Following a nationwide search, the Kings Mountain Historical Museum announced the selection of Michael Turner Webb to lead the museum as the new Director and Curator. A third-generation educator from Charlotte, North Carolina, Webb previously led the Historic Penn Center (York W. Bailey Museum) on St. Helena Island, South Carolina. He served in educational roles at Historic Brattonsville in McConnells, South Carolina and at Historic Latta Place in Huntersville, North Carolina. Webb has also worked with Johnson C. Smith University, Gaston County Public Library, and Atkins Library at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Johnson C. Smith University and has performed as an organizer for the annual Jackie Robinson and Negro League Baseball Day event for the Charlotte Knights Minor League Baseball organization.
Fire at Crowders Mountain State Park impacts KM residents
By Loretta Cozart
“Michael is a dedicated local historian and educator, See MUSEUM, Page 5A
Albemarle area gas odor reports investigated
On December 6, the city updated the status of its investigation of reports it received about gas odors coming from several locations near the Albemarle site on its Facebook (Meta) page.
City crews responded to the reported incidents and patrolled surrounding areas to conduct leak investigations. The city reassured the community that no natural gas leaks had been detected.
The locations where the odors were reported are highlighted on the map. Each is in the immediate vicinity of the pond at Albemarle. (See location map, acquired from Google Maps on page 5A).
In the past, residents encountered a very similar
situation, which was ultimately traced back to the pond turning over. This natural occurrence caused an unfamiliar odor, which many compared to the smell of natural gas.
The city dispatched three additional crews to further investigate and patrol the pond at Albemarle for a direct comparison of the odor.
Officials posted that crews continue to conduct roving leak investigations in the specific Albemarle area and expand their efforts outward until the smell dissipates.
The city emphasized that they detected no natural gas leaks through their investigations to date. They will continue to monitor and update citizens on any new findings.
Deadline to apply for FEMA assistance
January 7
North Carolinians with disaster-related damage or loss from Tropical Storm Helene have one month to apply for federal assistance. The application deadline is Jan. 7, 2025.
This applies to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina and residents of the following counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Forsyth, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lee, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Nash, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin and Yancey. Homeowners and renters in these areas may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance for displacement, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses.
Disaster survivors who See FEMA, Page 5A
A wildfire occurred around Kings Mountain, often referred to as the Pinnacle, on Sunday afternoon, December 8 and continued overnight. As of 11:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9, the fire burning in Crowders Mountain State Park was roughly 730 acres in size with 92% contained. The incident is now referred to as the Coyote Fire.
Stephanie Christopher’s mother lives near the intersection of Pinnacle Road and Lake Montonia Road, and she shared, “My mom lives off Pinnacle Rd and has a Kings Mountain address. They (the firefighters) had two roads blocked, so I had to go down Sparrow Springs because there was no fire around there going to her house. It was smokey and you could see the flames and orange glow from her front yard. You could hear coyote’s hollering loud for a little while.”
She continued, “It was really scary, and mom was preparing to evacuate.”
Stephanie took photos of
the scene and shared them on Facebook. According to NC Forest Service, “Due to difficult, steep terrain and in the interest of firefighter and public safety, firefighting personnel from the N.C. Forest Service and N.C. State Parks did conduct a strategic firing operation, also known as a burnout operation. It is a carefully planned tactic where firefighters intentionally and precisely burn vegetative fuels such as grasses, plants, shrubs, leaves, nee-
dles, duff and dead woody material, to eliminate what a wildfire can burn. When successful, a strategic firing operation brings the main fire’s perimeter to an already established containment line.
“The strategic firing operation (burnout) was successful as firefighting personnel were able to use existing fire lines and roads for containment. While the fire was highly visible, no homes or structures were threatened.
“Firefighting crews remained at the scene to monitor the fire overnight. Precipitation did fall over the fire area, helping efforts. Personnel will continue to patrol and monitor the fire through today’s operational period. While it was originally reported to have resulted from a controlled burn, that was not the case. The NC Fire Service shared, “The cause of the fire is undetermined and under investigation,” they concluded.
“All Hands on Deck” for Wreaths Across America Day
By Loretta Cozart
This year Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday, December 14 at noon. The event is spearheaded by Colonel Frederick Hambright DAR Chapter, supported by Kings Mountain Woman’s Club and Shelby Civil Air Patrol. Together, these groups garnished sponsorships for wreaths to honor veterans.
Each December, on National Wreaths Across America Day, the community’s yearlong mission to Remember, Honor and Teach, is in part carried out with a wreath-laying ceremony at Mountain Rest Cemetery, located at 111 S. Dilling Street in Kings Mountain, as well as at more than 3,600 participating locations in all 50 U.S.
Laying a live, balsam veteran’s wreath on an individual headstone for a veteran and saying their name out loud is a unique and individual experience. It is a small gesture of gratitude for the freedoms Americans enjoy each day, and the community is proud to play a part in making sure that the legacy of duty, service, and sacrifice of each veteran is never forgotten.
Wildfire at Crowder Mountain State Park. (Photos by Stephanie Christopher)
Pinnacle road view of the wildfire.
Annie Armittie Farris
KINGS MOUNTAIN:
Annie Armittie Farris, 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 2, 2024 at White Oak Manor in Kings Mountain surrounded by family.
Born in Cleveland County, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Essie Farris.
Affectionally known as “Mit”, she will be remembered for finding joy and laughter in the simplest of things. Having been diagnosed with polio at an early age, Mit withstood tremendous challenges throughout her life, all the while maintaining her faith and unwavering spirit. She was a Christian woman who showed kindness to everyone she met. Mit had a gift of music and enjoyed playing piano for her church as long as her health allowed. She loved crafting, flowers, old movies, and anything chocolate. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in
death by three brothers: Ted, Wray, and Calvin Farris and her sister, Gertrude Carroll. Survivors include her brother, Paul Farris (Linda) of Kings Mountain, NC and sister Gail Whitehurst (Rick) of Winston Salem, NC. Although she never had children of her own, she will be fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews that considered her a substitute grandmother. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, December 6th at Mountain Rest Cemetery in Kings Mountain.
Funeral services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Kings Mountain, www.claybarnette.com
is seeking information:
November
from
Monday, November 30.
2025 Social Security earning requirement increases
You will need to earn more in 2025 to receive a Social Security credit and qualify for future Social Security income payments. According to the U.S. Social Security Administration, the minimum amount an individual must earn for each quarter of coverage (QC) in 2025 is $1,810. This represents an increase over the $1,730 threshold set for 2024.
Based on the national average wage index, the increase reflects rising average income levels from year to year.
The new rate requirement will affect low earners or part-time workers, as the minimum earnings rise might mean they will not receive the full four credits next year.
“Quarter of coverage” is a legal term, but you may also see the term “Social Security credit” (or just “credit”) used elsewhere. A QC is the basic unit for determining whether a worker is insured under the Social Security program. No matter how high your earnings may be, you can not earn more than 4 QC’s in one year.
Social Security credits are crucial in determining eligibility for various benefits, including retirement, disability, and survivors’ benefits. Based on individual earnings, these credits ensure workers and their families receive support when needed.
In 2024, workers received one Social Security credit for every $1,730 earned, with a maximum of four credits per year. Credits earned stay on a worker’s record regardless of job changes or temporary gaps in employment.
Special rules apply to certain types of work. Self-employed workers earn credits similarly to employees but may face additional rules if annual net
earnings fall below $400.
Military service members earn credits like civilian employees and may qualify for additional earnings credits under specific conditions. Special rules cover other occupational work such as domestic labor, farming, or employment with nonprofit or religious organizations that do not pay Social Security taxes. Workers with questions about their specific situations are encouraged to contact Social Security directly.
Not all jobs count toward Social Security benefits. Examples include Federal employees hired before 1984, railroad employees with more than 10 years of service, some state and local government employees, and children under 21 performing household chores for their parents, except when working in a parent’s business after age 18.
The number of credits required for Social Security benefits varies by age and type of benefit: Retirement Benefits: Workers born in 1929 or later need 10 years of work (40 credits) to qualify. Disability Benefits: Requirements depend on the age at which the disability began:
Under 24: 6 credits earned within the three years before the disability.
Ages 24-30: Credits for half the time between age 21 and the onset of the disability.
Age 31 or older: At least 20 credits earned in the decade preceding the disability.
Survivors Benefits: Family members may qualify based on the deceased worker’s record. Younger workers’ families may be eligible with as little as 1½ years of work within the three years before death. Eligible survivors in-
clude spouses (full benefits at retirement age or reduced benefits from age 60), disabled spouses (starting at age 50), spouses of any age caring for children under 16 or with disabilities, unmarried children under 18 or up to 19 if enrolled in school full-time, children who developed a disability before 22 and dependent parents aged 62 or older.
Social Security credits also contribute to Medicare eligibility at age 65. Early Medicare eligibility applies to individuals receiving disability benefits for 24 months or more, those with permanent kidney failure, or individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Dependents or survivors may also qualify for Medicare under certain conditions.
It is important to maintain accurate records. To avoid discrepancies, workers should verify that their name and Social Security number match their employer’s payroll records. Employers submit earnings data annually via W-2 forms, which Social Security uses to determine future benefits. Incorrect information can delay benefits, so workers must promptly update Social Security and employer records.
The Social Security Administration provides comprehensive online resources at www.ssa.gov. Workers can apply for benefits, request replacement Social Security cards, access publications, and find answers to frequently asked questions. For more personalized assistance, local Social Security offices remain available to help.
On Monday, December 2, Cleveland County Commissioners held an Organizational Meeting to swear in newly elected officials, including:
• Commissioners Kevin Gordon, Johnny Hutchins, and Tony Berry
Cleveland Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisors Madison Bridges and D. Randy McDaniel
• Register of Deeds Betsy Harnage and the Register of Deeds Staff During this time, Kevin
Gordon was voted as Commission Chair and Deb Hardin as Vice-Chair. Outgoing Commissioner Ronnie Whetstine was recognized for his service and dedication during his term as commissioner from 2017-2024.
1-year-old accidentally shot by older brother
On December 3, deputies from the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office responded to an address on Buck Horn Lane in the Lawndale area following a report just after 6:30 pm of a 1-year-old child that was accidentally shot.
Upon arrival of deputies, witnesses stated that the 1-year-old was shot accidentally by a 3-year-old sibling with a firearm that
was being kept in the house. The child victim is being treated at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte and is expected to make a full recovery.
Investigators aren’t saying what type of gun was involved, how the 3-year-old found the firearm, and if any adults were present.
Cleveland County Sherriff Alan Norman did not name the owner of the gun
and whether charges will be filed, although they could be forthcoming. He confirmed only that the weapon “was being kept in the house.”
“The investigation is still ongoing. However, I would like to express the importance of proper firearm storage and safety as this incident could have been much more tragic,” stressed Norman.
Police Chief offers Holiday Safety
As the holiday season approaches, Kings Mountain Police
Chief Gerald Childress emphasizes the importance of vigilance to ensure community safety. In a recent YouTube interview with Communications Specialist Gabriel Thomas, Chief Childress shared essential tips to help residents protect themselves and their property during this festive time.
• Protecting Your Home
Chief Childress advises residents to secure their homes by locking all doors and windows, even when at home. He suggests using timers for lights to give the appearance of occupancy and recommends installing security systems or cameras as effective deterrents against potential intruders.
• Safe Shopping Practices
When shopping, Chief Childress recommends staying alert and being aware of your surroundings. He advises against carrying large amounts of cash and suggests keeping purses close to your body and wallets in front pockets to deter pickpockets. He also emphasizes the importance of parking in well-lit areas and locking vehicles to prevent theft.
•Online Shopping Security
Chief Childress stresses the importance of using secure websites and being cautious of deals that seem too good to be true for online shoppers. He advises regularly monitoring bank statements for unauthorized transactions and suggests having packages delivered to a location where someone can receive them to prevent porch thefts.
• Travel Safety If traveling, Chief Childress recommends informing a trusted neighbor about your plans and asking them to keep an eye on your property. He suggests stopping mail and newspaper deliveries to avoid signaling an empty home and advises against sharing travel plans on social media to prevent alerting potential burglars.
•Fire Safety
Chief Childress highlights the importance of fire safety during the holidays. He advises keeping flammable decorations away from heat sources and ensuring that Christmas trees are well-watered to prevent fires. He also recommends testing smoke detectors and having a fire extinguisher readily available.
