KM Herald 2-28-24

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Patrick Senior Center, 909 E. King Street. in Kings Mountain, and Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library, 104 Howie Drive in Shelby.

Primary election day is March 5. Polls open at 6:30 am and close at 7:30

Primary election day voting locations can be found on the Board of Elections website, clevelandcounty.com/main/ departments/board_of_ elections.

As of Wednesday, February 21, just over 1,500 people voted ahead of primary election day.

By Loretta Cozart

Last week, the Kings Mountain Fire Department had a busy schedule as there were multiple accidents on the local highways. On February 19, the KMFD and CCEMS responded to a crash on Hwy. 74 West that involved multiple vehicles and caused injuries. This accident resulted in delays.

The next day, on February 20, the Kings Mountain Police Department, KMFD, and CCEMS responded to another accident on I-85 South, between exits 8 and 5. This accident closed down the southbound lanes and caused traffic to be rerouted through town for ing traffic throughout the

The City of Kings Mountain recommends bagging all yard waste, including grass, weeds, flowers, limbs, and leaves, and placing it behind the curb and out of ditches when put out for collection.

Citizens who follow these rules adhere to the City’s Stormwater Ordinance. It also helps keep stormwater from having a negative effect on the quality of water flowing to our downstream neighbors and avoids a violation of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act by the city. These River Basins provide drinking water and recreational water for families downstream from us.

Everything that enters our stormwater system through catch basins and stormwater ditches travels through the city’s system and is released unfiltered to the Catawba

River Basin or the Broad River Basin.

Did you know it is against the law to blow debris into the road when cutting grass or raking leaves? When cutting grass, the city also asks that citizens not blow grass or leaves onto streets or into ditch lines. Not only will the debris wash into the storm drain and end up in the creeks and streams, but the grass and leaves themselves are dangerous to motorcycle riders and bicyclists.

If you use a lawn service, please advise them of these rules so that we may also keep the stormwaters clean and prevent flooding conditions, which can occur when catch basins and ditch lines are covered by debris.

For more information, contact the Stormwater Department by calling 704-7344501, M-F, 7:30 am – 4 pm or email them at Stormwater@ cityofkm.com.

Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the City of Kings Mountain will be a thrill this 2024 event season as the City presents an Earth Day Celebration, a birthday bash, fireworks, a beach blast, the return of a beloved festival and an historic Christmas season.

What better way to mark the incredible milestone of 150 years than with a series of unforgettable events and celebrations? The City of Kings Mountain is pulling out all the stops to ensure that this anniversary is a memorable one for residents and visitors alike.

The Gateway Trail is the site of the first event of the season. Saturday, April 20th,

By Loretta Cozart

GWFC Kings Mountain Woman’s Club will hold their next indoor yard sale this Saturday, March 2, at their clubhouse at 108 East Mountain Street in Kings Mountain from 7:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Funds from this event support the club’s Sallie Southall Cotten Scholarship. Cotton was a principal leader in the North Carolina Federation of Women’s Clubs organization in 1902. The Sallie

Southall Cotten Scholarship was started to honor her legacy.

Join the Kings Mountain Woman’s Club members as they share various items for sale supporting this fundraiser. Clothing, household items, and children’s items will be available for purchase, along with various homemade baked goods.

By Loretta Cozart

On Saturday, March 16, Kings Mountain volunteers will meet at Albemarle’s Project Center at 129 W. Mountain Street downtown, preparing to go door-todoor for an education and service event offering 10Year Lithium Battery smoke alarms and home fire safety education. This event coincides with the American Red Cross’ National Sound the Alarm campaign time period.

Portions of the city being visited during this event include the Mountain Crest

join us as we celebrate our planet and the 54th anniversary of Earth Day. Dinosaurs, fossil digs, live encampments music jamborees and more await on this special day. Join us Saturday, May 4th, as the City hosts Kings Mountain’s 150th Birthday Bash! Imagine a lively atmosphere filled with laughter, music, and a sense of community as we come together to honor the rich history of our beloved city. From historical exhibits showcasing the

Drive and Northwoods Drive areas, N. Lackey Street and Gantt Streets, and the Mt. Olive Baptist church area. Residents will be asked if they have smoke detectors or if their detectors are less than 10 years old. If residents agree to participate, several folks will install new smoke detectors or replace older ones in their homes. There is no cost to the resident for the smoke detectors or installation. The service is free.

In last year’s Home Fire Campaign, volunteers: • Knocked on 100 doors. See SMOKE, Page 2A

LaDonna

Renee Hand

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – LaDonna R. Hand, 62 of Kings Mountain, NC, died February 2, 2024 after a long battle with cancer.

LaDonna was born July 11, 1961, in Coldwater, MI, to Linda (Gregory) (Hand) Duque and Larry Hand.

She was a 1979 graduate of Union City High School. She attended Michigan State University before beginning her 18 year career in the United States Air Force retiring with the rank of Technical Sergeant. She faithfully served her country in the capacity of Chap-

Mary Ellen

Davis

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Mary Ellen Davis, 92, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on February 25, 2024 at Peak Resources in Gastonia, NC.

She was born in Cleveland County, NC, daughter of the late Clarence and Thelma Ross Watterson and was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Norman Davis and her sister, Valiree W. Carroll.

Mary Ellen retired from Kings Mountain District Schools while serving in the cafeteria. She was a longtime member of Kings Mountain Baptist Church. She loved visiting and

CALENDAR

From Page 1A

a special place in the hearts of the community, and its comeback is sure to create new cherished memories. With a vibrant tractor parade, contests (grow those beards fellows), delectable food vendors, live demonstrations, and great music from a National Act many of you know and love, this festival is a must-attend for everyone who loves Kings Mountain.

The Christmas season will kick-off

Saturday, December 7th with the Christmas Kings Mountain Parade and Festival. This season, our parade will highlight the history of our city with very nostalgic entries along the route.

In addition to these marquee events, the City has planned an array of other activities throughout the anniversary season.

From art exhibits, cultural showcases, artisan markets to observances and community service initiatives, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and get involved in. This is a time to come together as a community, celebrate our shared history, and build

lin Manager and served the duration of the Gulf War in Saudi Arabia. She obtained her degree in Business Administration from The Union Institute in Miami, FL, and worked many administrative and IT jobs throughout her career.Most recently she was employed by Walmart in Kings Mountain, NC.

LaDonna loved the mountains, NASCAR racing, antiques, travel, reading, and spending time with her friends and family. What she loved most was her home and flower gardens, and living in the small community of Kings Mountain. It reminded her of the small town of Union City, MI, where she was raised caringly by an entire community.

She is survived by her mother, Linda Duque; her niece, Marissa Hand, both of Florida and by her stepsiblings Bandon Hand of Union City, MI, Patricia Linardi, Claire Ferraro and Bernie Duque of Florida and Vivian Duque Manley of Nashville, TN, and by her

taking church groups to South Mountain Baptist Camp every year for 50 years. Mary Ellen enjoyed fishing with Norman, sewing, and growing beautiful flowers. However, she was always happiest when she was near her family. She always placed them at the center of her life. Mary Ellen was never seen when she was not smiling and always had a joyful and uplifting spirit. She was a wonderful mother, friend, and grandmother to several generations of grandchildren. Mary Ellen will be missed greatly by everyone whose life she impacted.

She is survived by her children: Rebekah Davis Greene, Emma Jean Davis, Norma Davis Moose (Barry), and P. Jason Davis (Melissa), all of Kings Mountain, NC; grandchildren: Leslie Mayes (Charles), Nicole Paulson (Rodney), Jamie Canipe (Jenny), Chuck Canipe (Lisa), Taylor Davis, and Alexia Moose; great-grandchildren: JoDawn, Julie, Erin, Alley, Abby, Brandon, Maverick, MacKenzie, Isaac, and Caleb; great-great grandchildren: Eddley, Katlin, Hunter,

an even brighter future for Kings Mountain. Mark your calendars and spread the word - the 150th Anniversary of the City of Kings Mountain is an event season you won’t want to miss. Keep an eye out for updates and detailed schedules, as there will surely be more surprises and special announcements in store. Let’s make this

sister in heart, Mary Brecheisen, of Union City, MI.

She was preceded in death by her father, Larry Hand, her brother Lyle Hand, her step-father Bernardo Duque, and her beloved cat, Dwight. Final arrangements have been made with Harris Funeral Home, Kings Mountain, NC.

A private gravesite military interment service will take place at a later date in Salisbury, NC. at the National Cemetery.

In lieu of memorial contributions, the family requests that you spend time with your family and loved ones, as time with them is precious and often not as long as we plan or hope for. No services are planned at this time.

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

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

Jacob, Sommer, Noah, Issac, Sydney, Holly, and Henry.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the Ollie Harris Memorial Chapel with Pastors Olin Byrum and Tim Whiteside officiating.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Harris Funeral Home.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Kings Mountain Baptist Church at 101 West Mountain Street, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 or to South Mountain Baptist Camp at 3558 Baptist Camp Road, Connelly Springs, NC 28612.

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

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

milestone celebration a true testament to the spirit, resilience, and unity of our incredible city.

For more information about our schedule of events, contact the City of Kings Mountain’s Marketing, Tourism and Events Department at 704-730-2101, or visit their website at www.KingsMountainEvents.Com.

■ POLICE

ARRESTS

FEB. 14: Alinda Gill, 46, Gastonia, resisting arrest, larceny, misdemeanor, no bond.

FEB. 16: Phillip Ray Wright, 37, Shelby, misdemeanor larceny, citation.

FEB.17: Jean Poynor Williams, 55, Bessemer City, misdemeanor larceny, $500 secured bond.

FEB. 18: Frankie James Dobbins, 43, 109 Water Oak Street, breaking and entering, misdemeanor, $5,000 secured bond.

