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www.KMinsure.com Volume 137 • Issue 20
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
kmherald.com • 704-484-1047
75¢
New $380M manufacturing plant coming to Cleveland County Local farmers from Twin Oaks Farm sell their products at the farmers’ market.
KM Hometown Farmers’ Market opens Saturday By Loretta Cozart The Kings Mountain Hometown Farmer’s Market now has a permanent home! The Market is growing fast, offering fresh produce, along with crafts and flowers, with additional vendors joining weekly! The market is conveniently located at 313 S. Battleground Ave. in downtown Kings Mountain just south of The Sub Station restaurant. The Market is open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to Noon. Please join them on Saturday, May 17, for their Season Opening with special events and a ribbon cut-
ting at 10:30 a.m.! Please support local farmers, visit with your neighbors, and enjoy a great start to your weekend! Don't forget, you can swipe your EBT Card at the Information Table! Stop by the information table to exchange EBT for tokens to spend with vendors. SNAP/EBT shoppers receive an extra $10 in Market Moolah for the purchase of our fruits and vegetables. Market Moolah is sponsored year-round by the Health Care Foundation of Cleveland County and Healthy Together Cleveland County.
KM woman dies in crash near Bessemer City A Kings Mountain woman died in a crash near the Exit 14 ramp of I-85 at 7:54 a.m. on Friday, May 10. According to a Meta post by Gastonia Police, drivers were advised to avoid the area as first responders responded to the scene. The driver of a black two-door Honda failed to yield to an oncoming silver Infinity while making a left
turn from Bessemer City Road onto the I-85 south ramp. The oncoming silver Infinity struck the Honda in the right passenger side door. Cassie Hawkins, 38, of Kings Mountain, died at the scene. Both drivers were taken to the hospital by paramedics with non-life-threatening injuries.
Spring graduations scheduled throughout Cleveland County Save the date. For many dedicated students in our area, their hard work is about to pay off. Numerous
Cleveland County S C H O O L S
Spring graduation ceremonies are planned for participating schools across Cleveland County through the end of May. See GRADUATIONS, Page 5A
PPG, a Fortune 500 producer of paints and coatings, announced May 8, that it will invest $380 million to build a new aerospace coatings and sealants manufacturing facility in Shelby . Construction on the 62-acre site, which will initially include manufacturing and warehousing units, is set to begin in October and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027. The company's new investment signifies a return to Shelby, where PPG operated a facility in the 1950s. The 198,000-square-foot facility will enable the company to continue meeting the growing demands of the aerospace industry. It will employ more than 110 people with an average sal-
ary of $66,861, surpassing Cleveland County's average of $48,310. The new facility will produce the complete line of PPG's aerospace coatings and sealants. The additional capacity of this new plant, combined with nearby transport links that improve supply chain and shipping logistics, will help improve service levels for customers. "PPG's investment in this new manufacturing facility demonstrates the significant demand growth
for our world-class technologies and our continued commitment to serving our aerospace customers," said Tim Knavish, PPG chairman and chief executive officer. "By modernizing and digitizing our facilities, PPG will continue to embody our purpose - to protect and beautify the world - while contributing to the growth and innovation of the aerospace sector." "We look forward to expanding our aerospace manufacturing footprint with this new facility," said Sam Millikin, PPG vice president, global aerospace. "This investment not only underscores our commitment to the aerospace industry and providing high-quality products, but
also positions us to respond more effectively to growing market needs. The Shelby, N.C., location will play a crucial role in enhancing our operational efficiency and supporting our customers. We appreciate our continued partnership with Governor Stein, local, state, and federal representatives, and the Shelby community as we increase our production capabilities in this region.""PPG knows what I know: North Carolina is the #1 state for manufacturing in the Southeast," said Josh Stein, governor of North Carolina. "Our state's workforce is our greatest asset, and I will continue to advocate for more training and education programs so that See PPG, Page 5A
Metcons holds ribbon cutting last Thursday By Loretta Cozart Metcon Construction held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in partnership with the Cleveland County Chamber for its newest office in Kings Mountain on Thursday, May 8, located at 305 E. Kings Street. Senior Vice President Russell Partin cut the ribbon and welcomed guests to the new location. Founded in 1999 in Pembroke, North Carolina, Metcon is a Native American-owned business (Lumbee) that specializes in construction. The name Metcon stands for Metal and Construction, and the company began as a gen-
Senior Vice President Russell Partin cuts the ribbon at Metcon’s official ceremony in partnership with the Cleveland County Chamber on May 8. Photo by Loretta Cozart
eral contractor focusing on panelized metal studs and trusses. In its early years, Metcon primarily worked on housing and related panelized projects throughout North Carolina. Over time, the firm evolved into a full-service commercial general contracting operation while still incorporating metal-framed systems whenever possible. The UNC system higher education bonds of the 2000s acted as a catalyst for Metcon’s growth, as the company became a primary contractor for the UNC-Pembroke campus. As they expanded their focus on education, Metcon See METCON, Page 5A
Hailstorms rip through the area By Loretta Cozart An early evening hailstorm moved through the area on Thursday, May 8, causing thousands of dollars in property damage across Kings Mountain. Warnings for severe thunderstorms were issued around 4 p.m., followed shortly by reports of hail in dime and quarter sizes across the area. Not everyone saw hail, but those who did need to report the damage to their insurance companies soon, if they haven’t already done so. According to Hail Trace, an online hail tracking tool, 5,517 Kings Mountain residents experienced hail larger than 1 inch, and 60 saw hail 1.75 inches or larger. Across the state, 113,831 reports of hail 1 inch or larger were reported. And 10,509 saw hail greater than 1.75 inches. Citizens began sharing images with the Herald during the storm, with many reporting damages exceeding $20,000. If you experienced heavy hail, be sure
Pucky Nantz shared a photo of quarter-sized hail near Lewis Farm Road. Photo by Pucky Nantz to have your insurance company assess the damage as soon as possible. If you experience hail damage, be sure to take photos of the damage and
reach out to your insurance company to assess the damage. You may also want to obtain a second opinion on the repair costs from a roofing company before accepting the settlement. Roofing scams tend to emerge after major storms. BBB Scam Tracker often receives reports of shady “free” roof inspections. Homeowners should know how to recognize these cons and always hire businesses they can trust. How the scam works: You receive a call, or someone shows up at the door claiming to represent a roofing company that is working in your area. (Sometimes con artists use the names of legitimate companies, so always check BBB.org first to learn the real address, phone number, and name of the real company. How to avoid roofing scams • Beware of unsolicited offers. Many scams begin with a contractor who “just happens to be in the area” See HAILSTORMS, Page 5A
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