•Personal Safety
Tips
Chief Childress encourages individuals to trust their instincts and avoid situations where they feel unsafe. He suggests traveling in groups when possible and staying in well-lit, populated areas. He also advises against leaving drinks unattended at social gatherings to prevent tampering. By following these guidelines, residents can enjoy a safe and secure holiday season. Chief Childress reminds the community that vigilance and proactive measures are key to preventing crime and ensuring public safety during this festive time.
You may view the full interview online at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=4AVtWPd0sYk
CCSO
The Electric Bike pictured was stolen
the Linden Street area in Grover sometime between Sunday,
22 and
It was last seen in the Main Street area in Grover. It is a green Rad Power Electric Bike, with a long leather seat. If you have any information about the stolen Electric Bike, please contact Investigator T. Watterson at 704-476-3076.
Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB), a global leader in providing essential elements for mobility, energy, connectivity, and health, announced $150,000 in grants to non-profit organizations supporting Cleveland County residents. The Albemarle Foundation awarded grants to celebrate Kings Mountain’s 150th anniversary and invest in its future.
Twenty-one organizations were chosen for their contributions to workforce development and community health, safety, and economic vitality. Find the full list of grant recipients here.
“We are deeply honored to support the Kings Mountain community as it celebrates this historic milestone,” said Albemarle Community Relations Manager Sarah Degnan. “These organizations and the services they provide reflect Albemarle’s belief in creating opportunities that foster lasting, positive change.
“Since 2016, Albemarle Corporation and its foundation have contributed more than $2 million to the Kings Mountain and Cleveland County communities. Albemarle continues activities to potentially redevelop the Kings Mountain
Mine. As one of the few known hard-rock lithium deposits in the U.S., the project seeks to bolster the domestic supply of lithium, a critical component for sustainable transportation and key defense applications. The project includes several environmentally and socially responsible mining features and practices which include prioritizing community engagement and enhancing project benefits to the surrounding communities. More information about the proposed mine’s project plan and progress can be found at Albemarlekingsmountain.com
The Catawba Nation’s Catawba Two Kings Casino recently presented four different local community organizations – Compassion to Act, United Way of Cleveland County, Washington Outreach Ministry and Common Ground Café – with $5,000 each through its Share Change program. In addition, Catawba Two Kings Casino team members recently held a Thanksgiving food drive for Washington Outreach Ministry, donating several large boxes filled with food items and certificates for free turkeys and hams.
The casino has also been collecting toys donated by team members and patrons for its annual holiday season donation to regional Toys for Tots organizations, with the presentation and toy pickup scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9, at the casino. The casino, Delaware North, consultants to Catawba Two a Casino, and Gaming Capital Group are also purchasing toys for the donation. The $20,000 was raised from April to September this year through the Share Change program, which enables casino patrons to donate the remaining change on slot vouchers
by dropping them in ticket boxes on the casino floor.
The program has now provided $130,000 to community organizations since it began in July 2021.
“I want to thank the patrons and team members at Catawba Two Kings Casino for their incredible generosity, allowing the casino to make significant contributions to these important community organizations,” said Patricia Leach, assistant chief of the Catawba Nation.
Washington Outreach Ministry is the largest emergency food pantry in Cleveland County, a community-based organization with a food distribution center that feeds over 15,000 clients a month.
Washington Outreach Ministry's food pantry serves low-income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed individuals, disabled veterans, working poor and anyone else in need of assistance.
Common Ground Café is based on a non-profit food service model established to address food insecurity by offering nourishing meals in a restaurant setting, with a donate-whatyou-can payment option.
Since receiving our 501(c)
(3) status in March 2018, we have successfully established a strong relational network of culinary artists, churches, local farmers, area businesses, and volunteers to enrich the lives of our patrons and provide an atmosphere where anyone, regardless of income, age, or status, can dine with dignity.
Compassion to Act is a faith-based ministry on the front lines of confronting modern-day slavery. The organization’s hands-on approach to liberating women means they’re in the clubs and on the streets, building safe relationships for women to find a way to freedom. The team commands rescue operations, short-term emergency safehouses, and outreaches on location where women are being exploited.
United Way of Cleveland County is making a difference by investing in community nonprofits and their program initiatives to address our most significant challenges and create pathways to prosperity for everyone across our county, regardless of their circumstances.
By Loretta Cozart
Catawba Nation Assistant Chief Patricia Leach, third from left, presents a $5,000 donation from Catawba Two Kings Casino’s Share Change program to Washington Outreach Ministry. With Leach are leaders from Washington Outreach Ministry, including the Rev. Frances Webber (far left), the organization’s executive director. Photo by Delaware North
OPINION
–Abraham Lincoln
Pieces of Kings Mountain History
In an article comparing his performance to other outstanding players in 1960, the Kings Mountain Herald declared Punch Parker as KMHS’ scoring king. To be sure, Kings Mountain had many good football players before then and since, but his 1960 record was exceptional. Here is the story as it was published:
Punch Parker’s 122 points may be Mountaineer’s all-time scoring mark
“This doesn’t come as any great surprise, but Punch Parker was the scoring king for the Kings Mountain Mountaineers this football campaign and, possibly, for all time.
“The 165-pound senior halfback scored 20 touchdowns and added two extra points for a grand total of 122 points, almost half of the 247 markers the Mountaineers amassed this season.
“Parker’s 122 points also is tops in the Southwest Conference and also in this area, that latter fact already having been emphasized by The Gastonia Gazette which has declared Parker the scoring champion in its threecounty area of Gaston. Cleveland and Lincoln Counties.
“The 122 points also is the high scoring mark for a Mountaineer player in many years, perhaps ever.
“Punch’s father, Don Parker who was coaching here before the youth was born, admits that the 122 points is tops for a player in his 18 years of athletic tutoring in Kings Mountain High.
“The scoring king showed his versatility as a TD maker, scoring 11 times on runs from scrimmage, eight times on pass receptions, and one on a punt return. He had two other touchdowns called back due to penalties. Incidentally, both of the called-back TDs would have been Parker’s longest scoring plays of the year, a 75-yard run against Bessemer City and a 63-yard pass from James Robbs.
“His longest scoring play was a 62-yard pass reception from Robbs against Belmont. The punt return for a score was for 52 yards against Cherryville.
“Parker scored three touchdowns in each of four games against Forest City, Chase, Clover, and Cherryville. He tallied
two times each against three foes, Bessemer City, West Mecklenburg, and Belmont, and crossed the goal line one time each against Shelby and R. S. Central. He failed to score (officially) only against Lincolnton, the game in which the Mountaineers were blanked 7-0.
”The hard-running halfback personally helped his team get a quick - start by scoring the Mountaineers’ first touchdown in seven of the games ... all except Bessemer City. Lincolnton and Belmont.
“Records are not readily available for all past scoring figures by Mountaineer players, but the tally sheet for the past decade shows Parker’s 122 points far out front.
“The 84 points scored
Looking Back
by Johnny McGinnis in 1955 is the previous top total for the past decade, with Ken Baity’s 78 in 1956 close behind that figure. Year Player Pts.
1960 Punch Parker 122 1959 Paul Hendricks 48 1958 Don Gladden 66
Baity 54
McGinnis 84
TALLY TABLE The tally table of individual scoring for the Mountaineers this grid season:
Dealing with the challenges of Christmas
Christmas is a joyful season but always has some challenges. The place of Christmas is often a question.
Mary and Joseph ended up in Bethlehem when Jesus was born. They had gone there to pay taxes. Paying taxes is never fun but something we have to do. The place they ended up when Jesus was born was probably not their desired location to bear their first child but they made the most of the location.
Location trips a lot of people up on Christmas. Many have no choice. They will spend Christmas in the nursing home or jail. Many have no options. They may be too elderly or sick to travel. They may not have any place to go. If you have options then be thankful. If you have a place to spend Christmas then this is one of your best gifts of all. Don’t fight about the place where you will spend Christmas. Make the best of wherever you
end up and celebrate with whoever is around.
The presents of Christmas are often stressful. Presents are expensive and often we don’t know what to buy and how much to spend. You may have a lot of gifts to buy or maybe you don’t have a single person for whom you will buy a gift. If you can afford to buy gifts and want to then enjoy the opportunity. If finances are meager this year, then be honest with yourself and others and say our list and budget is very limited this year. Don’t put yourself in financial jeopardy by spending money you don’t have.
The greatest gift is the baby Jesus. Focusing on Him will bring more peace than a house filled with gifts.
The pageantry of Christmas often becomes work. How many lights can you string on your roof or around your shrubbery? I enjoy putting up lights on a warm day but despise taking them down in January. Just remember what goes up must come down, eventually. Try to find a mild weather day and you won’t feel like the grinch.
The pressure of Christmas gets to a lot of people.
People die in December. Loneliness takes over, Stress becomes paramount. People get depressed. Christmas should never be a time of loneliness, stress or pressure but it was a difficult time for Mary and Joseph. They were poor people. Bringing a child into the world in a stable would not be considered an option for most of us. Traveling was a hassle and very difficult back then. While they were overjoyed with the baby Jesus, life’s circumstances were not easy. Later, they would flee to Egypt for the safety of their family which had to their pressure.
The person of Christmas must be our focus in order to truly celebrate this season. Let’s not lose sight of the main character in the Christmas story. If we do, then we will focus on the place, presents, pageantry and pressures of Christmas. Thus, we will miss out on the real joy that the heavenly host proclaimed to those shepherds watching their sheep. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men,” (Luke 2:14).
LORETTA COZART
Judy Medlin was featured in the December 11, 1958, edition of the Kings Mountain Herald, which read: CARROUSEL PRINCESS IN PARADE — Miss Judy Medlin, high school senior, represented Kings Mountain in the Shelby Christmas parade last week. Miss Medlin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Medlin, was chosen Carrousel Princess by Central High school and appeared in the Carolinas Carrousel Parade in Charlotte recently. She also appeared in numerous parades sponsored in surrounding communities. Photo, courtesy, The Cleveland Times.
PUNCH PARKER
Glenn Mollette Guest Editorial
FBI issues warning about text messaging security risks
The FBI, along with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), has issued a stark warning to smartphone users: texting between iPhone and Android devices is not secure. This vulnerability stems from the lack of end-to-end encryption in Apple’s implementation of the Rich Communication Services (RCS) protocol. While messages exchanged between iPhones or between Android devices are encrypted, cross-platform communications are susceptible to interception.
On December 3, in response to a major security breach, the FBI, CISA, and the National Security Agency (NSA) released guidelines to safeguard the United States' communications infrastructure. These measures highlight the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks, particularly from state-affiliated actors.
“Anyone with an iPhone or Android should stop sending text messages because they are not secure,” said CISA’s Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity Jeff Greene, during a news conference addressing the aftermath of the breach.
The collaborative effort resulted in the release of "Enhanced Visibility and Hardening Guidance for Communications Infrastructure," a comprehensive document offering best practices to mitigate risks. It was developed in response to cyber espionage campaigns linked to the People's Republic of China (PRC).
The scale of the threat is huge. PRC-affiliated hackers, notably the group known as Salt Typhoon, have launched significant cyberattacks targeting major telecommunications providers, including AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen Technologies. The goal appears to be acquiring sensitive information, including government communications.
“This activity poses a serious threat to critical infrastructure, government agencies, and businesses,” Greene emphasized. “We urge software manufacturers to adopt Secure by Design principles to enhance the security posture of their customers.”
FBI Cyber Division Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran echoed the urgency, stating, “Together with our interagency partners, the FBI issued guidance to enhance the visibility of network defenders and to harden devices against PRC exploitation. We strongly encourage organizations to review and implement these measures.”
While Apple and Google have integrated end-to-end encryption into their respective messaging platforms— iMessage for iPhones and Google Messages for Android devices—this security does not extend to messages exchanged between the two platforms. Instead, these cross-platform messages rely on RCS, which remains vulnerable to interception.
This gap has prompted officials to recommend using third-party messaging applications that offer robust
end-to-end encryption for cross-platform communications. Apps like WhatsApp and Signal provide this level of protection, ensuring that messages and calls are encrypted from sender to recipient.
Experts suggest avoiding traditional text messages for sensitive communications, especially between iPhone and Android users. Instead, they recommend apps with proven encryption standards.
“Think of encryption as a lock that only the intended recipient can open,” one official explained. End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and recipient have the “key” to decrypt the message, protecting its contents from hackers and other unauthorized parties.
For those who frequently communicate across platforms, WhatsApp offers a simple solution. Its full endto-end encryption secures both text and voice communications. The app is available on both Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
Despite advocating for secure messaging, Apple has yet to support an encrypted version of RCS for cross-platform communication. Critics argue that this stance leaves a significant gap in security for mixed-platform users.