FEB. 20: Berlinda Davis Adams, 65, 110 Owens Street, order for arrest and transported to Gaston County Detention Center.

FEB 21: Jason Dwayne Tyson, 43, Grover, failure to appear, released to Gaston County Detention Center, $1,000 secured bond.

FEB. 21: Jeffrey Dale Brown, 58, 1307 Northwoods Drive, Warrant, DWI, transported to Gaston County Detention Center, $5,000 secured bond.

INCIDENTS

FEB. 16: Walmart, Kings Mountain, reported larceny.

FEB. 17: Food Lion 230, Kings Mountain, larceny.

FEB. 19: Cornerstone Properties, Kings Mountain, reported over $3,000 in stainless steel refrigerators, stainless electric ranges, and damage to an exterior door.

FEB. 19: Circle K, Kangaroo Express Petroleum, Kings Mountain, reported larceny.

WRECKS

FEB. 14: Officer Moore said Deborah Ross Brown, 505 S. Battleground Avenue, operating a 2005 Honda, said an unknown driver in a 2020 Chevrolet struck her car and left the scene. Property damage was estimated at $10,000 to her vehicle.

FEB. 16: Officer Herndon said Timothy Caveny, Grover, operating a 2020 Ford, was backing from a parking space at 101 S. Battleground Avenue and struck a 2017 Fiat operated by Timothy Goode, 109 Pennant Street. Property damage was estimated at $6,000.

FEB. 17: Officer Geissinger cited Amy Hullender Clack, 717 Meadowbrook Road, with expired tag and failure to yield right-of-way after the crash of her 2015 GMC and a 2012 Chevrolet operated by Harold Degree of Cherryville. Property damage was estimated at $2,500.

SMOKE

From Page 1A

• Engaged 57 residents in 26 households in fire safety education.

• Installed new lithium battery 33 alarms. If you would like to

FEB. 20: Feb. 20: Officer Moore said Leroy McCrae, Shelby, operating a 2013 Freightliner, was traveling southbound on I-85 when his dump bed began to rise on its own. The driver said it was too late to put it back down before he made impact with the overhead bridge. It was all McCrae could do to hold the truck in the lane before the bed snapped off and flipped under the Albemarle bridge. Property damage was estimated at $30.500.

FEB. 20: Officer McKinney said a 2011 Chevrolet operated by Destine Marie Fee, Canterbury Road, rearended A 2017 Ford operated by Yandel Arredondo, 106 N. Sims Street, on NC 161 at Ridge Street. Property damage was estimated at $1,400.

FEB. 21: Officer Macopson said Chancellor Kennedy Martin, 140 Huntseat Drive, operating a 2012 Mazda, was leaving a parking place at 500 Phifer Road and struck a 2019 Jeep operated by Kenneth Jeffrey Cloninger, 102 Robinson Drive.

CITATIONS

Feb. 13: Tony Barnett, 34, Gastonia, expired tag, driving while license revoked.

FEB. 13: Daniel James Greene, 19, Shelby, no operator’s license.

FEB. 15: Forest Glenn Guest Jr., 61, 209 Laws Lane, fictitious tag, driving while license revoked, tag revoked.

FEB. 15: Passion McClain, 19, 110 Branchwood Circle, no operator’s license.

FEB. 15: Jason Loyd Williamson, 46, 643 Oak Grove Church Road 8, driving while license revoked.

FEB. 16: Romeo Mario, 39, SC, no operator’s license.

FEB. 16: Amber Jones, 33, Grover, no operator’s license.

FEB. 16: Jennifer Medina, 30, 811 W. Gold Street Extension, driving while license revoked.

FEB. 16: Anthony Gonzalez, 40, 209 Fulton Street, no operator’s license.

FEB. 17: Arquavious Sanders, 25, Gastonia, driving while license revoked.

FEB. 17: Christopher John Miller, 45, Charlotte, driving while license revoked.

FEB. 17: Andy Guffey, 51, Cherryville, driving while license revoked.

FEB. 17: Jason Floyd, 52, 317 Chestnut Street, no operator’s license.

volunteer to assist in this lifesaving and worthwhile project for your Kings Mountain neighbors, email Margo Plonk at Margaret. plonk@albemarle.com, or call 704.473-1625.

Did you know you have two minutes to leave your house when a fire strikes?

According to the Red Cross, you should know

FEB. 17: Diamond Brown, 314 Margrace Road, expired tag.

FEB. 17: Marie Hawks Patrick, 414 N. Battleground Avenue, expired tag.

FEB. 17: Kasey Williams, 25, Mount Holly, driving while license revoked.

FEB. 17: Brandon Hayes, 31, 103 Tara Terrace, expired tag, no inspection.

FEB. 17: Shamiya Little, 26, 200 Spruce Street 1E, expired tag, no inspection, suspended driver’s license.

FEB. 17: Bernard Barreau, 45, Gastonia, no operator’s license.

FEB. 17: Emmanuel Cotis, 23, 617 Oak Grove Road, no operator’s license.

FEB. 17: Jadelyn Burton, 24, 103 Vickie Lane, expired tag.

FEB. 17: Bryan Packer, 21, Dixon School Road, expired tag.

FEB. 17: Alyric Neal, 21, Cherryville, expired tag.

FEB. 18: Kami Helms, 27, expired tag, no inspection.

FEB. 18: Marvin Rosales Mendosa, 40, Concord, expired tag, no inspection.

FEB. 18: Andrea Jackson Wray, 55, 200 Spruce Street 26, expired tag, no inspection.

FEB. 19: Rickey Marble, 43, Shelby, speeding.

FEB. 19: Miriam Lizette Morales-Moreno, 30, Shelby, speeding.

Feb. 19: Brian McKinney, 41, 213 Bell Road 7, driving while license revoked, expired tag.

FEB. 19: Chastity Singleton, 37, no registration, fail to make application for new certificate of title.

FEB. 20: Benjamin Haan, 31, Shelby, expired tag.

FEB. 21: Samuel McEntire, 19, Crouse, speeding, faulty equipment, speedometer.

FEB. 21: Matthew Roper, 29, Shelby, driving while license revoked.

FEB. 21: Brittney Houston, 32, Shelby, expired tag, no inspection.

FEB.21: Saul Bautista, 64, 108 Afton Drive, no operator’s license, speeding.

FEB. 22: Ethan Poole, 19, driving while license revoked, careless driving.

two ways out of every room and never return to a burning home once you get outside.

The risk of dying in reported home structure fires is 55 percent lower in homes with working smoke alarms than in homes with no alarms or none that worked.

Do you have questions or would like to make changes to your current Health Insurance plan?

231 E. Marion Street Shelby, NC

CIU and NCSBl have continued to interview witnesses, follow up on several leads and tips, and utilize investigative resources to identify the suspect(s) in this case.

On February 5, details of the investigation were presented to a grand jury in Cleveland County, and two true bills of indictment were issued on a previously listed victim, Andre Lashawn Littlejohn. Indictments for Lit-

tlejohn included charges of First-Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. At the time the indictments were issued, Littlejohn was still in CaroMont Regional Medical Center receiving treatment for his injuries. On Sunday, February 11, Littlejohn was released from CaroMont Regional Medical Center and taken into custody without incident.

KMPD would like to thank the NCSBI, Gaston County Police Department, and the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.

By Loretta Cozart

An accident on I-85 southbound, between Exit 13 and Exit 10, near Bessemer City at 8:20 a.m. temporarily closed all lanes, according to the North Car-

olina Department of Transportation.

Commuters in the

opened, allowing traffic to flow again.

Later, officials said a

By Loretta Cozart

This year, daylight saving time (DST) starts on March 10. at 2:00 am, when clocks spring forward by one hour, extending daylight hours into the evening. The return to standard time occurs on November 3.

Daylight saving time aims to optimize natural daylight usage, yet it remains controversial. Legislative proposals advocate for permanent standard-time or full-time DST surface in the United States almost yearly. Since 2015, over 200 DST-related bills and resolutions have been introduced across nearly every state, reports the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Approximately 30 US states, including North Carolina, have proposed legislation to establish permanent DST, with several states already passing such bills. However, congressional approval is necessary to enact this change, as states are currently only permitted to opt out of DST. The Sunshine Protection Act, introduced by federal lawmakers in 2021, seeks to end biannual clock changes. If passed by the House and signed into law, year-round DST would become the norm nationwide, though the bill remains pending in the House since

politician Benjamin Franklin initially proposed the concept of DST in 1784. Later, DST advocates first suggested adopting the practice in 1895. The United States began observing it in 1918 primarily to accommodate farming and outdoor activities. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 standardized

Tony Berry runs for Cleveland Co. Commissioner

By Loretta Cozart

In October, Tony Berry announced his candidacy for Cleveland County Commissioner to over 120 attendees at an event held at the Cleveland Country Club in Shelby. "I am thrilled and deeply honored to be running for County Commissioner. With my extensive experience in law enforcement, business, and community service, I am committed to effectively representing the people of Cleveland County,"

BERRY

said Tony, expressing his enthusiasm for this new chapter of service.

Kirsten Martin speaks at Rotary

By Loretta Cozart

Kirsten Martin, a native of Kings Mountain and Community Affairs Manager for Albemarle, addressed the Kings Mountain Rotary Club on February 22 regarding the Kings Mountain mine. She provided a brief history of the property and discussed the current plans at the site. She also extended an invitation to the members of the club to visit the Kings Mountain Project Center, located at 129 W. Mountain Street in the historic Griffin Drug building, to learn more about the proposed Kings Mountain Mine project.

After graduating from Crest High School, Tony pursued studies in Criminal Justice at Cleveland Community College, where he earned his BLET certification in the early 80s. Following this, he joined the Cleveland County Sheriff's Department reserve unit, where he climbed the ranks to eventually become captain.

