404 E. King St., Kings Mountain, NC 704-750-4645 • Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00
Volume 136 • Issue 52
kmherald.com • 704-484-1047
Wednesday, December 24, 2024
75¢
Potts Creek health KM Family YMCA hosts 24th notice creates Annual Jingle Bell Rockin’ Run social media buzz By Loretta Cozart On December 19, The City of Kings Mountain issued clarification on water testing and a public notice for Potts Creek from the City Manager regarding public safety and environmental testing. Responding to a recent social media post raising questions about a water test conducted near the former Cinderella Knitting Mills site and its implications for public health. In response, the City of Kings Mountain provided an official update to clarify the situation and detail the water testing process, the parties involved, and the city’s limited role in disseminating information. According to the city’s December public notice update, the site of the former Cinderella Knitting Mills, located near Potts Creek in
Kings Mountain, is a designated brownfield with a legacy of textile manufacturing and associated practices that led to significant soil contamination. After the site was identified, closed, and remediated to meet acceptable environmental standards, ongoing monitoring of both on-site and off-site wells has been required. These monitoring efforts are designed to assess whether the soil contamination has affected groundwater quality and whether any contamination plumes are migrating toward nearby surface waters, including Potts Creek. The notice continued that See NOTICE, Page 2A
KM holiday services schedule By Loretta Cozart Kings Mountain announced their holiday services schedule, so residents can plan their festivities and activities accordingly. City offices are closed on December 24, 25, and 26, for Christmas. They will also be closed on January 1, 2025, to welcome the New Year. Trash pickup is on a delayed schedule for Christmas week, beginning on Monday,
January 23. For the remainder of this week, Wednesday’s trash will be picked up on Thursday, January 26, and Thursday’s trash will be picked up on Friday, December 27. Garbage pickup on New Year’s Day will be delayed until January 2. Residents can stay informed about any additional closures or changes in service schedules by visiting the official Kings Mountain website and subscribing to calendar notifications. The city’s Facebook page also shares information helpful to citizens: https://www.facebook. com/@cityofkingsmountain
Mysterious drones reported in Gaston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg Counties By Loretta Cozart In recent weeks, the region has experienced a surge in mysterious nighttime drone sightings, causing widespread concern and speculation among local residents. Reports of these sightings have been increasing in frequency, with drones being spotted across multiple counties, including Gaston, Lincoln, and Mecklenburg. Local citizens have taken to social media to share their
experiences and footage of the drones. One Charlotte resident, Laura Graziano, posted seeing a drone over the light rail near the Lowe’s corporate building, with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) on the scene investigating the mysterious floating orb. Despite the growing number of sightings, CMPD has yet to release any public information about their investigation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently issued a public statement, warning Americans, especially those in the South, against attempting to shoot down or point lasers at the See DRONES, Page 2A
The Kings Mountain Family YMCA kicked off the holiday season in style with their 24th Annual Jingle Bell Rockin’ Run on Saturday, December 7th. This year’s event was held at First Baptist Church of Kings Mountain and attracted nearly 550 participants from across Cleveland County, surrounding areas, and even neighboring states. The Jingle Bell Rockin’ Run has become a beloved community tradition, bringing together runners, walkers, volunteers, families, and even leashed pets, all united in the spirit of the season. Participants enjoyed a festive atmosphere filled with holiday cheer as they took part in this special event, celebrating Christmas and the importance of community connection. Council Person and Mayor Pro Tem Annie Thombs served as the official greeter for the event, warmly welcoming participants and attendees. She also led the opening prayer, setting a meaningful tone for the day’s festivities and reflecting the community's shared values. The race featured impressive performances across all divisions. In the Male Overall Division, Garrison Fisher (Gastonia) took first place, followed by Tylor Adams (Morganton) in second and Isiah Watts (KM) in third. For
the Female Overall Division, Amanda Allen (KM) claimed first place, with Regina Soules (Gaffney)finishing second and Shelby Gurley (Marion) securing third. In the Masters Division, Wesley Gurley (Marion) and Angela Congelli (Belmont) earned top honors in the Male and Female categories, respectively, showing the strength and dedication of participants across all age groups. All proceeds from the event benefit the Kings Mountain Family YMCA’s Financial Assistance and Scholarship programs. These funds help ensure that the YMCA can Crossing the finish line! (Photo by KM Family YMCA) continue to provide valuable services “We are grateful to all who by providing access to proand support to individuals and families in the participated, volunteered, grams that foster healthy livcommunity, regardless of and supported this event, as ing, youth development, and their contributions allow us social responsibility. Events their financial situation. “The Jingle Bell Rockin’ to continue making a posi- like the Jingle Bell Rockin’ Run is not only an exciting tive impact on the lives of our Run are crucial to funding race but also a vital fundraiser community members.” The Kings Mountain Fam- those efforts and ensuring for our YMCA programs,” said YMCA Operations Di- ily YMCA is committed to that the YMCA can continue rector Cameron Allison. strengthening the community its mission of support for all.
Catawba Two Kings Casino donates $20,000 in toys The Catawba Nation’s Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain has once again donated hundreds of toys – valued at about $20,000 – to two regional Toys for Tots organizations to provide holiday toys to deserving children in York and Cleveland counties. The toys were donated by casino patrons and employees and also purchased by the casino ($3,000) casino consultant Delaware North ($5,000) and Gaming Capital Group, which supplies gaming machines to the casino ($3,000 plus truck rental for the distribution). Over the last several weeks, the casino also encouraged employees and patrons to donate new, unwrapped toys. This is the fourth consecutive year that the casino and Delaware North have coordinated the Toys for Tots drive at the casino. Jennifer Elberson, director of marketing for the casino, oversaw the promotion of the drive with donation boxes placed at
Celebrating the toy donation at Catawba Two Kings Casino are (left to right) Tom Fargus of Cleveland County Toys for Tots; John Callovi, vice president of business development for Gaming Capital Group; Trent Troxel, vice president of the of the Catawba Nation Gaming Authority; Jeff Tanguay of York County Toys for Tots; and Erik Palmer, vice president of finance for Delaware North at the casino. (Photo provided) the casino. The donation on Dec. 9 at the casino was coordinated with regional representatives of the Cleveland County (N.C.) and York County (S.C.) Toys for Tots organizations and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, which op-
erates the program nationwide. “We are so proud of everyone coming together to help these organizations provide toys for children in the regional community,” said Trent Troxel, vice president of the Catawba
DENTAL CARE General, Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry
703 E. Kings St., Suite 9, Kings Mountain www.BakerDentalCare.com
Nation Gaming Authority. “I want to thank our partners, Delaware North and Gaming Capital Group, for contributing to this awesome day of presenting these toys, and our employees and patrons who have donated.”
Wishing all of our customers, friends and associates a happy and healthy holiday season!