“If you’re an iPhone user chatting with Android users, consider using WhatsApp or another encrypted app until Apple implements the necessary updates,” one cybersecurity expert advised.
The vulnerabilities in cross-platform messaging
are part of a larger concern about cybersecurity in critical infrastructure. Recent reports reveal that the cyberattacks targeting U.S. telecommunications providers may be larger in scale than initially understood.
According to Politico, hackers gained access to call records and text messages from several high-ranking government officials. These incidents underscore the importance of securing communication channels to protect sensitive information.
FEMA
The FBI and CISA stress the importance of taking immediate action. They recommend that users:
• Avoid traditional text messaging between iPhones and Android devices.
• Use apps with end-toend encryption for sensitive communications.
• Stay informed about cybersecurity threats and follow best practices to reduce risks.
As Greene concluded, “The PRC-affiliated cyber activity demonstrates the need for vigilance. Protecting our
open every day, and help is available in most languages.
communications infrastructure requires collective effort and adherence to strong security measures.”
Users can safeguard their personal and professional communications from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats by making simple changes, such as switching to encrypted apps.
For more information, visit CISA’s PRC Cyber Threat webpage at https:// www.cisa.gov/topics/cyber-threats-and-advisories/nation-state-cyber-actors/china.
From Page 1A have not yet applied for FEMA assistance should apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, which is the quickest way to apply. Survivors can also apply using the FEMA App on mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline toll-free at 800621-3362. The Helpline is
WREATHS
From Page 1A them to honor Kings Mountain veterans December 14? The ceremony and honoring of veterans last about an hour and a great way to remember the veterans of Kings Mountain at Christmastime. If you would like to help setup for the ceremony,
MUSEUM
From Page 1A as well as a knowledgeable museum professional,” said Ann Parker, chair of the board of directors for the Kings Mountain Historical Museum. “The board is excited by the expertise and leadership he will bring to the museum and to the Kings Mountain community. We are confident he is the right person to spearhead the next chapter of the museum’s growth and expand our impact in service to the people of Kings Mountain, particularly our students.”
Those who use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, should give the FEMA representative their number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube. Survivors can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to apply for assistance in-person. To find additional information on DRCs, visit, FEMA.gov/ DRC. Applicants will be contacted by an inspector within 10 days after applying and will be sent a decision letter within 10 days after the inspector’s call. Applicants have 60 days from the date of their decision letter to appeal if denied.
arrive at Mountain Rest Cemetery by 10:30 a.m. and meet near the cemetery’s veterans’ section near the large white cross. Feel free to bring a few friends, too. Those who wish to place wreaths are asked to arrive shortly before noon. As Kings Mountain citizens gather to thank veterans interred at Mountain Rest Cemetery, let us not forget the sacrifices these veterans made for us and our country. Let us remember that these individuals were husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, wives, sisters, daughters, mothers, and friends. Most called Kings Mountain home at some point of their lives, and now they rest among us for eternity. Let us take time to remember and honor each of them this Saturday at noon.
Webb will officially start the position on Jan. 6, 2025. He succeeds January Costa who led the museum over the past five years. Costa recently accepted a new remote position as Archivist for The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine.
In partnership with the City of Kings Mountain and Cleveland County, the Kings Mountain Historical Museum preserves and shares a 1939 Post Office building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as two relocated 19th century struc-
tures, the Robert Barber House and the George W. Cornwell House. The museum also preserves and exhibits a wide-ranging artifact collection showcasing the unique history and cultural identity of Kings Mountain and the surrounding region. For more information, please visit www.kingsmountainmuseum.org, email kmhmda@outlook. com, call (704) 739-1019, or visit the museum at 100 E Mountain St, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm.
LOCATION MAP, ACQUIRED FROM GOOGLE MAP (Continued From Page 1A) - The locations where the odors were reported are highlighted on the map. Each is in the immediate vicinity of the pond at Albemarle.
THANK YOU! Cleveland County Sheriff's Office thanked John and Buffy Murphey with Murphey’s Toy Run for the generous donations towards its annual toy giveaway, Operation Merry and Bright! These gifts will be distributed to many child victims, and children of victims, who have come through its agency. The Sheriff’s Office said to John and Buffy, “We are so grateful for how you serve our community.”
First, in Jesus we find an UPWARD peace Upward peace is the basis of all true peace. Upward peace is the peace one receives when Jesus Christ is accepted as Lord and
word we will hear many times during this Christmas season. The prophet Isaiah wrote long ago: “For unto us a Child is born. Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, KJV). On the night Jesus was born in Bethlehem the heavenly host said to the shepherds, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14) What kind of peace would this be? It would be the peace of God that passes all human understanding which would now be available for the human heart when the Son of God is born into one’s life. When I think of the peace Jesus offers, several things come to mind.
Savior. In Romans 5:1 we read: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ.” This is the peace we need the most. This peace comes through a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ. God, in His love, reaches out to us in our sins and calls us to this upward peace. He offers peace from the war that our sins have waged against Him. He loved us so much that He sent His Son into this sin-cursed world to redeem us. Christmas reminds us that God sent His Son into this world to open the door of peace into our hearts, minds, and souls. When a person accepts Jesus as Lord, the conflict with God is over. As we turn our sins and lives over to Jesus, He forgives us of our sins and prepares a place in heaven for us so that some day we may live with Him forever.
Next we discover in Jesus and INWARD peace. Once we have peace with God, we are ready for real peace within. This peace comes by trusting our lives to the care of the Lord. In John 14:1 Jesus told His disciples “Do not let your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in Me.” This doesn’t mean that we will not have troubles, it simply means that we have a Savior who walks with us through our troubles. We don’t have to bear our troubles alone. Not only do we have Jesus to help us, but also the presence of God and the Holy Spirit.
Our Lord came on that first Christmas to grant us this INWARD peace. In Christ (Jesus) we also discover an OUTWARD peace. When we have the peace of Jesus within us, we, then, can have peace with the people around us. If we are Christians,
we are called to be peacemakers. In Hebrews we read: “Make every effort to live in peace with all men…(Hebrews 12:14a). The writer of Hebrews instructs us to make every effort possibly to live in peace with others and not to let the root of bitterness and discord grow between us and others. It is our duty to do our part to create peace with others, even though everyone will not accept us or desire peace with us. We are taught in Romans 12:18 “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyo Lastly, in Christ we discover an ONWARD peace. One day the Prince of Peace is coming back. One day the Lord of Glory who came as a little baby, placed in a manger, held in Mary’s arms, will return as the reigning Lord on a white stallion. Jesus is coming to set up a kingdom of peace on this earth. The lion will lie down
with the lamb. Swords will be beaten into plowshares. When Jesus ascended after His resurrection, the angel promised His followers that He would come again in like manner—riding upon the clouds. The return of Jesus will bring peace on this earth. We just need to be patient as we wait upon the return of the Lord. I invite you this Christmas to experience the peace you can have by knowing Christ and the future peace we will experience eternally in the presence of the Lord. If you don’t have God’s peace today, I invite you to receive Jesus into your life as your Savior and Lord. It will be the greatest Christmas you have ever had! If you know Christ’s peace, then celebrate His presence in your life. Come, kneel and worship our blessed Savior and Lord!
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
Kings Mountain Baptist Church
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
101 W. Mountain St. • Kings Mountain, NC
Mt. Olive
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
Pastor Ron Caulder Eastside Baptist
Dance Reflections performed Have Yourself a Merry Grinchy Christmas at the Joy on December 7. Carla and Sunshine Smith offered theatergoers a plethora of Grinchy Christmas gifts. The duo joined forces as a fundraiser for Dance Reflections and had a thoroughly Grinchy time!
Uplift Our Local Community (UOLC) members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Mu Omega Chapter donated toiletries and blankets to Teresa Wingo and her People without Walls ministry and toiletries to the Gastonia Street Ministry. Uplifting Our Local Com-
munity is one of six initiatives Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. supports to improve the lives of those it serves. The other initiatives are: Strengthen Our Sisterhood, Empower Our Families, Build Our Economic Wealth, and Enhance Our Environment.
First Presbyterian Christmas performances
Christmas specials for December at First Presbyterian Church will be held on Sunday, December 15, at 10:30 am, Choir Cantata; Sunday, Dec. 22, at 9 am, potluck breakfast, and Christmas sing-along; and December 24, at 8 pm, Special Christmas Eve Service. All are invited to join the congregation for these special events at 111 East King Street in Kings Mountain. First Presbyterian Church Choir’s Cantata and sing-along celebrate the joy of the
Southern Arts Society 2025 Calendar “TRAINS”
Members present at both events were: Barbara Dillard, Geraldine Dye, Katherine Pendergrass, Gale Manning, Robin Gibson, June Pearson Michelle Mack, and Rhonda Williams.
For forty years, now, Souther n Arts Society (SASi) has produced a hand printed silk-screened calendar to raise funds for their organization. Their 2025 Calendar “Trains” is in honor of their historic building – the former Norfolk Southern Railway Depot which turns 100 years old in September of 2025. The calendars feature various scenes of trains and train engines that are based on real trains and some that are imagined. One page even shows one
APRICOT GLAZED SMOKED HAM 1 (8 -10 lb) bone-in smoked ham Glaze 1 (12 ounce) jars apricot preserves (1 cup) 1/4 cup light brown sugar 2 tablespoons stone ground dijon mustard 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. •Mix up the glaze ingredients, pour over ham, that is wrapped in tin foil and bake for the first 1-1/2
hours. Then uncover the remaining time and baste with the sauce every 20 minutes. (approximately 1 more hour or until temperature reaches 160 degrees. Very moist ham.
GREEN BEAN BUNDLES
Fresh whole green beans Bacon, cut in half 1/2 cup butter, melted 1 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon garlic salt Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Wrap 7 green beans with
of the ghosts said to inhabit the depot! Twelve different SASi artists each designed a page, or month, for the calendar. The pages are hand printed and signed by the artists, making each one an individual original work of art. Artists for the 2025 edition are Mary Bartrop, Marygrace Bianco, Shirley Brutko, Janet Dyer, Darlene Godfrey, Lizz Grimsley, Jackie Laine, Lori McAdams, Terry Ratchford, Jewel Reavis, Jean Wilder Smith, and Jan Welborn. See SAS, Page 9A
bacon and place in prepared dish. Repeat, using all the green beans and bacon. Combine butter with brown sugar. Pour over green bean bundles and sprinkle with garlic salt. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
SCALLOPED
POTATOES
4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1-1⁄
• In a small sauce pan, melt butter and blend in flour. Let sit for a minute. Add all of cold milk, stirring with a whisk. Season with salt and cayenne. Cook sauce on low until smooth and boiling, stirring occasionally with a whisk.
Reduce heat and stir in cheese.
• Place a half of the sliced potatoes in a lightly greased one quart casserole dish.
• Pour half of cheese sauce over potatoes. Repeat with second layer of potatoes and cheese sauce.
• Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour at 350°F.
CRANBERRY SAUCE
1 cup sugar 1 cup water
1 12-ounce package fresh or frozen cranberries Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to boil; add cranberries, return to boil. Reduce heat and boil gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cover and cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate until serving time. Makes 2 1/4 cups.
Photo by Loretta Cozart
AKA, Inc. sorority sisters donated to Teresa Wingo's People without Walls program.
Photo by Katherine Pendergrass AKA, Inc. members support local ministries
Sweet Nectar painting by Jean Wilder Smith.
Scenes from KM Christmas Parade held Dec. 7
Max Thompson, 3A State Champion of the 800M Race, was Grand Marshall of the 2024 KMChristmas Parade! (Photos by Loretta Cozart)
Dance Reflections
KM Elite steal the show.
KMHS marches in wearing new uniforms.
Kenzie’s Dancin’ Out
Shearra Miller and Ellis Noell
7 tips to help make insurance claim
If your insurance policy has been lost or destroyed, or if you are confused about the policy benefits or exclusions, contact your insurance company to find out what coverages you have and request a copy of the policy. The Better Business Bureau offers the following seven tips when dealing with insurance after a disaster strikes: Contact your insurance company immediately.
Not only does this get the ball rolling on the claims process, but you might be eligible for loss-of-use benefits, which means you could be reimbursed for hotel costs, food, and other living expenses while your house is unlivable. Be sure to document all conversations with your insurance company or their adjuster and get any promises for reimbursements in writing. Be sure to retain all receipts. Beware of contractors who claim to be insurance claim specialists.
Be sure you have thoroughly checked out your contractor before you permit them to deal directly with your insurance company and seek approval of repairs for you.
Unscrupulous businesses have tricked consumers into signing a work estimate without reading the fine print, which commits you to automatically contract with their business if your insurance claim is approved.
