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Volume 136 • Issue 49
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Wednesday, December 4, 2024
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Council appoints Carpenter Interim City Manager By Loretta Cozart During last week's regular meeting, the Kings Mountain City Council announced that Todd Carpenter will serve as Interim City Manager beginning January 1. In a press release, Mayor Wagman and the Council stated, "The City Council of Kings Mountain takes its duties and responsibilities as elected representatives of the citizens very seriously. One of the primary roles of the Council is to appoint and oversee the individual responsible for managing the city. When necessary, it is also our duty to make decisions in the best interest of the community." “At last night's City Council meeting, the Council voted not to renew the contract of City Manager Jim Palenick, which is set to expire on December 31, 2024. The Council extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Palenick for his service to the City of Kings Mountain,'" the release said. "In addition, the City Council unanimously voted to appoint Todd Carpenter
Jamal Delkeis Cunningham
Damareon Laron Dockery
Dominick Anthony Singleton
Malek Isaiah Thomas
Four arrested in deadly KM armored truck robbery TODD CARPENTER (Photo by City of Gastonia) as the interim City Manager, effective January 1, 2025. Mr. Carpenter, a native of Cleveland County, most recently served as the Interim County Manager for Cleveland County." The release details Carpenter's experience: "Prior to this, he (Carpenter) spent 38 years in local government, including his tenure as Deputy City Manager for the City of Gastonia. In that role, he oversaw departments, including Human Resources, Information Technology, Public Safety, and Budget Management. The Council is confident that Mr. Carpenter's extensive experience See CARPENTER, Page 5A
By Loretta Cozart Kings Mountain Police announced the arrests of four suspects in connection with a fatal armored truck robbery that occurred at a Cleveland County pharmacy on October 30. New details about the crime were shared during a press conference
last Wednesday. Police identified the suspects as Dominick Anthony Singleton, 38, of Norwood; Jamal Delkeis Cunningham, 29, of New London; Malek Isaiah Thomas, 28, of Charlotte; and Damareon Laron Dockery, 20, of West End. Chief Gerald Childress
described the arrests as a critical step forward in the investigation. "We are working to determine who pulled the trigger," he said, noting the ongoing nature of the case. Childress also shared that the arrests brought some solace to the victim's family.
"I got the sense she really didn't have a whole lot of hope that this would come to an arrest or any kind of resolution," he said, referring to the victim's mother. "But when I called her this morning to let her know we've See ARREST, Page 5A
Christmas Kings Mountain Parade is December 7 The City of Kings Mountain will host the “Christmas Kings Mountain” Parade presented by CaroMont Health, Saturday, December 7. The parade begins at 3:00 pm on East King Street near KFC, proceed down West King Street turning on South Railroad Avenue to Patriots Park. Over 100 entries are expected for the parade, including the Kings Mountain High School Marching Mountaineers, the Catawba Shrine Club’s Gator Patrol, the jolly ole elf himself, Santa Claus and many other surprises. Our 2024 Grand
Marshal is Kings Mountain High School Track and Field 3A State Champion in 800 M Run, Max Thompson. The Christmas Parade will impact various roads beginning on King Street (74 Business) at the intersection of Deal Street; west down King Street then south on Railroad Avenue. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling through Kings Mountain. While vehicles will not be allowed, spectators are encouraged to take chairs or stand along the parade route
Moss Lake fees amended by Christmas Kings Mountain Festival City Council On November 14, the Kings Mountain City Council convened to address several key community issues, focusing on enhancing accessibility and affordability for residents utilizing Moss Lake’s recreational facilities. In a move to make Moss Lake more accessible, the council voted unanimously
to reduce fees for boat permits and camping after previously approving increases six months earlier in May. Councilman Jay Rhodes proposed the changes, including lowering lease fees for the current fiscal year while leaving boat, camping, and other permit fees unchanged. Those permit See FEES, Page 5A
City unveils $5M vision for Davidson Park Kings Mountain has embarked on an ambitious plan to revitalize its parks and recreation facilities, starting with the redevelopment of Davidson Park. In March, the city partnered with McGill and Associates to create a long-term strategy, focusing initially on the 20-acre park at 215 North Sims
Street. Davidson Park currently features three soccer fields, lighting, a parking lot, a basketball court in disrepair, and original amenities like restrooms and a concessions structure. While functional, these facilities show their age and need updates. Portions of the park also require grading and improved drainage to address flooding issues. See DAVIDSON, Page 5A
MAX THOMPSON 2024 Parade Grand Marshall
to take over Patriots Park It’s time to ring in the holiday season and this year there is no better place to celebrate than in Downtown Kings Mountain with a Christmas Kings Mountain Festival featuring amazing Christmas lights, interactive experiences, and free festive fun for the entire family. Make plans to gather downtown at Patriots Park after the Christmas Parade for an evening with, Christmas lights, carriage rides, hayrides, train rides, interactive characters, Santa and much more! Kings Mountain takes great pride in its special blend of family friendly holiday magic. Stroll through Patriots Park and experience Costner’s Christmas Lights Extravaganza, and Santa’s Workshop. Liberty Mountain Garden located at the Joy Performance Center will be transformed into a Downtown Artisan Market featuring local goods that will make the perfect stocking stuffers, and, of course, the extremely popular Bela Express train rides will be returning for another season. Holly Jolly Hayrides and North Pole Express carriage rides (registration required for carriage rides) will roll Downtown, bringing even more Christmas cheer.
All this and more in Downtown Kings Mountain, Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm. For more information, contact the Special Events Department at 704-730-2101, access their website at www. kingsmountainevents.com or Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/CityofKMSpecialEvents.
New parade route The word is out! The 2024 Christmas Kings Mountain Parade will take a new route! This year the Christmas parade will begin at 3:00 pm on East King Street near KFC, proceed west down King Street turning on South Railroad Avenue toward Patriots Park. The parade will end at Patriots Park.
After the parade, visitors to the downtown can move into Patriots Park to enjoy the “Christmas Kings Mountain Festival, which will include, a Downtown Artisan Market, carriage, hay and train rides, food trucks, Katie and Grady Costner Christmas Lights Extravaganza and much more. The festival will begin at 5:00 pm
The parade will begin at 3 p.m. on East King St.
We Would Like to Welcome Robert Baker to Our Professional Staff
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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