Alongside his law enforcement career, Tony honed his entrepreneurial skills by working with his father at Cleveland

Equipment Company in the early 80s. Combining his knowledge and determination, he established his own business in the Cash Register and Office Equipment industry. Over the years, this venture evolved into a successful credit card processing and software point-of-sale company, which speaks volumes about his adaptability and perseverance.

Tony's involvement in the community has been extensive. He served on the Board of Trustees at Cleveland Community

Dear Fellow North Carolina Citizens,

I am proud to be a Christian, conservative, and dedicated public servant, seeking your trust and support as I campaign for District 111 in the NC House. Sincerely and with conviction, I commit to upholding our traditional values and safeguarding the interests of our great state.

**Defending Life**

As a firm believer in the sanctity of life, I am deeply committed to protecting the most vulnerable among us. I will advocate tirelessly for policies that respect and uphold the dignity of every human being, from conception to natural end.

**Standing up to the liberal agenda**

College, was an active member of the Rotary Club, and co-founded BNI, a business networking initiative. His involvement with Elizabeth Baptist Church spanned over three decades, where he taught Sunday school and contributed to the church's security team. His pursuits have garnered recognition, such as the Best of Cleveland County award for Business Solutions. He was also a steadfast Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce member, actively

participating in initiatives like Murphy's Scooter Shed Toy Run, benefiting local children and law enforcement officers.

“Cleveland County isn’t just my home; it’s my heart” Berry shared. “Through years of service, dedication, and community engagement, I’ve strived to make our county a better place. I am deeply honored to continue this journey alongside all of you, working hand in hand for a brighter, stronger community.”

Additionally, the members were invited to tour the Kings Mountain site to gain a firsthand look at a former mine, also with a new water treatment facility built for dewatering the mine pit. The tour includes information on the history, geology, and current prefeasibility studies, with ample opportunities to ask

questions. Tours are limited to 12 people aged 10 and up; guests can sign up by visiting https://albemarlekingsmountain.com/community. Tours start at the Albemarle Project Center, and the group travels to the mine site together by van.

The Kings Mountain Rotary Club meets every Thursday at noon for a lunch meeting at the H. Lawrence Patrick Senior Center located at 909 E King St.

Our cherished values and freedoms are under constant assault by the liberal agenda. I pledge to fight against this encroachment, defending our traditions and championing the principles that have made our state great.

**Commitment**

My commitment to our community runs deep, during years of service as a volunteer, elected official, and concerned citizen. I have established relationships, so I am prepared to serve in this new capacity with dedication and effectiveness. I’ll collaborate with our Republican legislature to address the pressing issues facing our state, from economic challenges to threats against our fundamental liberties.

**Keeping North Carolina strong**

I believe that North Carolina’s strength lies in its people – hardworking, resilient, and united in purpose. By keeping taxes and fees low, improving quality of life, and enacting sensible laws, we can ensure that our state remains a beacon of opportunity and a top destination for families and businesses for generations to come.

For me, this campaign is not just about politics – it’s about people. It’s about ensuring a brighter future for our children and grandchildren, and preserving the values that make North Carolina such a special place to call home.

On March 5th, I humbly ask for your support and your vote. Together, let us work to keep North Carolina safe, prosperous, and true to the principles that define us.

Thank you for your consideration and may God continue to bless North Carolina!

TONY

Albemarle Community Affairs Manager Kirsten Martin spoke at Kings Mountain Rotary Club last week.

Photo by Loretta Cozart

Girl Talk 3rd Annual Prom Dress Giveaway

By Loretta Cozart

The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office thanked everyone who helped make Freezin’ for a Reason 2024 a successful event! Broad River Campground allowed the Sheriff’s Office to use their facility. As of Monday afternoon, the plunge total has reached $6,151.00.

“Thanks again to everyone who donated, plunged, volunteered, and cheered,” the CCSO shared.

Bowling for Dollars to be held March 7

Are you looking for a fun and delicious way to support the Arts Council? Look no further than Bowling for Dollars on March 7. For just $20, you can enjoy a delicious lunch and take home a warm container of soup, crackers, dessert, and a beverage. Plus, you'll have the chance to pick out your own bowl and do

some pottery shopping if you wish.

What better way to enjoy a day out than by supporting the arts and treating yourself to a tasty lunch? Don't miss out - purchase your tickets in advance by calling 704-4842787 or stopping by the Arts Council in Uptown Shelby today!

On Primary Day, March 5th

Vote For Republican

TONY BERRY IS A:

By Loretta Cozart

A report from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service reveals that American consumers are allocating more of their spending toward food purchases than ever before.

Over a span of 25 years, from 1997 to 2022, real annual food expenditures in the United States saw a significant 70 percent increase, reaching its highest recorded level. This upward trend was consistent, with minor dips occurring during the Great Recession of 2008-2009 and a notable 6.4 percent decline in 2020 amidst the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Both spending on food at home (FAH) and food away from home (FAFH) increased during this period, albeit at different rates. FAH spending rose by 53 percent, whereas FAFH spending surged by 89 percent. In 2021, total food spending rose by 11.4 percent, followed by a 3.4 percent increase in 2022, primarily driven by higher

FAFH spending, which saw a boost of 19 percent in 2021 and 8 percent in 2022. Conversely, FAH spending increased by 4 percent in 2021 but experienced a 2 percent decline in 2022.

The USDA article highlights that the rise in food prices typically correlates with increased food spending, though the extent of this increase largely depends on how households adapt to higher prices. When faced with elevated food prices, households employ various budget-management strategies, such as reducing overall food purchases, dining out less frequently to cut back on discretionary spending, or seeking more cost-effective alternatives.

In 2022, total food prices spiked by almost 10 percent, significantly surpassing the 20-year average. Prices at grocery stores and other FAH outlets rose even more rapidly, increasing by 11.4 percent, leading to a corresponding decline in FAH spending. Despite this decline, FAH spending levels consistently remained above those of 2019, indicating a resilience in spending patterns.

The Foothills Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging develops an Aging Plan every four years. The Aging Plan is a comprehensive plan addressing the needs and challenges of the aging population.

The organization needs your input about what services and focus areas are needed for older adults and caregivers in your community to gain insights into the

Notably, consumers allocated 46 percent of their food budgets to FAH in 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a notable decline in FAFH spending in 2020, but this spending rebounded in 2021, surpassing 2019 levels by midyear. Various factors contributed to this resurgence, including the reopening of restaurants, increased takeout options, and the return to work for many individuals. In 2022, FAFH spending compared to 2019 remained relatively stable, averaging an 11 percent increase, despite FAFH prices continuing to rise at an average rate of 15.5 percent.

These trends suggest consumers were willing to allocate a greater share of their budgets to FAFH spending, even in the face of rising prices. Additionally, while some households may have adjusted their FAFH consumption in response to price increases, others may have benefited from wage growth or improved economic conditions, allowing them to maintain or increase their FAFH spending.

The rise in food prices has become a hot topic this

needs, priorities, and challenges of our region’s aging population.

Foothills Area Agency on Aging has prepared a short survey to gather feedback from the communities they serve. The information gathered from the survey will help their team shape the area plan so they can continue to best support and advocate for older adults and people with disabilities in our region in

political season. During a January campaign event in South Carolina, President Joe Biden criticized corporations for raising prices on essentials such as eggs, milk, chicken, and gas, claiming “too many corporations are ripping people off,” and Americans are “tired of being played for suckers.” Conversely, Andy Ellen, president of the N.C. Retail Merchants Association attributed these price increases to various factors, including the impact of avian flu, aluminum costs, conflicts in regions like Ukraine and Gaza affecting wheat and oil prices, rising wages, and increased shoplifting incidents.

Regardless of the causes, American consumers allocate a significantly larger portion of their income to food purchases, surpassing comparable levels in the past 30 years.

In 2022, this ratio hovered around 11.3 percent, nearly matching the level observed in 1991, compared to approximately 10 percent over the past three decades. Updated food cost statistics are anticipated to be released by the USDA Economic Research Service in May.

the coming years. They ask that you please take a few minutes to complete the survey so your voice can direct the four-year plan. Please visit https://forms.office.com/r/BihtPH1dfM to fill out the survey electronically. For a paper copy, please contact Lori Simpson at lsimpson@foothillsregion.org or 828-287-2281.

DAYLIGHT

From Page 3A

In 2008, the US Department of Energy presented a report to Congress assessing the impact of extended DST on national energy consumption. The report concluded

that extended DST reduced US electricity consumption by approximately half a percent daily, a significant reduction given the nation’s substantial energy usage. However, it’s uncertain whether a standardized yearround DST schedule would yield similar energy savings due to regional climate vari-

ations.

Proponents of year-round DST argue that extended daylight would bolster tourism, outdoor recreation, and road safety for commuters and schoolchildren. Moreover, a consistent daylight schedule may offer health benefits, according to chronobiologist Till Roenneberg.

plunge at Broad River Campground. Photos by CCSO After

But the greatest of these is Love

As we finish our month together, I would like to recap and offer some final thoughts on Christ’s love and love for others.

Dr. Jonathan M. Bundon Worship Pastor First Baptist Church

First, we were reminded that God loved us first, and Christ gave himself for us (John 3:16). Next, the highest goal in life is to love our God. Then, in doing so, we can love others with Christ’s love. From this process of learning to love others, we can both forgive and ask for forgiveness. With all this in

mind, let us look at what is affectionately called the love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13. I encourage you to read and study the entire chapter further. To be sure, this chapter is widely used in wedding ceremonies, marriage retreats, and even newspaper articles. The Apostle Paul begins the chapter with ifthen statements. “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give

over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Eloquent words, gifts and talents, charity, sacrifice, and actions without love are utter rubbish. It is no wonder that marriages are in shambles; people’s interactions in the world are cold and callous. The love of Christ is not in them. The motivation for “good stuff” is not out of love but out of self-interest or self-motivation. In contrast, Paul tells us what love is. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but

rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a.)

