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www.KMinsure.com Volume 137 • Issue 28
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
kmherald.com • 704-484-1047
75¢
Free2bNatural Hair Academy and Salon ribbon-cutting By Loretta Cozart
This photo was taken near the Butterfly Garden of the Gateway Trail by Joss Martinez, as he and his wife were walking the trail on Thursday evening.
Fire near the Gateway Trail By Loretta Cozart The Kings Mountain Fire Department responded to a fire near the Gateway Trail, at 807 S Battleground Ave, Kings Mountain, on July 4 around 9 p.m. When the KM Fire Department arrived on the scene, they requested assistance from the Bethlehem, Oak Grove, and Grover Fire Departments. According to a Meta post by Clayton Campbell of
Stateline News and Scanner, the brush fire had covered approximately two acres when it was first spotted and quickly grew to five acres before being extinguished. The Herald reached out to the Gateway Trail Director Shirley Brutko, who shared, “Saturday, we took a trial ride and saw no damage. Authorities suspected a cigarette might have caused it, because it started close See FIRE, Page 5A
Low income Seniors can enjoy fresh, locally grown produce, honey, and herbs from participating farmers’ markets. In North Carolina, the SFMNP season runs from July 1 to September 30. Photo by the Cleveland County NC Corporate Extension Program
Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program voucher distribution Foothills Farmers’ Market in Uptown Shelby and the Kings Mountain Hometown Farmers’ Market are participating in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) again this year. SFMNP is a federally funded program that provides low-income seniors with access to fresh, locally grown produce, honey, and herbs from participating farmers’ mar-
kets. In North Carolina, the SFMNP season runs from July 1 to September 30. SFMNP serves low-income seniors who are at least 60 years old and have household incomes of no more than 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. Qualifying seniors receive $50 in shopping vouchers to spend at our local farmers’ markets throughout the summer season. A limited supply of vouchers is available, and qualifying seniors will be approved on a “first-come, first-served basis”. The See MARKET, Page 5A
On Tuesday, July 1, the Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Free2bNatural Hair Academy, Hair Salons and Suites, with owner Yolanda George Harris, partners, and family at the new location, at 706 E. King Street, Suite 1B. Motivated by a desire to embrace her natural, God-given hair texture and be free from the use of straightening chemicals, Yolanda George Harris began her journey of freedom in June 2005. She became passionate about sharing this newfound freedom with others who also desired to embrace their own natural hair texture. Their goal is to empower, educate, and train men and women to maintain and style their tightly textured natural hair without the use of chemicals. Free2bNatural Hair Academy was established and incorporated in January 2022. Since completing specialized training in 2007, Yolanda has dedicated herself to providing quality customer service
Yolanda George Harris, with GM and Instructor Nakima Clark-Bell, and Academic Coordinator Dr. Titus Hopper, cut the ribbon under Mom’s watchful eye (back left). Photo by Loretta Cozart that exceeds our clients' expectations. The academy offers education and specialized training in natural hair care services, including consultation and scalp analysis. The consultation and scalp analysis help them
craft an individualized plan of care for your natural hair, starting clients on a path to total satisfaction. We take pride in our focus on “whole body wellness" through holistic education and specialized training in natural hair care services.
They also offer specialized training and mentoring to other Natural Hair Care professionals seeking to enhance and expand their skills. Please stop in and welcome them to their new location.
The Revolutionary 4th went off with a bang! By Loretta Cozart On Friday, July 4th at 6 p.m., Kings Mountain gathered at the Deal Park Walking Track, 211 N Cleveland Avenue, to celebrate America’s 249th anniversary that culminated in the largest fireworks show between Charlotte and Asheville. The fun included fireworks, food trucks, and plenty of entertainment! Live reenactments, music, contests, inflatables, and more kept the crowd entertained throughout the evening. From all accounts, the fireworks stole the show this year. “The fireworks were fantastic, went longer, and were so impressive,” said Becky Husky. “I think this was the best fireworks display I’ve ever seen in Kings Mountain!”
Kings Mountain’s Revolutionary 4th celebration was a huge success. See more photos on page 8A. Photos by City of Kings Mountain With one year to go until America250, make plans now to attend next year’s fireworks display
and make memories that will last a lifetime for you and your family! Kings Mountain Tour-
ism and Events, along with the Public Works staff, are to be commended for a job well done. Huzzah!
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