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Volume 136 • Issue 40
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Wednesday, October 2, 2024
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Hurricane Helene leaves damage and loss of power to KM residents By Loretta Cozart Early Friday morning, Hurricane Helene traveled through the area, bringing down trees and heavy rains across Western North Carolina. One fatality was reported in Kings Mountain. The city posted on its Facebook page that it was working to restore power as quickly as possible. Because Duke Energy serves a large portion of Kings Mountain, restoration depended greatly on their schedule. Crews were spread thin because the damage was significant in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. The city’s post read, “Currently, the city is completely black, meaning there is no power available from Duke Energy, to provide in return to our citizens.”
Later that day, a new post shared that the Emergency Operations Center continued to operate as first responders, public works crews, and power crews continued to respond to the storm's devastation. Essential staff and emergency services worked throughout the weekend. Residents were urged to avoid downed trees and power lines. Drivers who had to be on the roads were reminded to treat intersections with signals as a fourway stop. Trees fell across roadways throughout town as the ground became saturated with rain. An estimated six inches of rain fell in the Kings Mountain area from Wednesday through Friday afternoon. Saturday, Mayor Wagman
Broken power pole on Phifer Rd. (Photos from Facebook)
declared a State of Emergency for Kings Mountain, which set in motion several things. The declaration allowed the city to set up shelters and expend necessary funds to provide temporary congregate care. A curfew was set 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. City departments were charged with working together to ensure the needs of its citizens who reside in both Cleveland and Gaston Counties. Citizens began helping each other. King’s City Church began giving away water and serving meals to the community. Food trucks were set up around town, and The Skillet offered breakfast sandwiches at an affordable price from 8 a.m. to noon. Several restaurants in downtown Kings Mountain did the same, offering to-go meals on a cash basis. Gas was difficult to come by but was available in a few places. Once in line, many drivers had to wait an hour or more to fill their tanks. By Sunday, tempers began to flare on Facebook as folks grew weary of life without electricity, air conditioning, and television. Somehow, they managed to keep their phones charged enough to comment. Others bought generators and gas to fuel them and generate enough power to keep their refrigerators and other necessary devices running. Citizens were also urged to report any property damage to the city using an online form on the city’s website. Once there, look at the top of the page and click the link labeled “Reporting Storm Damage: Click here for more info.” The city needs the information to determine the extent of the damages, and this information will help them complete the request. Around 5:30 p.m. on Sun-
Tree falls away from this home located at 411 W. Mountain St., Kings Mountain. See more photos on page 8A.
Tree down. Photo by Bob Coleman day, citizens reported power returning to some residences. About that time, Duke Energy issued a message to its customers saying, “We expect to have power restored to a majority of our customers no later than Friday evening, except areas that are inaccessible or unable to receive service.”
The City of Kings Mountain notified residents that they were offering a grace period through Friday for utility bills that might be coming delinquent. The YMCA also offered free showers, with the option to charge your phone, enjoy air conditioning, exercise, and socialize with friends.
City Manager Jim Palenick shared that the city’s curfew had been lifted by Monday, as most residents had their power restored. Only time will tell exactly how long it takes to recover from Hurricane Helene's devastation. One thing is sure: It will take time and lots and lots of patience.
Falling tree WAYS YOU CAN HELP claims the life Helene hurricane victims of KM citizen On September 27, just after 10:00 a.m., Kings Mountain Communications Center received notification that a tree had fallen on an individual on N. Gaston. Police and Fire personnel arrived on the scene and located Paul Eugene Miller of Kings Mountain, who was
trapped underneath the tree. Kings Mountain Fire Department worked diligently to rescue Miller from the downed tree. Unfortunately, a second individual was also located within the confines of the downed tree and did not survive the event. The victim was identified as Melissa Neisler Lawrence, 63 of Kings Mountain. Miller was transported from the scene to Atrium Health in Shelby.
Here are some reputable organizations where you can volunteer and donate to help victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina: American Red Cross: https://www.RedCross.org At the storm’s peak, the organization opened more than 15 shelter locations in Western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. You can volunteer to serve with the American Red Cross or donate blood, which assists medical facilities in responding to disasters. You can also donate online or give by texting He-
lene to 90999. Samaritan's Purse: https:// www.SamaritansPurse.org The Samaritan’s Purse, headquartered in Boone, is scheduling volunteers to help with debris cleanup and other recovery tasks. Founded in 1970, Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to people in need locally and around the world. Donations on the website may be earmarked for Hurricane Helena victims or “Where Most Needed,” di-
recting resources—including personnel, materials, supporting services, buildings, and equipment—to fulfill the organization’s mission of relief and evangelism worldwide. Salvation Army of the Carolinas: https://HelpSalvationArmy.org The Salvation Army of the Carolinas has historically worked to provide meals and support to residents and rescue personnel in Western North Carolina communities that were hard-hit by disasters like Hurricane Helene. Trained
staff and volunteers across all Salvation Army locations in the Carolinas are prepared to meet communities' physical, spiritual, and emotional needs impacted by the storm. For more information on donating, visit the Salvation Army of the Carolinas’ web page. Financial contributions allow the organization to immediately meet the specific needs of those affected. Visit the Salvation Army of the Carolinas’ help web page or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY See HELP, Page 5A
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