Document the damage to your property and possessions thoroughly.
If possible, take pictures or videos. If it is safe to do so, go from room to room and create a detailed account of your be-
longings. People may not be allowed near their property until the area has been secured by emergency responders and local authorities. Keep all your receipts for supplies and living expenses for future reimbursement.
Make any temporary repairs to limit further damage to your home or business.
You may be liable for damage that occurs after a storm has passed, so make temporary repairs, such as boarding up broken windows or throwing a tarp over a leaky roof. Beware of contractors who may try to offer these services for exorbitant fees. Be sure to get quotes in writing in advance or seek out volunteer groups in your area that may offer free assistance.
Do not make any permanent repairs until you get approval from your insurance company.
Make sure you understand how your insurance company will reimburse your repair costs. Your insurer might not fully compensate you for repairs made without their authorization.
Do not hand over an insurance check to a contractor for repairs before starting work.
Never give more than onethird of the job price upfront, and make sure that your insurance company has approved all repairs before you give your final payment to the contractor.
You may qualify for additional assistance when insurance doesn’t cover all your losses. Check with the Federal Emergency Management Agency at fema.gov for more information.
Pottery by Sarah Monteleone
2025 January Calendar - Shirley Brutko
SASi 2025 Calendar Images
Ava Morrow retires from Cleveland Community College
Last week, Cleveland Community College shared in a story written by Paula Vess, that Kings Mountain native Avis Morrow was retiring from the faculty.
After nearly five decades of dedicated service in nursing and nursing education, Avis Morrow is preparing to embrace a new chapter of life. At the end of this year, she will retire, having spent the last ten years shaping the next generation of nurses. With warmth, wisdom, and unwavering dedication, Avis has cared for patients and inspired countless students to enter the world of healthcare.
In 1977, Avis graduated from Cleveland Community College as an LPN and started working at Kings Mountain Hospital, where she cared for patients for 19 years. After working in pre-op at Cleveland Ambulatory Services for 12 years, Avis decided to return to nursing school. She attended school in the evenings and on weekends through the Foothills Nursing Consortium, graduating in 2006, at age 50, as an RN. “When I became an RN, it was like a celebratory thing for everyone who knew me,” she shares. “They wanted me to succeed, and I wanted to do it for them, too.” This pivotal moment marked a turning point, solidifying her passion for nursing and personal growth. So, in 2014, Avis returned to the Foothills Nursing Consortium as an in-
structor.
Avis has witnessed firsthand the evolution of healthcare, from hand-written patient charts to the digital systems used today. “I still think the hand-written chart is better,” she says. “We’ve lost some of the details about our patients. But there’s a lot to say about what we’ve come through.”
While she’s proud of her career, some of Avis’s fondest memories come from her early days at KM Hospital. “We were like family,” she
recalls. “We knew everyone’s name and their family. It was a wonderful place to work.” This sense of camaraderie and connection has followed her into her teaching career, where she found joy in guiding first-year nursing students. “When I start talking to them, they all have that deer-in-the-headlights look,” she says, smiling. “It’s my job to teach them the nursing language and the jargon. When they start using those terms and speaking them back to me, I can’t help
“The impact of her mentorship is evident. Students rn to thank Avis, crediting her guidance for their success. “The way I’ve been received, I’ve always felt like I’m in the right spot,” she says. That sense of belonging and her passion for teaching made her transition from nurse to nursing instruc-
As she steps into retirement, Avis looks forward to a life free from schedules and the constant push to “be productive all day.” She’s excited to spend more time with her four grandchildren—two near Greensboro and two near Brevard—and to travel. Her next dream destination? Alaska, following a milestone trip to Hawaii for her 50th wedding anniversary earlier this year. “I just want to be free to go when I want to,” she says. “It’s a freedom I’m excited to experience.
“Beyond family and travel, Avis plans to volunteer, possibly as an exam proctor in local schools. She also hopes to rekindle her love for quilting, focusing on creating cozy lap quilts.
As Cleveland Community College bids farewell to Avis Morrow, her legacy as a compassionate nurse and dedicated educator will remain. She leaves behind a career marked by excellence, and generations of nurses better prepared to make a difference in the world—just as she has.
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Kings Mountain High’s women’s basketball team fell to Lincolnton 46-25 Friday and to Great Falls 27-25 on Saturday night.
The Lady Mountaineers were scheduled to host Burns Monday and Shelby tonight in non-conference games and South Point Friday in their first Big South 3A Conference game. They hit the road Saturday to Bandys and to Stuart Cramer next Tuesday.
Lincolnton jumped out to a 9-1 first quarter lead and led 25-6 at the half and 33-17 heading into the fourth quarter.
Great Falls opened with a 9-2 first quarter lead and was up 13-8 at the half and 21-14 going into the fourth quarter.
FRIDAY GAME KM (25) – Miller 2, Martin 6, Pettis 8, Byrd 5, Dixon-Velez 2, Williams 2. LHS (46) – Smith 2, Johnson 14, Tillman 9, Connor 4, Dyson 6, Armstrong 4, Pinyne 7.
SATURDAY GAME KM (25) – Miller 8, Pettis 1, Ford 2, Dixon-Velez 4, Williams 8, Symonds 2. GF (27) – Bailey 8, Williams 9, Holmes 6, McCrorey 2, Coleman 2.
Kings Mountain High’s basketball teams dropped a doubleheader to Cox Mill last week.
The girls fell 61-17 and the boys 68-65.
The Cox Mill girls ran up a 26-6 lead after the first period, a 44-10 lead at the halftime and 54-14 margin heading into the fourth period.
The Mountaineers played a tough game but Cox Mill took its third victory in four games.
Kings Mountain High’s wrestlers fell to RS Central 46-26 in a match last week at
Results:
106 – Luis Davis (KM) def. Aiden Dalton by fall (1:02).
113 – Braedon Jones (KM) def. Aiden Gallegos, MD, 23-10.
126 – Sam Gosnell (RS) def. Peyton Evans, fall, 2:24. 132 – Alex Lopez (RS) def. Lucas Davis 4-0. 138 – Cayden Laws (RS) def. Kamari Coleman by fall 4:44.
Davis 8-5.
150 – Eli Warren (RS) def. Landon Smith by fall, 0:54.
157 – Will Varner (KM) def. Hunter Feagan (RS), technical fall 18-3 in 3:08.
165 – Emmanuel Ortiz (KM) def. Elijiah Guzman by
by tech fall, 17-0, in 3:08. 215 – Jacob Hudgins (RS)
KM Middle wrestlers win individual championship
Kings Mountain Middle School’s wrestling team won the conference individual tournament championship over the weekend.
KM had 16 wresters qualify for the event and 13 of the 16 placed in the top four in the 12-team tournament. Nine of the wrestlers were in the finals.
KM wrestlers winning gold were Christian Ward, Ezra Barber, Devin Hord, Timahzje Phillips, Joziah Montgomery and Yazeem Williams.
Second place finishers were J’Lee Whitesides, Kavion Byers and Daniel Martinez.
Tony Baker placed third and fourth place finishers were Marvin Moore, Caleb Carroll and Jamarion Williams.
KMMS was scheduled to compete in the dual team playoffs Tuesday against Shelby. A win would put them in the Tri-County championship Thursday against the winner of the West Lincoln and RS Central match.
CDC links social media use by teens to mental health issues
An in-depth report issued on October 10 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sheds light on the concerning relationship between frequent social media use and mental health issues among U.S. high school students. For the first time, the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey included a section on social media habits, revealing that 77% of students use social media frequently (several times a day).
The study delves into the potential harms associated with this high level of engagement. Key findings highlight a correlation between frequent social media use and:
• Increased Bullying: Students who use social media frequently are
more likely to experience bullying, both electronically and at school.
• Deteriorating Mental Health: Frequent social media users reported a higher prevalence of persistent sadness, hopelessness, and even suicidal thoughts and plans. These trends were not uniform across all groups. Sex and sexual identity emerged as significant factors influencing how social media affects students.
Girls and Social Media:
• Girls who use social media frequently are more susceptible to bullying, both online and offline. This aligns with the types of bullying girls typically experience, such as relational and psychological abuse, which can be easily facilitated by the anonymity and
ease of conflict in online environments.
LGBTQ+ Students and social media:
• While LGBQ+ students reported less frequent social media use overall, those who used it frequently were more likely to experience electronic bullying. Interestingly, they didn’t show a significant increase in bullying at school.
• The study suggests that LGBQ+ students might be more exposed to online discrimination and stigma-based bullying beyond school networks.
The Need for Further Research. The report acknowledges the limitations of the study and calls for further research in several areas:
• Measuring Social Media Use: There is no con-
sensus on the best way to quantify social media use. Future research should explore different metrics like frequency, type of engagement (active vs. passive), and potential addiction to better understand the impact on health outcomes.
• Racial and Ethnic Differences: The study identified differences by sex and sexual identity. However, further investigation is needed to understand how social media use affects students of different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
• Protective Factors: While the study highlights risks, exploring potential benefits and protective factors is equally important. Social media can connect LGBTQ+ youth with affirming communities and
support networks, potentially mitigating some negative mental health impacts. Implications for Public Health: These findings have significant public health implications. Parents, schools, and communities can utilize existing evidence-based prevention strategies to promote adolescent mental health and prevent bullying and suicide. This may involve:
• Media Literacy
Education: Teaching students responsible and safe social media use habits can mitigate some of the risks associated with frequent engagement.
• Cyberbullying Prevention Programs: Schools and communities can implement programs to address cyberbullying and
create safer online environments.
• Mental Health Awareness and Support: Increasing awareness of mental health issues and providing accessible support resources for teens struggling with social media’s impact is crucial. The CDC’s report serves as a wake-up call for the potential dangers of excessive social media use on adolescent mental health and well-being. By understanding the nuances of these relationships and implementing appropriate interventions, we can create a safer and healthier digital landscape for our youth. Visit https://www.cdc. gov/mmwr/volumes/73/su/ su7304a3.htm to view the full report.
Kee’Don Linney led the Mountaineers with 29 points. GIRLS GAME KM (17) – Miller 3, Martin 2, Pettis 5, Williams 4. Symonds 3. CM (61) – Ligon 5, Bacon 2, Holmes 2, Sarami 7, Farrell 21, Alexander 24. BOYS GAME KM (65) – Tate 3, McClain 6, Huskey 6, Linney 29, Spicer 11, Jarett 10. CM (68) – Smith 27, Kirkland 6, Miller 18, Hunter 2,Igbibe 8, Peagues 2.
KMHS.
Kings Mountain High School football standout Antonio Armstrong signs to continue his education and football career at Hampton University. Front row, left to right, Antonio’s mother Melissa Armstrong, Antonio, and his father Shannon Armstrong. Back row, left to right, KMHS athletic director Matt Bridges, Antonio’s brother TJ Armstrong, KMHS head football coach Strait Herron and KMHS principal Melissa Wilson.
AVIS MORROW
Kings Mountain Herald Mountain Herald
Mrs. A Davis & Mrs. Sherrill’s Kindergarten North Elementary
Hey Santa, I have been good this year. Could you bring me a monster truck, bulldozer, and a toy Spiderman?
Thanks, Locklynd W.
Hey Santa, For Christmas, could you bring me some arts and crafts? I also like painting supplies and a baby with an Eagles jersey would be awesome! I have been good this year and I hope I get some things I asked for!
Thanks so much, Nailah L.
Hey Santa, I hope you come see me this year. When you do, could you bring me drums, a red RC car, and a dirtbike? I would love those!
Thanks, Gabe S.
Hey Santa, I am doing good in Kindergarten this year. Can you bring me a dinosaur toys, minecraft toys, and then something my Serenity! She wants some toys to play with too.
Thanks you, Sterling W.
Hey Santa, This year for Christmas can I have a kitchen, and a cart with food in it? That would be so cool!
Thanks, Kehlani W.
Hey Santa, I hope you come to my house this year for Christmas. Could you bring a bike, a toy motorcycle, and a remote control car? Those would be fun!
Thanks, Noah F.
Hey Santa, I have been good this year and I am learning a lot in school. For Christmas, can I have a Barbie mermaid, a toy motorcycle and some more Barbies to play with? I can’t wait to see what I get.
Thanks Santa, Arianna A.
Hey Santa, For Christmas I want you to bring me a My Little Pony playhouse. I want a remote control car too. Oh and can you bring me some lava timers? Those look really cool and fun!
I love you Santa, Brielle S.
