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Volume 137 • Issue 25
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
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Moss Lake drowning under investigation On June 14, at approximately 4:56 p.m., Kings Mountain Police Department received a report of a possible drowning involving a male subject at Moss Lake, near Highland Circle, a spokesperson for the Department said in a posted media release. Emergency personnel from the Kings Mountain Police Department, Cleveland County EMS, Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department, and Waco Volunteer Fire Department promptly responded
to the scene. At 5:09 p.m., water search and rescue operations were launched immediately following the initial call. Rescue operations continued until 5:52 p.m., when the subject was located. Lifesaving efforts were attempted and continued while he was transported by Cleveland County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to Atrium Health Cleveland in Shelby. Shortly after arriving, the victim was See DROWNING, Page 5A
A corner of KM's Nutcracker Museum. Photos by Loretta Cozart
Unique new attraction in KM: The Nutcracker Museum By Loretta Cozart
Local sheriff deputies and police personnel work together during an “active shooter” training mission. This image was obtained from a WBTV News story that was shared on Meta (Facebook) social media.
Sheriff's Deputies and Police Officers perform well during school shooting simulation training Deputies from the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, alongside officers from the Kings Mountain Police Department and the Shelby Police Department, participated in a school shooting simulation on June 11. This joint training exercise honed critical response tactics, ensuring agencies are prepared and coordinated to neutralize threats and protect our Cleveland County Schools. The training offered invaluable insight in building the teamwork and preparedness needed to save
lives.
The simulation took appears to have taken place on the grounds of Lawndale’s Burns Middle School when school was not in session, with permission from the Cleveland County School System. The event was covered by reporter Ron Lee and WBTV News, posting “I got an exclusive look on the training and lessons learned.” Excerpts from the training exercise were shown on the television newscast.”
County Commissioners approve FY ‘25-26 Budget On Tuesday, June 3, the Board of County Commissioners officially adopted the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget. The annual budget represents a team effort including the Board of Commissioners, County staff from every department/office/agency, as well as community partners.
The budget document is the single most important annual planning tool for Cleveland County as it allocates and aligns finite resources with the vision, priorities, and goals established by the Board of Commissioners. Of equal importance for the Board of Commissioners is to demonstrate sound stewardship of the taxpayers’ money while balancing the services portfolio through funding appropriations to meet the See BUDGET, Page 5A
Nathan and Madonna Martin are thrilled to announce the opening of the Nutcracker Museum, a delightful new destination at 210 S. Piedmont Avenue in downtown Kings Mountain on Friday, June 27, at 1 p.m., and a ribbon cutting with Kings Mountain Forward. This vibrant venture, brought to life by Nathan and Madonna Martin, showcases an extraordinary collection of nutcrackers with a heartwarming backstory. This nutcracker journey began with Margaret Cook, who had a passion for collecting nutcrackers as a tribute to military per-
sonnel, police officers, and first responders. Starting her collection around 2012, Margaret aimed to honor the military service of her family members during World War II. Her passion for nutcrackers caught the attention of her son, Dr. Mark Cook, who often shopped with her. And it didn’t take long before he became a collector, too. After Margaret’s passing in June 2019, Dr. Cook took on the task of preserving her collection, cleaning and repairing the cherished nutcrackers, and expanding the collection even further. Now, thanks to Nathan and Madonna, their hard work over the past eight months has transformed 80 – 45-gallon totes of nut-
crackers into a captivating display. Visitors can explore what might one of the largest collections in the Southeast, featuring themes from military heroes to whimsical characters from Disney and beyond! Protected behind plexiglass in a climate-controlled setting, they will last for generations to come. “Every corner in the museum has something unique waiting to be discovered,” says Madonna. “From a limited-edition Steinbeck Pope Leo nutcracker to three President Trump figures, there’s truly something for everyone. We have Superheroes, Disney, holiday-themed, patriotic, and presidents… this is just the beginning.
We have barely scratched the surface of this collection, and we are already planning the next exhibit.” Be sure to join the Martins for the grand opening on Friday, June 27, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony through Kings Mountain Forward at 1 p.m. You are warmly invited to be part of this joyful celebration and explore the incredible artistry of nutcrackers! The Nutcracker Museum will be open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is affordable and perfect for families: free for children under two, just $3 for kids aged 3 to 11, and only $5 for adults. See NUTCRACKER, Page 5A
Saturday, June 21
KM’s Juneteenth Celebration at Patriots Park welcomes all The 4th annual KM Juneteenth Celebration is this Saturday, June 21, at Patriots Park in Kings Mountain, beginning at 5 pm with a lineup of family fun, live music, dancing, and the Kings Mountain Family YMCA-sponsored kids’ zone with rides and bouncy houses. “Without donations and aid from local sponsors, Cleveland County commissioners and the City of Kings Mountain, we’d still be sweating how we were going to pay for all of this,” said Juneteenth event organizer Janie McVay, who represents the Davidson Association, is a nonpartisan 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which hosts this annual event. Local businesses, including the YMCA, 133 West, The Skillet, Bridges Ace Hardware, Gutter Guys, Metcon, and Albemarle, are some of this year’s sponsors. Cleveland County commissioners voted to provide $10,000. The City of Kings Mountain provided an additional
Grammy Award winner and KMHS Class of ‘99 alum Ron “Neff-U” Feemster performs Saturday, June 21 at 6:45 pm at KM’s Juneteenth Celebration. Photo provided $4,100, and KM Special Events’ staff will serve as a valuable resource. Earl V. and the Crew is this year’s party band, who will close out the
night, beginning at 7:45 pm. Grammy Award winner and KMHS Class of ‘99 alum Ron “Neff-U” Feemster performs at 6:45 pm. “We’ve invited every church in and around Kings Mountain,” Janie McVay stated, “because this is a celebration for all, not limited to race or religion, but for all families to bring their children for a phenomenal day of family fun, freedom, and unity.” In tandem with the Davidson Association, KM Elite also partnered on this 4th annual Juneteenth event, ensuring that every aspect, from music and dancing to arts, crafts, and activities, is covered to maximize the experience. “This has been a city and county coming together to make something beautiful take place,” added Brandy Tate from KM Elite, “and you always hear that it takes a village, well in this case, not only does it, but the villagers showed up and showed out.”
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