Friends, if we genuinely want to love God and others, we must live out Corinthians 13. This world has plenty of fake and poor imitations of love; people need the real thing. Love others with the love of Christ. In doing so, we can deepen relationships, encourage others, heal marriages, and bring people to Christ. Thank you for sticking with me this month, and I look forward to sharing with you again in the future.

Love and blessings, Jonathan

www.momsinprayer.org

• Working Moms

• Homeschool Moms

• College Praying Moms

• Moms of Career Age

Young Adults

• Military Families

• Moms Praying For Prodigals

• Special Needs Praying Moms

• Church Based Groups

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OUR MISSION: Moms in Prayer International impacts children and schools worldwide for Christ by gathering mothers to pray.

Patrick Senior Center March events March Library news

site and can help with Medicare questions and check to see if you qualify for Extra Help with your drug costs. We can also assist with transportation, loan equipment, incontinence supplies, nutritional supplements, and other services.

Please call the center at 704-734-0447 for more information or to sign up for programs. Programs are open to people ages 55 and up unless otherwise noted. The Patrick Center will be closed on Friday, March 29, for Good Friday.

March 2024 Special Events: Crafts with Terry from the Mauney Memorial Library: Tuesday, March 5, 10am-12pm. Learn to use etching cream and make plain glass gorgeous. Class is free; all supplies provided. Call or come by the front desk to sign up.

Women’s Health Series:

Tuesday, March 5, 12-1pm. Join us to learn about sensitive health topics for older women. Please call to sign up.

Technology Presentation by Trey from Mauney Memorial Library: Monday, March 11, 10-11am. Topic will be “Learning with your Phone.”

Craft Class with Joy:

Tuesday, March 12, 9am12pm. Joy will guide you in making a beautiful cross. Cost is $10. Please sign up and pay at the front desk.

Dementia Presentation:

Tuesday, March 12, 11am12pm. Join Vernell Mitchell with Senior TLC to learn more about dementia. Please call to sign up.

Diabetes Education and Support Group (Sponsored by Hopscotch Primary Care): Tuesday, March 19, 9:30-11am. Join us to learn about management and treatment of Diabetes. A healthy snack and goodies will be provided.

Overcoming Anxiety as a Seasoned Adult: Tuesday, March 19, 11am-12pm. Join Tasha from Brightstar Care for important information about anxiety and anxiety management. Please call the center to sign up.

Operation Medicine

Take Back: Wednesday, March 20, 12-3pm and Friday, March 22, 9am-12pm.

Paint a Birdhouse: Monday, March 25, 11:30am12:30pm. Join Maryann for a fun birdhouse project. All supplies provided. Cost is $8. Sign up and pay at the front desk.

Visual Impairment Presentation: Tuesday, March 26, 9-10am. Join us for a presentation about visual

impairment with Lucy Plyler, Social Worker for the Blind.

Memory Bear Workshop: Wednesday, March 27, 9am-12pm. Joy and her volunteers will help you make a stuffed bear or pillow with an article of clothing from your loved one. Call the center to sign up.

Ongoing Activities at the Patrick Center:

Ceramics: Mondays, 9:30-11:30am.

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

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

Quilting: Mondays, 12:30-3pm.

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

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

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

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

Clogging: Mondays, 3:30-4:30pm & Thursdays, 12:30-1:30pm.

Knitting: Tuesdays, 8:30-10:30am.

Veterans Meeting: 1 st Tuesdays, 9-10am.

Bible History: Tuesdays, 10-11am.

Monthly Birthday Celebration: 4th Tuesdays, 1011am.

REFIT Dance Exercise: Tuesdays, 11am-12pm.

Basic Sewing Class: Tuesdays, 11am-2pm.

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

Chair Volleyball: Tuesdays, 1-3pm and Fridays, 12-2pm.

Canasta: Tuesdays, 1-3pm.

Tai Chi for Arthritis: Wednesdays, 9-10am.

Jewelry Class: Wednesdays, 10-11am.

Dulcimer Class: 2 nd Wednesdays, 10:15am. If you plan to attend, please call to let us know if you will be bringing your own dulcimer. Chair Yoga: Wednesdays, 11:45-12:45pm. ($3 Fee).

Blood Pressure Check: 1 st Wednesdays, 1011:30am.

Food Giveaway: 3 rd Wednesdays, 1-2:30pm. Please call to sign up each month.

Book Club by Mari with

By Mari Slaughter

Mauney Memorial Library has the following events scheduled for March. The library is at 100 S. Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC 28086. For the latest in library news and events, visit www. mauneylibrary.org.

The library will be closed for Staff Development Day on Wednesday, March 27th, and for the Easter holiday on Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30

Calling all authors for Mauney Memorial Library’s 5th Read Local Author Fair!

The event will take place on Wednesday, April 17th, from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm in the auditorium of the H. Lawrence Patrick Senior Center, located at 909 E. King St., in Kings Mountain. The author fair is open to the public of all ages. This is a fun opportunity to sell your books, celebrate writing and publishing, and meet other authors.

The keynote speaker will be author and publisher L. Diane Wolfe. Known as “Spunk on A Stick,” Wolfe is a member of the National Speakers Association. She conducts book publishing seminars, promotes leadership and goal setting, and offers book formatting and author consultation. Wolfe

Mauney Memorial Library: 4th Wednesdays, 1-2pm at the Patrick Center. Please call Mari at 704-739-2371 for more information.

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

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

Bingo: Thursdays, 10:30-11:15am.

Peaceful Painting: Thursdays, 12-1pm. Try relaxation through painting. Class is free but please bring your own multimedia book.

Bridge: 2 nd and 4 th Thursdays, 1-4pm.

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

Dulcimer Jam: Fridays, 9-10am.

Chorus: Fridays, 1011am.

Friday Lunch: Fridays, 11am-12pm. Call to sign up by Thursday at Noon. Cost is $4.

Ping Pong/Corn

Hole: Fridays, 12-2pm.

Shred Truck: Truck will be here March 27 to shred onsite, but you can bring your items to be shredded at any time the center is open and put them in the locked bins in the lobby.

is the senior editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C., and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. Participation is free, and the registration deadline is April 1st. Email us at info@mauneylibrary.org or call 704-739-2371 ext. 3 for more information on how to register.

MARCH

SPECIAL EVENTS:

Book Club:

“The House is on Fire” by Rachel Beanland (Adult) - Monday, March 11th, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Join the Mauney Library book club and meet with people every month to discuss popular books. Contact info@mauneylibrary.org to join!

Sew a Draw-String Tote! (Registration Required)

Ages 13-17 Only. Monday, March 11th, 3:30 – 5:30 pm

In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll use a sewing machine to make your own handy drawstring bag. All materials provided.

Afternoon Adventures:

“Sproutin’ Seeds!”

SHERRY MARLO

Margaret Gaston

1 bag marshmallows

1 cup sherry wine 1 9-oz. Cool Whip Heat marshmallows and wine until blended. Cool. Add Cool Whip and pour into graham cracker lined pan. Cool and sprinkle with crumbs. Garnish as desired. Freezes well.

FROZEN LEMON

DESSERT

Johnnie Ware

1 tall can very cold Pet milk

1 small can frozen lemonade ½ cup sugar 1 ½ cups vanilla wafers or Graham cracker crumbs Beat milk until thick. Add

(Ages 6-12) (Registration Required). Wednesday, March 13th, 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm “We’re Sproutin’ Seeds!! We can eat, plant, and grow SEEDS! Come and learn all about the life of a seed!” with Judy Ford

Cat in the Hat: Presented by Sigmon Theatrical (Registration Required) Family Program - Friday, March 15th, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Dr. Seuss’ beloved characters are springing off the page and into your local library! Don’t miss your chance to meet The Cat in the Hat (and some other crazy characters from the book) as they bring Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat to life in their own special, silly way. This fun, interactive program features live actors, puppets, music, and audience participation! Make sure to stick around after this fun, family program for photos and silliness during our exclusive Meet-and-Greet.

Make a Mini Macramé Plant Hanger (Adult) (Registration Required) - Monday, March 18th, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm . Make a miniature macramé plant hanger, complete with a terracotta pot and faux plant! All materials will be provided in this beginner-friendly class.

Lego Club

(Ages 6-12) - Third Thursday of every month, 3:30 pm -4:30 pm, Library Community Room. Free build and participate in group projects, snacks provided.

CPR and First Aid

(Registration Required)

Ages 18 and up only - Monday, March 25th 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. This hands-on class teaches how to respond to cardiac arrest and first aid emergencies. AED (automatic external defibrillator) training is included. This class is FREE. If you wish to receive AHA Certification, a cash payment of $35 is due at the time of class.

Library Storytime in Person (Preschoolers)

Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30 am -11:30 am

Library Community Room

Come to the library to enjoy a story, music, and a take-home craft with Miss. Anne.

Learn Grow Play (Preschoolers) - Fridays 10:00 am -11:30 am, Library Community Room. Play in centers, then enjoy a story, music, and a takehome craft with Miss. Anne.

Technology Assistance Make an appointment, 704-739-2371

the lemonade and sugar and beat well. Sprinkle one cup crumbs in bottom of oblong or square casserole dish or p an. Put above mixture on crumbs. Sprinkle ½ cup crumbs on top. Freeze. Cut in squares to serve.

CHOCOLATE TORTE

Mary Adams

1 large box Brownie mix

1 egg 1 cup water ½ cup black walnuts, chopped 2 cups whipping cream, whipped ½ cup brown sugar

2 Tbsp. instant coffee Mix first 4 ingredients and put in two 9-inch greased cake pans. Bake 20 min-

(Ed. Note: The recipes in today’s Cooking Corner are from “The Good Neighbor Cookbook” by the Cleveland County Chapter America Red Cross.)

utes. Split layers. Mix next 3 ingredients and frost between the four layers and top. Place on wax paper in pan and refrigerate overnight.

