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Volume 138 • Issue 1
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
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K9 officer Graham retires from KMPD KMPD Meta/FB
January 5, 2026, marked the conclusion of K9 Officer Chris Graham’s distinguished career with the Kings Mountain Police Department—a journey that began on February 27, 2006. Over more than 20 years of honorable service, Officer Graham fully immersed himself in the Kings Mountain Police Department K-9 Program, serving with distinction as the K-9 Master Trainer and working alongside many loyal and beloved canines. His professionalism, integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community set a high standard for service and excellence. Chris was more than a law enforcement officer— he was a mentor, a teammate, and a trusted friend. His influence will continue to be felt through the officers he trained, the K-9 pro-
OFFICER CHRIS GRAHAM gram he helped build, and the lasting example he set throughout his career. On behalf of the Kings Mountain Police Department, “We extend our sincere gratitude to Officer Graham for his dedicated service and wish him nothing but the very best in his well-earned retirement. His impact on this department and our community will not be forgotten.” “Thank you for your service, Chris.”
Cleveland County Sheriff’s office
Methamphetamine Laboratory discovered: one arrest made On January 1, 2026, at approximately 2:58 a.m., the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call in reference to a domestic disturbance at 169 Ezra Road. The caller reported that her cousin, identified as Justin Lee Stamper, had been cooking methamphetamine in a shed on the property and was bringing the substance into the residence. Deputies with the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division responded to the location at approximately 3:05 a.m. Upon arrival, deputies observed what appeared to be an active methamphetamine laboratory in a building on the property. Due to the nature of the incident, the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division
Midpines Convenience Center, 615 Magrace Road, Kings Mountain. (Photo provided)
Midpines Convenience Center reopened on January 5 Construction at the Midpines Convenience Center, located at 615 Margrace Road in Kings Mountain, has been successfully completed following ongoing renovations that began on October 6, 2025.
The project was finished on schedule, and the facility reopened to the public on Monday, January 5, at 7:00 a.m. “Thank you to our residents for their patience during this renovation. Working with our contractors and county
staff, the repairs and improvements have been completed at less than 50% of the original engineering quotes,” said Josh Davis, Solid Waste Director. “We look forward to welcoming the community back to an improved
facility.” For more information, please contact the Cleveland County Solid Waste Department at 704477-8200 or visit www. clevelandcounty.com under Departments: Solid Waste & Landfill.
JUSTIN LEE STAMPER was notified and responded to the scene. Narcotics investigators obtained and executed a search warrant for the property. Investigators are currently working in coordination with the North Carolina State Bureau of See ARREST, Page 2A
Ongoing investigation
Armed robbery at E. King Street Earlier Monday evening, officers with the Kings Mountain Police Department responded to a reported armed robbery in the parking lot of
Kentucky Fried Chicken, located at 409 E. Kings Street, Kings Mountain. During the incident, two dirt bikes were taken by the suspects. Responding officers quickly located the stolen dirt bikes and attempted to intercept them. During the encounter, one of the suspects intentionally laid down the
Mother Martha McGill celebrates her 99th Birthday on January 7. Her children celebrated early with a birthday party at the Golden Coral with her family and friends. All her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were able to attend and a great time was had by all. Five generation are pictured left to right: James K McGill (baby Kyngston McKinley) Shantel McGill, ZaNyia Williams, ZB James McGill, and Martha McGill. (Photo provided) dirt bike, causing it to collide with a marked patrol vehicle. The collision resulted in damage to both the dirt bike and the patrol car. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.
The suspect involved in the collision was taken into custody at the scene and has been identified as a juvenile. Medical attention was provided to the suspect as a precaution. No further injuries
were reported. Detectives remain on scene, and this incident is still an active and ongoing investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available and as
appropriate. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Kings Mountain Police Department.
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