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www.KMinsure.com Volume 138 • Issue 20
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
kmherald.com • 704-484-1047
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More friction: Councilman Scott Neisler files formal counterclaims against Mayor Wagman and Councilman West By Allyson Parker The Kings Mountain City Council called a special meeting at the council chambers, where City Attorney Mickey Corry presented two formal counterclaims to the council in order to conduct a vote on investigating each claim. While Mayor Robert Wagman was present at the meeting, he recused himself from the vote to investigate the allegations against him for possible ethics violations. Upon voting, the board was unanimous in its decision to proceed with a formal investigation into the possible ethical violations on behalf of Mayor Wagman. The second vote addressed the counterclaim against Councilman Jimmy West on the same accusations of ethical violations. Again, council members voted unanimously to proceed with a formal investi-
gation. These formal investigations come at a time when the Kings Mountain City Council is contending daily with a laundry list of items. In a closed-door meeting that lasted much longer than the public session, the council did not cite the exact violations Mayor Wagman and Councilman West are accused of committing; however, possibly due to the stringent manner in which these types of issues must be handled by the city council, the outside law firm involved with the Scott Neisler case will also investigate the two new complaints. While not confirmed, several ongoing local issues have come to light as potential catalysts for these types of ethical complaints. After concluding the closed-door meeting, the council quickly transitioned back into open session to finalize the evening's historic announce-
ments before moving on to the remaining items on the special agenda. Although no formal ethical violations were publicly named, some of the most common municipal ethics violations include the following: • Contractual Self-Dealing (G.S. 14-234): Making, voting on, or influencing a city contract where a council member or their spouse derives a direct, personal financial benefit. • Misuse of Confidential Information (G.S. 14234.1): Utilizing non-public information acquired during official duties—such as details discussed exclusively in closed sessions—for personal financial gain. • Illegal Land-Use Voting (G.S. 160D-109): Voting on zoning map amendments, text amendments, or development approvals when the outcome has a direct, substantial, and readily identifi-
able financial impact on the member. • Soliciting Gifts or Kickbacks (G.S. 133-2): Requesting or accepting financial rewards, gifts, or favors from contractors or vendors who are actively doing business with, or bidding on contracts for, the city. • Breaching Local Ethics Mandates (G.S. 160A-86): Violating the city's own adopted standards, which state law requires to uphold five core principles: obeying the law, maintaining integrity, avoiding the appearance of impropriety, faithfully performing duties, and conducting open government. It is important to note that the formal investigation into Councilman Scott Neisler's conduct has not yet been concluded, and no official findings have been released regarding any of the three involved officials.
Grover’s Rhonda Wilson honored nationally for Compassionate Home Care Rhonda Wilson of Grover, NC, a Certified Nurse Aide II with BAYADA Home Health Care, has been named a National Hero of the Year. Rhonda was selected for the honor out of more than 15,000 BAYADA employees nationwide, a recognition that highlights the profound impact she has made through her caregiving and service to others. Rhonda was recently celebrated in Nashville, Tennessee alongside fellow BAYADA employees and leaders from across the country during the company’s annual awards celebration. Pictured above with BAYADA Board Member David Baida (left) and BAYADA Founder Mark Baida (right), Rhonda was recognized for embodying BAYADA’s mission of delivering care with compassion, excellence, and reliability.
Known throughout the community for her warm spirit and unwavering commitment to those she serves, Rhonda has become a trusted and beloved presence in the lives of many families. Coworkers and clients alike describe her as dependable, uplifting, and deeply invested in helping clients maintain dignity, confidence, and independence in their homes. One of Rhonda’s clients, Alyssa McLean of Kings Mountain, NC, shared how Rhonda’s care has positively impacted her life far beyond daily assistance. Alyssa, a college student with cerebral palsy who enjoys baking, said Rhonda encourages her independence by allowing her to direct every step of the process while Rhonda assists hands-on in the kitchen. “You’re the boss,” Rhonda often tells Alyssa when they bake together. “Tell me what to do.”
sive investigation to locate the suspect. As a result of those efforts, and with the assistance of KMPD’s neighboring law enforcement partners, the suspect, Michael Cody Wilson, was located and taken into custody. Wilson was served with warrants for Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, Possess Weapon of Mass Destruction, four counts
CCC celebrates largest graduating class in History Cleveland Community College (CCC) celebrated its 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 14, in the Dr. James B. Petty Amphitheater, honoring the largest graduating class in the institution’s history for the fourth consecutive year. This year’s class included 994 graduates, who earned 1,314 credentials. These large numbers are a reflection of both the college’s continued growth and commitment to student success, and the hard work, determination, and achievements that define Cleveland Community College students. CCC President Dr. Jason Hurst welcomed members of the Board of
Trustees, honored guests, faculty, staff, and graduates, commending students for their perseverance and achievements. During the ceremony, Dr. Hurst presented the 2026 Academic Excellence Award to Mallory McMahan-Cook, recognizing her outstanding academic accomplishments. She received a commemorative plaque and was presented with the Academic Excellence medallion. In his commencement address, Dr. Hurst acknowledged the diverse paths students took to reach graduation. “Some of you started early with dual enrollment classes in high school, arriving here ready and focused, See CCC, Page 5A
L-R: BAYADA Board Member and former CEO David Baida; National Hero Rhonda Wilson and BAYADA Founder Mark Baida. (Photo provided) For Alyssa, those moments represent much more than baking. “[Rhonda] re-
minds me of how smart I am and how much work I put See WILSON, Page 5A
KMPD investigating home invasion Last weekend, the Kings Mountain Police Department responded to a home invasion incident in the Lake Montonia area of Kings Mountain. Since that time, investigators have worked tirelessly to pursue leads and conduct an exten-
Cleveland Community College celebrated its 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 14 with 994 graduates. (Photo provided)
of Second-Degree Kidnapping, Assault with a Deadly Weapon (AWDW), and Communicating Threats. Wilson is being held at the Gaston County Jail under no bond. The Kings Mountain Police Department would like to thank the citizens who came forward with information, as well as the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, Gaston County Po-
lice, and the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance throughout the investigation. If anyone has additional information, they are encouraged to contact the Kings Mountain Police Department at 704-7340444 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers via the tip line at 704-481-8477, or by scanning the QR code below.
Team Kings Mountain proudly completed the 2026 Law Enforcement United Road to Hope Bicycle Ride. It was an honor to ride in memory of the fallen officers who gave their lives while serving and protecting their communities and the public at large. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Pictured left to right: Sgt. Cutler, Sgt. McKinney, Capt. Bryant, and Sgt. Alexander. Together, they rode to honor the Fallen and Remember the Survivors. (KMPD FB/Paul Alexander)
Walking With Moms In Need Walking With Moms In Need is a church ministry that offers pregnant and parenting women with friendship, support, help with material needs and connections to pregnancy-related resources. They host a monthly community store to provide baby items and pregnancy-related items free of charge, no questions asked. They welcome all in
our community who need assistance to visit them. The next store date is June 27 from 12pm to 1pm. The ministry is currently seeking donations for the store, such as: unopened and unexpired formula, car seats, strollers, cribs, etc. Please contact them on their website: https://wwminck.my.canva. site
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