CHERRY PEACH

COBBLER

Gladys Wright

1 stick margarine

1 cup sugar

1 cup flour

1 cup milk 1 can (21 ounces) cherries 1 can (21 ounces) peaches Mix butter or margarine in deep pie plate. Mix sugar, flour, and milk. Pour in pie plate and add cherries on one end and peaches on the other. Bake until brown at 350 degrees, about 40 minutes.

Mountaineers fall to Huss in Big South final game, start 3A state tourney against Northwest Cabarrus

Kings Mountain’s Mountaineers fell to Hunter Huss 76-61 in the Big South Conference basketball tournament championship game Friday night at KM’s Donald L. Parker Gymnasium and were scheduled to host Northwest Cabarrus last night in the opening round of the 3A state playoffs.

Northwest Cabarrus brought an 8-8 South Piedmont Conference record and 14-11 overall mark into the contest and the Mountaineers stood at 11-3 in the BSC and 21-6 overall. The winner will advance to the second round against the winner of the East Henderson-Oak Grove game.

The Huskies, the third seed coming into the BSC tournament, had earlier knocked off regular season Crest in route to their championship.

Before a packed house, Kings Mountain took an

early 2-0 lead on a bucket by Tucker Robinette but Huss quickly responded and led most of the game. The teams ended the first period tied at 14 but Huss hit a three on the first possession of the second quarter and went on to lead 32-31 at intermission.

The Mountaineers rallied again early in the third period and built a 45-38 lead but Huss responded and ended the quarter up 51-49.

Bradley Floyd’s bucket to begin the fourth quarter tied the score at 51 but the Huskies wouldn’t surrender the lead again.

The victory was just the second for the Huskies in their last nine meetings with the Mountaineers. Leading the way for Huss was Trimell Dunlap with 24 points and 16 rebounds. Damontia Duff added 17 points.

in its last 11 games and broke a seven-game home win streak. The Mountaineers finished 20-6 in the regular season.

The Mountaineers made it to the title game with a 93-81 win over Forestview and an 81-78 win over the Ashbrook Green Wave.

KM broke out to a 26-14 lead against Forestview in the first quarter and was up 56-33 at the half and 75-53 heading into the fourth quarter.

Bradley Floyd led the scoring with 26 points, J’Mun Huskey had 20 and Jordan Floyd 19.

Ashbrook gave the Mountaineers a fit in the semi-final game. It was close throughout and was tied 63-all with just over seven minutes remaining.

Baskets by Huskey and Robinette gave the Mountaineers a 67-63 lead but Ashbrook battled back to

three minutes remaining. Bradley Floyd scored at the three-minute mark to put the Mountaineers back on top, 77-75, but the

KM Middle boys unbeaten conference champs

a 4-0 start. Christian Jarrett’s second assist of the quarter to KJ Bell for the first of his four threes kept the Patriots close to Shelby at 8-7 after the first period. The second period saw

KM go on a 9-0 run Bell’s back to back threes and an assist from Xavier Hutchens to Silas Tate for a lay-up giving KM a 16-8 lead midway through the quarter. Jarrett’s put back gave KM a 21-15 lead at intermission.

The third quarter saw KM go on a 12-2 run to lead 3317. Bell and Tate connected from downtown for threes. Carlos Boyce’s two free throws followed by Braylon Brown’s pass to Tristan See CHAMPS, Page 2B

Kings

Wave regained the lead with a three pointer.

Caleb Nixon’s bucket put KM back out front 79-78 with 2:06 remaining. Both

teams experienced some turnovers before Nixon scored with 30 seconds left to account for the final margin.

Lady Patriots Tri-County Tournament champions

Kings Mountain Middle School’s Lady Patriots are the Tri-County Conference Tournament champions after defeating both Crest and Burns Middle Schools in last week’s post-season playoffs.

The Lady Patriots are under the direction of head coach Kee’Aira Gaines and assistant coaches Morgan Smith, Marcus Campbell, Fredia King and Kahlia King.

The Lady Patriots ended the conference season with an impressive overall record of 8-2. They went on to defeat Thomas Jefferson 42-30 in the first round of the playoffs and previously undefeated North Lincoln 39-38 in the championship game. Harper Hollifield sealed the win with a foul shot. She scored 19 points to lead all scorers.

Another key contributor was Jasmine Twitty with 11 points. Jazmine Wilson scored four, Kyelah Gaines three and Kenzie Fortenberry two.

“Overall, it was a great

team effort from the defense to the coaching on the sideline to help seal the win,” said Coach Gaines. “They never gave up.” This was KM Middle’s first championship in girls basketball since 2016.

“This has been an amazing season with a very talented group of young ladies,” Coach Gaines said.

The Lady Patriots regular season scores:

KM 53, Crest 31.

KM 47, Burns 5.

KM 51, Lincolnton 25. North Lincoln 44, KM

36. KM 46, West Lincoln

13. K 33, East Lincoln 17.

KM 43, Burns 4.

KM 53, Lincolnton 18. North Lincoln 34, KM

33.

13.

KM 35, West Lincoln

K 47, East Lincoln 24.

KM 47, Burns 13. (Playoffs)

KM 42, Thomas Jefferson 30. KM 39, North Lincoln 38.

KM ladies fall to South Point

Kings Mountain High’s women’s basketball team fell to South Point 69-26 in their season finale last week.

The Lady Raiders jumped out to a 20-8 lead after the first period and were up 34-16 at halftime. They carried a 53-23 lead

into the final quarter.

KM (26) – Miller 5, Martin 2, A. Bridges 3, M. Bridges six, Williams 6, Fleming 1, Ford 3.

SP (69) – M. Frank 7, Foust 5, Milton 4, Birtwistle 6, C. Frank 15, Wallce 4, French 11, Graham 14, Kelly 3.

Green

KMHS coach Andrew Fann fires his team up during a timeout in last week’s Big South Conference tournament at Donald L. Parker Gymnasium. (Photo by Charlie Smith)

KM softball beats Butler in opener

Kings Mountain High’s women’s softball team opened its season Monday with an 8-4 victory over Butler in Matthews.

Maddie Huffman got the win. The sophomore struck out 15 batters and scattered six hits over seven innings of work.

The Lady Mountaineers tallied 10 hits on the night.

Desiree Green, Maddie Huffman, Kayla McSwain and Cheyanne Reynolds all had multiple hits. Reynolds also hit a solo homer and Paige Fleming blasted a three-run homer for the KM ladies.

Kings Mountain will return to action Friday night at home against Fred T. Foard High School.

KMHS SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULES

Deadline approaching for K – 12 NC Opportunity Scholarships

The North Carolina General Assembly created the Opportunity Scholarship program in 2013, which was administered by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA). Scholarships are awarded based on a family's household income and can be used to pay the required tuition and fees to attend an eligible private school.

New 2024 – 2025 school year applications must be submitted by March 1.

Parents of any North Carolina student entering kindergarten through 12th grade may apply for the annual scholarship.

Eligible students must live in North Carolina, be at least five years old by August 31 or at least four by April 16, and meet state guidelines to attend kindergarten according to state guidelines. Applicants must not have already graduated from high school and have not enrolled in a

post-secondary institution full-time.

Scholarships range from approximately $3,000 to $7,000 based on a family's household income, as the NCSEAA website defines. Scholarships are available for students attending designated Direct Payment Schools participating in the program. Families may be responsible for other specific fees charged by a school.

Nearby Direct Payment Schools

• Champion Christian Academy, Kings Mountain

• Grace Christian Academy, Kings Mountain

• Charity Christian School, Fallston

• Gaston Christian School, Shelby

• Bridge of Hope Christian School, Crouse

• Community Christian Academy, Bessemer City

• Cramerton Christian Academy, Cramerton

• Drexel School, Bel-

mont

• First Wesleyan Christian School, Gastonia

• Gaston Christian School, Gastonia

• Gaston Day School, Gastonia

• Judah Christian Academy, Stanley

• St. Michael's Catholic School, Gastonia

• UR Academy, Gastonia

• Victory Christian Academy, Gastonia

As of January 23, 216 students received scholarship funding in either or both semesters in 20232024 in Cleveland County, 857 in Gaston County, and 32,341 statewide.

Due to expanded eligibility requirements, the NCSEAA expects more applications than in previous years. If the number of eligible applications exceeds the funds available, students will be added to a waitlist to fill slots that may become available later.

The application period

started on February 1 and ends on March 1. Students must attend a school that accepts direct payments to use the Opportunity Scholarship. Applying for the Opportunity Scholarship does not enroll your student in a school. You will need to follow the admissions process for your school of choice.

Students who received the Opportunity Scholarship in 2023-2024 will be considered first for 20242025 awards.

To apply, visit https:// myportal.ncseaa.edu. See the "Creating an Account" section of our "MyPortal Guide for Parents" for instructions on how to set up an account. Be sure to choose YES to indicate you are creating a MyPortal account for a K12 Scholarship. For more information, visit https://www. ncseaa.edu/k12/opportunity/, email OpportunityScholarships@ncseaa.edu, or call 1-855-330-3955.

MAY

KMHS.

11 – Western Regional at AC Reynolds.

– State at North Carolina A&T University KMHS

4

5

12

15 – at Stuart Cramer, 7 p.m.

p.m.

APRIL

1-4 – Easter Tournament, 7 p.m.

9 – at North Gaston, 7 p.m.

11 – North Gaston, 7 p.m.

16 – Forestview, 7 p.m.

19

23

MAY

three points to go with seven rebounds, four blocked shots, five assists and two steals, and Cam Houser two points and four rebounds.

KM hit 7 of 14 three-point shots, shot 44 percent from the field, blocked six shots and pulled down 26 rebounds.

