharing historical knowledge and demonstrating the loading and firing methods of old-fashioned flintlock muskets, rifles, and other living history demonstrations. Every performance will also begin 15 minutes early with a musical pre-show featuring real historical folk songs and talented professional singers and historical interpreters.

A lot of things make this exciting live-performance unique: it features live-firing historical and theatrical weaponry and realistic stage combat making our battle reenactments authentic and compelling, with action taking place off the stage and around the audience in our wide open-air performance space, but unlike many others, King of Kings: Victory Over the Mountain features live animals like dogs, chickens, goats, and even a special guest appearance of some baby animals at the end of each show.

My name is Jeremy Homesley, and I am the playwright, artistic director, and also an actor in King of Kings. I am also a former high school English teacher who has completed graduate work in teaching and writing, who just so

happens to be a hobby-farmer.

I’ve always wanted to have animal performers in the live performances I’ve been blessed to perform with and direct. Animals were as important throughout history as they are today, and their presence lends energy and realism to every scene they help perform.

The Battle of Kings Mountain was a very important ambush-style attack that took place on October 7th, 1780, where a larger than usual force of American Patriot Militia composed of groups from every single southern state combined to encircle an equally surprisingly large and well-organized force of Loyalists, recruited from the same areas as their Patriot counterparts. Nowhere in the history of warfare have larger forces of organized militia performed as synchronously, almost like a regular army, as they clashed so significantly and in a locale that adds extra emphasis to this event. A rocky hilltop shaped like a kidney bean that just so happened to be called Kings. Many people have tried to logic through why Patrick Ferguson camped so boldly, unhidden and with little to no attempts to fortify, on the very top of a barely accessible knoll framed in tall trees that made visibility dangerously poor, and this historical drama answers that question once and for all.

King of Kings, a live-performance event created specifically for Kings Mountain, centers on people living in this exact area as the threat encroaches on their own backyards, and all their friends and neighbors from over the hill show up to help boot trespassers off the land. The central family is named the Kings and claim to own the mountain targeted by a debonair Scottish commander. They’re friends with backcountry commanders like Isaac Shelby, James Williams, John Sevier, Joseph Winston, and Benjamin Cleveland, to name drop a few. The mythical Virginias, camp-followers named Sal and Paul rumored to have traveled with Ferguson, are also present and play vital roles in the operations of the Loyalist Army. There’s a wedding dance and several battles, along with lots of gritty drama and historical Easter eggs embedded throughout. It’s a full-length, two-act play with passion and storytelling like you’ve never seen before, and it’s an outdoor historical reenactment in a place where that has never been done before. The event will bring you, your family, and your friends face to face with so many

CCEDP hosts “Making it Work Manufacturing and Engineering Fair”

By Loretta Cozart

facts about the Battle of Kings Mountain, the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution, and the culture and daily life in the late 18th century as colonial America birthed the United States. If you have a student who is studying this subject in school, a friend who is a history buff, and also any dad or grandpa is hands-down guaranteed to enjoy this play. Please bring them out to Patriots Park, to the Amphitheatre just down the hill (after you’ve checked out the Living History Encampment to see if they’re cooking any venison, boiling peanuts or firing musket volleys by the hour) bring your own chairs, or a blanket, feel free to bring a picnic, snacks and drinks (there are also restaurants nearby and food truck available on some days) the performance lasts around an hour and forty five minutes with a 10 minute intermission, and we plan to perform rain or shine as long as we have an audience eager to be entertained and educated with a vibrant piece of compelling local history. The 10:30 am performances on April 15th and 16th are shortened to 1 hour and modified specifically with younger audiences in mind.

King of Kings: Victory

Over the Mountain will perform April 11th, 12th, 17th, and 18th starting at 7:30 pm, and matinee performances on April 12th and 13th at 3 pm. And, as a special outreach to educators, school administrators looking for field trips, and parents with restless children at home for the Easter holiday, we’re offering morning, weekday performances, Tuesday, April 15th and Wednesday, April 16th both starting at 10:30 am, with the Living History Encampment Exhibit open and available directly following each performance.

It is both a treat and a dream come true to bring the King of Kings event to Kings Mountains, a place I have lived next to, worked, and performed in for many years. I love to see rural communities grow and try new things. We will use voice amplification to enhance accessibility. There is a reserved section in front of the stage, which will be roped off and reserved for those who have RSVP’d, with much of the amphitheater seating area and the rest of the park and field in front of the amphitheater open to the public, who are more than welcome to join us throughout each performance. The Living History Camp is also free to the public. There is free parking located all around, and the address for Patriots Park is 307 S Cansler St, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.

The Cleveland County Economic Development Partnership hosted the Making it Work Manufacturing and Engineering Fair at the LeGrand Center last week. This event is designed to help high school students

BILL

From Page 4A policies designed to protect women. We need to protect women and girls in private spaces where they are vulnerable. North Carolina schools should never allow children to be on the front lines of the gender ideology confusion. And North Carolina correctional facilities must pro-

PIECES

From Page 4A

metal pipe culverts, as well as some sections with stone facing. This is the road we enjoy today.

I now realize that what I perceived as an untouched area along the road required great engineering skill and talent to appear natural. I am sure the DAR ladies were quite pleased

VIDEO

From Page 3A

Acc ording to Queen City News, the violent incident has drawn significant attention from local authorities and the community. On March 27, numerous parents and community members gathered outside Gaston County Schools’ property to express their

To RSVP for King of Kings, please visit our website at www.projectlocalinc.com and reserve your free tickets now (especially if you have a large group). You can also message us on social media @ projectlocalinc or even email jeremy@projectlocalinc.com or call 980-241-9048 if you have any special requests or concerns. This event was able to be provided completely for free because of our partnership with the City of Kings Mountain Tourism and Development Authority, as well as Liberty Mountain (an indoor historical drama about the Battle of KM and the American Revolution as a whole performing this Fall 2025 from September

discover opportunities in manufacturing and engineering, including information about apprenticeships, scholarships, benefits, and coursework that can lead to well-paying careers in these fields.

“Connecting with Cleveland County Schools students and sharing insights about Albemarle Kings Mountain, lithium, and careers in the STEM and chemical industries was fantastic,” said Margot Plonk. “We love seeing young minds excited about the future of engineering, innovation, and manufacturing—industries that are shaping our world.”

tect female inmates from predatory male inmates claiming to be women.”

If this bill becomes law, NC will join a growing number of states seeking to protect women from the harmful effects of gender ideology. Six states do not allow sex to be changed on birth certificates, and three states define “sex” by biology. Fourteen states have passed laws to segregate private spaces by biology, and

with the results!

So, when I take my next trip through the park, I will be thankful for all those who came before, from the Native Americans who created the paths to the young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps who built the road. We owe a debt of gratitude to everyone who took the time to remember the Battle of Kings Mountain and made efforts to preserve the battlefield. Those who worked on

concerns following the assault. The video was also shared online on March 26 on X (Twitter) by Michele Morrow, who ran as the Republican nominee for North Carolina superintendent of public instruction in November. She commented, “How many children and staff have to be physically harmed before we press charges and

19th through October 12th, auditions now open) and the excellent Kings Mountain Little Theatre. The overall event producer is Project Local Inc., a certified educational support charity and verified 501(c) (3) nonprofit located in Cherryville, NC. Thank you for reading about this event. Please plan to come visit us at Patriots Park at least once, maybe even two or three times (why not, it’s free!) Every visitor and audience member helps cement this living monument to history as an annual tradition for Kings Mountain. The City of Kings Mountain and the Liberty Falls Amphitheatre have hosted concerts and

the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals just upheld a similar law passed by Idaho unanimously. The bill introduced today only designate private spaces by biology in K-12 public schools, rape crisis centers, local confinement facilities, domestic violence shelters, juvenile detention centers, and prisons.

The bill sponsors are Sens. Overcash and Sawyer.

annual commemorations and those who labored to protect this place from the ravages of development deserve our appreciation.

As you drive through this park and admire the beautiful Dogwood blossoms of Spring, say a prayer of thanks that good people recognized the significance of this spot in our Nation’s history and gave their time, energy, and money to protect it for us and future generations.

STOP allowing violence and chaos in our classrooms?!”

Due to North Carolina laws protecting juveniles, the identities of the juveniles involved and the details of the criminal charges will not be released.

There is no further information available for Gaston County Police Department release.

speeches, but now, for the first time ever, it’s going to be used to make history. When you visit Patriots Park between April 11th and 18th, you are also a part of making history. Thank you for your support and patronage. Kings Mountain, this event is my thank you to all of you for all the years of kindness and opportunities you’ve given to me. It is my pleasure to present the World Premiere of King of Kings: Victory Over the Mountain, the firstever Outdoor and Historical Drama performed in the heart of downtown Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Enjoy the show!

Margot Plonk speaks to high school students about at Make it Work opportunities in career opportunities at Albemarle. Photo by Albemarle

Two Worldviews: One World

Where did you grow up?

Pastor Stephen Littlejohn Battleground Community Church

Some of us grew up in a small town, some in a big city, and others in another country, but no matter where we lived or in what generation we were raised, we were all given a way to see life and navigate this world into which we were born. These are like glasses that help us see and make sense of life.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, the Bible gives us a pair of glasses, but do we realize that this world also wants us to see life with its glasses too? The Bible gives us what we call Christian theism, which simply informs us that God gives us (through the Bible) our identity and purpose and helps us make sense of the world in which we live. But there is another worldview that is loud and proud, and it influences us all. Some describe it as a post-modern, secular, or even humanistic worldview. Now, those are a lot of unfamiliar words, but they simply mean that man gets to pick his identity and purpose,

and no God is needed. There is no timeless absolute truth to get in man’s way; we are the masters of our fate, and it is incumbent on us all to discard old, outdated values and morals and make the most out of this life, whatever that looks like for you.

So, what is your worldview? If one view is correct, the other is wrong, and the truth is there are simply questions that come to us all no matter where we are from and demand us to answer them. Even when we try to suppress them, they creep back in, reminding us of their importance. What are life’s big questions, and how do you answer them? They might

be asked differently, but the questions are always the same. Who am I? Why am I here? What is wrong with this world, and what can be done to make things right?

In Colossians 1:15-16, Scripture teaches us that Jesus created all things, including us, for himself. If this is true, then everything will change. Jesus gets to inform us of our identity and purpose and direct how we live, and since he designed us, he knows how we should live to flourish in all we are and all we do. For April, we want to look at life’s big questions and see how the Bible answers them. So, let’s dive in!

Kings Mountain Area Church Directory

St. Paul United Methodist Church N. Cansler Street 704-739-1256

Sunrise Baptist Church 208 Mail Road 704-692-3007

Temple Baptist Church 612 N. Cansler Street 704-739-4716

The Favor Center Church 602 Slater Street

True Gospel Holiness Church 1608 Shelby Road 704-739-6764

Unity AME Zion Church 948 Unity Church Road 704-228-0328

Temple Baptist Church

612 N. Cansler St. • Kings Mountain, NC

Mt. Olive

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 Ave.

704-739-6811

Midview Baptist Church

703 Margrace Road

704-739-6711

Mount Zion

Missionary Baptist Church

220 N. Watterson Street

704-739-8354

Mountain View

Agape Church

506 Sparrow Springs Road

704-739-0160

Baptist Church Compact School Road

704-739-4516

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

220 N. Watterson Street

704-739-8354

New Beginnings Church of Jesus Christ 541 Crocker Road

704-730-9507

New Bynum Chapel AME

Zion Church N. Cansler Street

704-739-2606

New Camp Creek Baptist Church 863 New Camp Creek Ch. Road

704-487-7128

New Life Family Worship Center 428 Oak Grove Road 704-739-9371

New Way Missionary

Baptist Church 105 Waco Road

704-724-0414

Oak Grove Baptist Church 1022 Oak Grove Road

704-739-4833

Oak View Baptist Church 1517 York Road

704-739-7831

Pathway Baptist Church

3100 Parkdale Circle 704-734-0852

Patterson Grove

Baptist Church 301 Oak Grove Road 704-739-5826

Penley’s Chapel Church 1805 N Piedmont Ave

704-524-4139

Peoples Baptist Church 1010 Groves Street 704-739-0398

Proclaiming the Word Ministries 7011 Cleveland Avenue

Progressive Church of Our Lord 1001 Cleveland Avenue 704-734-1070

Resurrection Lutheran Church

600 Crescent Circle 704-739-5580

Royal Praise Ministries 2055 Shelby Rd.