Hey Santa, I hope you can come see us for Christmas this year. I hope you bring me baby dolls, a turtle stuffed animal, and a new cup. I can’t wait, Ava A.
Hey Santa, for Christmas this year can you bring me baby dolls with pacifiers and some baby food? I really want to make the food and feed them!
Thanks, Essie L.
Hey Santa, This year for Christmas can you bring me a Barbie doll, toy kitchen, and a BIG doll house?
Thanks Santa, Zeppelin C.
Hey Santa, I have really been trying to be good this year. When you come see me, can I have some Spidey toys and Green Goblin? Oh, and I would love to have Rhino and the headquarters to play with too.
Thanks Santa, Damien F.
Santa, Can you bring me a fire truck and dinosuars?
Thanks Christopher P.
Hey Santa, can you bring me a mermaid, pink playdoh, and some puzzles? I like playdoh and puzzles!
Thanks Santa. I love you!
Diamond’Shor C.
Hey Santa, I have been good this year most times. Can you come see me and bring a motorcycle, a dirtbike, and an electric scooter. I really would like that.
Thanks Santa, Bradley P.
Mrs. Turner Kindergarten North Elementary
Dear Santa, I’ve been good this year. Will you bring me a real piano for Christmas. I will leave you some cookies. Love, Imani
Hey Santa, I love you! I have been good this year. I want a trampoline and a swing set. I will leave you cookies. Love, Hennessy
Dear Santa, I am trying to be good at school. Will you bring me Paw Patrol super Wheels Loop Tower. Have a safe trip.
From, Maddox
Hey Santa, I was good this year and last year. I want Pokemon toys and a dinosaur toys. I can’t wait for Christmas.
From, Ethan
Hey Santa, I am doing good in school. I want a skateboard and a green bow and arrow. Eat cookies before your trip.
From, Carson
Dear Santa, Mommy says it’s almost Christmas. I want a doll and some bows.
Love, Bella
Dear Santa, I like school and I am learning. Will you bring me a baby doll and a Barbie.
Love, Brainna
Hey Santa, I have been good this year. Will you bring me toy tractors and a baseball glove.
Love, Levi
Dear Santa, I like your red hat. Will you give me a Pokemon toy and Pokemon cards. Thank you and Merry Christmas.
From, Joseph
Dear Santa, I love you and I have been good this year. I want an Elsa doll and a fluff up chair for my 12 year old brother. I will leave you some cookies and milk.
Love, Madelyn
Hey Santa, I like you. Will you bring me a Barbie doll house and a Barbie doll. I will leave the reindeer some food.
Love, Parker
Dear Santa, I want a toy car and a batman car.
Love, Jasper
Dear Santa, I hope that I get good presents this year. I am trying my best to be good. I love you!
Espen
Hey Santa, I like school and I am working hard. I want a dirt bike and a spiderman toy for Christmas. Merry Christmas.
Love, Blake
Mrs. Mack & Mrs. Humphries
Kindergarten
North Elementary
Dear Santa Claus, Will you please bring me a dirt bike and a remote control car? I have been good in school.
Love, Kacyrus B.
Dear Santa, Can you bring me a fish?
Love, Graham E.
Dear Santa, I would like for you to bring me a Barbie camper and a grocery cart buggy.
Love, Harmony H.
Dear Santa, I want a blue, remote-control car for Christmas.
Love, Carter H.
Dear Santa, I want a dirt bike.
Love, Jensen L.
Dear Santa, I want a baby doll.
Love, Zaada L.
Dear Santa, I want a big Barbie house with lots of dolls for Christmas.
Love, Kamila M.
Dear Santa, Can I have a kitchen for my doll house and a remote-control fairy doll? I have been very nice to my brother.
Love, Tyonna M.
Dear Santa, I want an Aqua man toy and a cyber truck.
Love, Jameel
Dear Santa Claus, Can you please bring me some sticker nails and a hello kitty toy?
Love, Jenny R.
Dear Santa, I want a dinosaur toy and a toy tiger.
Love, Malik S.
Dear Santa, Can I have a robot doll and some pretty clothes?
Love, Leilani S.
Dear Santa, I would like a toy car and a Barbie house.
Love, Georgia S.
Dear Santa, Can I pretty please have a baby doll and a Barbie doll and a Barbie doll house? I have been good.
Love, Lei’Ona S.
Dear Santa, I want a Paw Patrol truck and a puppy dog.
Love, Sincere S.
Dear Santa, I want a Barbie doll house and a Barbie camping house.
Love, Ga’Zeria W.
Dear Santa, I want a dirt bike and a smaller bike so I can get on. Do you like Christmas cookies?
Love, Noah W.
Ms. Thomas 1st Grade
Bethware Elementary
Dear Santa, I want toys and can i have some dice so i can roll them. Please bring me a tablet for christmas (Christmas).
Elliot
Dear Santa Can I have a toy tomas the train with train tracks and a truck tranceform into a people?
From Yannis
Dear Santa I wunt pokemon crds and robots. I have bin gud too.
Landon
Dear Santa, I wot a BARBEY (Barbie) and a FONE (Phone) and a ROBOT DOG. I bin good.
Adaline
Dear Santa Can i have sum pcuchow cards mabe (maybe) 100 cards and a pcuchow spin gam?
Thank you
Rylan
Dear Santa, I want 100 squishmallows. And i want a me…Jane book. And i want a big hot weels monster truck tire (tower) with monster trucks in it. From Jason
Dear Santa, I wot a cwrmas tre (Christmas tree) and sox (socks) and a fon (phone) and a woch (watch). Daniel
Dear Santa , Can I git a drit biiik (dirt bike) for crimssimiss but a gas one. And a IPhon15 and gif for my techrs. I bin rile good. By ZyMire
Dear Santa Can i hav 20 cats and 10 cors and 10 dogs and a cumputr (computer)? Ronan
Dear Santa I have bin good. I want a camra (camera) and rollarskats (roller skates) I want 100 skwishmellos. I want a dog a godindodl (golden doodle) dog. I want poptats and me…Jane book. Love, Adalyn
Dear Santa, Can I have a pikoucho and gare (Gary) and spubob (SpongeBob)? I wil call you on my moms fon. Jacob
Dear Santa, I wn (want) a tabet (tablet) and bunch a toes (toys). Gracie
Dear Santa, Can I get sum toe crs (toys cars) and a cumputr? I proms (promise) to be gud (good). By Hunter
Dear Santa, i wut (want) a fone (phone) and a barbey for cricmis (Christmas). I wut a robot dog and a now (new) dres and a nintindo and a robot fish. Love Aubree
Mrs. Morrissette 1st Grade Bethware Elementary
Dear Santa, I Damien would like a dirt bike for Christmas a remote control car and a dirt bike helmet. I think I have been good this year in school and at home. So please I would like to have these presents for Christmas. Thank you Santa. Damien
Dear Santa, I want baby doll house a new tv, clothes, and shoes.
Da’Niyah
Dear Santa, I would like a RC Car. I gave my nana my last Slim Jim to help her blood sugar. I want Blueys dad bandit.
Mason
Dear Santa, I hope you are having a good year. I am trying my best at being good. I would really mine coins for Christmas.
Eric
Dear Santa, I would like a cooking set, earrings, and boots. A few nice things I have done are help my siblings and keep my room clean.
Isabelle
Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a cat robot a dog robot and a doll.
Marceline
Dear Santa, I tell you that I am very happy because I met my new one school and my teacher. This Christmas I want to ask you a stitch blanket and a tablet and a mohona doll.
Valery
Dear Santa, I want an I phone, cocomelon toy, kid dirt bike, chucke doll, PS5.
Carter
Dear Santa, Hey Santa I would like to get his for Christmas a x box, and new shoes, and to be with my family on Christmas day. Thank you Santa. Jacob
Dear Santa, I have been a good girl. I have helped my sisters clean their room and been good at school. I want a make up vanity with a mirror and chair and crowns and castle with my little ponies.
Love, Alexis
Dear Santa, I’ve been a good boy this year. I’m trying my best at school and getting good grades. I’ve even started doing chours. This Christmas all I wish for is a Play Station 5 and Astrobot.
Stephen
Dear Santa, I want a mini target play set. I help my kuzin.
Londyn
Mrs. Owens & Ms. Jordan 1st Grade
Bethware Elementary
Dear Santa, My name is J’lissa. I would like some LOL Dolls. How are the reindeer? Mom and I will lay out cookies for you. Love you Thanks, J’lissa
Dear Santa, I want a VR head set, switch games, lanky box toy, Dragon ballz, but I would like for the homeless people to have a good Christmas too. Waylon
Dear Santa, I am Ericka Zamora. I was a great kid today. Now I wish you could bring me some stuff like a baby doll with its stuff and school supplies if you could. Thank you Ericka
Dear Santa, I would like a Dromen, stuffy goost face, stuffy pennywise. I love you Santa! Dylan
Dear Santa, I have been a very good boy. I want magnets, rubiks cubes, Sonic games and Mario games. I will have cookies and milk for you. Love Landon
Querido Papá Noel quería decirte que uno de mis sueños es conocerte Espero que estés bien te quiero mucho Mi único deseo desde el fondo de mi corazón es que me traigas una de las muñecas Reborn que parezca un bebé real. Para: Papá Noel De: Daniela Nicol
Alcántara
Dear Santa Claus, I wanted to tell you that one of my dreams is to meet you. I hope you are doing well I love you very much My only wish from the bottom of my heart is that you bring me one of the Reborn baby dolls that looks like a real baby For: Santa Claus From: Daniela Nicol
Alcantara
Dear Santa, I have been a good boy this year that is why you should give me 3 presents.
1. Every kid to get the toy they want.
2. A toy kitchen set. 3. A race car for me and my brother. Thank you, Axel
Dear Santa, Thank you for my presents. I want a mrmasse slime. And I want a saft heart. I love you! Your the best Santa ever! From Layla!
Dear Santa, I have been a good girl. I want a mater, McQueen and ghost spider for Christmas. Elena
Dear Santa, All I want for Christmas is five nights of Freddy toys and rudolph the reindeer toys. Shadow from sonic the hedgehog and I wish I could have my Mawmaw back from heaven. Love, Christian
Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! I would like Legos, a toy jeep and a vanity. From, Ivie
Dear Santa, My name is Kyree. I am 7 years old. I am in 1st grade. My school is Bethware Elementary. I am very good in school. Santa can you please bring me a gray plushie fox and a robux card. Merry Christams!Thank you for my gifts. Kyree
Dear Santa, I want Power Rangers, RC car, RC sharc, wrestling toys, Rocky dog to live 10 years, raptor. Love, Chance Mrs. Simon 1st Grade
Bethware Elementary
Dear Santa, My name is Luka and I am 6 years old. This year I have been nice. I have some secret wishes. This year for Christmas could you please bring me an a X Box and a Super Smash Bros?
Love, Luka
Dear Santa, My name is Jaidyn and I am 6 years old. This year I have been nice. I have some secret wishes. This year for Christmas could you please bring me a PS5 and a Transformer?
Love, Jaidyn
Dear Santa, My name is Cali and I am 6 years old. This year I have been nice. I have some secret wishes. This year for Christmas could you please bring me a Madden College 25 game and a PS5? Love, Cali
Dear Santa, My name is Braylon and I am 7 years old. This year I have been nice. I have some secret wishes. This year for Christmas could you please bring me a dog and a cat.
Love, Braylon
Dear Santa, My name is Maddison and I am 6 years old. This year I have been both nice and nice. I have some secret wishes. This year for Christmas could you please bring me a Barbie Doll and a puppy?
Love, Maddison
Dear Santa, My name is Isabella and I am 6 years old. This year I have been nice. I have some secret wishes. This year for Christmas could you please bring me a skateboard and a puppy?
Love, Isabella
Dear Santa, My name is Emily and I am 6 years old. This year I have been both nice and nice. I have some secret wishes. This year for Christmas could you please bring me a bike and a scooter?
Love, Emily
Dear Santa, My name is Sofia and I am 7 years old. This year I have been both nice and naughty. I have some secret wishes. This year for Christmas could you please bring me a Reborn Baby Doll and baby clothes?
Love, Sofia
Dear Santa, My name is Abdulziz and I am 8 years old. This year I have been nice. I have some secret wishes. This year for Christmas could you please bring me a soccer ball?
Love, Abdulaziz
Dear Santa, My name is Asher and I am 7 years old. This year I have been nice. I have some secret wishes. This year for Christmas could you please bring me a VR and a PS5?
Love, Asher
Dear Santa, My name is Emma and I am 6 years old. This year I have been nice. I have some secret wishes. This year for Christmas could you please bring me slime and a unicorn?
