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Volume 138 • Issue 15
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
kmherald.com • 704-484-1047
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KM Forward’s Workbench Leadership void: Water Director Session focuses on security resigns amid utility crisis By Allyson Parker
KM Forward invites entrepreneurs, businesspeople, and interested citizens to an informative, practical Workbench Session on Thursday, April 16, at 5:30 p.m., on the patio of 133 West, in downtown Kings Mountain. Whether you own an existing business or are planning to start one soon, this is your invitation to connect, learn, and level up. are encouraged to attend. In today’s world, protecting what you’re building is just as important as growing it. That’s why Shelby Alarm Company will be sharing real-world strategies to help you safeguard your business—
from simple, smart habits to tools like panic buttons and alarm systems. No fluff—just useful, actionable insight you can apply right away. While there, you will meet other driven entrepreneurs, swap ideas, and build connections with people who are shaping the future of Kings Mountain just like you are. Whether you’re downtown or operating a business anywhere in Kings Mountain, you belong in this room. Learn how to protect
your business • Connect with likeminded entrepreneurs • Bring a friend or business partner • Walk away stronger, smarter, and more confident This isn’t just about security; it’s about community, building relationships, growing businesses, and growing a stronger, more resilient community. KM Forward gives a huge thanks to 133 West for hosting and Shelby Alarm Company for sponsoring this workbench session. You’re building something that matters. Make sure it’s protected—and supported.
The Heart of the matter is their Hometown
The City of Kings Mountain is once again searching for leadership within its Water Resources Department following the abrupt resignation of Director William “Will” Nash. Nash, who took over the role in June 2025, officially submitted his resignation last Wednesday, April 8. His departure comes after only ten months on the job—a tenure marked by aging infrastructure hurdles and a growing wave of public frustration over water quality and rising utility costs. Efforts to reach Nash at his city office for comment were unsuccessful; calls were met with a generic automated greeting, and he has not returned requests for an interview.
A Department Under Pressure The timing of the vacancy could not be more sensitive. The Water Resources Department is currently grappling with several high-stakes challenges: Critical repairs are ongoing at the TJ Ellison water treatment plant to address system failures. Water Quality Residents have spent months reporting issues with the taste, odor, and color of municipal water, issues city officials have previously attributed to “lake turnover” and organic material. Staffing Shortages Beyond the loss of its director, the department is reportedly facing a severe staffing shortage across its five divisions: Administration, Water Treatment, Maintenance,
Wastewater, and Pump/Collection Systems. During a Water Quality Town Hall held in March, officials acknowledged that several of these areas are operating without full leadership or staff support, leaving the city’s most vital resource in a precarious position. What’s Next? While the city has not yet publicly named an interim director, the vacancy was expected to be a primary focus of the Kings Mountain City Council meeting that was held Tuesday, April 14, at 6:00 PM (prior to press deadline). With Nash’s final day reportedly set for April 17, council members will be under immediate pressure to stabilize a department that serves as the literal lifeline for the community’s residents and businesses.
By Allyson Parker On Saturday, March 28, at 9 a.m., the grounds of Gantt Park weren’t just a site for a cleanup; they were a gathering place for a community that refuses to let its landmarks fade. Led by Jackson Cloninger, a group of local residents spent their morning at the corner of Gantt Street and Parrish Drive, driven by a shared sense of stewardship for a place that holds decades of local memories. This effort at the park is only one chapter in a much larger story of civic pride. Jackson and his fellow volunteers have carried this momentum from site to site in hopes of promoting safety, as well as helping to beautify area parks and sites around town. By moving through different neighborhoods and recreation spots, the group is creating a visible, positive ripple effect across Kings Mountain. For Cloninger, the motivation is deeply rooted in his own history with the town’s natural spaces. Whether it’s fishing and kayaking at the lake or
Jackson Cloninger and a group of local residents cleaned up the grounds of Gantt Park. (Photo provided) maintaining the local parks, the mission is centered on the preservation of these shared environments. The goal is to ensure that the next generation inherits the same clean water and clear views that long-time residents grew up enjoying.
The civic work these individuals continue to do shows how human effort serves as a reminder that the heart of the community remains in the hands of those willing to do the work.
North Elementary School selected Michele Rogers (left) as Teacher of the Year and Anna Hughes as Teacher Assistant of the Year. Ms. Rogers began working in Cleveland County Schools in 1999 as a teacher assistant. She moved to North Elementary in 2011 and has since taught second, third, and currently fourth grades there. Ms. Hughes began working at North Elementary in 2010 and has been employed as a teacher assistant there since that time. She currently runs the computer lab, assists second, third, and fourth grades, and drives an afternoon bus route. Both ladies are honored to represent such extraordinary educators in Cleveland County Schools. (Photo provided)
KM Historical Museum welcomes award-winning author Lane Harrison Dyer for exclusive Revolutionary War Talk In a momentous tribute to the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, the Kings Mountain Historical Museum is proud to announce a special Kings City Author Talk featuring acclaimed historian Lane Harrison Dyer. This commemorative event will take place on May 7 at LANE HARRISON DYER 6:00pm. at the museum. Admission is free. As the nation approaches its semiquincen-
tennial, the museum is dedicated to highlighting the local figures and stories that forged American Independence. Mr. Dyer will present his award-winning work, The Tory Oak: Colonel Benjamin Cleveland and the American Revolution,” offering an essential look at the Revolutionary spirit that defined the Carolina Piedmont. About the Author Lane Harrison Dyer is a distinguished voice in North Carolina literature
and history. A veteran of the United States Air Force and a graduate of Appalachian State University, Dyer spent over three decades in public service aiding fellow veterans. His commitment to preserving the state’s heritage has earned him numerous accolades, including: • The 2024 Lighthouse Award for Journalism from the North Carolina Society of Historians. • Multiple Awards of Excellence for both Jour-
nalism and Historical Fiction. • Columnist for The Wilkes Record, where he continues to chronicle regional history. Growing up in Wilkes County, Dyer developed a lifelong passion for the stories of the Foothills. He is the author of 12 books, all of which are currently available on Amazon. Honoring the Revolutionary Spirit The Tory Oaks brings to
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life the complex legacy of Colonel Benjamin Cleveland, a name synonymous with the struggle for liberty in the South. This talk serves as a cornerstone of the museum’s efforts to honor the 250-year journey of the United States by connecting today’s community with the heroes of the past. Following the presentation, there will be a dedicated time for Q&A and book signing. This event offers a rare opportunity See MUSEUM, Page 4A