Saint Matthew’s Lutheran Church 201 N. Piedmont Avenue 704-739-7466

Second Baptist Church 120 Linwood Road 704-739-4216

Shady Grove Baptist Church 339 Shady Grove Road 704-739-8920

Vestibule AME Zion Church 2175 Vestibule Church Road 704-739-7961

Westover Baptist Church 114 Westover Drive

Advent Lutheran Church, NALC Member 230 Oak Grove Rd. 704-750-0171

Anew Beginning Baptist Church 415 Dixon School Rd. 704-473-1372

Ardent Life Church 420 Branch Street 704-739-7700

Arise Church 830 E. King St.

Bethlehem Baptist Church 1017 Bethlehem Road 704-739-7487

Boyce Memorial ARP Church Edgemont Drive 704-739-4917

Calvary Way Holiness Church 1017 Second Street

Pastor Clifton Morgan

Carson Memorial Baptist Church 262 Sparrow Springs Road 704-739-2247

Central Methodist Church 113 S. Piedmont Avenue 704-739-2471

Cherokee St. Baptist Church 421 S. Cherokee Street 704-739-7697

Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church 618 Chestnut Ridge Road 704-739-4015

Christian Freedom Southern Baptist Church 246 Range Road 704-739-4152

Christ The King Catholic Church 714 Stone Street 704-487-7697

Concord United Methodist Church 2404 Tryon Courthouse Rd. Bessemer City, NC 704-629-3571

Cornerstone Church Of God 202 Margrace Road 704-739-3773

Cornerstone Independent Baptist 107 Range Road 704-737-0477

KM Ministerial Association to host Annual Community Easter Sunrise service

The Kings Mountain Ministerial Association is hosting the annual Community Easter Sunrise Service at East Gold Street Wesleyan Church (701 East Gold Street) on Sunday, April 20th at 7:00 AM.

Please join members of our community, as we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ!

April library news

By Mari Slaughter

Mauney Memorial Library provides engaging programs for every age group. Below are the programs offered in March.

• Mauney Library Café (Family)

Monday, April 7th 5:30 pm – 7pm, Mauney Library

Join MML staff for light refreshments, crafts, games, puzzles and conversation in the library.

• Earth Day at the Gateway Trail (Family)

Saturday, April 12th 10 am – 2 pm, Kings Mountain Gateway Trail, 807 S. Battleground Ave. Come see MML at the City of Kings Mountain Earth Day Event! Learn about Earth Day and how to be kind to the planet. Make a nature craft and get prizes!

• Field Trip Adventure – Fishing at Shorts Lake with Crowders Mountain Rangers Ages 16+ Require a Valid NC Fishing License (Family program). Please Register each person attending. Monday, April 14th 10 am

– noon, Crowders Mountain (Sparrow Springs Access) 522 Park Office Lane

Join Mauney Library at Shorts Lake as we fish with Crowders Mountain Rangers. Don’t forget the snacks and prizes!

• Mauney Library Closed for Easter Holiday Friday, April 18th and Saturday, April 19th

• Family Movie Night at the Library: Mufasa: The Lion King Monday, April 21st 5:45 – 7:30 pm, Library Community Room. Come to library movie night as we present “Mufasa: The Lion King” in our Community Room while enjoying popcorn and drinks with family and friends!

• Library Storytime in Person (preschoolers) Tuesdays and Thursdays

10:30-11:30 am, Mauney Library Community Room. Come to the library to enjoy a story, music, and a take home craft with Miss. Anne.

• Learn Grow Play (preschoolers)

Fridays 10:00-11:30 am, Mauney Library Community Room. Play in centers, then enjoy a story, music, and a take home craft with Miss.

Anne

• Lego Club (ages 6-12)

Third Thursday of every month 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm, Library Community Room. Free build and participate in group projects, snacks provided.

• 1-on-1 Technology Help (Registration Required) Thursdays 10:00 – 11:30 am. Get one-on-one help with your technology, from phones and tablets, to laptops and more!

For the latest in library news and events, visit www. mauneylibrary.org. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Mauney Memorial Library is located at 100 S. Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.

Patrick Sr. Center April events

The Patrick Senior Center has many opportunities for senior citizens in Kings Mountain. Unless otherwise noted, Senior Center programs are open to individuals aged 55 and above. Programs are open to individuals aged 55 and older unless otherwise noted.

The Patrick Center will be closed on Friday, April 18, for Good Friday/Easter.

April 2025 Special Events:

• Computer Technology Classes by Beth McDaniel: Wednesdays, 9am-12pm. April 2 – May 7. Call the center to pre-register. You must attend one of the first two classes to be enrolled.

• Writing from the Heart by Regena Baynard: Wednesday, April 2, 1-2pm. Celebrate your life by writing about it. Call the center to sign up.

• Cleveland County Senior Games – Billiards: Tuesday, April 8, 9am, at the Patrick Center. Please see Karen to pick up your packet of information.

• Cleveland County Se-

nior Games – Silver Arts: Monday, April 21-Friday, April 25. Please see Karen to pick up your packet of information.

• Your Care – Your Choice Workshop: Tuesday, April 8, 11am-1pm. Join us for a presentation by Atrium Health and have an opportunity to get your Advance Directives completed. Please bring a NC Photo ID or Driver’s License.

• Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Education Series: Tuesday, April 15, 11:30am1pm. Topic will be the Foundations of Caregiving and Supporting Independence. RSVP by April 11.

• Craft Class with Claudia: Tuesday, April 15, 1-3pm. Join Claudia to make

a fun craft project. Please sign up and pay the $2 fee at the front desk by the Friday before class.

• Red Cross Blood Drive: Tuesday, April 22, 10am2:30pm. Please call the center to schedule an appointment. Your donation could save a life!

• Art Night with Janie: Thursday, April 24, 5:157:15pm. Join us for a night of painting fun. Sign up and pay the $20 fee at the front desk before April 17. Seating is limited. Open to the public. Refreshments served and all supplies provided.

• Medicare 101 Session: Tuesday, April 29, 5:307:30pm. Come learn about the basics of Medicare and the Extra Help Program for drug costs. Open to the public. RSVP by Friday, April 25. Dinner will be provided.

• Digital Navigator Presentation by Land of Sky Regional Council: Wednesday, April 30, 1-2:30pm. Topic will be GPS Navigation. Call the center to sign up. Ongoing Activities at the Patrick Center:

• Ceramics: Mondays, 9:30-11:30am.

• Technology Presentation by Trey Ross: 2nd Mondays, 10-11am. Join Trey from the Mauney Memorial Library for a technology topic presentation.

• Facebook Chat: Mondays, 10-10:45am. Online via Facebook.

• Seniors in Motion: Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays, 10:30-11:30am. Suggested donation of $1 per class for non-YMCA members.

• Quilting: Mondays, 12:30-3pm.

• Beginner Quilting: Thursdays, 10am-12pm & 1-3pm.

• Intermediate Line Dance (Dance Floor Rockers): Mondays, 1-3pm.

• Intermediate Line Dance (Southern Class): Thursdays, 10-11:30am.

• Beginner Line Dancing: Mondays, 11:30-12:30pm.

• Clogging: Mondays, 3:30-4:30pm.

• Better Balance Class: Mondays, 3:30-4:15pm. Class includes strength

“Jeffrey J. Bowers – Wanderings in Acrylic”

Southern Arts Society Reception and new exhibit

Southern Arts Society in Kings Mountain features local artist Jeffrey J. Bowers with a one-person show "Jeffrey J Bowers – Wanderings in Acrylic". All the paintings shown in this exhibit are painted "en plein air" or "in the open air" on location. Bowers considers himself an artist in the Modern Impressionist style. Working in acrylics, he paints landscapes, cityscapes, still life, pets, buildings, and vehicles in and around the Piedmont area of western North Carolina. There are over 40 paintings in this exhibit, with the majority featuring landscapes and city scenes in Gastonia, Dallas and Kings Mountain. The public is invited to meet Mr. Bowers at a public reception on Saturday April 5, from 6-8 pm. The show is on view now through May 31, 2025. Artwork in the exhibit is available for sale.

To keep his artistic skills sharp, Bowers paints outdoors, “in the open air” as often as possible. Bowers was recently awarded the Winner of Best Plein Air Acrylic for April 2022 in Plein Air Salon competition for his painting “Late Summer Afternoon”. The judge for the competition was award-winning artist Camille Przewodek. He also received the “Best of Show” award at the Arts Mount Holly Plein Air Paint Out in September 2022, a 3-day plein air painting festival in Mount Holly NC. The awards were judged by NC’s own award winning plein air painter Jeremy Sams.

Even when working on location, most of Bowers’ paintings are completed in less than two hours. Smaller canvases, and water based acrylic paint call for fast paced brushwork. Bowers uses his commercial art training to accurately draw the foundation of the painting, then using as few brush-

strokes and details as possible, he quickly captures the feeling and atmosphere of the scene. An accomplished artist, Bowers takes great satisfaction in mixing colors on his palette to match what nature presents in front of him.

Prominent light/shadow patterns, reflections, natural colors, a good sense of depth and strong drawing are essential ingredients to his paintings. While painting in the “impressionist” style, he concentrates on light and color over detail, painting locations and objects that are easily recognizable to the viewer.

"Jeffrey J. Bowers –Wanderings in Acrylic" is on view in the galleries of Southern Arts Society through May 31, and online at www.SouthernArtsSociety.org. You can also see more of Bowers artwork on his website https://jeffreyjbowers.com/. Bowers is currently a member of the North Carolina Plein Air Painters and Southern Arts Society. Southern Arts Society (SASi) Gift Shop & Gallery is located at 301 N. Piedmont Ave. at the intersection of Piedmont and Battleground Avenues in the historic Southern Railway Depot. SASi of-

A Warming Springtime Soup (F amily Features) Spring is often unpredictable. Warm weather, cool days, rain clouds and clear skies - it’s hard to know what to serve for dinner. On those chillier evenings that call for a hot meal, turn to an easy solution like this Roasted Tomato Soup. Find more springtime soup recipes throughout April at Culinary.net.

training, Tai Chi, yoga, gait training, flexibility, mobility, and coordination. Suggested $1 per class for non-YMCA members.

• Knitting: Tuesdays, 8:30-10:30am.

• Veterans Meeting: 1st Tuesdays, 9-10am. Bible History: Tuesdays, 10-11am.

• Monthly Birthday Celebration: 4th Tuesdays, 10-11am. REFIT Dance Exercise: Tuesdays, 11am12pm.

• Volunteer Meeting: 3rd Tuesdays, 12:15-1pm.

• Chair Volleyball: Tuesdays, 1-3pm and Fridays, 122pm.

• Canasta: Tuesdays, 1-3pm.

• Seniorcise: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30-4:15pm. Suggested donation of $1 per class for non-YMCA members.

• Tai Chi for Arthritis:

TOMATO SOUP Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Source: Culinary.net

Servings:

fers a gift shop, ongoing art exhibitions and competitions, programs, and classes in a variety of media for artists of all levels. Currently on exhibit: "Jeffrey J Bowers - the plein air collection" on view April 2 through May 31, 2025. Public Reception Saturday April 5, from 6-8 pm. Gallery Hours: Wed through Sat, 10 am to 3 pm, and by Appointment. Admission is Free. For more information, please visit SouthernArtsSociety.org, or call 704.739.5585. Email southernartssociety@gmail. com.