Love, Emma
Dear Santa, My name is Triston and I am 7 years old. This year I have been nice. I have some secret wishes. This year for Christmas could you please bring me a PS5 and V Bucks?
Love, Triston
Dear Santa, My name is Hayley and I am 6 years old. This year I have been nice. I have some secret wishes. This year for Christmas could you please bring me a skateboard and a puppy?
Love, Hayley
Dear Santa, My name is Grayson and I am 6 years old. This year I have been nice. I have some secret wishes. This year for Christmas could you please bring me a Mario Game and a book?
Love, Grayson
Dear Santa, My name is Mark and I am 6 years old. This year I have been nice. I have some secret wishes. This year for Christmas could you please bring me a big playground and PS5?
Love, Mark
Dear Santa, My name is Bradyn and I am 7 years old. This year I have been both nice. I have some secret wishes. This year for Christmas could you please bring me a soccer ball and a Woody?
Love, Bradyn
Dear Santa, My name is Krystof and I am 6 years old. This year I have been both nice. I have some secret wishes. This year for Christmas could you please bring me a keyboard for an iPad and a X Box headset?
Love, Krystof
Dear Santa, My name is Amira and I am 8 years old. This year I have been nice. I have some secret wishes. This year for Christmas could you bring me a X Box and Hoverboard?
Love, Amira
Mrs. Smith & Mrs. Herndon
1st Grade
Bethware Elementary
Dear Santa, I wish for : a jumbo scribble scubbie, a punirunespet, and a thready bear, I almost forgot to ask for 2024 holiday bear. Merry Christmas Santa thank you!
Love: Lillian B
Dear Santa, I want a transformer, a play sword, and I want to go to the Big E. I want a mechanical bull.
Love, Bubba C
Dear Santa, Haw or you dooeng? Haw or mititn and Spokl? This is whut I want for Chriss. A peek Bike, a Kyoot Dog, a Kyoot Fox, a Santa Dog, have a grat nit. Love, Waylon E
Dear Santa, My name is Willow. I am 6 years old. I want a 30 pen, puzzles, and a slunks, Stanley, clock, games, clothes, and socks for Christmas. Please!
Love, Willow G
Dear Santa, A mini fridge and a little doll house, a wheelchair for my barbie. And a stufy Santa. Santa and Ms. Clause, a clip for my blaas, a Christmas book and calendar and pink Stanley cup. Love, Tatum G
Dear Santa, Can I have for Christmas a kids zero turn lawn mower. a four wheeler and also a kids truck and trailer. Thank you for passing out toys w a preshrat that. Love, Nyle J.
Dear Santa, I want you to take my PawPaw a reesecup to Heaven and my baby cousin Emma some toys and chocolate to Heaven. I want some Elf please. I want some chickens, and Bubble skin care. Love, Ellie L.
Dear Santa, Hi, my name is Arie. I am 6 years old. I live in well you know where I live. I have been good this year. I hope that I can get the things on my list.
1. slime
2. press on nails
3. Earring and necklace set
4. Kinetic sand I’m so ready for you to visit me!
Love from: Arie
Dear Santa, I’ve been really good this year and have been good this year and have been working hard. I am really sweet and I love my family. For Christmas this year I would like an olden days Zurg.
Love, your friend Grant P.
Dear Santa, I would like to have a baby doll stroller, a riding unicorn, and a new bike. Be safe.
Love, Ariah P.
Dear Santa, This year for Christmas I want a unicorn hoverboard, a vanity, a gymnastic mat and bar and a new doll. I have been really good this year. I have been helping clean and take care of my baby brother. I maybe have been a tiny bit bad when I argue with my other brother. But mostly good. I love you.
Love, Brinley P.
Dear Santa, I can’t wait for you to come to my house. I will have cooks for the reindeer. I would like a toy fire pit.
Love, EJ VB.
Mrs. Deason
1st Grade North Elementary
My name is Wade.
I am 7 years old. This year I have been nice and naughty. For Christmas I would really love an RC, tickets to Dude Perfect Live, a book, and a McDonald’s set.
My name is Kaia.
I am 7 years old. This year I have been nice. For Christmas I would really love barbie doll stuff and stuffies.
My name is Bryson. I am 6 years old. This year I have been nice. For Christmas I would really love toy cars, toy transformers, toy people, a toy Santa, and Mrs. Deason.
My name is Naomi. I am 6 years old. This year I have been nice. For Christmas I would like a really big Christmas tree.
My name is Liam. I am 6 years old. This year I have been nice. For Christmas I would really like an X-Box.
My name is Maddy. I am 6 years old. This year I have been nice. For Christmas I would really love a barbie doll house and a dog.
My name is Chanzelor. I am 6 years old. This year I have been nice. For Christmas I would really love a yoyo and a van toy.
My name is Drayshawn. I am 6 years old. This year I have been nice. For Christmas I would really love toys, to share with my brother, and a monster truck.
My name is Isaak. I am 6 years old. This year I have been nice. For Christmas I would really like legos.
My name is Ema’Lee. I am 7 years old. This year I have been nice. For Christmas I would love a book, a doll, and a dog robot.
My name is Gracen. I am 6 years old. This year I have been naughty and nice. For Christmas I would love to spend time with my family.
My name is Kinsley. I am 7 years old. This year I have been nice. For Christmas I would really love toys.
My name is Weylon.
I am 6 years old. This year I have been naughty and nice. For Christmas I would really love camo crocs.
My name is Maddalyn. I am 6 years old. This year I have been nice. For Christmas I would really love a tablet and a watch.
Mrs. Smith 1st Grade North Elementary
Dear Santa, Thank you for my gifts last year. I hope you are doing well this year. This year I would like a Tony Hawk skateboard and some monster trucks.
Love, Damari
Dear Santa, How are you Santa? I hope you are doing well. I want an iphone with a case and a spiderman shirt this year. Also I would like you to bring a hoverboard for my sister and a spiderman scooter for my brother.
Love, Deangela
Dear Santa, This year I want inside out 2 toys, baby, daddy and mommy shark puzzle, and some toys.
Love, Kayden
Dear Santa, I hope you are doing good this year! Thank you for the presents last year. T his year I want a drum, a spiderman toy and a PS5 for Christmas.
Love, Jamari
Dear Santa, Thank you for my gifts I got last year. This year I want a dirt bike, RC car and some small toys.
Love, Emery
Dear Santa, How are you doing this year? Thank you for my presents last year. This year I want a tablet and robot with a controller. Also could you bring a tablet for my sister.
Love, Sutton
Dear Santa, Thank you for spreading joy on Christmas. This year I want a race car, a toy ninja sword, a toy grill and a bike for Christmas. I hope you have a good Christmas!
Love, JaCari
Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well this year. Thank you for my presents last year. This year I would like some toys.
Love, Nathan
Dear Santa, Thank you for letting us have a holiday. How is Rudolph? This year I wish I had a big barbie house and a new bike.
Love, Allison
Dear Santa, How are you doing? I want a barbie car, a big LOL and barbie doll. I also want a necklace and bracelet.
Love, Azorah
Dear Santa, How are you doing this year. This year I want an electric scooter, dirt bike and some dog food for my dogs.
Love, Kaleb
Dear Santa, Thank you for my gifts last year. This year I want a real turkey, some clothes, and a new Hello Kitty poster for my wall. Have a safe trip.
Love, Anna
Dear Santa, Thank you for my presents last year. I want straws and things to build with, new shoes, and dirt bike.
Love, Grayson
Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well this year, I want legos, race car and nikes. I would like chocolate for my grandma.
Love, Jayce
Mrs. Warlick 1st Grade North Elementary
Dear Santa, My name is Branson H. I am 6 years old. My favorite color is black. These are a few of the nice things I’ve done this year:
1. I help my mom.
2. I help my friends.
3. I help my dog. I have a few Christmas wishes:
1. Fortnite toy
2. Shadow toy
3. Dragon ball Z toy
Love, Branson
Dear Santa, My name is Waylon B. I am 7 years old. My favorite color is blue. These are a few of the nice things I’ve done this year:
1. I help my friends.
2. I help my family.
3. My friends help me. I have a few Christmas wishes:
1. Two 4 wheelers
2. Ice popsicles
3. Ferret Love, Waylon
Dear Santa, My name is Uriel. I am 6 years old. My favorite color is blue. These are a few of the nice things I’ve done this year:
1. I helped my mom.
2. I helped my sister.
3. I helped my brother. I have a few Christmas wishes:
1. transformer 2. fidgets
3. A bike Love, Uriel
Dear Santa, My name is Kohen M. I am 7 years old. My favorite color is red. These are a few of the nice things I’ve done this year:
THE SAVIOUR IS BORN
We Celebrate Christmas
servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”
Mary’s Song
46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.” Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus
1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14”Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible New International Version
ture, beating continuously. Stir in rolled oats & chocolate chunks. Spoon tablespoonfuls of dough about 2” apart, onto cookie sheets. Bake until lightly brown 8-10 minutes. Let cool before transferring.
Frosted Gingerbread Cookies
1 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar
1 cup molasses
1/4 cup water
5 cups all-purpose flour
2-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
bowl. Beat with a wooden spoon or an electric mixer (set on med. speed) until creamy. Beat in egg & vanilla extract. Set aside. Sift flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda into small bowl. Add flour mixture to butter mix-
cinnamon, allspice and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle. On a lightly floured surface, roll out to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with 2-1/2-in. cookie cutters dipped in flour. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until edges are firm. Remove to wire racks to cool.
FROSTING:
3-3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar 1/4 cup water
1-1/2 teaspoons light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon pure
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and water. Combine the flour, ginger, baking soda,
In a small bowl, combine frosting ingredients; beat until smooth. Transfer to a plastic bag. Cut a small hole in a corner of the bag;pipe frosting onto cookies. Yield: about 5 dozen.
Peanut Butter Fudge
5 cups sugar
1-1/2 sticks margarine
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 lg. can evaporated milk
8 oz. marshmallow cream
3- 6 oz. pkg. milk
chocolate chips or 1-1/2 bag 12 oz. pkg.
18 oz. jar peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
In a 6 qt. pot melt margarine, add milk, sugar and salt. Cook until 236 degree’s or about 20 minutes over medium heat. Remove from heat
Add:
chocolate chips marshmallow cream peanut butter
vanilla
Pour in greased 16 x 11 x 1 inch pan ( cookie sheet )
* Note: Heat marshmallow cream and peanut butter in the microwave just before adding them. This makes it easier to get it all mixed up.
Cream: Margarine, Egg, Sugar, Milk, and Vanilla. After mixing well, add dry ingredients and mix slowly on slow speed until a nice dough develops. Let dough chill for a few hours for best results. Preheat oven to 375º. Roll out on a floured surface. Cut with cookie cutters. Cook until just turning brown on the edges. Cool on cookie rack.
Peanut Butter Cookies
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose
flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
Cream butter, peanut butter, and sugars together in a bowl; beat in eggs.
In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; stir into butter mixture. Put dough in refrigerator for 1 hour. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and put on baking sheets. Flatten each ball with a fork, making a crisscross pattern. Bake in a preheated 375 degrees F oven for about 10 minutes or until cookies begin to brown.
White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
1/3
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Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
1
1
1
3
Frosting:
1
1
1/4
5 cups powdered sugar
white sanding sugar (optional)
Heat oven to 350 F.
In mixing bowl, mix cake mix, flour, cocoa powder and sugar. Blend in milk, eggs and butter.
Cover two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Pour half the mixture onto each sheet. Bake 25-30 minutes.
Let cookies cool then freeze 1 hour. Use cookie cutters to make desired shapes.
To make frosting: In bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and whipping cream. Slowly blend in powdered sugar.
Using knife or piping bag, frost cookies. Sprinkle with sanding sugar for sparkly snow appearance, if desired.
PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS
Having qualified on 13th of November, 2024 as Executor of the Estate of PATRICIA RUSSELL (24 E 863), 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, Guy Scott Russell, Executor on or before the 20th of February, 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 20th day of November, 2024.
Guy Scott Russell, Executor
Estate of Patricia Russell 525 Coman Lane Kings Mountain, NC 28086
KMH (11/20, 27, 12/04 &11/2024)
PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS
Having qualified on 12th of November, 2024 as Executrix of the Estate of MADGE ETHEL BLANTON LEDBETTER (24 E 897), 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, Bonita L. Curtiss, Executrix on or before the 20th of February, 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 20th day of November, 2024.