The offensive, defensive and sixth men of the week were all eighth graders: Cam Houser, Silas Tate, Xavier

Hutchens, Christian Jarrett, CJ Emory, Braylon Brown, Tristian McCorkle, KJ Bell, Asthun Hall, Nemo Hogue, Braylin Abrams and AJ Parker.

KM finished 14-0 overall for the second time in three years.

“This group of young men is very special,” said Coach Shane Cole. “They came in from day one with an attitude of unfinished business. They had a championship or bust mentality. It was going to be all or nothing. They deserve and earned their success this season and should be commended. The future is bright for both KMMS and KMHS basketball teams. I’m very proud of this middle school program. Thank you to all the players, fans and Coach Tate.”

Coach Tate added, “I’m very proud of this team. This group played very cohesively on both ends of the court and brought a championship mentality to our program. The kids worked very hard throughout the season and they deserve all praise and accolades they are receiving throughout the community.”

Gateway Trail 2024 calendar

By Loretta Cozart

The Gateway Trail board shared its 2024 calendar of events at the Trailhead, at 807 S. Battleground Ave. in Kings Mountain.

• Friday, March 15, 6 p.m., Sunset Bike Ride, 10-mile ride, bring your own bike at the Kings Mountain Gateway Trail. See the sunset on top of the Plateau.

Contact the Carolina Thread Trail or Bret at 704 342-3330 ext. 2216 for information.

• Saturday, March 23,

The Bear Run 2024, 5K and 10Mile Runs, 5K starts at 8:30 a.m., and 10mile starts at 9:15 a.m. Sign up at www. runsignup.com or for information. Call 704 685-3549 or 704 739-9663. Packet Pick Up, Friday, March 22, from 3 to 6 p.m. or before runs.

• Monday, April 8, Pen-

umbral Eclipse on the Plateau, meet at the trailhead at 11:30 a.m. The actual eclipse will be from 12:53 to 2:15 p.m., 80% to 83%. For information, call 704 734-2725 or 704 739-9663. Gator can ride folks up to the plateau, or you can take a nice walk.

• Saturday, April 20, Earth Day Event at the Trail, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors, music, food, crafts. Call 704 730-2101 or 704 739-9663 for more information.

• Saturday, June 1, National Trails Day, Clifford’s Army Rescue Doggie Event 12 – 2:30 p.m. Trailhead.

• Trail Photo Competition, Kings Mountain Art Center, 301 N. Piedmont Ave. Hours are Tues. to Sat. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 704 739-5585 for information. Photos must be taken at the trail in the past two years. Turn in matted and/or framed photos at the Art Center on Aug. 2, 3, and 4. The show runs from Aug. 7 to Sept. 20.

GCACE animal cruelty investigation

Court in Gastonia, NC in reference to an animal cruelty investigation.

A

were seen in the area when GCACE was at the residence.

Later that day, the dog and dog owner were escorted to an emergency vet for a medical assessment. The veterinarian advised that Bentley needed further medical treatment involving sedation, medical grooming, and wound treatment that was outside the capabilities of their facility.

On Sunday, February 18, Bentley was taken to a full-service veterinarian clinic for treatment. Bentley was sedated and medically groomed, and the wound on his neck was flushed. He received an antibiotic shot and was released from care with

a follow-up appointment in 10-14 days.

Poston, 23, is charged with two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty.

Bentley is in the custody of GCACE and will remain in custody as evidence by an approved foster family.

GCACE would like to thank everyone for their concern and passion for all animals in and around Gaston County, including Bentley. GCACE encourages citizens who wish to adopt an animal to visit their local shelter and consider relieving those over-populated facilities.

Get more information on how to adopt or foster animals at the GCACE Shelter at https://qastonqov.com/538/ Adopt.

GC Animal Care and Enforcement reminds animal owners that if, at any point, they are overwhelmed and need assistance with their animals and their care, to reach out to their local shelter or a reputable animal rescue group to help with needed food, supplies, animal training opportunities, and rehoming resources.

The Jersey Tenors are coming yous guys!

The Jersey Tenors are the newest Opera/Rock Mash-up sensation that creates an explosive blend of the most iconic opera classics alongside such industry greats as Queen, ABBA, Journey, Elton John, and Josh Groban to name a few. But they are still “Jersey proud!” and have not forgotten where they came from, highlighting music from the best of their New Jersey brethren like Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Frank Sinatra, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Kool And The Gang, and even Jersey girl Whitney Houston!

These four charming wise guys will raise the roof with

their powerful voices, and will have you singing along before yous guys know it.

The concert will be held at Clover School District Auditorium, located at 1625 Highway 55 East in Clover, SC 29710.

Come out for a great evening on Thursday, March 27, at 7:00pm. Tickets are $20.00 and will be available at the door the night of the performance. For more information on this and other events, please call Clover School District Auditorium at 803-2228018 or visit the web at www.clover.k12.sc.us/csda.

Gastonia Police need your assistance

Gastonia Police are looking for this man who took five boxes of 9mm ammo and a container of Animal Cuts sports nutrition powder from Academy Sports in Gastonia

on February 4th. Anyone with information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward from Crimestoppers of Gaston County. Call 704-861-8000.

Gaston Correctional advances toward ACA accreditation

American Correctional Association auditors have recommended accreditation be awarded to the Gaston Correctional Center in Gaston County, another step toward full accreditation of the North Carolina prison system.

Gaston Correctional is the 28th N.C. Department of Adult Correction location or operation recommended for or awarded accreditation.

ACA auditors found the prison, located in Dallas, N.C., scored 100% on the audit for mandatory standards and 99% on non-mandatory standards during their intensive inspections, conducted Feb. 19-21. The ACA Commission on Accreditation for Corrections will vote to grant accreditation formally at a future meeting.

“I’m proud of the staff for the work they do to operate our prison with such dedication to public safety,” said Warden Vernon Richards. “The ACA sets high

standards, and these scores show just how well run our prison is and just how committed the staff is to maintain a productive and humane correctional facility.”

Performance-based standards evaluate fundamental correctional practices that:

1. ensure staff and offender safety and security.

2. enhance staff morale.

3. improve record maintenance and data management capabilities.

4. improve the function of the facility.

As part of the accreditation process, the ACA auditors conducted visual inspections, reviewed policies and procedures, and probed the work being done to ensure best practices are met at the prison.

The Department is pursuing accreditations for all its operations, as envisioned in the NCDAC Strategic Plan.

Attorney General Josh Stein joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general calling on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to protect babies and young children from lead and other toxic metals in baby food. Nearly 400 childhood lead poisoning cases were recently linked to recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches that were sold in stores without first being tested for toxic metals. The attorneys general are asking the FDA to require the baby food industry to test all finished food products for lead and other toxic metals.

“It’s unsettling that companies aren’t already testing baby food for toxic metals and lead,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “The FDA needs to act now to protect our kids from dangerous products.”

Hundreds of WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches have been recalled. If you’ve purchased these recalled products and may still have them in your homes, do not feed them to children or anyone else. Safely discard

by carefully opening each pouch and emptying the contents into the garbage. For more information on these recalled products, consult the FDA.

Under current FDA policy, baby food manufacturers are left to decide whether to test their products for toxic metals and other contaminants. Lead in food is especially dangerous because children from low-income communities may already be exposed to lead-based paint, lead in drinking water pipes, and other sources. Lead in their food only exacerbates risks to their health.

Attorney General Stein is joined in sending this letter to the FDA by the Attorneys General of New York, Colorado, Connecticut,

vada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

THE

Bentley, a black doodle dog, was found severely matted when GCACE arrived on scene. He was medically groomed the next day. Photos by GCACE

Bentley’s neck wound was possibly infected, so it was flushed, and the dog was administered an antibiotic shot.

The man pictured is wanted for taking five boxes of 9mm ammo and a container of Animal Cuts sports nutrition powder. (Photo by GPD)

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of DWIGHT COLIN SWOFFORD (24 E 50), 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, Dwight Colon Swofford, Administrator on or before the 28th of May, 2024, or this 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 28th day of February, 2024.

Dwight Colon Swofford, Administrator

Estate of Dwight Colin Swofford 728 Skinner Rd Shelby, NC 28152

KMH (2/28, 3/06, 13 & 20/2024)

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of ELIZABETH KAY WARD (23 E 941), 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, Clevie Luckadoo, Administrator on or before the 21sth of May, 2024, or this 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 21st day of February, 2024.

Clevie

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 13th of February, 2024 as Executor of the Estate of GRACE PANTHER WILLIS (24 E 119), 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, Patrick Wayne Willis, Executor on or before the 21st of May, 2024, or this 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 21st day of February, 2024.

Patrick Wayne Willis, Executor

Estate of Grace Panther Willis 1253 Belwood Lawndale Road Lawndale, NC 28090

KMH (2/21, 28, 3/06 & 13/2024)

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 1st of February, 2024 as Executrix of the Estate of JAMES EDGAR MONROE (23 E 789), 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, Barbara H. Monroe, Executrix on or before the 14th of May, 2024, or this 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 14th day of February, 2024.

Barbara H. Monroe, Executrix

Estate of James Edgar Monroe 116 Prestwick Court Shelby, NC 28152

KMH (2/14, 21, 28 & 3/06/2024)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 31st of January, 2024 as Administratrixes of the Estate of ROBERT ALSTON DAWSON (24 E 101), 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, Robin Cash, Co-Administratrix and/ or Deborah Smith, Co-Administratrix on or before the 7th of May, 2024, 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 7th day of February, 2024.

Robin Cash, Co-Administratrix

Estate of Robert Alston Dawson

2714 South Post Road Shelby, NC 28152

And/or

Deborah Smith, Co-Administratrix

Estate of Robert Alston Dawson

148 Jones Road Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (2/07,14, 21 & 28/2024)

Gaston Co. Police investigate fatal crash

A Gaston County Police Officer was involved in a motor vehicle wreck on Saturday night while responding to a shooting call outside of Bessemer City. The crash, which occurred near the intersection of West Franklin Boulevard and Webb Street, resulted in the death of a citizen and the officer’s hospitalization.

