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Volume 138 • Issue 5
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
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Winter weather brings KM to a temporary standstill By Allyson Parker Business has been anything but “usual” in Kings Mountain over the last week as winter weather created challenges for residents, schools, local government, and retailers. The first severe weather alert was issued on January 26, 2026. Although snowfall totals were small, a thin layer of ice created dan-
gerous driving conditions throughout the area. Most retail shops closed on Monday, January 27, 2026, out of concern for customers and employees. The City of Kings Mountain, Kings Mountain Schools, and many local retailers made the decision to close due to weather-related travel concerns. See WINTER, Page 2A
Joel Sipes, son of Hannah and Nathan Sipes experienced his first BIG snow!
The Poston’s enjoying the snow with sweet Sophie.
Best snow day ever! (Photos provided)
Snowbuddies
Never too old to make a snow angel.
Jj enjoying the snow! See more snow photos on page 2A.
Sub Factory restaurant absorbs water costs By Allyson Parker The Sub Factory, located at 311 S Battleground Ave, Kings Mountain, is a local icon. The business began in 1982 and has been going strong since. Known for specialty-ordered, fresh, quality subs and daily specials at a reasonable price, the doors remain open for a reason. The eclectic atmosphere and friendly service provide locals a casual place to enjoy a good meal. For years, their best advertisement has been their customers. But as fast as the word of good reviews travels, news of a bad experience travels even faster. That reality is driving the restaurant's decision to bypass the city's municipal water supply amidst an issue that has persisted for several years. "The taste wasn't too bad at first. The water quality and taste seems to vary from day
to day, sometimes," stated Manager Michelle Hutchins. "It has small grits of dirt and a chemical taste. I do not want to drink it, and we do not want to make our tea with it." According to Manager Rachel Lovingood, the tea is critical to their business, but the declining water quality took a severe toll. "This past summer, the water tasted worse than any other time I remember, and our tea sales were almost nothing," she stated. She explained that this impact is especially damaging because of customer habits. "Oftentimes, especially in summer months, people come in to only order our tea." To ensure that quality returns, the business purchased a digital purification machine from a restaurant supply company. This new unit is being used in lieu of the standard dispenser attached to the building and the city water supply. While the machine was an additional cost to the retailer, The Sub Factory is choosing to absorb that ex-
Sub Factory purchased a digital purification machine to ensure the quality. (Photos by Allyson Parker) pense rather than risk serving a product that isn't up to their
standards—protecting a reputation that took over forty
Sign posted at Sub Factory. years to build. In conclusion, the sign
says it all: "We do not make tea with KM city water."
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