Bonita L. Curtiss, Executrix
Estate of Madge Ethel Blanton Ledbetter
1008 S. Patterson Rd Shelby, NC 28152
KMH (11/20, 27, 12/04 &11/2024)
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Red Velvet Bundt Cake
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
1
Frosting:
1 package (8 ounces) softened cream cheese
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
5 cups powdered sugar white sanding sugar (optional)
In mixing bowl, mix cake mix, flour, cocoa powder and sugar. Blend in milk, eggs and butter. Grease bundt pan with butter and pour in batter. Bake according to package instructions for bundt cakes then add 10-15 minutes. Let cool before icing.
To make frosting: In bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and whipping cream. Slowly blend in powdered sugar.
PUBLIC NOTICE
EXECUTRIX NOTICE
Having qualified on 15th of November 2024 as Executrix of the Estate of Eddie Leroy Bridges, Jr. (24 E 757) 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 Christina Miller Haynes, c/o A. Susan Biggers, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before February 27, 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 27th day of November, 2024.
Christina Miller Haynes
Executrix of the Estate of Eddie Leroy Bridges, Jr. c/o A. Susan Biggers
Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C
402 East Graham Street
Shelby, North Carolina 28150
KMH (11/27, 12/04, 11 & 12/18/2024)
PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS
Having qualified on 15th of August, 2024 as Executor of the Estate of EDITH MARIE HUDSON WORTMAN; AKA, EDITH M. WORTMAN (24 E 629), 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, James Howard Wortman; aka, James H. Wortman, Executor on or before the 20th of February, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of to their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This the 20th day of November, 2024.
James Howard Wortman; aka, James H. Wortman, Executor Estate of Edith Marie Hudson Wortman; aka, Edith M. Wortman 5227 Fallston Rd Lawndale, NC 28090
KMH (11/20, 11/27, 12/4 & 12/11/2024)
PUBLIC NOTICE
EXECUTRIX NOTICE
Having qualified on 12th of November 2024 as Executrix of the Estate of Patsy Taylor Carpenter (24 E 900) 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 Donna Faye Carpenter Haskett, c/o A. Susan Biggers, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before February 27, 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 27th day of November, 2024.
Donna Faye Carpenter Haskett
Executrix of the Estate of
Patsy Taylor Carpenter
c/o A. Susan Biggers
Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C.
402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150
KMH (11/27, 12/04, 11 & 12/18/2024)
To make frosting: In bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and whipping cream. Slowly blend in powdered sugar. Mix frosting into bowl with cake. Form cake mixture into balls then roll in powdered sugar.
PUBLIC NOTICE
EXECUTRIX NOTICE
Having qualified on 14th of November 2024 as Executrix of the Estate of Janice Onetta Harrison (24 E 914) 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 Jennifer Gaye Harrison a/k/a Jennifer Bedford, c/o A. Susan Biggers, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before February 27, 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 27th day of November, 2024.
Jennifer Gaye Harrison a/k/a Jennifer Bedford Executrix of the Estate of Janice Onetta Harrison c/o A. Susan Biggers Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C. 402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150
KMH (11/27; 12/04,11,18/2024)
PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS
Having qualified on 12th of November, 2024 as Executor of the Estate of GLENDA ANN WOLFE (24 E 895), 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, Mark Dunn Mitchell, Executor on or before the 20th of February, 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 20th day of November, 2024.
Mark Dunn Mitchell, Executor Estate of Glenda Ann Wolfe 1313 Queen Anne Rd NW Wilson, NC 27896
KMH (11/20, 27, 12/04 &11/2024)
PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS
Having qualified on 12th of August, 2024 as Executrix of the Estate of KAREN STREET CHRYST (24 E 663), 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, Rachelle Zoa Chryst Messer, Executrix on or before the 4th of March, 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 4th day of December, 2024.
Rachelle Zoa Chryst Messer, Executrix Estate of Karen Street Chryst 2566 NC HWY 56 E Creedmoor, NC 27522
KMH (12/04, 11 18 & 24/2024)
Red Velvet Cake Balls
Red Velvet Cookie Cutouts
EMPLOYMENT
SKILLED TRADES Woda Construction, Inc. is constructing 5 - 3 story breezeway walk ups and a community building, totaling 125,357 Sq Ft. (Consisting of 120, 1 - 3 bedrooms units). This project is known as Rutherford Crossing. We are seeking qualified section 3 individuals and business concerns to fill various positions and sub - contracting contracts for various trades. On the job training will be provided to the right candidate if necessary. If interested, please contact Alex Gronau at agronau@ wodagroup.com or by mail at 1465 W. Academy Street Cherryville, North Carolina 28021 United States (912) 312-2442 agronau@wodagroup.com
HIRING. PERSON 1ST LLC IS hiring for Direct Support Professional/Community Living and Support. If you are a positive person and enjoy making a difference in the lives of persons with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges, come and join our team. As a one-on-one support staff, you will be providing services in the home and community to help persons served reach beyond their limits! Please contact Eddie Scruggs, Executive Director for further details. 704-6926974. (704) 692-6974
LAUNDROMAT ATTEN-
DANT. PART TIME starting pay $10.50 per hour. Cleaning laundromat from 6 pm to 8 pm. Be available to work on demand 10 am to 3 pm. Meticulous and punctual. Apply ONLINE at www.mountainwashlaundryshelbync.com or fill application at laundromat.
TIEMPO PARCIAL pago inicial $10.50 por hora. Limpiando lavandería de 6 pm a 8 pm. Estar disponible para trabajar bajo demanda de 10 am a 3 pm. Meticuloso y puntual. Presente su solicitud EN LÍNEA en www.mountainwashlaundryshelbync.com o complete la solicitud en la lavandería. laundryhelp@ carolina.rr.com
BUSINESS SERVICES
ERIC MOBILE MECHANIC. I will come to you to repair any car, full service on lawnmowers or tractor. Honest & Reliable! (704) 300-2332
EMPLOYMENT
NEEDS HELPER. Text or leave voicemail: 828-3051834. NOW HIRING AT ESTABLISHED RESTAURANT. SHORT ORDER COOKS & EXPERIENCED GRILL PERSONNEL Call (704) 472-0559
SALTZ HANDY SERVICES. We clean houses & garages, haul off unwanted items, pressure washing, mowing, lawn care, leaf clean up, light landscaping, debris clean up. Light tractor & trackhoe work & more. Free estimates. 828-556-0580 or 828-226-9878.
CLEVELAND COUNTY GARAGE DOORS. Summer Tuneup Special, $69.95. We will check all your equipment lube, make sure it’s working correctly. We repair broken doors. Also offering new installations. 704472-9367.
BUSINESS SERVICES
HANDYMAN SERVICES. No job too small. Have references. Construction, landscaping, etc. Jack of all trades! 40 plus years of experience. 828-375-5773.
PAINTING, ROOFING, TILE
FLOORS, wood decks, fences & carpentry work. Free estimates. Now is the time to paint outside! Ask for Harold or Jim 828-429-7511.
HOME REMODELING AND HANDYMAN. Interior and exterior remodeling. Call today for your free estimate! (828) 2447087
CLINE’S HEATING & COOLING. Home Maintenance Services: Electrical, plumbing, decks, siding, pressure washing. 30 years heating & cooling/maintenance experience. Give us a call (704) 259-0784 hope. services316@gmail.com
AUCTIONS
MT HOLLY STORAGE AUC-
TION PUBLIC SALE. 1030AM Dec 20th, 2024 Mt Holly Mini Storage, 1120 Kelly Rd., Mt Holly, NC. Contents of Units: #A13,A10 Lyles for Non-Payment of Storage Rent. (704) 473-7358 andrew.sain@gmail. com
YARD SALES
CLEVELAND COUNTY
INDOOR YARD SALE. Every Monday - Saturday, 9am-6pm. 4120 Kings Mtn Hwy, Bessemer City on Hwy 74. 704-616-4827
RUTHERFORD COUNTY BIG CHRISTMAS SALE THRU
CHRISTMAS. Daily 8am-8pm. Toys, bikes, tools & more. All new stuff. In Sandy Mush beside OHM, across from Fire Dept. 828-755-4129. 588 US 221 A, Forest City, NC 28043
FOR SALE
BEEF FOR SALE. Grass feed, grain finished. No steroids or hormones. USDA inspected. Whole, half and quarters. Call for steaks, roast and etc. 704472-2761.
SALT FISH FOR SALE.
Salt Fish for sale at Harkey’s Taxidermy in Vale, $1.00. We also have old timey hoop cheese, fatback, sausage, livermush and more! (704) 472-4695
STORAGE BUILDINGS WOOD OR METAL. New, Used, Repo. New Buildings from $3756.00. Inventory changes weekly! J. Johnson Sales, inc. 2690 Hwy. 221 South, Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895
DOWNSIZING, MUST SELL. Excellent quality furniture, computer desk with hutch, queen bedroom suite, dining room table & chairs, 2 bar stools, stationary bike, framed Philbeck Print, #1 of 500. Call for prices, info. 317-966-3383
• Civil War Bayonets “Buy, Sell & Trade!” All Roads Lead To Jake’s Knives & Coins For Your Collectible Needs 1008 S. Lafayette St. Shelby, NC 704-600-6996 or 980-295-5568
METAL ROOFING FOR SALE INSTOCK! Deliveries Twice A Week. One Piece or the Whole Roof. J. Johnson Sales, inc. 2690 Hwy. 221 South, Forest City. (828) 245-5895
HARDWOOD FIREWOOD DELIVERED 1-1/2 ton hardwood firewood delivered on a dump trailer within 20 miles of Lattimore $200. Can deliver farther for extra. You can pick up on your pickup $50 for short bed, $65 long bed. Larger trucks call for price. Campfire bundles also available. (704) 4346865 smpc1@bellsouth.net
TINY HOUSE / OFFICE UNIT. 12’ X 28’. Small Kitchen, 1/2 Bath, TV on Wall, Heat & Air. $35,900. Deliver & Blocked. “Financing Available”. J. Johnson Sales, inc. Forest City. (828) 245-5895
MAUSOLEUM FOR SALE.
Mausoleum for 2 in Cleveland Memorial Park. Call for price. 704-476-0682.
MORGAN’S FIREWOOD BIG CHERRY BLOCKS, Seasoned. Cut 16’’ to 18’’ long. Delivered $100. Cash only. Call 828-395-0758
RETIRED PLUMBER SELLING TOOLS AND material. Please call Richard for appointment 818-809-7152.
NEW-USED TRAILERS PARTS & ACCESSORIES FOR ALL TYPES OF TRAILERS. 1500 Square Feet of Parts, Axles, Tires, Lights, Gates, Ramps, etc. J. Johnson Sales, inc. Forest City, (828) 245-5895
FOR SALE
WOOD CRATES OR PLANTERS BOXES. Wood shipping crates for sale with some lids. 3 different sizes. Can send pictures. I have a few smaller crates ideal for planters. New shipment just arrived! $35 each. (704) 300-1818
DISCOUNTED SWINGSET FOR SALE. Playhouse, Sliding board and Sand box. On display but never used. $2400. Or call to custom order one you like. Delivery Available (828) 829-3476
WHIRLPOOL PORTABLE DISHWASHER. Like New! Only Used a Few Times (Includes Cutting Board on Top) $200. Pair of Crane Belts (Heavy Duty) 4” wide by 20’ in length $175. Call (704) 707-9281
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. 704434-6389, (704) 473-0867
PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS with Scratch Pads! Press Room Printing. 704-482-2243. (704) 538-5788
HORSE QUALITY HAY FOR SALE. Call (704) 487-6855
DUMP TRAILERS. Lots of Options 7x16, 7x14, 7x12, 6x12, 6x10. From $1500 down, with payments as low as $275. Also: Rent to Own no credit check! J Johnson Sales, Inc. Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895
CARPORTS, GARAGES, BOAT, RV COVER HAY BARNS, Etc. “Check Out Our Price Before You Buy... There Is Difference!” J. Johnson Sales, inc. 2690 Hwy. 221 South, Forest City. (828) 245-5895
STEEL BUILDINGS. “Large On Site Display”. Concrete Pads, Grading, Plumbing, Electrical. “One Stop Shop For All !” J. Johnson Sales, inc. Forest City, 2690 Hwy. 221 South. (828) 245-5895
PLAY YARD Sealed in box. $40. New extra large play yard 60x60 includes balls and carrying bag. $60. Gently used Little Enstein Baby Bouncer. $40. Call or text (704) 4729274 rkahconley@att.net
WANT TO BUY
WANTED: OLD AND NEW AMMO. Reloading supplies. Call 828-245-6756 or cell # 828-289-1488.