Shortly after 10 p.m., Gaston County Police Communications received a 911 call about a shooting that had occurred in the 100 block of Davis Road outside of Bessemer City. Officers received information that a person had been shot, and both the victim and suspect were still on scene at the residence. A County Po-

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 29th of January, 2024 as Administratrix of the Estate of ALBERT JAMES CARALLI, JR. (23 E 552), 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, Sharon Sather Caralli, Administratrix on or before the 7th of May, 2024, or this will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate to please make immediate

This

Sharon

103

KMH

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 13th of February, 2024 as Administratrix of the Estate of MURDEA CASHANNA LA TOYA BISHOP (24 E 150), 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, Keeshia Marie Bishop, Administratrix on or before the 21st of May, 2024, or this 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 21st day of February, 2024.

Keeshia Marie Bishop, Administratrix

Estate of Murdea Cashanna La Toya Bishop 320 Martin St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (2/21, 28, 3/06 & 13/2024)

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 5th of February, 2024 as Administratrix of the Estate of JERRY ELI HARRISON (24 E 42), 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, Marsha Jane Davison, Administratrix on or before the 14th of May, 2024, or this 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 14th day of February, 2024.

Marsha Jane Davison, Administratrix Estate of Jerry Eli Harrison 13245 Atlantic Blvd. Ste 4 - 532 Jacksonville, FL 32225

KMH (2/14, 21, 28 & 3/06/2024)

PUBLIC NOTICE

This the 28th day of February, 2024.

Loann S. Meekins, Administrator of the Estate

lice Officer was responding to the incident, with their blue lights and siren activated, when the collision occurred.

Chief Stephen Zill expressed the department’s deep sadness over the loss. “We are heartbroken for the family,” Zill said.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident. We ask for the

community to keep the family and our officer in their thoughts as we work through the investigation.”

The Gastonia Police Department is investigating the motor vehicle accident. Additionally, the Gaston County Police Department is conducting an internal review of the incident.

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 14th of February, 2024 as Executor of the Estate of GUYNELL HASTINGS SHUFORD (24 E 31), 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, William Keith Shuford, Executor on or before the 21st of May, 2024, or this 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 21st day of February, 2024.

William Keith Shuford, Executor Estate of Guynell Hastings Shuford P.O. Box 693 Boiling Springs, NC 28017

KMH (2/21, 28, 3/06 & 13/2024)

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 7th of February, 2024 as Administrator CTA of the Estate of WILLIAM COBERN

PRUITT (24 E 72), 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, Brenton S. Begley, Administrator CTA on or before the 21st of May 2024, 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 21st day of February, 2024.

Brenton S. Begley, Administrator CTA

Estate of William Cobern Pruitt

Counsel for the Estate

McIntryre Elder Law

233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28151

KMH (2/21, 28, 3/06 & 13/2024)

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 9th of February, 2024 as Administratrix of the Estate of JOSEPH MICHAEL KROUSKOP (24 E 140), 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, Sherri Roe, Administratrix on or before the 21st of May, 2024, or this 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 21st day of February, 2024.

Sherri Roe, Administratrix

Estate of Joseph Michael Krouskop

517 Kings Road

Shelby, NC 28150

Counsel for the Estate

McIntryre Elder Law 233 E. Graham St.

Shelby, NC 28151

KMH (2/21, 28, 3/06 & 13/2024)

PUBLIC NOTICE

NC launched additional phone support for those with mental illness or substance use disorder

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services launched

a new Statewide Peer Warmline on Feb. 20. The new Peer Warmline works

PUBLIC NOTICE

CO-ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE

Having qualified on 9th of February 2024 as Co Administrator of the Estate of Peggy Ann Shook (24 E 137), 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 Farrell D. Shook and Kelly Shook

Allen, c/o A. Susan Biggers, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before May 24, 2024, 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 21st day of February, 2024.

Farrell D. Shook and Kelly

Shook Allen

Co-Administrators of the Estate of Peggy Ann Shook

c/o A. Susan Biggers

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

402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (2/21, 28, 3/06 & 13/2024)

PUBLIC NOTICE

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE

Having qualified on 26th of January 2024 as Executor of the Estate of Mack Junior Goode (24 E 21), 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 Donald E. Goode, 1905 Kings Road, Shelby, North Carolina 28150 on or before May 24, 2024, 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 21st day of February, 2024.

Donald E. Goode

Executor of the Estate of Mack Junior Goode 1905 Kings Road Shelby, North Carolina 28150

KMH (2/21, 28, 3/6 & 3/13/2024)

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: SHEILA ANN PEELER KIMBRELL aka, SHELIA ANN PEELER KIMBRELL, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified on the 5th day of February, 2024 as Administrator of the Estate of Sheila Ann Peeler Kimbrell aka Shelia Ann Peeler Kimbrell, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned Executrix on or before the 16th day of May, 2024 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment.

This the 14th day of February, 2024.

Eric Dale Kimbrell, Adm. 208 Old Mill Road Shelby, NC 28150

C. Andrew Neisler, Jr. CLONINGER & NEISLER ATTYS

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

KMH (2/14, 2/21, 2/28 & 3/6/2024)

PUBLIC NOTICE

OF NORTH CAROLINA

OF CLEVELAND

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK

In the Matter of the Estate of: ROBERT LEE PATTERSON, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified on the 12th day of February, 2024 as Executrix of the Estate of Robert Lee Patterson, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned Executrix on or before the 23rd day of May, 2024 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment.

This the 21st day of February, 2024.

Saharia (Sahira) Nicole Patterson, Ex. 136 Dixon School Road Kings Mountain, NC 28086

C. Andrew Neisler, Jr.

CLONINGER & NEISLER ATTYS

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

KMH (2/21, 2/28, 3/6 & 3/13/24)

in tandem with the North Carolina 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by giving callers the option to speak with a Peer Support Specialist. Peer Support Specialists (or “peers”) are people living in recovery with mental illness and/or substance use disorder who provide support to others who can benefit from their

lived experience. A ribbon-cutting ceremony to raise awareness for the new support line will take place on Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Promise Resource Network respite facility in Charlotte. A media Q&A will immediately follow.

The statewide Peer Warmline is a phone line staffed by Peer Support

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 5th of February, 2024 as Administrator of the Estate of RUSSELL MILLER SPURLIN (23 E 1072), 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, Brenton S. Begley, Administrator on or before the 14th of May, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate to

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 19th of January, 2024 as Administrator of the Estate of GWENDOLYN R. LEDFORD (24 E 64), 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, Michael Ledford, Administrator on or before the 7th of May, 2024, 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 7th day of February, 2024.

Michael Ledford, Administrator

Estate of Gwendolyn R. Ledford

109 Crestbrook Circle Shelby, NC 28150

Counsel for the Estate

McIntryre Elder Law

233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (2/07,14, 21 & 28/2024)

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 2nd of February, 2024 as Executor of the Estate of BOBBY BURNS GUFFEY; AKA, BOBBY B. BURNS (24 E 110), 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, Douglas B. Guffey, Executor on or before the 14th of May, 2024, 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 14th day of February, 2024.

Douglas B. Guffey, Executor

Estate of Bobby Burns Guffey; aka, Bobby B. Guffey 1409 Clairmont Dr. Shelby, NC 28150

Counsel for the Estate

McIntryre Elder Law

233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28151

KMH (2/14, 21, 28 & 3/06/2024)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

Dorothy Haynes and Winifred Roseboro

Petitioners, Vs. April Anderson and Roderick Anderson

Respondents.

23 SP 223

The Respondents, April Anderson and Roderick Anderson, that an action entitled as above has been com-

Specialists who offer non-clinical support and resources to those in crisis. Their unique expertise helps reduce stigma while strengthening overall engagement in care. Like 988, North Carolina’s peer warmline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

After Feb. 20, people in need of assistance and wanting to speak with a peer can call the warmline at 1-855-PEERS NC (1855-733-7762), and people who call 988 will have the option to connect with the Peer Warmline if they prefer to speak with a peer.

The statewide Peer Warmline is run by the Promise Resource Network (PRN), a peer-run or-

ganization in Mecklenburg County. PRN was awarded the contract following a competitive public bidding process. “When you’re in a tough spot, sometimes the best person to talk with is a person who has had similar experiences,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “The Peer Warmline expands our behavioral health crisis system in North Carolina toward the goal of meeting people where they are and helping prevent crises in the first place.”

According to the NCDHHS 988 Performance Dashboard, more than 40% of 988 callers are repeat See SUPPORT, Page 8B

PUBLIC NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA

CLEVELAND COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24 E 112

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CYNTHIA YVONNE AUSTIN

Having qualified on the 5th day of February, 2024, as Executrix of the Estate of CYNTHIA YVONNE AUSTIN, deceased, of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before May 14, 2024 or this notice will be pleased in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the Estate should make immediate payment.

This the 14th day of February, 2024.

Sheila Austin Hamrick, Executrix Of the Estate of Cynthia Yvonne Austin 2844 Old Buffalo Church Road Shelby, NC 28152

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

KMH (2/14, 21, 28 & 3/6, 2024)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 29th of January, 2024 as Administratrix of the Estate of SHANNON PAUL PHILLIPS (24 E 89), 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, Deller Sims, Administratrix on or before the 7th of May, 2024, 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 7th day of February, 2024.

Deller Sims, Administratrix

Estate of Shannon Paul Phillips 2755 Philadelphia Rd Lawndale, NC 28090

Counsel for the Estate

McIntryre Elder Law 233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (2/07,14, 21 & 28/2024)

This the 21st day of February, 2024.