Wednesdays, 9-10am.

• Jewelry Class: Wednesdays, 10-11am.

• Blood Pressure Clinic (Sponsored by Centerwell Home Health): 1st Wednesdays, 10-11:30am.

• Food Giveaway: 3rd Wednesdays, 1-2:30pm (Fall/ Winter Schedule). Please call to sign up each month.

• Book Club by Mari with Mauney Memorial Library: 4th Wednesdays, 1-2pm at the Patrick Center. Please call Mari at 704-739-2371 for more information. New members welcome.

• Healthy Lifestyles Class: Thursdays, 8-9:30am.

• Gentle Exercise: Thursdays, 9:30-10:15am.

• Bingo: Thursdays, 10:30-11:15am.

• Coffee & Conversation: Fridays, 8:30-10am.

• Dulcimer Jam: Fridays, 9-10am.

• Chorus: Fridays, 1011am. New members welcome.

• Friday Lunch: Fridays, 11am-12pm. Call to sign up by Thursday at Noon or until we are full. Cost is $4.

• Ping Pong/Corn Hole: Fridays, 12-2pm. Shred Truck: Truck will come by on April 23 to shred onsite, but you can bring your items to be shredded at any time the center is open and put them in the locked bins in the lobby. The Patrick Center is a SHIIP site and can help with Medicare questions and check to see if you qualify for Extra Help with your drug costs. We can also assist with transportation, loan equipment, incontinence supplies, nutritional supplements, and other services. Please call the center at 704-734-0447 for more information or to sign up for programs.

A Walk In The Park by Jeffrey Bowers

Downtown Gastonia by Jeffrey Bowers

Main Street Dallas by Jeffrey Bowers

KM Life Enrichment Center gets a boost from Eagle Scout Wade Hendrick

By Alan Hodge

Eagle Scout projects are a diverse thing. Most of them involve outdoors endeavors such as building benches in parks, ramps to the doors of folks with mobility issues, landscaping at churches and public buildings, that sort of thing.

Then we have the work of 15-year-old Eagle Scout Wade Hendrick of Troop 92 in Kings Mountain. When Hendrick, a 10th grade student at Kings Mountain High and the son of Kelly and Leslie Hendrick, began mulling what he could do for his Eagle project he decided to take a different track by going the indoor route and constructing storage units as well as a nice food prep table for the Kings Mountain Life Enrichment Center.

“I was looking for a project maybe at the library or a school, and Allan Propst who is a pharmacist at Mountain St. Pharmacy suggested the Life Enrichment Center,” Wade said. “He has been a proponent of the Center for years.”

Taking the cue, Wade met with Center coordinator Tina Mauney and executive director Toni Camp who explained the need for dressing room shelving and a food preparation table.

“I began making the pieces with the help of my grandfather Don Phifer who used to be a cabinetmaker,” Wade said. “I also had help from my uncle Trent Hagans. It took five weeks from start to finish.” Wade’s Scouting colleagues Aidan Hawkins and Elijah Propst

are done in a birch-like finish in a Scandinavian style that’s light in color and elegant in simplicity.

The cabinets have sixteen compartments, and the table is sturdy and spacious.

Mauney praised the project.

“It will be very beneficial to the staff and our participants,” she said.

“It makes the staff jobs easier and reduces the struggle to organize supplies. Before, the supplies were just piled in a storage room.”

Donna Tesner, community liaison coordinator for the Center, gave a nod to Hendrick and the local Scout program.

“We have had a great relationship with the Scouts,” she said. “It’s a good thing to have the younger generation see what we do at the

Troop 92 Scoutmaster John Kai-

ser had this to say about Wade and the project.

“An Eagle Scout project should do three things. First, it should require the Scout to organize and lead the project. Second, it should serve the community. Third, it should leave a lasting legacy. Wade Hendrick’s project accomplishes all three of these. The project will have a direct positive impact on the lives of the residents of the Life Enrichment Center. Wade is an exemplary Scout, student, and member of the Kings Mountain community. He represents the best of our youth and scouting.”

Finally, Wade rightfully took a project victory lap.

“The project gave me a sense of pride,” he said. “I feel like people will enjoy what we accomplished.”

“I give it two thumbs up,” he

Broad River Genealogical Society hot dog fundraiser

By Loretta Cozart

The Broad River Genealogical Society (BRGS) is sponsoring a hot dog fundraiser on Saturday, April 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Legion Post 82, at 1628 S. Lafayette Street in Shelby. The price includes two hot dogs, a bag of chips, soda, and a cookie. Tickets are available at the door. Proceeds from this event support the BRGS Archive. For more information, contact Ann at 704-473-2589 or brgs1145@gmail.com.

NC Forest Service issued a burn ban last week

Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide, effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21, until further notice.

“It is spring wildfire season in North Carolina, and we are seeing wildfire activity increase due to dry conditions,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “With these ongoing conditions, a statewide burn ban is necessary to reduce the risk of wildfires starting and spreading quickly. Our top priority is always to protect lives, property, and forestland across the state. It is imperative that folks adhere to this burn ban until further notice.” Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in all 100 counties, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued, in this instance. The issuance of any new permits has also

been suspended until the ban is lifted. Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 court costs. Any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire. The burn ban issued by the N.C. Forest service does not apply to a fire within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Local government agencies have jurisdiction over open burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling—the N.C. The Forest Service has advised county fire marshals of the burning ban and has requested their consideration of implementing a similar ban. If a fire within a 100-foot area of a dwelling escapes containment, a North Carolina forest ranger may take reasonable steps to extinguish or control it. The person responsible for setting the fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire. Local fire departments and law enforcement officers

More about the Kings Mountain Life Enrichment Center

LEC began as a ministry in 1980 housed in donated church space with only two participants. LEC has grown to two state-of-the-art facilities, with a combined average daily attendance over 125, with plans to expand the Kings Mountain Center, which is full with a waiting list.

Keeping families together at home has always been the goal at LEC, established to provide adult day care and health services for adults who cannot stay safely at home by themselves. An amazing staff, including nurses, that are hired as much for their caring nature

as they are for their credentials, provide whatever care is necessary for adults with mental retardation, physical impairments, psychiatric illnesses, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke-related disabilities and other illnesses. Because of the level of health care provided, no one is ever too ill or too frail to attend LEC. The beauty of adult day care is that, at the end of the day, participants return home to their families.

Partners in Caregiving: The Adult Day Services Program, A National Program of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, at Wake Forest University School of Medicine recognized LEC as a National Model Adult Day Center.

In 2005, LEC received the NC Center for Nonprofits’ highest

award, the Non-Profit Stewardship Award, for exemplary stewardship of resources entrusted to an organization. Additionally, LEC received recognition for steadfast focus on mission, successful board development, and effective marketing integrated into mission expansion. For more information visit https://lifee nrichment center.org/

Final IRS deadline approaching for qualifying for EIP payments

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is sending checks to eligible individuals who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. The Recovery Rebate Credit is a refundable tax credit for individuals who did not receive one or more Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), also known as stimulus payments. To claim credit, taxpayers must file their 2021 tax returns by April 15, 2025. The maximum payment is $1,400.

The IRS has already begun issuing automatic payments to those who did not claim the credit on their 2021 tax returns. These payments will be sent automatically, either by direct deposit or paper check, and are expected to arrive by late January 2025. Taxpayers do not need to take any additional action to receive these payments.

For those who have not yet filed their 2021 tax returns, it is essential to do so by the deadline to claim the credit and any other refund to which they may be entitled. Taxpayers can refer to the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit Questions and Answers for more information on eligibility and payment calculations online at https://www.

irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit.

According to the IRS, most taxpayers eligible for Economic Impact Payments (EIP) have already received their stimulus payments or Recovery Rebate Credit. The IRS issued three rounds of stimulus payments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals who received these stimulus payments are not eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.

In December 2024, the IRS began issuing payments to eligible people who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. Eligible taxpayers should have received their payments automatically by late January 2025 if they had previously submitted their 2021 return.

So far, the IRS has distributed stimulus checks to approximately 1 million eligible taxpayers. These checks, part of the COVID-19 stimulus packages, are intended for individuals who did not receive their initial payments but qualify for the funds. In December, the agency announced that it has been distributing $2.4 billion worth of checks.

The IRS announced plans

to issue automatic payments to eligible individuals who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns later this month. This decision follows a review of internal data that revealed many eligible taxpayers had filed returns but did not claim the credit. The Recovery Rebate Credit is a refundable credit for those who did not receive one or more Economic Impact Payments (EIP), also known as stimulus payments.

Eligible taxpayers do not need to take any action to receive these payments, which will be automatically direct deposited or sent by paper check in December and should arrive by late January 2025. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel emphasized the agency's commitment to helping taxpayers by making these payments automatic, eliminating the need for filing amended returns. The payments vary based on several factors, with a maximum of $1,400 per individual, totaling an estimated $2.4 billion. The IRS also reminded taxpayers who have not filed their 2021 tax returns that they might still be eligible for the credit if they file by April 15, 2025. Most eligible taxpayers have al-

are assisting the N.C. Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban. The N.C. Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions. Residents with questions regarding a specific county can contact their N.C. Forest Service county ranger or their county fire marshal’s office. Open burning includes burning leaves, branches, or other plant material. In all cases, burning trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics, or other nonvegetative material is illegal. You may use your grill or barbecue, provided no local ordinances prohibit their

ready claimed the credit, but the December payments are specifically for those who filed a 2021 tax return without claiming the credit. The payments will be sent to the bank account listed on the taxpayer's 2023 tax return or to the address of record. An IRS letter will notify recipients of the payment.

Taxpayers can refer to the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit Questions and Answers for questions regarding eligibility and payment calculations. The IRS also reminded taxpayers that any Recovery Rebate Credit received does not count as income when determining eligibility for federal benefits. As the 2025 tax filing season approaches, the IRS is committed to helping taxpayers understand and claim the credits and deductions for which they are eligible, including Coronavirus tax relief. The IRS had previously issued all first, second, and third Economic Impact Payments. Most eligible people have already received their stimulus payments and won't be eligible to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit.

use. Campfires would be considered open burning and are not exempt from the burn ban. During a burn ban, portable gas stoves or grills are alternate methods for cooking food while camping.

Wade Hendrick and Kings Mtn. Life Enrichment Center coordinator Tina Mauney with the shelving he created for his Eagle Scout project.

(Photo by Alan Hodge)

Wade and fellow Scouts Elijah Propst (center), and Aidan Hawkins (right) move the cabinet main frame into the Center. (Photos provided)

The food prep table that Wade built.

Wade and his grandfather Don Phifer working on the project.

KM Middle School music students are Superior!

Music Performance

Adjudication (MPA) is held across the state during the month of March for band, chorus and orchestra groups. The 8th grade band and 7th and 8th grade choruses from Kings Mountain Middle School attended two scheduled MPA events earlier this month.

The KMMS 8th grade band went to their MPA event at Hickory Ridge High School in Cabarrus county on March 6. They performed three different selections for the judges. The pieces were entitled: “Fox Sparrow March,” “Shenandoah Valley,” and “As the Spirit Soars.” The first piece, “Fox Sparrow March,” was actually written by KMMS band director Kevin Clary and was originally commissioned for a band in South Dakota.

Following the completion of their stage performance, all bands must go to, “Sight reading.” During this part of the experience, students are given five minutes to learn a piece of music they have never seen before. This part of the experience can be very challenging for young players.

At the conclusion of their performance, the 8th grade band received a superior rating, the highest possible, from all of the judges, for both the stage and sight reading parts of the event. Further, the staff and students working that day told the event chairperson that the Kings Mountain Middle School students were remarkably kind and well behaved. These compliments were

passed along when the band received their straight superior rating.