WANT TO BUY CARS& TRUCKS. Trailers, Tractors, Farm Equipment. Must have ID and proof of ownership. Callahan’s Towing. (704) 692-1006 LOOKING TO BUY White Oak and Popular Standing Timber/Saw Timber. 3 acres or more. (828) 289-0742 CASH FOR YOUR CAR. Running or not, title or no title. Call Charles Dellinger at Red Road Towing. 704-6926767, (704) 487-0228 I PAY CASH FOR DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. Up to $10 per 100ct. Must be Unused, Unexpired. I’m local and pay fast.
Kennel, Double Kennel or Triple Kennel. Dog Houses. Rain Tops Available. “Pickup or Delivery Available.” J. Johnson Sales, Forest City, (828) 245-5895
GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES. AKC registered German shepherd puppies dewormed and first shots. Call or text for more questions and pictures. 252-902-7488 (252) 902-7488 Durwoodcreech@gmail.com
MINIATURE SCHNAUZER PUPPIES. Carolinaschnauzers.com Babies NOW! AKC pups since 2002! Visit our website! Health Guarantee and Vet Check. $1600 EACH to PET homes only. (704) 6165816 carolinaschnauzers@ gmail.com
DOGS FOR SALE. Friendly mix breed dogs, 8 months old, Medium size, Male or Female, $100 or best offer. (828) 829-3476
DOBERMAN MIXED PUPPIES FOR SALE. Ready for a good home. $50. 704-2844930. FULL BLOODED MINI SCHNAUZER PUPPIES. Available now, call or text 704616-6273 (704) 616-6273 lpastore3@yahoo.com Continued To 9B
CAMPERS
COUNTY
PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION
In the Matter of the Estate of: Victoria M. Canipe 24 E 607
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Victoria M Canipe of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the said Estate of Victoria M Canipe to present them to the undersigned by February 27, 2025, or same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
This the 27th day of November, 2024.
Susan C. Greer PO Box 38 Earl, NC 28038
Executor of the Estate of Victoria M Canipe
John V. Schweppe, III THE SCHWEPPE LAW FIRM, P.A. Post Office Box 1269 Shelby, North Carolina 28151-1269 (704) 487-7204
KMH (11/27, 12/4, 12/11 & 12/18/24)
PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION
In the Matter of the Estate of: John B. Whitaker 24 E 602
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of John B. Whitaker of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the said Estate of John B. Whitaker to present them to the undersigned by March 11, 2025, or same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
This the 11th day of December, 2024.
Patsy B. Whitaker
1504 Mountain View Circle Shelby, NC 28150
Executor of the Estate of John B. Whitaker
John V. Schweppe, III
THE SCHWEPPE LAW FIRM, P.A.
Post Office Box 1269 Shelby, North Carolina 28151-1269 (704) 487-7204
KMH (12/11, 12/18, 12/24 & 1/1/25)
RUTHERFORD COUNTY
2/2 RENT TO OWN -OWNERFINANCE!! ANOTHER FABULOUS OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY!! MOBILE HOME FOR RENT-TO-OWN ON 1/3 ACRE LOT! NEW ROOF, NEW WINDOWS, NEW PORCH, ALL NEW FLOORS AND BASEBOARDS! NEW TUB/ SHOWER/SINK IN MASTER BATH, NEW SHOWER/SINK/TOILET IN 2ND BATH, ALL NEW PLUMBING! KITCHEN SINK HAS NEW SLIDING BARN DOORS UNDER AND WINDOWS HAVE ALL NEW BLINDS! W/D HOOK UPS AVAILABLE. LOT RENT, SEPTIC, AND TRASH INCLUDED!! $7500 DOWN PAYMENT AND $928.52/ MO. RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139 (727) 743-4908
CRAIG@BLUERIDGEMOBILEHOMEPARK.COM
FOR RENT
CLEVELAND COUNTY
NO HEAT BILLS HERE! 1
Bedroom + Office Apartment.
Excellent Location in Shelby. Second floor, small complex with single occupants. No smoking, pets. Heat & water included in $695 month rent. Deposit plus references. (704) 487-5480
MOVE IN SPECIAL. 2 & 3 Bedroom, deposit required. Weekly rates. Includes power and water. NO PETS. NO TEXTING. (704) 473-4299
2&3 BEDROOM MOBILE
HOMES. Nice and clean, water furnished. Oak Grove Community, Kings Mtn. Call or text, (704) 739-0259
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
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK
In the Matter of the Estate of: MARIE P. BURRIS aka MARIE PERRY BURRIS, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Having qualified on the 8th of November, 2024 as Executrix of the Estate of Marie P. Burris aka Marie Perry Burris, 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 Executrix on or before the 22nd day of February, 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 20th day of November, 2024.
Kytrina A. McCluney, Ex. 2861 Wimbledon Drive Gastonia, NC 28056
C. Andrew Neisler, Jr., CLONINGER & NEISLER ATTYS
P.O. Box 515, 300 E. King Street Kings Mountain, NC 28086
KMH (11/20, 11/27, 12/4 & 12/11/24)
PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION
In the Matter of the Estate of: Sammie W. Anderson 24 E 771
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Sammie W. Anderson of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the said Estate of Sammie W. Anderson to present them to the undersigned by March 11, 2025, or same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
This the 11th day of December, 2024.
Edward Arnold Gray 305 Pinehurst Dr. Kings Mountain, NC 28086
Administrator CTA of the Estate of Sammie W. Anderson
John V. Schweppe, III
THE SCHWEPPE LAW FIRM, P.A.
Post Office Box 1269
Shelby, North Carolina 28151-1269
(704) 487-7204
FOR RENT
CLEVELAND COUNTY
LARGE 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH mobile home for rent in Grover, NC. Call 828-234-8147
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
LAUREL HILL APARTMENTS LOCATED IN SHELBY NC.
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: FRANK BURRIS aka FRANK WESLEY BURRIS, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Having qualified on the 8th of November, 2024 as Executrix of the Estate of Frank Burris aka Frank Wesley Burris, 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 Executrix on or before the 22nd day of February, 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 20th day of November, 2024.
Kytrina A. McCluney, Ex. 2861 Wimbledon Drive Gastonia, NC 28056
C. Andrew Neisler, Jr., CLONINGER & NEISLER ATTYS
P.O. Box 515, 300 E. King Street Kings Mountain, NC 28086
KMH (11/20, 11/27, 12/4 & 12/11/24)
KMH (12/11, 12/18, 12/24 & 1/1/25) 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. 24 E 913
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:
OSCAR JAMES GIDNEY, DECEASED Having qualified on November 14, 2024 as Administrator of the Estate of Oscar James Gidney, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said Oscar James Gidney to present them, duly verified, to the undersigned, Steven Antonio Gidney, c/o Nichóle B. Greene, Greene Law Offices, PLLC, 806 North Lafayette Street, Shelby, NC 28150 on or before the 12th day of March, 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 11th day of December 2024.
Steven Antonio Gidney, Administrator of the Estate c/o Nichóle B. Greene Greene Law Offices, PLLC 806 North Lafayette Street Shelby, NC 28150 KMH (12/11, 12/18, 12/25 & 1/1/2025)
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Spongelike cake leavened with
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATORS
Having qualified on 15th of November, 2024 as Co-Administrators of the Estate of Dorothy M. Hamrick (24 E 925), 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 Hamrick and David Hamrick, Co-Administrators c/o A. Susan Biggers, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before March 6, 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 4th day of December, 2024.
Michael Hamrick and David Hamrick
Co-Administrators of the Estate of Dorothy M. Hamrick
c/o A. Susan Biggers
Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C.
402 East Graham Street
Shelby, North Carolina 28150
KMH (12/04, 11 18 & 24/2024)
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Having qualified as Administratrix over the Estate of MARY JANE BELL; AKA, MARY J. BELL; AKA, MARY ALLEN BELL ( 24 E 810), 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 the 20th of February, 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 settlement with the undersigned estate administratrix.
This the 20th day of November, 2024.
Wanda Bridges, Administratrix
c/o Brenton S. Begley McIntyre Elder Law
233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150
KMH (11/20, 27, 12/04 &11/2024)
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24 E 885
Having qualified as Administratrix of the ESTATE OF CAROLYN JENNIS SHORT aka CAROLYN S. SHORT aka CAROL STONE SHORT, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said CAROLYN JENNIS SHORT aka CAROLYN S. SHORT aka CAROL STONE SHORT to present them, duly verified, to the undersigned, Dora M. Turner, c/o Loann S. Meekins, Teddy Meekins & Talbert, PLLC, 405 E. Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150 on or before the 20th day of February, 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 20th day of November, 2024.
Dora M. Turner, Administratrix of the Estate c/o Loann S. Meekins Teddy Meekins & Talbert, PLLC
405 E. Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150
KMH (11/20, 11/27, 12/04 & 12/11/ 2024)
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Having qualified as Administrator over the Estate of WILLIE BELLE HUNT, 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 the March 11th, 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 settlement with the undersigned estate administratrix.
This the 11th day of December, 2024.
21-E-1069
Christopher James Hopper, Administrator c/o Brenton S. Begley McIntyre Elder Law
233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150
KMH (12/11, 18, 24 & 31/2024)
PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS
Having qualified on 2nd of December, 2024 as Administratrix of the Estate of NATHAN RASHAWN HENNIGAN (24 E 939), 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, Sharea Marie Crawford, Administratrix on or before the 11th of March, 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.
Having qualified on 22nd of November, 2024 as Executrix of the Estate of PATRICIA A. CRAIG (24 E 811), 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, Penny Martin, Executrix on or before the 4th of March, 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 4th day of December, 2024.
Penny Martin, Executrix
Estate of Patricia A. Craig P.O. Box 63 Fallston, NC 28042
KMH (12/04, 11 18 & 24/2024)
By JIM MILLER Editor
How to Write a Living Will
Dear Savvy Senior,
What’s the best way to go about writing a living will? I’m approaching age 73 and in poor health and would like to get this done without spending a lot of money. Need Help
Dear Need, Preparing a living will now is a smart decision that gives you say in how you want to be treated at the end of your life. Here’s what you should know, along with some resources to help you write one.
What to Prepare
To adequately spell out your wishes regarding your end-of-life medical treatment you need two legal documents:
A “living will” which tells your doctor what kind of care you want to receive if you become incapacitated, and a “health care power of attorney” (or health care proxy), which names a person you authorize to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to.
These two documents are known as an “advance directive,” and will only be utilized if you are too ill to make medical decisions yourself. You can also change
or update it whenever you please.
It isn’t necessary to hire a lawyer to prepare an advance directive. There are a number of free or low-cost do-it-yourself resources available today to help you create one, and it takes only a few minutes from start to finish. Some top options include:
CaringInfo.org: This is a program created by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization that provides free state-specific living will forms that you can download, print and fill out. Or you can call 800-658-8898 and they will mail them to you and answer any questions you may have.
MyDirectives.com: If you’d rather create a digital (online only) advance directive, MyDirectives is an online tool and mobile app that will help you create, store and share a detailed, customized digital advance directive.
FiveWishes.org: This is another top-rated resource for creating a comprehensive paper or digital advance directive. They charge $5 for the paper form and $15 for the digital version, which is stored on the website that you or your family can ac-
cess anytime.
VA Advance Directive: If you’re a veteran, the VA also provides a free advance directive form specifically for you at VA.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-0137.
Other Options
If you’re interested in making an entire estate plan that will include your will and/or trust, power of attorney and advance directive, there are many do-ityourself online services that typically run between $100 and $250. Some top services include Quicken WillMaker & Trust software (WillMaker.com), Trust & Will (TrustandWill.com), and Legal Zoom (LegalZoom.com), which also makes basic living wills for only $39.
Or, if you’d rather have a professional do it for you, contact an estate planning attorney. See NAELA.org or NAEPC. org to help you locate someone in your area. Costs will vary depending on where you live, but you can expect to pay somewhere between $500 and $2,000 for a basic estate plan.
Add-ons
You should also consider getting a do-not-resuscitate order (DNR) as part of your advance directive, since advanced
How to Write a Living Will directives do little to protect you from unwanted emergency care like CPR. To create a DNR, ask your doctor to fill out a state appropriate form and sign it.
Another tool you should know about that will complement your advance directive is the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, or POLST (sometimes called Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, or MOLST). A POLST form translates your end-of-life wishes into medical orders to be honored by your doctors. To learn more about your state’s program or set one up, see POLST.org.
Tell Your Family To ensure your final wishes are followed, make sure to tell your family members, health care proxy and doctors so they all know what you want. You should also provide them copies of your advance directive or if you create a digital version, make sure you share it electronically.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