Brenton S. Begley Attorney for Plaintiff

McIntryre Elder Law

233 E. Graham St.

Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (2/21, 2/28, & 3/6/2024)

7th day of February, 2024.

Ryan Roper, Co-Administrator

Estate of Rondall Albert Roper

1171 Bethlehem Church Road

Grover, NC 28073

And/or

Rondall Albert Roper, Jr., Co-Administrator

Estate of Rondall Albert Roper

PO Box 327

300 Will Dixon Rd.

Fallston, NC 28042

Counsel for the Estate

McIntryre Elder Law

233 E. Graham St.

Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (2/07,14, 21 & 28/2024)

FOR SALE

FISHING RODS. VARIOUS RODS AND REELS. Call for an appointment and price. (704) 418-7154

TRACTORS, EQUIPMENT, RIDING MOWERS, GARDEN TILLERS,

HARDWOOD

ITEMS

$25; 30 ft. fiberglass extension ladder, $150. 803-222-3123.

WRESTLING/MARTIAL ARTS

VIDEOS. Wrestling/Martial Arts - USC DVD’s & VHS video’s for sale. Single DVD’s - $3. Multiset - $5. VCR DVD player, $40. 980-308-3323.

DUB WHEELS. 24X10 6LUGS, CHEV. $2000 (704) 460-5965

FISHING BOAT FOR SALE. 16 ft. Fishing boat. Mirror Craft. Shorelander trailer. 50 HP Evinrude outboard motor. Minkota trolling motor. New battery. New fuel cell. Serviced July 2023 at Great Outdoors. Various accessories go with the boat. Have the owner’s manual for the motors. (704) 418-7154

SIFI

CKC

AKC

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 31st of January, 2024 as Administrator of the Estate of BRENDA KAYE HARGETT (24 E 104), 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, Robert Lee Hargett, Administrator on or before the 7th of May, 2024, or this 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 7th day of February, 2024.

Robert Lee Hargett, Administrator

Estate of Brenda Kaye Hargett

585 Tiara Way Washington Courthouse, OH 43160

KMH (2/07, 14, 21 & 28/2024)

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 12th of February, 2024 as Executrix of the Estate of ANNE ELIZABETH LANGE SHAW (23 E 247), 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, Jacqueline L. Darling, Executrix on or before the 21st of May, 2024, or this 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 21st day of February, 2024.

Jacqueline L. Darling, Executrix

Estate of Anne Elizabeth Lange Shaw 25 Barony Lane Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

KMH (2/21, 28, 3/06 & 13/2024)

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK File No. 24 E 146

In the Matter of the Estate of: Larry Steve Hoyle, Deceased.

Having qualified on the 13th day of February, 2024 as Administratrix of the Estate of Larry Steve Hoyle, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned Administratrix on or before the 29th day of May 2024 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment.

This the 28th day of February, 2024.

Elizabeth Gail Hoyle 224 Parker Rd. Casar, NC 28020

KMH (2/28, 3/6, 3/13 & 3/20/2024)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 25th of January, 2024 as Executor of the Estate of JEWEL LENA CANIPE; AKA, JEWELL D. CANIPE (24 E 59), deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, Randy D. Spangler, Executor on or before the 7th of May, 2024, or this 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 7th day of February, 2024.

Randy D. Spangler, Executor

Estate of Jewel Lena Canipe; aka, Jewell D. Canipe 2401 Daves Dr. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (2/07, 14, 21 & 28/2024)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 29th of January, 2024 as Executrix of the Estate of GEORGE HERMAN NORVILLE (24 E 75), 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, Reinhilde Thorand Norville; aka, Reinhilde T. Norville, Executrix on or before the 7th of May, 2024, 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 7th day of February, 2024.

Reinhilde Thorand Norville, aka; Reinhilde T. Norville, Executrix Estate of George Herman Norville 2901 Nicole Drive Shelby, NC 28152

KMH (2/07, 14, 21 & 28/2024)

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK File No. 24 E 71

In the Matter of the Estate of:

ROLAND CROSBY, Deceased.

Having qualified on the 22nd day of January, 2024 as Administratrix of the Estate of Roland Crosby, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned Administratrix on or before the 16th day of May 2024 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment.

This the 14th day of February, 2024.

Kay Wright 407 Miles Rd. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (2/14, 2/21, 2/28 & 3/6/2024

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified as Administrator CTA of the Estate of MICHAEL KENNETH MORRIS (19 E 565), 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, J. Charles Hoyle, Administrator CTA on or before the 7th of May 2024, 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 7th day of February, 2024.

J. Charles Hoyle, Administrator CTA

Counsel for the Estate

J.Charles Hoyle

Estate of Michael Kenneth Morris

207 Hoyle’s Road Kings Mountain, NC 28086

KMH (2/07, 14, 21 & 28/2024)

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATOR

Having qualified on 15th of February, 2024 as Administrator of the Estate of Jo Ann Byers Ridings (24 E 161), 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 Alan Ridings, Administrator c/o A. Susan Biggers, Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C., 402 East Graham Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, on or before May 31, 2024, 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 28th day of February, 2024.

Alan Ridings Administrator of the Estate of Jo Ann Byers Ridings

c/o A. Susan Biggers Deaton & Biggers, P.L.L.C. 402 East Graham Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150 KMH (2/28, 3/06, 13, 20/2024)

NOTICE OF SEIZED AND CONFISCATED ITEMS AND AUCTION SALE OF THE SAME

Notice is hereby given that the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office has in its possession the following items which have been unclaimed for more than thirty days:

All persons who may have any interest or claim in said property are required to make and establish, through written description, such interest or claim with the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, 100 Justice Place, Shelby, NC, no later than thirty days from the date of this publication, or, in default therefore, said property will be sold and disposed of in accordance with provisions of Articles II, Chapter 15, General Statutes of North Carolina (GS § 15-11 through 15-16).

Acknowledge receipt to Tonya.Brittain@clevelandcountync.gov. Please mark billing “Unclaimed/Confiscated/Seized Items for Sale.”

Wednesday,

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 24th of January, 2024 as Executtrix of the Estate of LALENE HUNT WASHBURN (24 E 51), 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, Cheryl Ann Washburn, Executrix on or before the 7th of May, 2024, or this 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 7th day of February, 2024.

Cheryl Ann Washburn, Executrix Estate of Lalene Hunt Washburn 101 Southglenn Dr. Shelby, NC 28152

KMH (2/07, 14, 21 & 28/2024)

DAR to hold KM 150th Anniversary Tea and Genealogy Workshop March 16

By Robin Meyer

The Colonel Frederick Hambright Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will host a tea and genealogy workshop to celebrate Women’s History Month and the 150th Anniversary of The City of Kings Mountain on Saturday, March 16th at Central Methodist

Church CAC. Tea and goodies will be served starting at 2 pm. Come out and hear about the history of the North Carolina DAR and learn about how to trace your ancestors. There is no charge for the event. The chapter will accept donations for Wreaths Across America and children’s birthday party supplies (plates, napkins, gift bags, etc.) to share with the

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified as Administratrix of the Estate of JEREMY DAVID LONDON (24 E 179), 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, Sylvia London, Administratrix on or before the 28th of May, 2024, or this 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 28th day of February, 2024.

Slyvia London, Administratrix

Estate of Jeremy David London

1586 S Oak Drive Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (2/28, 3/06, 13 & 20/2024)

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 19th of February as Executrix of the Estate of LINDA SUE JONES; AKA, LINDA MEEKS JONES (24 E 121), deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, Melissa Meeks Taylor, Executrix on or before the 28th of May 2024, 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 28th day of February, 2024.

Melissa Meeks Taylor, Executrix Estate of Linda Sue Jones; aka, Linda Meeks Jones 114 Quail Hollow Drive Kings Mountain, NC 28086

Counsel for the Estate

J.Charles Hoyle 207 Hoyle’s Road Kings Mountain, NC 28086

KMH (2/28, 3/06, 13 & 20/2024)

children of Crossnore Communities for Children.

While this event is free, space is limited. Please email the chapter at colfrederickhambrightdar@gmail.com with your name and the number attending. This is a lovely mother/daughter activity or girls’ day out with friends.

One of the world’s largest patriotic women’s organiza-

tions, DAR has approximately 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters across the country and several foreign countries. DAR members promote historic preservation, education and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service and more.

For additional information about DAR and its relevant mission, visit www.dar.org. For additional information about The Colonel Frederick Hambright Chapter, visit ncdar. org/ColFrederickHambright.

SUPPORT

From Page 5B callers who find it helpful to speak with someone. By providing access to peers, the warmline expands and enhances 988’s ability to offer that service. Warmlines have also been shown to improve outcomes for people in crisis by reducing hospitalizations and emergency department visits, reducing the recurrence of behavioral health symptoms, and increasing communication and collaboration between clinical care teams, individuals in crisis, and their families.

"Peer support specialists are so important in our mental health and substance use system," said Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. "Building relationships based on mutuality, trust and empowerment is essential to fostering healing and recovery." Both the NCDHHS Peer Warmline and 988 are available to anyone, anytime. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call 1-855-PEERS NC (1855-733-7762) or call or text 988 or chat at 988Lifeline.org. People who speak Spanish can now connect directly to Spanish-speaking crisis counselors by calling 988 and pressing option 2, texting “AYUDA” to 988, or chatting online at 988lineadevida.org or 988Lifeline.org.

The Peer Warmline is part of NCDHHS’ broader strategy to improve behavioral health in North Carolina. The department is leveraging ongoing funding and the historic investment from the NC General Assembly to ensure everyone receives the care they need when and where they need it.

For additional context on how 988 and the Peer Warmline can work together to support a person’s behavioral health needs, watch the recent fireside chat and tele-town hall hosted by NCDHHS on supporting mental wellness and accessing health resources.