This is only the third time an 8th grade band from KMMS has participated in the South Central District MPA event. This year, the 8th grade band was directed by KMHS director Andrew Washburn.

The KMMS 7th and 8th grade choruses under the direction of Susan Gray and Heather Bundon attended their MPA event at First Presbyterian Church of Gastonia on Tuesday, March 25th. The 7th grade chorus performed “Ubi Caritas”, and “Follow the Drinking Gourd”. During the final weeks of rehearsals, the KMMS 7th grade chorus had the unique opportunity to perform via Facetime for Victor Johnson, who was the composer of one of their selections, “Ubi Caritas”. This choir received very high superior scores from all three of the performance judges.

The 8th grade chorus performed “O Nata Lux” and “How Can I Stop Singing My Song”. The three performance judges gave these students very high superior scores in addition to very positive feedback.

After each groups’ performance of their prepared literature, the students moved to a different room, and sight read a brand new piece of music. The difficulty level was chosen by their directors. They had one minute to prepare a rhythm exercise and 2 minutes to prepare a melodic exercise. 7th grade chorus sight read

at an intermediate level and received a perfect 100 score. 8th grade chorus performed at an advanced

Gov. Stein creates new NC Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships

On March 25, Governor Josh Stein announced an executive order to create a Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships, chaired by Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley, State Senator Eddie Settle, and NC Community Colleges President Dr. Jeffrey Cox. He also met with Forsyth Tech Community College students and toured the Transportation Technology Center.

invest in our future, we must invest in our people. No state will outwork North Carolina when it comes to developing our workforce,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I am proud to sign this executive order and launch this council to keep delivering on the promise of North Carolina – that where you come from should never limit how far you can go.”

The new Council will identify workforce needs and enhance strategies to help North Carolinians access the education and training required for highwage, high-demand, and high-growth careers. The group will comprise business, education, labor, and state agency leaders. This Council will unite leaders from these sectors to identify workforce needs, eliminate employment barriers, and ensure North Carolinians have access to training for high-wage, high-growth careers.

“Our state’s greatest asset is our people, and to

During Stein’s recent State of the State address, he outlined several goals and priorities related to apprenticeships in North Carolina. These include doubling the number of apprentices over the next four years and uniting community colleges, public schools, and local businesses to provide more people access to good jobs with good wages.

ApprenticeshipNC Director Chris Harrington stated that his team is committed to increasing the number of registered apprentices to 10 per 1,000 workers by 2034. ApprenticeshipNC currently serves 10,617 active apprentices and pre-apprentices, along with 2,225 national programs in the state.

According to its press release, the Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships

will start meeting later this year, initially focusing on workforce sectors such as advanced manufacturing, health care, skilled trades, and transportation. The Council will announce members and upcoming initiatives in the coming weeks. The new Council will bring together leaders from education, business, labor, and state agencies to identify workforce needs, remove employment barriers, and ensure North Carolinians have access to training for high-wage, high-growth careers.

“We offer apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities that allow our students to learn while they earn with local companies, building real skills for family-sustaining wage careers,” said Dr. Janet N. Spriggs, President of Forsyth Tech. Dr. Spriggs welcomed the governor and praised the creation of the Council, noting that the college has long been a leader in workforce education through its strong partnerships with industry and focus on real-world training.

“North Carolina’s workforce is the backbone of our thriving business cli-mate,” said NC Department of See COUNCIL, Page 2B

2-part level and also received a perfect 100 score. The sight-reading judge commented that

CCC Electrical Lineworker Academy wins award

Cleveland Community College’s Electrical Lineworker Academy has been named the 2025 Outstanding Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Program by ApprenticeshipNC–The State Apprenticeship Agency. The award was presented during ApprenticeshipNC’s annual awards ceremony held March 11 in Durham, N.C.

“I am so proud of our Electrical Lineworker Academy, and those who have worked to make it a success,” said CCC President Dr. Jason Hurst. “We recently graduated the 30th class, and we can still say that all have received a job offer by the time they walk across the stage. The support we’ve received from employers has been phenomenal, and it’s a wonderful feeling to know we’ve now helped hundreds of students get their start in such a great career.”

Established in 2017, the Electrical Lineworker Academy has earned a reputation for producing jobready graduates with 100% of students receiving job offers before completing the program. Instructors are veteran lineworkers who emphasize hands-on training and a strong focus on safety. The academy draws students from across the U.S. and abroad, thanks to

its high-quality, affordable training.

Strong partnerships with employers—including Duke Energy, Utility Lines Construction Services, the City of Shelby, the City of Kings Mountain, and the City of Gastonia—have played a vital role in the program’s success.

The award from ApprenticeshipNC highlights the academy’s exceptional impact on workforce development and its commitment to student achievement.

To learn more about the Electrical Lineworker Academy, visit the Electrical Lineworker Academy program page.

KM MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORUS

8TH GRADE BAND

8TH GRADE CHORUS

7TH GRADE BAND (Photos provided)

she had never had a choir choose this level of difficulty and do it with such precision.

Kings

ApprenticeshipNC awarded Cleveland Community College the Outstanding Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

Photo by CCC

GOV. JOSH STEIN

Huffman records 500th strikeout for Kings Mountain

KM Elite Scores

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KMEliteJordan8741130 ShelbyPanthersBlue7261025

KM whips Highland, falls to North Gaston

week, defeating Highland Tech 4-2 but losing both of its Big South Conference games to North Gaston, 5-1 on Tuesday and 7-1 on Friday. KM scored one in the first and three in the second to get the jump on Highland last Thursday. Lawson Kennedy went 2-for-3, including a home run. Cole Groves, Jordan Buckner and KJ Bell each had a hit. Aiden Smith worked the first inning, giving up two hits, and Gavyn Manson worked the final five

Jordan Buchanan went 2-for-4 with a run in the Friday loss to North Gaston. Luke Heavner also had a hit. In Tuesday’s loss to the Wildcats, Cole Groves went 2-for-3 and Austyn Clark, Jordan Buckner, Lawson Kennedy and Luke Heavner had a hit apiece. The Mountaineers were scheduled to go to Forestview yesterday and will host the Jaguars April 4. South Point comes to town on April 8.

SPORTS THIS WEEK

Wed., April 2

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

Thurs., April 3

4:30 p.m. - High school men’s tennis, Crest at Kings Mountain

Fri., April 4

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

6 p.m. – High school women’s soccer, Forestview at Kings Mountain.

4 p.m. – High school baseball, Forestview at Kings Mountain (JV, followed by varsity).

Mon., April 7

1 p.m. – High school men’s golf, all BSC teams at Riverbend (Forestview host).

Tues., April 8 Times TBD – High school men’s tennis, Big South Conference tournament at KMHS.

4 p.m. – High school baseball, South Point at Kings Mountain (JV and varsity).

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

6 p.m. – High school women’s soccer, Ashbrook at Kings Mountain.

Wed., April 9 Times TBD – High school men’s tennis, BSC tournament final rounds.

Time TBD – High school track and field, KM, South Point and Stuart Cramer at North Gaston.

NC Senate Bill would add local flexibility to public school calendars

North Carolina Senate Bill 754, titled "School Calendar Flexibility: A New Alternative," aims to grant local public school districts increased flexibility in setting their school system calendars. The bill, filed by Senate Leader Phil Berger, alongside Senators Amy Galey and Michael Lee, proposes allowing schools to begin the academic year as early as the Monday closest to August 19 and end by the Friday before the last Monday in May. This is a shift from the current law, which mandates that districts start no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26 and end no later than the Friday closest to June 11. The bill aims to strike a balance between the desire of some school districts to

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COUNCIL

From Page 1B

Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “I look forward to working together to identify and amplify strategies that help North Carolina’s workers and businesses continue to thrive.”

“There is a lot of good work being done around North Carolina’s main streets and towns, and they need skilled workers to reap the benefits of our growing economy,” said Senator Eddie Settle. “I am proud to co-chair this council so that we can find ways to

strengthen North Carolina’s workforce and attract more employers to every corner of our state.”

“I am proud to co-chair this Council to work alongside Governor Stein’s team, the NC General Assembly, and businesses and industries across the state to ensure our NC Community College System continues to expand apprenticeship and other workforce credential programs to give every citizen in North Carolina the skills they need to get a well-paying job in our modern economy,” said North Carolina Community College

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System President Jeffrey Cox. Governor Stein stressed that every North Carolinian should have a shot at success – finding a good-paying job or starting a small business –no matter their background.

Last month, he visited Wake Tech Community College to tour its auto tech lab and proclaimed February as Career and Technical Education Month. In January, Governor Stein joined Surry-Yadkin Works and Altec Industries to launch the Fostering Learning through Education, Employment, and Trades (FLEET) Program. Governor Stein re-

cently released his state budget proposal, which invests $256 million in workforce development and pays for free community college for students pursuing credentials in high-demand fields. The newly formed Workforce Development Council will commence meetings later this year, initially concentrating on sectors like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, skilled trades, and transportation. Additional information, including council members and forthcoming initiatives, will be announced in the coming weeks.

start the school year earlier and the need to support local businesses that rely on summer tourism. It introduces mechanisms to hold districts accountable if they violate calendar laws altogether. The bill mandates that North Carolina's Superintendent of Public Instruction report any violations of the calendar law to the State Board of Education. If a district violates the new calendar guidelines, the Board will direct the district to remedy the situation. Districts that fail to comply risk losing central office funding until the corrections are made. Additionally, community members, including residents and business owners within a district, can file civil actions against local See BILL, Page 5B

MADDIE HUFFMAN

High school students invited to GWU’s Dawg Day April 5

Dawg Day on April 5

is an opportunity for high school sophomores and juniors to have their “first look” at the Gardner-Webb University campus. They see an overview of what GWU has to offer with a full campus tour and an introduction to GWU’s academic offerings.

Student Recruitment

Ambassador Emma Jean Hampton shared that there’s so much to learn by visiting campus. The sophomore psychology major said on her first visit to Gardner-Webb campus, she was impressed by the small-knit atmosphere.

“Definitely the community made the experience special,” she stated. “Everyone was so close and there wasn’t anywhere we could go on campus here that someone didn’t know who the tour guides where. Everyone was seen and loved.”

Not only will students and their families tour the campus, they will have an

opportunity to meet and talk with Gardner-Webb professors at the academic department fair. They will also participate in a comprehensive admissions information session, explore student life, and enjoy a complimentary lunch in

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF CREDITORS

Having qualified as Executor over the Estate of Bonnie Walker Willis; aka, Bonnie Lou Walker Willis, 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 July 3rd, 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 2nd of April, 2025.

File No. 24 E 1002

Gary Ray Willis; aka, Gary Wayne Willis, Executor

c/o Brenton S. Begley

McIntyre Elder Law

233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (4/02, 09, 16 & 23/2025)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 13th of March, 2025 as Administratrix of the Estate of LINDA C. KING (25 E 207), 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, Brittany White, Administratrix on or before the 16th of June, 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 19th day of March, 2025. Brittany White, Administratrix Estate of Linda C. King 5718 Granada Dr. Apt. 114 Sarasota, FL 34231

KMH (3/19, 26, 4/02 & 09/2025)

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 23 E 25

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:

MARY KATHERYN LEDFORD.

Having qualified on January 14, 2025 as Administratrix of the Estate of Mary Katheryn Ledford, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said Mary Katheryn Ledford to present them, duly verified, to the undersigned, Nichóle B. Greene, Greene Law Offices, PLLC, 511 North Lafayette Street, Shelby, NC 28150 on or before the 27th day of June, 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 26th day of March 2025.

Nichole B. Greene Administratrix of the Estate

c/o Nichóle B. Greene Greene Law Offices, PLLC 511 North Lafayette Street Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16/2025)

the Caf and network with fellow prospective students and GWU representatives.

