CAROLINA TROPHIES “Awards for All Occasions” 12/28/23
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Volume 137 • Issue 44
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
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KM City Council Candidates Weigh-in on issues See Pages 5A & 8A
PHIL DEE At Large
SCOTT NEISLER At Large
MIKE BUTLER Ward 2
TYLER FLETCHER Ward 2
HEATHER LEMMOND Ward 3
CHRIS PULLEN Ward 3
KE’SHAWN A. STRONG Ward 3
Catawba Nation celebrates major milestone for Two Kings Casino Resort By Loretta Cozart
The Catawba Indian Nation celebrated a historic milestone Monday with a topping-off ceremony for the Two Kings Casino Resort, marking a significant step forward in the tribe’s journey toward economic independence and cultural renewal. The event opened with warm remarks from Trent Troxel, who welcomed guests on behalf of the Catawba Nation’s leadership. He thanked the large crowd for their support and asked all Catawba citizens present to stand and be recognized with applause. Chief Brian Harris spoke with humility and pride, expressing gratitude to the Catawba people for their faith in his administration. Standing before the rising steel framework of the new resort, he called the project a symbol of unity, resilience, and progress for the Nation. Chief Harris reflected on the Catawba’s long history and enduring strength, noting that, while Native Americans represent less than 1% of the U.S. population, they have one
Trent Troxel welcomes everyone to a historic day for the Catawba Indian Nation. Photos by Loretta Cozart of the highest rates of military service. He also referenced the tribe’s historic alliance with the early United States during the Battle of Kings Mountain, a reminder of the Catawba’s deep roots and loyalty. “The final beam raised today represents more than construction,” Harris said. “It represents the rise of a nation.” The Chief explained that federal funding does not support cultural
Chief Brian Harris reminds tribal citizens of their proud heritage. or language preservation, making self-sufficiency vital. The new casino resort, he said, will generate essential revenue for housing, healthcare, education, and cultural programs—ensuring the tribe’s heritage and prosperity for generations to come. Harris shared personal memories of growing up in under challenging circumstances on the reservation, recalling how far the Nation has come. “Projects like this are providing affordable housing and new opportunities for our families,” he
Mayor Rob Wagman praised the Chief’s leadership and vision, welcoming the Nation’s growing presence in the community. said. “This is about raising hope as much as steel.” He thanked the Catawba Gaming Commission, architects, lenders, contractors, and all partners who helped bring the vision to life. “This project is about unity, discipline, and ownership,” he said. “The Catawba Nation owns this casino—and our future.” Among those offering congratulations were Sherry Lance of the
Chief Brian Harris with U.S. Representative Tim Moore, who expressed pride in the Catawba’s accomplishments, noting the significance of this project for both tribal and local communities. Gaming Capital Group (Chickasaw Nation), who praised the Catawba for their progress toward self-sufficiency. “We are excited for you— another major step along the way for progress and self-sufficiency—and we are humbled to be a part of it,” she said. Bill Yates of Yates Construction called the project “one of the most See CASINO, Page 8A
Deputy fired after Countdown to election day alleged assault in Uptown Shelby A Cleveland County deputy has been terminated following a violent off-duty incident that left a local man hospitalized with serious injuries. Deputy Cole Daniel Johns was fired on October 20, just two days after allegedly attacking Jordan Lynch outside the Dragon Fly Wine Market near the old courthouse square in uptown Shelby. According to reports, the confrontation began with a verbal exchange and escalated when Johns allegedly kicked Lynch in the face after he had fallen to the ground. Lynch, who had never met Johns before the incident, sustained multiple injuries, including broken bones beneath his eyes, a fractured nose, a concussion, and required stitches in his mouth. His parents, Drew and Lynne Lynch, described the attack as unprovoked and brutal. “This officer treated my child worse than an animal,” Drew Lynch told WSOC-TV. Lynne Lynch added, “You could have killed my son,” expressing disbelief that a law enforcement officer could act so violently. Witnesses reportedly heard Johns justify his ac-
tions by stating he was a police officer. He has since been charged with simple assault, though the Lynch family is calling for upgraded charges due to the severity of the injuries. Sheriff Alan Norman confirmed Johns’ termination, stating it occurred at 3 p.m. on October 20. The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office has not released further details about Johns’ employment history or disciplinary record. Johns was a sworn deputy with the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office before his termination. No prior disciplinary history for the ex-deputy has been publicly reported, but his conduct during the incident has raised serious concerns about the use of force and off-duty behavior. The case is now under review by the District Attorney’s office, which will determine whether additional charges are warranted. Meanwhile, the community is grappling with the implications of the incident and the broader conversation around accountability in law enforcement. The incident has sparked community concern. Continued media coverage and public pressure may influence the pace and transparency of the investigation.
Early voting is now open for the November 4 municipal election, allowing residents to cast their ballots before Election Day. Voters can participate at the Cleveland County Board of Elections, located at 215 Patton Drive, Shelby, NC 28150. The remaining early voting schedule is as follows: • October 29–31: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. • November 1: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. For voters who expect to be unable to vote in person
due to sickness or physical disability, the last day to apply for an absentee ballot is November 3. Absentee ballots must be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4. On Election Day, polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Photo ID Required Voters must present a valid photo ID when voting in person. If you do not have one, you can obtain a free photo ID from your county board of elections before the end of early voting. Voters
without a photo ID on Election Day may still vote by signing an affidavit of reasonable impediment. More information is available at NCSBE Voter ID. Precinct Locations Residents can vote at their designated precincts. Kings Mountain area precincts are: • Bethware: Bethlehem Baptist Church Activities Center, 1017 Bethlehem Road, Kings Mountain • Kings Mountain North: Patrick Senior Center, 909 E. King Street, Kings Mountain • Kings Mountain South: Mauney Memorial Library, 100 S. Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain • Oak Grove: Oak Grove
Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 1022 Oak Grove Road, Kings Mountain • Waco: Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 235 A W Black St., Waco • Grover: Grover Town Hall, 207 Mulberry Road, Grover The Cleveland County Board of Elections oversees all elections in the county, including voter registration, candidate filings, maintaining voting sites, training precinct officials, and ensuring election integrity. For more details, visit the Cleveland County Board of Elections at www.clevelandcounty.com.
Paul Ingram receives Unsung Heroes Award Paul Ingram was honored to receive the Unsung Heroes Award from Cleveland County’s Minority Enterprise Development at the Med Week Awards Gala on October 23 at The LeGrand Center in Shelby. It was an unforgettable evening celebrating the brilliance, resilience, and success of our local minority-owned businesses and community leaders. Paul is the owner of Ingram’s Barber Shop in Kings Mountain. He has been an entrepreneur for seventeen years.
Paul Ingram (right) pictured with Richard Hooker. Photo by Lizzie Ingram