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Volume 138 • Issue 9
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
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First Friday KMPD executes search warrant FUN is March 6 at downtown KM business No matter what the weather is outside, it’s cozy inside. Visit Kings Mountain merchants for First Friday FUN on March 6! It runs all day, and specials are offered at participating merchants. Pop-in and stay awhile. Participating merchants
will display the flyer in their window! The last weeks of Winter made better – one shop at a time in Kings Mountain.
On February 19, 2026, Vice and Criminal Investigators with the Kings Mountain Police Department executed a search warrant at the commercial property known as “Ole Skool Hemp,” located at 243, 245, and 247 S. Battleground Avenue in the downtown area of Kings Mountain. The investigation began after officers received information regarding suspicious activity consistent with an illegal marijuana cultivation operation inside the business. Following additional investigation and surveillance, investigators established probable cause and obtained a search warrant. During the execution of the search warrant, officers discovered an indoor marijuana grow operation within the business. The operation included cultivation equipment such as grow lights, irrigation systems, ventilation See SEARCH, Page 2A
Pictured are photos of evidence that was seized during the execution of a search warrant. Officers discovered an indoor marijuana grow operation within the business. Investigators located and seized the following evidence: approximately [20] dried marijuana plants, [167.91Lbs] of processed marijuana and [.57Lbs] of marijuana by product and additional evidence related to the distribution of marijuana. See more photos on page 2A. (Photos/KMPD)
Second Saturday KM residents protest at Movies continues City Council meeting at the Joy Theatre March 14 By Allison Parker
Kings Mountain Forward, with Kings Mountain Little Theater, is pleased to announce this month’s Second Saturday Movie, How to Train Your Dragon (Live Action), sponsored by Gutter Guys, Inc., on March 14 at 10:30 a.m. Families are invited to gather at the historic Joy Theatre, 202 S. Railroad Avenue in downtown Kings Mountain, for a fun, welcoming experience to see movies on the big screen. This family-focused initiative runs on the second Saturday of each month through June. Each month, a beloved family-friendly movie will be available for free to everyone. To make the experience even sweeter, each attendee will receive free admission, a small popcorn, and a drink. So, bring your family and friends out for a great time at the Joy Theatre in downtown Kings Mountain! Presenting sponsors for the series include 133 West, Coldwell Banker Mountain View Real Estate, Align Chiropractic, Gutter Guys, Inc., and Farm Bureau Insurance - Heather Siak. Supporting sponsorships include Social House
by Royal T, Harris Funeral Home, Inc., Ronald's Garage, Mountaineer Motors, Bridges Hardware, Cindy Souza Real Estate, Foothills Iron Works, Darrell L. Keller, CPA, PA, The Imperial Mercantile, Ingram’s Barber Shop, Bank OZK, Foothills Historic Preservation, Kings Mountain Family Dentistry, Dellinger's Jewel Shop, Inc., Community Bank, Jolly Realty, C & C Heating, Cooling and Insulation, LLC, Hometown Hardware, ScissorSmith & Co. Salon, Edward Jones Jack Buchanan, Southern Arts Society, Inc., 133 West, Coldwell Banker Mountain View Real Estate, CRAVE Hot Dogs & BBQ, Trackview Hall, Kings Mountain RV Resort, Align Chiropractic, Gutter Guys, Inc., and Farm Bureau Insurance - Heather Siak. Kings Mountain Forward, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to downtown revitalization and economic development in Kings Mountain, NC. All sponsors will receive a donation acknowledgment letter for tax purposes upon receipt of funds. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to get involved, please call 704259-8960 or email director@ kmforwardnc.org.
The Kings Mountain City Council held a regularly scheduled meeting at Council Chambers on February 24, 2026 at 6 pm . Although it seemed to be business as usual, it was quite the opposite. Prior to the beginning of the meeting, council and guests were greeted by a handful of protestors, who, to say the least, were dissatisfied with the overall handling of water quality, taxes, utility costs, and lack of communication regarding said items. Although most of the protestors did not want to be named, there were a few that felt communicating was essential to have their voices heard, and also addressed. Ann Sprouse, resident of Kings Mountain, said, “I am physically sick from the water; additionally, I have recently been hospitalized for serious kidney issues relating to the water. I did not feel I could make it tonight because I am so ill, but I made myself so that I can let the council know I am still here and I want an answer. Last time I went before the council, I was told to shut up and sit down. Water is the most basic need and it should be clean.” The protesters echoed her concern as well as other concerns such as the cost for bottled water, high utilities and tax rates which, according to Sprouse, the council is aware of, acknowledges, and refuses to
give a real answer or remedy. Once a quorum was accepted, the discontent continued with Public Comments on Ordinance 13 on protesting laws, exorbitant electric costs, water quality, and overall living costs for elderly. Jason Cloninger, of Kings Mountain, issued a warning to the Council about common pitfalls local governments make when adding addendums to picketing laws which may extend beyond what NC State laws have in place. Cloninger cited a possible violation to Amendment One of the Constitution which could have legal ramifications to the city in form of a large liability loss ‘in the millions.’ Josh Lemoine, Kings Mountain resident, posed a question directly for council members to consider, “how would any one of you feel about paying a bill that doesn’t even give the cost per unit or a way to actually confirm how it was calculated?” He added that the ‘Elephant in the Room’ in his opinion was Duke Power.” He requested the council members research alternative billing matrix. Jackie Falls, business owner and resident, directly challenged the council on the water quality and inflated utility costs by asking council members to “please define your legacy.” Tim Saunders, resident, is neither a new comer to
Ann Sprouse protesting outside of Kings Mountain Council Chambers. She shares her concerns about water quality. (Photo by Allyson Parker) the council meetings nor is his concern any different from those he presented at various meetings, “the very people who have been life long residents, paid taxes, and made this town what is today, are those who can not afford their rent costs and utilities, are they deliberately being forced out by costs so that Kings Mountain can have new residents with the $300,000 - $400,000 homes,” asked Saunders. The last person to address the council directly was John Heath who re-
quested an extension of a 30-day grace period to repair or sell his father’s house which is scheduled for demolition citing his father is fighting mitigating circumstances. No resolution was offered to any of the citizens’ concerns; however, this is commonplace during the meetings since time is regulated. Financial decisions On the financial front, the council reported a 900,000 budget surplus. See COUNCIL, Page 4A
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