Hampton said by visiting campus, students find out about the fun events that happen throughout the week and how to pursue their interests. Most importantly, there is an opportunity to forge new friendships. “Dawg Day is a great way to meet new people and create lasting relationships while also ex-

ploring all the things Gardner Webb has to offer,” she asserted. “It’s seeing exactly where you can begin to fit into the story of this University.”

Dawg Day Schedule

• 9:30 to 10 a.m. –Check-in for students, Tucker Student Center.

• 10 a.m. – Welcome, Tucker Student Center, Stewart Hall.

• 10:10 to 11 a.m. – Admissions presentation.

• 11 a.m. to noon –Campus tour.

• Noon to 1 p.m. – Department fair, Bost Gym.

• 1 p.m. – Lunch in the cafeteria (complimentary).

For more information, email admissions@ gardner-webb.edu or call 704-406-2550. Follow @ futuredawgs on Instagram.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to individuals with disabilities upon request at least 10 working days before the event. Please call 704-406-4270 or email disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu with your request.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF CREDITORS

Having qualified as Executrix over the Estate of Doris A. Bridges; aka, Doris Ayers Bridges, 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 July 3rd, 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 2nd of April, 2025.

File No. 25 E 200

Rhonda Kay Owens, Executrix

c/o Brenton S. Begley

McIntyre Elder Law

233 E. Graham St.

Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (4/02, 09, 16 & 23/2025)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 7th of March, 2025 as Executrix of the Estate of WILLIAM D. ALBRIGHT, JR. (25 E 184), 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, June J. Albright, Executrix on or before the 16th of June, 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 19th day of March, 2025.

June J. Albright, Executrix

Estate of William D. Albright, Jr.

1602 Mountain Lane Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (3/19, 26, 4/02 & 09/2025)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 3rd of February, 2025 as Executrix of the Estate of JACK CLEOPHUS GRIFFIN (25 E 59), deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, Linda LeMaster, Executrix on or before the 10th of June, 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 March, 2025.

Linda LeMaster, Executrix

Estate of Jack Cleophus Griffin

347 Gary Beam Rd Kings Mountain, NC 28086

KMH (3/12,19, 26 & 4/02/2025)

Medical sonography program coming to Gaston College this fall

Gaston College is launching a new Medical Sonography program in Fall 2025 to help address the area’s workforce shortage.

“Gaston College is responding to a critical workforce need by developing a Medical Sonography program to address over 80 annual job openings in the local market,” said Leslie Pressley, Gaston College’s Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. “With projected job growth of 26 percent in North Carolina and median salaries exceeding $84,000, this program will provide high-quality training to support the region’s healthcare industry.”

Local hospitals and healthcare facilities have shown strong support for the program. Pressley explained, “At the request of local hospital systems, Atrium Health Lincoln and CaroMont Health, Gaston College began research and planning for this program to address the shortage of medical sonographers. Currently, the region relies on graduates from colleges outside the service area, which does not

meet employer demands. By establishing this program, Gaston College aims to equip students with the skills to fill these essential roles, strengthening the local healthcare workforce and enhancing patient care in our community.”

The program will begin offering the first six courses at Gaston’s Lincoln Campus this fall.

“The Medical Sonography program at Gaston College will be housed in a dedicated 1,595-squarefoot instructional space on the Lincoln Campus, featuring specialized classrooms, labs, simulation areas, and state-of-theart equipment to provide students with hands-on, high-quality training,” Pressley added. If you’re interested in this growing field, applications for the program are now open and will be accepted until May 15. Visit gaston.edu/ health-human-services/ medical-sonography/admission-requirements/ to learn more and apply.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF CREDITORS

Having qualified as Executrix over the Estate of William Cliff Dysart, 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 July 4, 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 2nd of April, 2025.

19 E 753

Sandra Dysart Loganadan, Executrix c/o Brenton S. Begley McIntyre Elder Law 233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (4/02, 09, 16 & 23/2025)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 24th of March, 2025 as Administratrix of the Estate of BRENDA WALTON MACK (25 E 238), 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, Nichole Walton Gresham, Administratrix on or before the 3rd of July, 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 2nd of April, 2025.

Nichole Walton Gresham, Administratrix

Estate of Brenda Walton Mack 8035 Sultana Circle Charlotte, NC 28227

KMH (4/02, 09, 16 & 23/2025)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 5th of March 2025 as Administratrix of the Estate of BRENDA SUE TIPPEL (25 E 125), 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, Melissa Nicole King, Administratrix on or before the 10th of June, 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 March, 2025.

Melissa Nicole King, Administratrix

Estate of Brenda Sue Tippel

108 Peoria Lane

Kings Mountain, NC 28086

KMH (3/12, 19, 26 & 4/02/2025)

Emma Jean Hampton speaks to high school students and shares that there’s so much to learn by visiting campus on Dawg Day.

NC State and Federal 2024 Income Tax deadlines approaching

For residents of North Car-

olina, including those in Cleveland and Mecklenburg Counties and Western Carolina counties affected by Hurricane Helene, the deadlines for filing and paying 2024 income taxes are fast approaching. This includes residents of Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey counties, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Affected taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas can claim disaster-related casualty losses on their federal income tax return for either the year of the event or the prior year, with extra time provided for making the election. Personal property losses not covered by insurance can be deducted, and tax-related fees for copies of returns may be waived. Disaster relief payments are excluded from gross income, and special provisions are available for retirement plan participants. For North Carolina residents affected by Hurricane Helene, relief from late-action penalties is provided, and the state income tax deadline is extended to May 1, 2025. Automatic state extensions are granted if a federal extension is obtained. Federal Taxes

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced tax relief for individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. These taxpayers now have until May 1, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. Following the disaster declaration issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), individuals and households that reside or have a business in the entire state qualify for tax relief.

Taxpayers with returns and

payments postponed until February 3, 2025, due to Tropical Storm Debby in North Carolina (NC-2024-07) will also have until May 1, 2025, to file and/ or pay. The IRS can postpone certain tax-filing and tax-payment deadlines for taxpayers who reside or have a business in the disaster area. For instance, deadlines falling on or after September 25, 2024, and before May 1, 2025, are granted additional time to file through May 1, 2025. As a result, affected individuals and businesses will have until May 1, 2025, to file returns and pay any taxes originally due during this period.

The Federal tax filing deadline of May 1, 2025, applies to individuals who had a valid extension to file their 2023 return due to run out on October 15, 2024. However, tax payments related to these 2023 returns were due on April 15, 2024, and those payments are not eligible for this relief.

The May 1 deadline also applies to calendar-year corporations whose 2023 extensions run out on October 15, 2024, and to any payment usually due during this period, including the quarterly estimated tax payments due on January 15 and April 15, 2025. The May 1 deadline also applies to the quarterly payroll and excise tax returns, which are usually due on October 31, January 31, and April 30. In addition, penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after September 25, 2024, and before October 10, 2024, will be abated if the tax deposits are made by October 10, 2024.

If an affected taxpayer receives a late filing or late payment penalty notice from the IRS with an original filing, payment, or deposit due date that falls within the postponement period, the taxpayer should call the telephone number on the notice to have the IRS abate the penalty.

The IRS automatically iden-

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF CREDITORS

Having qualified as Administratrix over the Estate of Dwain Clifford Anderson 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 June 19, 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 19th of March, 2025.

25 E 50

Sudie Anderson Beaver, Administratrix

c/o Brenton S. Begley

McIntyre Elder Law

233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (3/19, 26, 4/02 & 09/2025)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF CREDITORS

Having qualified as Administratrix over the Estate of Gregory Sneed 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 June 20, 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 19th of March, 2025.

24 E 598

Stephanie Lynn Sneed, Administratrix

c/o Brenton S. Begley

McIntyre Elder Law

233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (3/19, 26, 4/02 & 09/2025)

LEGAL NOTICE

EXECUTRIX NOTICE

Having qualified on 25th of March 2025 as Executrix of the Estate of Elaine P. Horn (19 E 249) 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 Cathryn Inez Horn Griffith, c/o A. Susan Biggers, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before July 3, 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 2nd day of April, 2025.

Cathryn Inez Horn Griffith

Executrix of the Estate of Elaine P. Horn

c/o A. Susan Biggers

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

402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150

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tifies taxpayers located in the covered disaster area and applies filing and payment relief. However, affected taxpayers who reside or have a business located outside the covered disaster area should call the IRS disaster hotline at 866-562-5227 to request this tax relief. Tax preparers located in the disaster area with clients outside the disaster area can choose to use the Bulk requests from practitioners for disaster relief option, described on IRS. gov.

Affected taxpayers eligible for the postponement of time to file returns, pay taxes, and perform other time-sensitive acts include individuals who live and businesses (including tax-exempt organizations) whose principal place of business is located in the covered disaster area. Taxpayers not in the covered disaster area, but whose records necessary to meet a deadline listed in Treas. Reg. § 301.7508A-1(c) are in the covered disaster area, are also entitled to relief. Additionally, all relief workers affiliated with a recognized government or philanthropic organization assisting in the relief activities in the covered disaster area and any individual visiting the covered disaster area who was killed or injured because of the disaster are entitled to relief.

Under section 7508A, the IRS gives affected taxpayers until May 1, 2025, to file most tax returns (including individual, corporate, and estate and trust income tax returns; partnership returns, S corporation returns, and trust returns; estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax returns; annual information returns of tax-exempt organizations; and employment and certain excise tax returns), that have either an

original or extended due date occurring on or after September 25, 2024, and before May 1, 2025.

Affected taxpayers with an estimated income tax payment originally due on or after September 25, 2024, are postponed through May 1, 2025, will not be subject to penalties for failure to pay estimated tax installments if such payments are paid on or before May 1, 2025.

The IRS also gives affected taxpayers until May 1, 2025, to perform other time-sensitive actions described in Treas. Reg. § 301.7508A-1(c)(1) and Rev. Proc. 2018-58, 2018-50 IRB 990 (December 10, 2018), that are due to be performed on or after September 25, 2024, and before May 1, 2025.

This relief also includes the filing of Form 5500 series returns that were required to be filed on or after September 25, 2024, and before May 1, 2025, in the manner described in section 8 of Rev. Proc. 2018-58. The relief described in section 17 of Rev. Proc. 2018-58, pertaining to like-kind exchanges of property, also applies to certain taxpayers who are not otherwise affected taxpayers and may include acts required to be performed before or after the period above.

Unless an act is specifically listed in Rev. Proc. 2018-58, the postponement of time to file and pay does not apply to information returns in the W-2, 1094, 1095, 1097, 1098, or 1099 series; to Forms 1042-S, 3921, 3922, or 8027; or to employment and excise tax deposits. However, penalties on deposits are due on or after September 25, 2024, and before October 10, 2024, will be abated if the tax deposits were made by October 10, 2024. Affected taxpayers in a fed-

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF CREDITORS

Having qualified as Administratrix over the Estate of Michael Edward Dailey, 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 June 26, 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 26th of March, 2025.

25 E 185

Stacie Funderburk, Administratrix c/o Brenton S. Begley

McIntyre Elder Law

233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (3/26, 4/02, 09 &16/2025)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 18th of March, 2025 as Administrator of the Estate of KIMBERLY HEATHER ANN STONE (24 E 454), 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, Timothy Steven Stone, Administrator on or before the 26th of June, 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 26th day of March, 2025.

Timothy Steven Stone, Administrator

Estate of Kimberly Heather Ann Stone

885 Cedarline Dr Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (3/26, 4/02, 09 &16/2025)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 4th of March, 2025 as Executrix of the Estate of JOYCE W. COLLINS (25 E 149), 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, Tammy A. Godwin, Executrix on or before the 10th of June, 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 March, 2025.

