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Tracy Whisnant 704-477-7391 S Select tracywhisnant@remax.net Volume 137 • Issue 22
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
kmherald.com • 704-484-1047
75¢
KM Hometown Farmers’ Market celebrates permanent location The Kings Mountain Hometown Farmers' Market celebrated its season Grand Opening on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at its new permanent location, 313 S. Battleground Avenue in Downtown Kings Mountain. This milestone follows the Cleveland County Commissioners’ approval on January 21, 2025, to purchase the property, ensuring a long-term home for the market in the heart of the community. Since 2023, Foothills Farmers’ Market board members and local volunteers have worked diligently to establish a thriving peak-season market for Kings Mountain. The market currently operates under tents on Saturdays from May through September, featuring around 20 vendors, at-
tracting 300 customers weekly, and generating over $50,000 in sales annually for local farmers and home-based entrepreneurs. As the market enters this exciting new chapter, it welcomes Albemarle Corporation as the 2025 Presenting Sponsor. Albemarle funded the creation of a new $8,000 road sign, which will be installed in the coming days, and is also sponsoring “First Saturdays for Seniors.” This program provides $5 shopping vouchers to seniors attending the market on the first Saturday of each month through September, helping increase food access while supporting local growers. “The Kings Mountain Hometown Market wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support
Greg Traywick and Margot Plonk cut the ribbon, opening the 2025 KM Hometown Farmers’ Market for the third year. Photo by Emily Cox of our community,” said Greg Traywick, Cooper-
This rendering shows plans for the KM Farmers’ Market.
ative Extension Director. “From the Davidson Association’s early advocacy and ongoing volunteer work to Phil and Sandie Dee’s generous donation of space to establish the initial market, and even Boy Scout Troop 92 setting up tents in the rain on Saturday, every effort reflects the heart and dedication of Kings Mountain.” In addition, low-income seniors can participate in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, receiving $50 in vouchers to spend on fresh fruits,
vegetables, local honey, and culinary herbs in July, August, and September. Interested seniors should contact Tabitha Thomas at the Patrick Senior Center in Kings Mountain at 704734-0447 to apply. Young shoppers can enjoy the Power of Produce (POP) Kids Club, made possible through support from the Cleveland County Farm Bureau. After completing a fun and educational activity about food and farming, children will earn a $2 token to use on fresh fruits and vegetables
at the market. Looking ahead, the market’s long-term vision includes constructing a permanent pavilion similar to the facility in Uptown Shelby. With this addition, Kings Mountain’s market would be able to operate on Saturday mornings yearround, further strengthening local food access and economic impact. For more information, follow the Kings Mountain Hometown Farmers’ Market on social media or visit the new location.
Life jacket loaner program at Moss Lake These kids pause for a picture at the Patriots Park splash pad. Photo Courtesy of Kings Mountain Tourism and Events
Patriots Park splash pad is open for kids The splash pad at Patriots Park is back on for another crazy fun summer season. Cool off every day
from dawn to dusk. Do not forget your sunscreen or a towel. This traditional, free, uptown water feature brings welcome relief from the heat for kids and their families. The City of Kings Mountain wishes you a safe and happy summer.
The Kings Mountain Police Department reminds swimmers and boaters to take extra precautions while enjoying the water this season. The Safe Kids Life Jacket program is now fully stocked at Moss Lake. Thanks to our sponsors, if your child or teenager forgets their life jacket, they can grab a loaner before getting in the water. Just make sure you put it back for the next person. Thanks to all city departments (especially, Building Maintenance) who played a role in making sure we were ready to go for the Summer. Remember that life jackets are not like clothes. Children do not grow into them. The life jacket must fit the person to be effective. Select the correct jacket to fit the child’s
size and weight. Fasten all straps and test the jacket by lifting the child by the jacket to ensure a strong fit. The Safe Kids Life Jacket program encourages users to inspect the jacket for any damage prior to use. Pick a jacket that fits properly. Place the jacket over the child’s head, wrap the buckle around the waist, and fasten it in front to secure it. Tighten the jacket’s straps throughout the day when needed. When borrowing life jackets from the kiosk,
Life Jacket Loaner Station being set up. (Photo provided) please notify Cleveland County if a jacket needs repair and select a different one. Borrowers assume all risks and liability.
Even if your child is a strong swimmer, a life jacket is essential to ensure their safety, especially when See JACKET, 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