We Can Save You Money!!! ©CommunityFirstMedia
East Mountain Street 704.739.3611 106 Kings Mountain, NC 28086
www.KMinsure.com Volume 137 • Issue 2
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
kmherald.com • 704-484-1047
75¢
City of Kings Mountain celebrates 150th birthday
2024 Year in Review
WHAT A YEAR! 2024 marked the City of Kings Mountain’s 150th year, and in honor of the city’s birthday, events were held throughout this year to celebrate the milestone. Let’s look back at some of these special events. April 20 - Earth Day Celebration The City of Kings Mountain partnered with the Kings Mountain Gateway Trail and Albemarle Corporation to celebrate the 54th Anniversary of Earth Day by hosting its annual Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Dino Encounters by Ross brought some very cool dinosaur friends and fossils to the event. Woody the Owl was there too. Other attractions included a Butterfly Release, Son Ridge Farms’ Petting Zoo, Woodworking, Live Encampments, Upcycle Artisans, a Music Jamboree presented by The Dancing Fleas, and a live performance by Bright Star Touring Theatre called Gus Goes Green. July 4 - Revolutionary 4th The City celebrated Independence Day at the Deal Park Walking Track by hosting its signature fireworks display, which did not disappoint. Present by STI Fabrics, Revolutionary 4th featured Chain Reaction Action Sports, entertaining the crowd with an amazing BMX stunt show, the Lock Norman Pipe Band, and
Earth Day always draws a crowd to the Gateway Trail. Photos by City of KM
Tiny Miss Mountie waves to the crowd. a live reenactment of the Battle of Kings Mountain from our friends at Liberty Mountain. DJ Drew Fulton hosted the event.
August 17 - NC BeachBlast Festival Presented by Yates Construction and Metcon, Kings Mountain celebrated Beach-
The Tonez put on a great show during BeachBlast! Blast’s 25th anniversary with the best in Carolina Beach Music and fun for the whole family. The Tonez, Blackwater Band, and the Voltage Brothers performed at Liberty Falls Amphitheatre, while the Patriots Park Gazebo was the site of contests, games, and swashbuckling pirates. Over 20 vendors lined the Boardwalk Vendor Market, and Sun-Drop sponsored the annual Beach Ball Drop. October 12 - Mountaineer Days/Heritage Festival 2024 saw the return of the much beloved Mountaineer Days Heritage Festival in downtown Kings Mountain. Festival goers God Bless America!
See REVIEW, Page 8A
New NC state laws and Register now to participate in executive orders for 2025 As the new year begins, North Carolina residents will see several new state laws and executive orders take effect to improve the state's governance and aid recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. New State Laws One of the most significant changes is the reduction of individual income tax rates. As part of the 2023 budget bill, the tax rate will decrease from 4.5% to 4.25% this year and further to 3.99% in 2026. This change is intended to provide financial relief to taxpayers across the state. Another notable law is Senate Bill 452, which significantly updates auto insurance coverage. The minimum liability limits will increase to $50,000 for one person and $100,000 for two or more people per accident. Property damage coverage will also rise to $50,000. Additionally, the bill changes how under-
insured motorist coverage is calculated, ensuring that the total damages sustained by an individual are considered. Senate Bill 382, a highly controversial bill, provides funding for Hurricane Helene relief efforts but also strips power from incoming Democrats, including new Governor Josh Stein. Outgoing Governor Roy Cooper initially vetoed this bill, but the Republican-controlled General Assembly overrode the veto. Executive Orders for Hurricane Helene Recovery In his first acts as governor, Josh Stein announced five executive orders to support recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene. These orders aim to expedite recovery and provide muchneeded relief to affected residents. The first two executive orders temporarily waive procurement regulations to increase the supply of temporary housing in western North Carolina and accelerate the repair of private roads and bridges necessary to access homes. Governor Stein emphasized the urgency of these measures, stating, "Winter is here in western North Caro-
lina, and we must act quickly to get people in temporary housing, repair private roads and bridges, and keep people safe.” Three additional executive orders include the reorganization of the Executive Branch to create the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC), the establishment of a Division of Community Revitalization within the Department of Commerce to address housing needs and community resilience, and the formation of a Governor’s Advisory Committee on Western North Carolina Recovery to advise GROW NC on meeting the community’s needs quickly and cost-effectively. Additionally, the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources will authorize 16 hours of Community Service Leave for state employees to volunteer for organized storm-related efforts. These new laws and executive orders reflect North Carolina's commitment to improving the lives of its residents and ensuring a swift recovery from Hurricane Helene's devastating effects.
2025 City of KM Health Fair The City of Kings Mountain announced that applications are now being accepted for additional vendors for the 2025 City of Kings Mountain Health Fair! This year’s event will be held on Tuesday, January 28, at the H. Lawrence Patrick Senior Center. The press release shared, “We are eager to include a wide variety of vendors who promote health, wellness, and overall well-being.” The Health Fair is open to various vendors. “Whether you’re a doctor, health food vendor, fitness professional, arts and crafts creator, or even a photographer, we welcome your participation! We believe that health and wellness come in many forms, and we’d love to see your unique offerings at the fair,” they added. Event Details: • Date: Tuesday, January 28 • Time: Health Fair runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. • Vendor Set-Up: 8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. • Location: H. Lawrence Patrick Senior Center, 909 E King Street, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 • Estimated Attendance: 100+ guests Booth Setup: 60-inch round tables (unless you prefer to provide your own) with white tablecloths provided (if needed)
DENTAL CARE General, Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry
703 E. Kings St., Suite 9, Kings Mountain www.BakerDentalCare.com
Participation fee: In lieu of a fee, the city requests the donation of a door prize(s) that will be raffled off just before the Health Fair ends. This raffle will be held to thank the city’s participating employees for their involvement. Confirm your participation by emailing lareinac@cityofkm.com or calling 704-730-2112.
Wishing all of our customers, friends and associates a happy and healthy 2025!