Tammy Godwin, Executrix

Estate of Joyce W. Collins PO Box 1336 Belmont, NC 28012

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erally declared disaster area have the option of claiming disaster-related casualty losses on their federal income tax return for either the year in which the event occurred or the prior year. In this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year, or the return for the prior year, the 2023 return filed this year. Taxpayers have extra time – up to six months after the due date of the taxpayer’s federal income tax return for the disaster year (without regard to any extension of time to file) – to make the election. See Publication 547 for details. Individuals may deduct personal property losses that are not covered by insurance or other reimbursements. For details, see Form 4684, Casualties and Thefts PDF and its instructions PDF. Affected taxpayers claiming the disaster loss on their return should put FEMA disaster declaration number, FEMA-3617-EM, on any return. See Publication 547 for details. For documents, see https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/ irs-announces-tax-relief-forvictims-of-hurricane-helene-innorth-carolina-various-deadlines-postponed-to-may-1-2025. The IRS will also waive the usual fees and requests for copies of previously filed tax returns for affected taxpayers. Taxpayers should put the assigned FEMA declaration number (3617-EM), in bold letters at the top of Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return PDF, or Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return PDF, as appropriate, and submit it to the IRS.

Qualified disaster relief payments are excluded from gross

income. This means that affected taxpayers can exclude from their gross income amounts received from a government agency for reasonable and necessary personal, family, living, or funeral expenses, as well as for the repair or rehabilitation of their home, or for the repair or replacement of its contents. See Publication 525 for details. Additional relief may be available to affected taxpayers who participate in a retirement plan or individual retirement arrangement (IRA). For example, a taxpayer may be eligible to take a special disaster distribution that would not be subject to the additional 10% early distribution tax and allows the taxpayer to spread the income over three years. Taxpayers may also be eligible to make a hardship withdrawal. Each plan or IRA has specific rules and guidance for their participants to follow. The IRS may provide additional disaster relief in the future. Affected taxpayers contacted by the IRS on a collection or examination matter should explain how the disaster impacts them so that the IRS can provide appropriate consideration to their case. Taxpayers may download forms and publications from the official IRS website, IRS.gov. North Carolina State Taxes The North Carolina Department of Revenue (NCDOR) has not specified any special extensions for state tax deadlines due to Hurricane Helene. The standard due date for calendar year taxpayers to file state income

See DEADLINE, Page 5B

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 11th of March, 2025 as Executrix of the Estate of RONALD STIRLING TURNER (25 E 193), 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, Sarah Lynn Riedinger, Executrix on or before the 16th of June, 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 19th day of March, 2025.

Sarah Lynn Riedinger, Executrix Estate of Ronald Stirling Turner 411 Walnut St #16707 Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

KMH (3/19, 26, 4/02 & 09/2025)

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 25 E 187

Having qualified as Administrator of the ESTATE OF RONNIE DALE PARKER, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said Ronnie Dale Parker to present them, duly verified, to the undersigned, Andrew Steven Parker, c/o Loann S. Meekins, Teddy Meekins & Talbert, PLLC, 405 E. Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150 on or before the 19th day of June, 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 19th day of March, 2025.

Andrew Steven Parker, Administrator of the Estate c/o Loann S. Meekins

Teddy Meekins & Talbert, PLLC

405 E. Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (3/19, 3/26, 4/2 & 4/9/2025)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 25 E 204

Having qualified as Administratrix of the ESTATE OF BRIAN SETH LESLEY, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said Brian Seth Lesley to present them, duly verified, to the undersigned, Eva Adams Lesley, c/o Loann S. Meekins, Teddy Meekins & Talbert, PLLC, 405 E. Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150 on or before the 26th day of June, 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 26th day of March, 2025.

Eva Adams Lesley, Administratrix of the Estate c/o Loann S. Meekins Teddy Meekins & Talbert, PLLC 405 E. Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (3/26, 4/2, 4/9 & 4/16/2025)

DEADLINE

From Page 4B

tax returns is Tuesday, April 15, 2025. North Carolina residents are encouraged to read the NCDOR State tax relief (“Notice”) reminder announcement posted on March 24 at https://www. ncdor.gov/reminders-calendar-year-2024-income-tax-returns/open for taxpayers affected by Hurricane Helene. As provided in the notice, the Depart-

ment will remove certain late action penalties assessed against taxpayers affected by Hurricane Helene for licenses, returns, or payments due on September 25, 2024, through May 1, 2025, if the license is obtained, the return is filed, or the tax is paid by May 1, 2025. The Department reminds taxpayers that the due date for filing a calendar year 2024 North Carolina income tax return is April 15, 2025. However, the Department will remove late action penalties assessed

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 20th of March, 2025 as Executrix of the Estate of SHIRLEY CAPPS DREWERY (24 E 830), 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, Amanda Susanne Moore, Executrix on or before the 26th of June, 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 26th day of March, 2025.

Amanda Susanne Moore, Executrix Estate of Shirley Capps Drewery 3309 Polkville Rd Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (3/26, 4/02, 09 &16/2025)

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Andrea Toms Lawrence has qualified as Executrix of the Estate of Robert Lee Smith, III, deceased, of Cleveland County, North Carolina, and does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to present them to the undersigned in care of Crisp Cherry McCraw PLLC, Attn: Christian P. Cherry, 615 S. College Street, Suite 1430, Charlotte, NC 28202, on or before the 21st day of June, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 19th day of March, 2025.

Andrea Toms Lawrence c/o Crisp Cherry McCraw PLLC

Attn: Christian P. Cherry

615 S. College Street, Suite 1430 Charlotte, NC 28202 (704) 332-0202

Estate File #25 E 156

KMH (3/19, 26, 4/02 & 09/2025)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 18th of February, 2025 as Executrix of the Estate of KATHY HOYLE WEAVER (24 E 986), 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, Danielle Weaver Whitaker; aka, Danielle W. Weaver, Executrix on or before the 16th of June, 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 19th day of March, 2025.

Danielle Weaver Whitaker; aka, Danielle W. Weaver, Executrix

Estate of Kathy Hoyle Weaver

123 Henry Putnam Dr. Cherryville, NC 28021

KMH (3/19, 26, 4/02 & 09/2025)

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 25 SP 19

LOANN S. MEEKINS, GUARDIAN OF THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY CARTER, PETITIONER VS. REBECCA JOHNSON, in her capacity as Director of Cleveland County Department of Social Services, as Guardian of Person of Dorothy Carter, DOROTHY CARTER, BRANDON CARTER, SEAN CARTER, MICHAEL CARTER, TABITHA ADAMS, JAMIE TROTMAN, AND LORETTA CARTER, AND UNKNOWN HEIRS OF JAMES LEE CARTER, JR.

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS OF JAMES LEE CARTER, JR.

TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed on January 23, 2025 in the above-entitled special proceeding. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Petition For Order Authorizing Sale of Real Property. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than April 30, 2025, and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought.

This the 19th day of March 2025.

Loann S. Meekins, Petitioner

Guardian of the Estate of Dorothy Carter

405 E. Marion Street

Shelby, NC 28150

NC State Bar No: 15986

Telephone: 704-482-0304

Email: lmeekins@tmtlawyers.com

KMH (3/19, 3/26 & 4/2/2025)

against a taxpayer affected by Hurricane Helene if the taxpayer files the State income tax return and pays tax due on or before May 1, 2025, as outlined in the Notice. Taxpayers who cannot file a state income tax return by May 1, 2025, because of Hurricane Helene may still qualify for penalty relief. The Department’s Penalty Waiver Policy describes in detail what penalties may be waived or reduced as determined by the facts and circumstances of each case.

Need Additional Time to File

Your State Income Tax Return? If a taxpayer affected by Hurricane Helene cannot file the State income tax return by May 1, 2025, the taxpayer may receive an extension of time to file

the return under G.S. 105-263.2. If a taxpayer is granted a federal extension to file a federal income tax return, the taxpayer will automatically be granted a State extension to file the corresponding State income tax return. For calendar year 2024, this automatic extension gives the taxpayer until October 15, 2025, to file the State income tax return without incurring the penalty for failure to file the income tax return on the date it is due.

For more information or specific questions, North Carolina residents can contact the NCDOR at 1-877-252-3052 for general information or 1-877252-4052 for individual income tax refund inquiries.

LEGAL NOTICE

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE

Having qualified on 15th of June 2021 as Executor of the Estate of Delsie Clayton (21 E 579), 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 Edward Dale Isaacs, c/o A. Susan Biggers, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before July 3, 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 2nd day of April, 2025.

Edward Dale Isaacs

Executor of the Estate of Delsie Clayton c/o A. Susan Biggers

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

402 East Graham Street

Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (4/02, 09, 16 & 23/2025)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATOR

Having qualified on the 24th of March, 2025 as Co-Administrators of the Estate of Annie P. Carpenter (25 E 12), 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 Myra C. Strickland and Joseph C. Carpenter, Co-Administrators c/o A. Susan Biggers, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before July 3, 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 2nd day of April, 2025.

Myra C. Strickland

Joseph C. Carpenter

Co-Administrators of the Estate of Annie P. Carpenter

c/o A. Susan Biggers

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

402 East Graham Street

Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (4/02, 09, 16 & 23/2025)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 10th of March, 2025 as Administrator of the Estate of KENNETH EDWIN NEFF (25 E 189), 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, Donald O. Neff, Administrator on or before the 16th of June, 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 19th day of March, 2025.

Donald O. Neff, Administrator

Estate of Kenneth Edwin Neff

305 N. Church St

Walhalla, SC 29691

KMH (3/19, 26, 4/02 & 09/2025)

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:

GARY LYNN BURRIS II, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified on the 28th day of February, 2025, as Administratrix of the Estate of GARY LYNN BURRIS II, 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 Administratrix on or before the 12th day of June, 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 12th day of March, 2025.

Karen Lynn Burris, Admin. 125-1 McMurry 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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BILL

From Page 2B school boards that disregard the law.

Senate Bill 754 represents a culmination of efforts from stakeholders and legislators to update and adapt North Carolina's school calendar law in response to the evolving school choice landscape and the state's growing popularity as a travel and tourism destination.

The likelihood of the passage of North Carolina Senate Bill 754 is uncertain, as legislative efforts to grant local school districts more control over school calendars have stalled over the years. This year, multi-

ple bills have already been introduced to grant local school boards greater authority to set academic calendars. However, the bill has garnered support from key Senate leaders, including Senate Leader Phil Berger, which may increase its chances of passage. The next steps in the adoption process involve the bill being re-referred to the Education/Higher Education Committee. If it receives a favorable review, it will then be re-referred to the Judiciary Committee, and if it passes there, it will move to the Rules and Operations of the Senate3. The bill has already passed its first reading in the Senate.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATRIX

Having qualified on 5th of March 2025 as Administratrix of the Estate of Terry Gene Nanney (25 E 178), 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 June 20, 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 19th day of March, 2025.

A. Susan Biggers Administratrix of the Estate of Terry Gene Nanney Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C.

402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (3/19, 26, 4/02 & 09/2025)

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATOR

Having qualified on 5th of March, 2025 as Administrator of the Estate of Michael Jimmy Coleman (25 E 176), 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 Michael Dennis Coleman, Administrator c/o A. Susan Biggers, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before June 20, 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 19th day of March, 2025.

Michael Dennis Coleman Administrator of the Estate of Michael Jimmy Coleman c/o A. Susan Biggers Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C. 402 East Graham Street

Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (3/19, 26, 4/02 & 09/2025)

LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 13th of March, 2025 as Administrator of the Estate of SHEILA MAUNEY BARKLEY (25 E 206), 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, Eddie Barkley, Administrator on or before the 16th of June, 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 19th day of March, 2025.

Eddie Barkley, Administrator Estate of Shelia Mauney Barkley 404 Will Dixon Road Lawndale, NC 28090

KMH (3/19, 26, 4/02 & 09/2025)

LEGAL NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 25 E 209 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARGARET LOUISE HORN AKA MARGARET H. HORN

Having qualified on the 18th day of March 2025, as Executrix of the Estate of MARGARET LOUISE HORN AKA MARGARET H. HORN, 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 July 3rd, 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 2nd day of April, 2025.

