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Volume 137 • Issue 1
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Wednesday, January 1, 2025
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KM Fire Station One reopens after mold remediation
This photo of the U.S. Monument was captured in the moonlight. All images were taken on the battlefield at night, illuminated only by colonial lanterns and the moon.
The Kings Mountain Fire Department’s Station One reopened on December 26, following a comprehensive mold inspection and clearance testing. The City of Kings Mountain shared the update on its official Meta (Facebook) page. “We are grateful to announce that Fire Station One has been cleared to reopen today following a thorough inspection. All crews, including all off-duty firefighters, were notified in sufficient time, allowing them to report to Station One this morning,” the city’s statement read. The announcement also highlighted the inspection results, stating, “The analytical results and visual inspection have provided clear evidence
of no elevated spore counts or visual concerns, confirming that the building has passed all clearance testing. We appreciate the patience and support of our community during this process.” The city announced Fire Station One’s temporary closure on November 4 after mold was discovered in the building. During the closure, firefighters and equipment relocated to Fire Station Two at 1207 Shelby Road. The department assured residents that emergency services continued without interruption despite the disruption. “Fire Station One has temporarily relocated to Fire Station Two due to the discovery of a possible environmental health risk involving
the presence of mold,” the city’s earlier statement explained. “The health and safety of our firefighters and the entire community is our top priority, and we are taking immediate action to address and remediate this situation. If you have an emergency, please continue to call 911 as usual.” Kings Mountain Fire Chief Greg Main confirmed that an industrial hygienist conducted an indoor air quality assessment at Station One on October 25, 2024, after staff reported concerns about mold. “The results were concerning enough that we were concerned for the health and safety of the firefighters,” Main said. “They’re in the
station 24/7, so the decision was made to relocate them until a remediation plan is in place.” Station One, built 45 years ago, has been a key part of the Kings Mountain Fire Department’s history. The department, which dates back to 1924, remains committed to fire prevention, education, training, and emergency preparedness. City officials expressed appreciation for the community’s patience throughout the closure and remediation process. With Station One back in operation, firefighters continue to serve the area, ensuring the safety and well-being of Kings Mountain residents.
Experience the battleground in a whole new light Kings Mountain National Military Park invites you to join them for a nighttime lantern tour of the battlefield trail during four special events this year. “We will walk the trail under the light of the moon and further light our way with colonial lanterns,” they shared in a press release. “We will discuss the night sky as well as the topics pertinent to the military park.” The tour schedule and topics for 2025 include: • January 4 - REV War 250 & Boys in Battle • February 8 - African American Patriots • March 8 - Remarkable Women of Kings Mountain • April 5 - The Heroes
are still with us The NPS asks that participants please arrive NO LATER THAN 5:45 pm – The program will end by 8:00 pm. The battlefield trail is moderate to strenuous, with some steep hills. From the visitor center to the mountain top, the elevation changes approximately 180'. Wear comfortable walking shoes. The lantern tour will last between 1.5 and 2 hours. Regular visitation at Kings Mountain National Military Park is usually limited to daytime hours. So, make plans now to experience the battlefield by lantern and moonlight.
Tour leaders pause at Fergusons grave. These photos are from the December 6, Battlefield Lantern Tour Program as participants pause at Ferguson’s grave. Photos by the National Park Service
Rotarians sing Christmas Carols. Photos by Loretta Cozart
Reg Alexander presents Rotary Christmas program By Loretta Cozart During the December 19 meeting of Kings Mountain Rotary Club, Reg Alexander presented a Christmas program. Club members celebrated together by singing Christmas Carols. Doug Satterfield and Dr. Bryan Baker participated in an impromptu skit that had club members roaring with laughter. Reg Alexander’s creative presentation culminated in the story of the Nativity and sharing that Christ was prophesied in scripture long before his birth. While Christians celebrate the holiday with gifts to each other, it is Jesus’ gift to the world redeems us of our sins and gives us joy, hope, and peace.
A brief skit had Rotarians roaring with laughter. Pictured L-R: Doug Satterfield, Dr. Bryan Baker, and Reg Alexander.
KM Housing Authority board reduced to five members By Loretta Cozart During the Kings Mountain City Council meeting on December 10, an item was brought before council mem-
bers for a vote, effectively reducing the Kings Mountain Housing Authority (KMHA) board from seven members to five. The justification for not replacing the two board members whose terms end on December 31 was, “This has been a very complex and complicated matter involving
a schedule of reviews and submissions to HUD that may take up to the end of March 2025, but will likely be completed sooner than that date. Two seats on the current Housing Authority board are set to expire on December 31, 2024. Any new or reappointment of these terms would be brief. The board can function
with only five members, so it seems reasonable to reduce the number from seven members to five.” Councilman Tommy Hawkins made the motion not to replace these members, seconded by Jay Rhodes. Mayor Wagman shared with council members that he is in the process of removing
two KMHA board members. He said, “Last month, I was speaking with our City Attorney, Mickey Corry, about the removal of two board members. I started that process on November 9, to which I received a letter from the attorneys for Kings Mountain Housing Authority, and I did pause that process for a short
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time. I did restart that process. So, there is potentially a hearing on the 19th or 20th of this month. I will work with our city clerk for that.” He continued, “My recommendation for H, because what will happen is you will have four positions come up in one month that would be See KM HOUSING, Page 5A
Wishing all of our customers, friends and associates a happy and healthy 2025!