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Volume 137 • Issue 5
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
kmherald.com • 704-484-1047
75¢
President Trump visits Western NC By Loretta Cozart Just four days after his inauguration, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania visited Western North Carolina on Friday, January 24, to highlight the ongoing devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the continued recovery efforts needed in the community. The recovery process from Hurricane Helene, which struck 18 weeks earlier, has been slow and difficult. The storm tragically claimed 104 lives in North Carolina, with a total of 233 fatalities across seven states, and caused an estimated $53 billion in damages, according to a funding request from the previous gubernatorial administration. During his visit, President Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with FEMA’s response to the disaster. He remarked, “I want to say that we’re very disappointed in FEMA. Your new governor, it's not his fault. He’s brand new to this whole situation. But we’re going to work together with the governor. We’re going to collaborate with your senators, but, really, we’ll be working closely with your congressman, especially the three who are in the area, including Michael Whatley.” President Trump also praised the efforts of Franklin Graham and Samaritan’s Purse, saying, “Franklin Graham has been unbelievable. We’ve made a significant contribution to Franklin, and we’ll continue to do so. I’ve been hearing nothing but praise for the work that Samari-
U.S. President Donald Trump greets supporters at Asheville Regional Airport during a trip to assess recovery efforts and tour areas devastated by Tropical Storm Helene on January 24, 2025. Photo by yahoo!news tan’s Purse has done alongside Franklin, and we truly appreciate it.” North Carolina Governor Josh Stein released a statement about the visit, calling it a positive signal that President Trump chose to visit the region. “I thanked the President for coming and asked for his support of $20 billion in additional disaster relief, as well as for 100% reimbursement of eligible FEMA expenses for another six months. Families, businesses, and communities are struggling and need these urgent resources to help them rebuild,” said Governor Stein. “I look forward to working with the Trump Administration in the coming weeks and months to ensure that people get the support they need to recover.” Senator Ted Alexander and other local politicians greeted the President, with Alexander noting, “It was quite a (very cold!) morning with the President and First Lady coming to Asheville to discuss disaster relief needs following Helene. I was especially thrilled to meet Rev. Franklin Graham and thank him
personally for all the work that Samaritan’s Purse has been doing in Western North Carolina.” He also mentioned Susan Wiles, the President’s Chief of Staff, and highlighted the contributions of many nonprofit organizations supporting the region. In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact, President Trump’s visit to Western North Carolina served as a reminder of the challenges that still lie ahead for the region. While recovery efforts have been slow, the collaboration between local, state, and federal officials, alongside the tireless work of organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, offers a glimmer of hope. With Governor Stein pushing for critical financial support and President Trump emphasizing the importance of cooperation, the path forward will require continued unity and resolve. As the community rebuilds, a concerted effort from all levels of government, alongside local organizations, will be essential in restoring the lives and livelihoods impacted by this catastrophic storm.
NC Representative Paul Scott, Rev. Franklin Graham, and NC Senator Ted Alexander await the President’s arrival.
NC Representative Paul Scott greets Congressman Tim Moore at the Asheville Airport. (Photos by Ted Alexander)
Injured CCSO deputy needs community’s help By Loretta Cozart On Wednesday, January 8, Cleveland County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Taylor was engaged in a high-speed pursuit, lost control of his vehicle, and struck a tree head-on. The vehicle immediately caught fire while Deputy Taylor removed himself from the vehicle. Passersby pulled him away from the burning vehicle, as well as K-9 Thanos. The Sheriff’s Office asks for anyone able or willing to donate to Deputy Taylor during this tragedy. All proceeds go directly to Deputy Taylor and his wife Mindy for expenses during his lengthy recovery. If you want to help Deputy Taylor, there are several ways to give. Checks or money orders should be made to Mindy DEPUTY ROBERT TAYLOR (Photo by CCSO) Taylor or Cleveland County Community Development Corporation. In the MEMO line, put “Still Standing/Rober Taylor.” Mail to PO Box 2808, Shelby, NC 28151. You can donate directly to a bank account at any NC State Employees Credit Union using account number 64558046.
Two new KMPD officers were sworn in on Friday. Pictured L-R: Chief Childress, Officer Darius Archie, Officer Austin Allen, Patrol & Field Operations Captain Buddy Black, and Assistant Chief Moore. Photo by KMPD
Two new KMPD officers sworn in last week Mayor Rob Wagman issued the Oath of Office to KMPD's newest police officers, Darius Archie and Austin Allen. Officer Allen recently graduated from Cleveland
County Community College's Basic Law Enforcement Training. Officer Archie comes to KMPD from the Cleveland County Detention Center, where he has worked for the past
three years. Be sure to congratulate Officers Allen and Archie on their appointments to sworn status and welcome them to Kings Mountain.
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