Saundra Jean Horn

Of the Estate of Margaret Louise Horn

aka Margaret H. Horn 602 Bell Road Kings Mountain, NC 28086

Attorney for the Estate: Robert H. Lutz

Lutz Law Firm, PLLC 310-8 East Graham Street Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (4/02, 09, 16 & 23/2025)

Carolina CLASSIFIEDS.com

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HELP WANTED IN POLK

COUNTY Hiring for WEEKENDS and NIGHTS located just off Hwy 74 & I-26. 18+ only with Driver’s License and HS Diploma/GED. $14/ hour plus HIRING BONUS for full or part time! Direct Support Professional (DSP) in residential care home for persons with mild developmental disabilities. Not physically demanding. Very light cleaning and easy meal prep in quiet atmosphere. Time to read, study, watch tv, etc. Great for seniors, college students in medical/human services studies, night owls, etc.. Frequent raises happily given with excellent attendance and performance. No experience necessary, paid training provided. Email: p.culbreth@siainc.org

ASSEMBLER/PRODUCTION. Assemble standard assemblies and subassemblies using process equipment as directed by engineering drawings and manufacturing routers (or MWO). Can use small hand tools such as air tools, wire cutter, needle nose pliers, ruler and wire strippers. Requires use of preparatory machinery such as soldering irons, scales, arbor presses, grinder and band saws. Requires use of some inspection tools such as hi-pot testers and multi-meters. Must have HS Diploma or equivalent and consent to background check and drug screen. Experience not necessary, but helpful. Great pay and benefits. M-F 8-4:30. Check out our website & YouTube channel: https://www. smith-systems-inc.com/ (828) 884-3490 HR@smith-systemsinc.com

CHRISTIAN SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN TEACHER. Charity Christian School has an opening for a Kindergarten Teaching Position. Anyone that would be interested should contact us by email or phone at: charitychristianschool@ gmail.com (704) 419-4574

BUSINESS SERVICES FOR REASONABLE RATE LAWN SERVICE. Call (704) 472-4737

HANDYMAN SERVICES. No job too small. Have references. Construction, landscaping, etc. Jack of all trades! 40 plus years of experience. 828-375-5773.

JIM’S PAINTING SERVICE. Painting, roofing, tile floors, decks, staining. Free estimates. Now is the time to paint outside! Ask for Jim 828-429-7511.

KODAK COMPLETE CONCRETE FINISHING LLC. Free estimates. Serving North & South Carolina. Call 704-9145010. LOT CLEARING. TREE WORK INCLUDING DANGER TREES. FREE ESTIMATES. 828-4291102 or 828-429-4742.

BUSINESS SERVICES

SPRING TIME IS COMING! Offering all types of Home Repair. Landscaping, Hot Water Heaters, Install Ceiling Fans, Mini Blinds and much more. Call or Text today (704) 692-4449

CLEVELAND COUNTY GA-

RAGE DOORS. Summer Tuneup Special, $69.95. We will check all your equipment lube, make sure it’s working correctly. We repair broken doors. Also offering new installations. 704472-9367.

YEAR LONG LAWN CARE

SERVICES. We are currently getting our spring list together to provide cutting your yard, weed eating, and blowing off all areas. Be sure to call soon, we will fill up fast 980522-3335 (980) 522-3335 longbrad1963@gmail.com

GREENLINE LAWN CARE, PREMIUM SERVICE, LUSH RESULTS! Mowing, Edging, Fertlizing & More. Call 980-5226626 for a greener lawn today!

STUMP GRINDING. HAULING MULCH, ROCK AND DIRT. 828429-1102 or 828-429-4742.

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Buy! Sell! We Make It Easy! Looking to buy your dream home? Sell for top dollar? Expert Negotiation, Market Insights, Hassle-Free Transactions. Your real estate goals are our priority. Let’s make it happen! Call Helen Curtis, Broker at 828-429-2385 Tiptop Realty, LLC helen-curtis@ att.net Serving Rutherford and Cleveland County for 21 years. Your Home, Your Future—We’re Here to Help! (828) 429-2385 helen-curtis@att.net

THE TILE GUY. We specialize in professional tile installation of showers, bathrooms, floors, kitchen backsplash. Tile & stone backsplashes & fireplaces. Call 828-748-9163 or 828-388-0196.

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—IS YOUR LAWN LOOKING TIRED AND OVERGROWN? LET US REJUVENATE YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE. CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE! (704) 466-2333

D&D LANDSCAPING. We offer complete Lawn Care. Very reasonably priced! Based in Cherryville. Also serving surrounding areas. We offer discounts for seniors and veterans. Please give us a call for a quote! (704) 530-1237 smithdamien47@yahoo.com

YARD SALES

CLEVELAND COUNTY

GARAGE SALE. Sat., April 5th, 9 am-2 pm. Plants, stands, furniture, tools, Tweety Bird collection and more. 1204 Meadowood Dr, Shelby, NC 28150

CHURCH YARD SALE. Saturday, April 5th, 2025, 8am - noon. 500 Melody Lane, Shelby, NC 28152

YARD SALES

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

STUFF-GOTTA-GO! STORAGE BIN SALE April 4, 5 & 6; 7AM-2PM. Variety household items, costume jewelry, school/ office supplies/items; black 2010 Dodge Ram TRX crew cab, 1 owner, clean title, runs great, alloy wheels, good tires, 4 wheel drive, new battery, struts, ball bearings, strong AC/heat, truck bed cover, regular maintenance, >300K miles; Sunshine Storage, 1522 Bostic Sunshine Hwy. (beside Marathon Drop In), Bostic, NC 28018 FOR

SALE

POOL TABLE AND ALL EQUIPMENT. Used pool table and equipment for sale - excellent condition. Italian slate table base, individual pockets, 8’ long. Unknown brand. Gently used. Wall hanger for pool cues. $700. (828) 429-5485 ships.stroll.8p@ icloud.com

2 ASHTON DRAKE COLLECTIBLE DOLLS. Call for info, (828) 223-0074

12,000 WATT GENERAC STAND-BY GENERATOR. Outside unit only. No transfer switch, $500; 250-lb 3-point hitch fertilizer spreader, $250. (704) 4729995

BOBCAT 328 EXCAVATOR with a new Final Drive. Good for construction or farm use.

$15,000. 704-472-4536.

DUMP TRAILERS & EQUIP-

MENT 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, 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. 704-482-2243. (704) 538-5788

TWO CEMETERY SPACES at Cleveland Memorial Park. $1500, includes transfer fee. (704) 747-2856

HARDWOOD FIREWOOD Seasoned 90% Oak. $70-1/2 ton, $85 delivered, small bundle packs-$3 ea. 312 Helton Rd., Cherryville. (704) 435-3970

SOFA Cloth Sofa. Good Condition. 52” wide. Light tan color, no stains with thick cushions. $80.00 (704) 692-4765 wilcurb@ aol.com

USED GENEREX HOME GENERATOR. $1500. (704) 4770516

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) 245-5895

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

FOR SALE

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

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

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

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

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

GUITAR & COINS FOR SALE. 80’S Model F-230 Fender Acoustic Guitar, Great shape-$500 and Complete Coin Collections. 704472-7116.

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

WHEELS. BLACKVISION NEXUS GLOSS, 16X8, FITS 2000 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT AND GM / CHEVROLET. $400 SET OF 4. CHROME FUEL WHEELS, 18X9, FITS 2024 TOYOTA TACOMA AND GM / CHEVROLET, $900. CHROME FRONT SPOILER, 1999 / 2000 SILVERADO, $200. (704) 460-5965

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 1S 700Z 61” deck, 26 HP Briggs Van Guard. $7000. 704-482-0540 ROSE HILL- 2 ADJOINING PLOTS. $1400.00– originally $1800 ($900 each). Section 4-Lot/Row 143-Graves 1&2. Certificate in hand ready to transfer. I decided to have my husband closer to me so I no longer need these. I can meet to show exactly where these are. (704) 860-4473

WANT TO BUY

WANTED: OLD AND NEW AMMO. Reloading supplies. Call 828-245-6756 or cell # 828-2891488.

OLD VIDEO GAMES WANTED. BUYING OLD NINTENDO, SEGA, GAMEBOY GAMES AND SYSTEMS. CLEVELAND AND GASTON COUNTY, KINGS MOUNTAIN, SHELBY AND CHARLOTTE AREAS. (661) 312-6159

WANT TO BUY WANT TO BUY CARS& TRUCKS. Trailers, Tractors, Farm Equipment. Must have ID and proof of ownership. Callahan’s Towing. (704) 692-1006 I PAY CASH FOR DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. Up to $10 per 100ct. Must be Unused, Unexpired. I’m

are welcome. If you have questions contact Veronica Williams at 704-739-2816 or vwilliams@ kingsmountainha.org. (704) 7392816 vwilliams@kingsmountainha.org

ERIC MOBILE MECHANIC. I will come to you. Full Lawnmower Service, Cars & Tractors. Honest & Reliable (704) 300-2332

ROB’S LAWN CARE. I do lawns in the Shelby Area. Reasonable Rates! Call (704) 473-4660

Auctions BUS SURPLUS AUCTION CITY OF CHARLOTTE - Proterra, Eldorado, Gillig, Ford Arbox, Ford F-450. Preview April 8, 10am-2pm. Bidding ends April 10 starting at 11am. Rogers Realty & Auction, NCAL #685 - 336-7892926, www.rogersauctiongroup.com/auctions. Home Improvement Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debrisblocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-877649-1190 Home Improvement BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 1-877-560-1844 Miscellaneous HEARING AIDS!! Highquality rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 888-970-4637 Miscellaneous GOT TAX PROBLEMS? OWE UNDER 10K

PETS & LIVESTOCK

10’X10’X6’ DOG KENNELS. Dog Houses and Dog Buildings. Delivery & Set Up Available. J Johnson Sales in Forest City. (828) 245-5895

MORKIE & SHORKIE PUP-

PIES. Vet checked, free pet health policy, reduced. TEXT Please 980-422-6901 (980) 4226901 thinking12341234@yahoo. com

TOY POODLE PUPPIES. 1st shots & wormed. $500 cash. 704-466-5883.

GOLDENDOODLES. Goldendoodle Puppies. DOB 1/21/25, M/F, black/tan, 910-375-0815, gretalovereese@hotmail.com (910) 375-0815

GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPY. 7 weeks, rare old time large bone beauty. Seeing is believing. Delivery may be possible. 828-6754968, 828-208-9088.

GERMAN SHEPHERD PUP-

PIES $400 parents on site. Sire 105 lbs. Mostly black in color. (910) 644-2860 hannahs_ mom100@yahoo.com

CARS & TRUCKS

2015 HONDA ODYSSEY Don’t Wait! 202, 000 miles. New battery & alternator. Runs great & looks good! (828) 223-0074

2004 HONDA CIVIC Runs great, $2,000. 704-692-1648.

2016 FORD FUSION 114,000 miles, aluminum wheels, sunroof, Eco Boost, $5,500. 828287-3820.

CARS & TRUCKS

1998 FORD MUSTANG Coupe. Blue. Clean Inside & Out. No Tears or Cracks in the Interior. New Tires. New Brakes. Full Tune-Up. 120,000 Original Miles. Runs Great! $7000 Or Best Cash Offer. Contact Bryan at (704) 460-3462

2009 FORD ECONOLINE COMMERCIAL CHASSIS 178,000 miles, $8995, (704) 300-1818 kim_hopper@bellsouth.net

2013 KIA SORENTO Second owner purchased in 2015. Due to a recall, the engine was replaced, so the actual engine miles is 40,000 miles. Very Clean Car. Backup Camera. Sirius Radio. New Tires. Only $6500. Serious calls or text only please! (704) 692-0228

2005 CADILLAC CTS 97,300+ miles. Well maintained, heated leather seats. $5,995. OBO. 828-447-8595.

2010 DODGE RAM 1500 TRX. 1 owner, clean title, 4x4, 5.7 Hemi engine, alloy wheels, good tires, extended cab, automatic windows & locks, new battery, front struts & ball bearings, strong heat/AC, truck bed cover. Runs great! >300K miles - regular maintenance. Asking $10,500. If you want to see truck, located at 168 Waters Rd., Bostic. 828-5275837, leave message- will return call as soon as possible.

