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Volume 137 • Issue 16
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
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Kings Mountain celebrates Earth Day in a BIG way Easter week tent revival By Loretta Cozart Area churches have announced a nightly community revival with evangelist Michael Mason at 6:30 pm through Easter Sunrise Service on April 20 across from Bethware Elementary School in Kings Mountain. Bring our friends for an Nightly music includes Laura Gibson and Friends,
Kings Highway, Heaven Bound Trio, and Smalltown Sunday. David Baptist responded to the Facebook post saying, “What better way to prepare for Easter than to worship our Lord in revival? Is there someone you would like to invite? All are welcome. Come expecting a blessing!”
KM Ministerial Association to host
Annual Community Easter Sunrise service The Kings Mountain Ministerial Association is hosting the annual Community Easter Sunrise Service at East Gold Street Wesleyan Church (701 East Gold Street) on Sunday, April 20th at 7:00 AM. Please join members of our community, as we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ!
By Loretta Cozart Kings Mountain kicked off the city’s 2025 season with an unforgettable Earth Day celebration in partnership with the Kings Mountain Gateway Trail and Kings Mountain Special Events. The event, presented by Albemarle Corporation, transformed the Gateway Trail into a vibrant playground of adventure on Saturday, April 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids couldn't get enough of the new playground, and every available corner was buzzing with fun activities! There was something for everyone, from live zoo animals to an epic dinosaur experience with fossil digs, face painting, and a lively drum circle. Little adventurers tried their hands at gem mining and woodworking, while others enjoyed storytelling See EARTH DAY, Page 7A
Mayor Rob Wagman and Judy Ford prepare for the butterfly release as citizens gather around. See more photos on page 5A. (Photos by Angela Padgett)
Kennedy says cause of rising Autism rates will be determined by September S e c retary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pledged on April KENNEDY 10 to seek out experts globally to discover the reasons for the increasing rates of autism in the United States, according to reports from The New York Times, U.S. News and World Report, Fox News, The Washington Post, and The Seattle Times. He set a deadline for an answer that has eluded scientists for decades. “We’ve launched a massive testing and research effort that’s going to involve hundreds of scientists from around the world,” Kennedy announced at a Cabinet meeting held by President Donald Trump. “By September, we will know what has caused the autism epidemic, and we’ll be able to eliminate those exposures.” Autism diagnoses in
the United States have increased significantly since 2000, intensifying public concern. By 2020, the U.S. autism rate in 8-year-olds was 1 in 36, or 2.77%, up from 2.27% in 2018 and 0.66% in 2000, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While the government has not released details of its plans, Kristyn Roth, chief marketing officer for advocacy group the Autism Society of America, questioned whether September would be an achievable target. Calling rising rates of autism an epidemic is “incredibly irresponsible and deeply concerning,” Roth said, adding that it “encourages fear, paranoia” and stigmatizes the autism community. “Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects people in many different ways,” Roth said. Trump, in February, ordered the creation of a “Make America Healthy Again” Commission made up of Kennedy and other secretaries to look at everything from the rates of autism and asthma in children See KENNEDY, Page 5A
Leadership Cleveland County visited KM on April 8, visiting several downtown stops while in town.
Leadership Cleveland County visits Kings Mountain By Loretta Cozart Leadership Cleveland County visited Kings Mountain on April 8 for a day dedicated to exploring what makes Kings Mountain unique. The Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Cleveland County program takes participants on a 10month journey filled with extensive leadership training, exceptional networking opportunities, and the skills needed to excel in any leadership role. This program is shaping the future of our region by empowering a group of professionals eager to make a difference. Sarah Degnan, Albemarle’s Community Relations Manager, was among the participants. The Albemarle team hosted the group at the Albemarle Kings Mountain Proj-
ect Center, where they shared insights into the innovative work on-site, including lithium’s vital role in our daily lives, often in ways that may go unnoticed. Additional sites visited during Leadership Cleveland’s tour included the Gateway Trail and historic downtown gems like the Joy Theater. The day was warm, so the class especially enjoyed their stop at The Sweet Station. They also experienced firsthand how Kings Mountain is a community rich in character, growth, and opportunity. Mayor Rob Wagman, Assistant City Manager Matt Blackwell, and Police Chief Gerald Childress addressed the class and shared their vision for Kings Mountain’s exciting future.
Cindy Estridge welcomes Leadership Cleveland County to the Albemarle Project Center. Photo by Leadership Cleveland County
We Would Like to Welcome Robert Baker to Our Professional Staff
DENTAL CARE General, Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry
Our Family Has Been Serving the Kings Mountain and Surrounding Communities for Four Generations with Six Dentists Since 1907. ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS: To schedule your appointment
call 704-739-4461
703 E. Kings St., Suite 9, Kings Mountain • www.BakerDentalCare.com
Dr. Robert Baker