2009 FORD F-150 Extended Cab. 4x4. Runs & Drives Excellent. Body and interior have flaws. ABS light is on. A/C not cold. 200,002 miles. $5,000 firm. 828-429-2876.

LEGAL NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 25 E 162

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARY ELLEN BROWN

Having qualified on the 28th day of February, 2025, as Executor of the Estate of MARY ELLEN BROWN, 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 June 10, 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 12th day of March, 2025.

Larry Raul Dazis Of the Estate of Mary Ellen Brown 205 King Street Grover, NC 28038

Jessica Paige Causby

Of the Estate of Mary Ellen Brown 121 Garver Street Lawndale, NC 28090

Attorney for the Estate: Robert H. Lutz

Lutz Law Firm, PLLC 310-8 East Graham Street Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (3/12, 19, 26 & 4/02/2025)

LEGAL NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24 E 996

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GILBERT KEITH RANDALL

Having qualified on the 5th day of March, 2025, as Executor of the Estate of GILBERT KEITH RANDALL, 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 June 10, 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 12th day of March, 2025.

Tracy Randall Webber

Of the Estate of Gilbert Keith Randall 101 Benjamin Court Shelby, NC 28152

Attorney for the Estate:

Robert H. Lutz

Lutz Law Firm, PLLC

310-8 East Graham Street Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (3/12, 19, 26 & 4/02/2025)

CARS & TRUCKS

2013 NISSAN SENTRA 156k, auto. Runs and looks great. Very clean. Salvage title. Needs some minor repairs. $3,200 OBO. Call or text: 980-291-2948

1997 FORD F-SUPER DUTY

CHASSIS CAB XLT Package. 7.3 Diesel Power Stroke, Manual, White, Removable Pipe Rack. Flat Bed. 146,000 miles, PW, PDL, 5 Speed Manual. $12,000 OBO. Call (704) 300-1818

CAMPERS

2021 GRAND DESIGN TRANSCEND XPLORER. 231 RK, 29 feet long, elecric slideout/awning, excellent condition, queen bed, 2 TVs, Thomas Payne recliner sofa, kitchen table converts to bed. $21,500. 828-447-7331

MOTORCYCLES & ATVS

2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON ULTRACLASSIC. MOTORCYCLE

$9500. Old #7 Touring Bike. Excellent Condition. 21,794 miles. Black in color. Lots of storage. Extra windshield and backrest. Trickle charger. Cruise, lock steering. Must sale due to health reasons. No mechanical issues with the bike. Very nice, clean bike. Must see to appreciate. (828) 413-3044 angieprice1966@gmail.com

VACATIONS

BEACH HOUSE AT OCEAN LAKES. Sleeps 6. Weeks available. Call 704-472-6611

REAL ESTATE CLEVELAND COUNTY

UNDER CONTRACT! 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 704-6928190 Shelby, NC 28150

REAL ESTATE

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

HOME FOR SALE IN RUTHERFORDTON MOVE IN READY! NEW LIST PRICE $219,000!!! 2400 ROCK ROAD, RUTHERFORDTON, NC, 2014 MANUFACTURED DOUBLEWIDE, 1,576 SQUARE FEET, 1.3 ACRES, 3 BEDROOMS, 2 FULL BATHS, PRIVATE WELL AND SEPTIC, NEW LUXURY VINYL PLANK THROUGHOUT, NEW HVAC, NEW INTERIOR PAINT THROUGHOUT, NEW EXTERIOR DOORS, NEW CUSTOM KITCHEN AND BATHROOM CABINETS AND SINKS, NEW QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS, NEW KITCHEN AND BATHROOM FAUCETS, NEW LIGHT FIXTURES, NEW DISHWASHER AND MICROWAVE, PROFESSIONAL DUCT CLEANING, 2 LARGE OUTBUILDINGS, OWNERS ARE REAL ESTATE AGENTS. (828) 755-4586 CANDICEREDWARDS@GMAIL.COM

RENT-TO-OWN MOBILE HOME 3B/2B. 323 Whiteside Rd., Rutherfordton. $1134/ mo. Fully remodeled & spacious 3/2 Mobile Home with/ large lot, central air and heat, off street parking. $1134/ month includes lot rent, septic and trash! $10,000 down. Contact by email only craig@blueridgemobilehomepark.com

LEGAL NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24 E 738

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SHEILA MARGARETHA SENGIR

Having qualified on the 29th day of January, 2025, as Executor of the Estate of SHEILA MARGARETHA SENGIR, 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 June 10, 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 12th day of March, 2025.

Lorell Esther Dunlap

Of the Estate of Sheila Margaretha Sengir 204 Lily Street Shelby, NC 28152

Attorney for the Estate: Robert H. Lutz

Lutz Law Firm, PLLC 310-8 East Graham Street Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (3/12, 19, 26 & 4/02/2025)

LEGAL NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 25 E 159 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FERRIEST TURNER JR.

Having qualified on the 28th day of February, 2025, as Executor of the Estate of FERRIEST TURNER 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 June 10, 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 12th day of March, 2025.

Farris Spidelle Turner Of the Estate of Ferriest Turner Jr.

117 Leslie Drive Shelby, NC 28152

Attorney for the Estate: Robert H. Lutz

Lutz Law Firm, PLLC 310-8 East Graham Street Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (3/12, 19, 26 & 4/02/2025)

REAL ESTATE

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

2/2 RENT TO OWN -OWNERFINANCE!! MOBILE HOME FOR RENT-TO-OWN. MAKE HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY!! NEW ROOF AND WINDOWS, ! W/D HOOK UPS. LOT RENT, SEPTIC, AND TRASH INCLUDED!! $7500 DOWN AND $928.52/ MO. RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139 (727) 743-4908 CRAIG@ BLUERIDGEMOBILEHOMEPARK.COM FOR RENT CLEVELAND COUNTY

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

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 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 680 NC HWY 226 #70. Casar, NC. Cabin for rent. 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom. Rent $1275, Deposit $1275. app Fee $25 per adult. 704-214-4180 MOVE IN SPECIAL. 2 & 3 Bedroom, deposit required. Weekly rates. Includes power and water. NO PETS. NO TEXTING. (704) 473-4299

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 25 E 153

Having qualified as Administratrix of the ESTATE OF KELLY ANN CARMICHAEL, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said Kelly Ann Carmichael to present them, duly verified, to the undersigned, Kathy Hunt Poston, c/o Loann S. Meekins, Teddy Meekins & Talbert, PLLC, 405 E. Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150 on or before the 12th day of June, 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 12th day of March, 2025.

Kathy Hunt Poston, Administratrix of the Estate c/o Loann S. Meekins Teddy Meekins & Talbert, PLLC 405 E. Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150.

KMH (3/12, 3/19, 3/26 & 4/2/2025)

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: W. R. HAM, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified on the 21st day of March, 2025, as Executor of the Estate of W. R. Ham, deceased, late of South 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 4th day of July, 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 2nd day of April, 2025.

Roger W. Ham, Executor 3195 Old Seine Road Smyrna, SC 29743

C. Andrew Neisler, Jr. CLONINGER & NEISLER ATTYS P.O. Box 515, 300 E. King Street Kings Mountain, NC 28086

KMH (4/2, 4/9, 4/16 & 4/23/2025)

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Self-service kiosk pilot program speeds trips to the NCDMV

To shorten lines and wait times at offices across the state and to provide services outside of typical office hours, the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) is piloting the use of self-service kiosks in grocery stores. The program is administered in partnership with Intellectual Technology, Inc., which provides the kiosks. Approximately 25,000 customers have accessed the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles through its self-service kiosk pilot in grocery stores during its first year. The DMV has placed the kiosks in select Harris Teeter locations across Wake, Mecklenburg, and Cumberland counties.

According to DMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin, the DMV anticipates that the kiosk

program will reduce lines and wait times by leveraging technology to modernize customer service. The success of the kiosk pilot is attributed to the availability of services in convenient locations with extended hours, far surpassing the DMV's standard Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule. The services provided include driver's license and ID card renewals and duplicates, as well as vehicle registration renewals and property tax payments for new vehicles. There are nine kiosks in total: four located in Wake County, four in Mecklenburg County, and one in Cumberland County. The closest NCDMV Express self-service kiosks to Kings Mountain are located in Charlotte at the following Harris

Teeter locations: • Riverbend Village (4701 Smith Farm Road, Charlotte)

• Town Center Plaza (8600 University City Blvd., Charlotte)

• Central Avenue (1704 Central Ave., Charlotte)

• Quail Corners (8538 Park Road, Charlotte) The kiosks allow customers to renew their driver's license or state ID and print a Temporary Driver/Identification Certificate.

Is

Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about reverse mortgages? When my husband passed away last year my income dropped almost in half, and I’ve been struggling to keep up with my monthly living expenses. Senior Homeowner

Dear Senior, For retirees who own their home and want to stay living there, but could use some extra cash, a reverse mortgage is a viable financial tool, but there’s a lot to know and consider to be sure it’s a good option for you. Let’s start with the basics.

A reverse mortgage is a unique type of loan that allows older homeowners to borrow money against the equity in their house (or condo) that doesn’t have to be repaid until the homeowner dies, sells the house or moves out for at least 12 months. At that point, you or your heirs will have to pay back the loan plus accrued interest and fees (usually by selling the home), but you will never owe more than the value of your home.

It’s also important to understand that with a reverse mortgage, you, not the

bank, own the house, so you’re still required to pay your property taxes, homeowners’ insurance and upkeep. Not paying them can result in foreclosure.

To be eligible, you must be 62 years of age or older, have at least 50 percent equity in your home, and currently be living there.

You will also need to undergo a financial assessment to determine whether you can afford to continue paying your property taxes and insurance. Depending on your financial situation, you may be required to put part of your loan into an escrow account to pay future bills. If the financial assessment finds that you cannot pay your insurance and taxes and have enough cash left to live on, you’ll be denied.

Loan Details

More than 90 percent of all reverse mortgages offered are Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM), which are FHA insured and offered through private mortgage lenders and banks. HECM’s have home value limits that vary by county but cannot exceed $1,209,750 in 2025.

How much you can actually get

By JIM MILLER Editor

through a reverse mortgage depends on your age (the older you are the more you can get), your home’s value and the prevailing interest rates. Generally, most people can borrow somewhere between 40 and 60 percent of the home’s value. To estimate how much you can borrow, use the reverse mortgage calculator at ReverseMortgage.org.

To receive your money, you can opt for a lump sum, a line of credit, regular monthly checks or a combination of these.

But be aware the reverse mortgages aren’t cheap. You’ll have to pay an origination fee, which is the greater of $2,500 or 2 percent of the first $200,000 of your home’s value plus 1 percent of the amount over $200,000. HECM origination fees are capped at $6,000.

You’ll also be charged an initial mortgage insurance premium, which is 2 percent of the loan amount, along with closing costs that will likely run several thousand dollars. Any amount you borrow, including these fees and insurance, accrues interest, which means your debt grows over time.

To learn more, see the National Council on Aging’s online booklet “Use Your Home to Stay at Home” at NCOA.org/article/use-your-home-tostay-at-home.

Also be aware that because reverse mortgages are complex loans, all borrowers are required to get counseling through a HUD approved independent counseling agency before taking one out. Most agencies charge between $125 and $200. To locate one near you, visit Go.usa.gov/v2H, or call 800-5694287.

Other Options

If a reverse mortgage doesn’t suit you,