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Tracy Whisnant 704-477-7391 S Select tracywhisnant@remax.net Volume 138 • Issue 19
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
kmherald.com • 704-484-1047
75¢
KMPD investigating Cleveland County home invasion The Kings Mountain Police Department is actively investigating a home invasion that occurred on May 9, 2026, at approximately 5:55 a.m. in the Lake Montonia area of Kings Mountain. During the incident, the suspect, identified as Michael Cody Wilson, allegedly entered an occupied residence while armed with a sawed-off shotgun. Wilson reportedly threatened and terrorized the occupant before stealing property from the residence and fleeing the scene on foot. Following the identification of Wilson as the suspect, a coordinated multi-agency search operation was initiated involving the Kings Mountain Police Department, Gaston County Police Department, and Cleveland County Sheriff's Office. During the search efforts, detectives recovered the sawed-off shotgun believed to have been used during the incident, along with a face mask and gloves, in a wooded area near the scene. K9 units and drones were deployed in an extensive effort to locate Wilson; however, he remains at large at this time.
Farm Bureau holds Safety Day at KMHS By Alan Hodge
MICHAEL CODY WILSON Wilson was last seen wearing a black shirt, black shorts, and black shoes. He is described as a white male, approximately 6’3” tall, with several tattoos on both arms. If anyone has additional information, they are encouraged to contact the Kings Mountain Police Department at 704-734-0444 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers via the tip line at 704-4818477, or by scanning the QR code below. Do not approach the suspect, as he should be considered armed and dangerous.
About 200 Career Development students at Kings Mountain High School recently got some first-class instruction on home and farm safety from members of the Cleveland County Farm Bureau and other community helpers. Farm Bureau members on the scene included board members Thad Allen, Kevin Parker, Myron Edwards, and president Craig Mayes. Representatives from Rutherford Electric, Cleveland County EMS, the NC Forest Service, and Cleveland County Emergency Management also took part. A spanking new tractor and combine from the local John Deere dealer James River Equipment served as a farm safety demonstration aid. The students formed up in small groups and rotated through the various demonstration stations where they learned what and what not to do when around agricultural and lawn machinery. They also learned first aid tips and home safety. The Farm Bureau guys
KMPD recognize staff (By KMPD) The Kings Mountain Police Department proudly recognizes the outstanding achievements of Assistant Chief Lance Hamrick, Captain Buddy Black, Community Resource Officer (CRO) Robert Medlin, and Records Specialist Shannon Bell on their recent college graduations. Assistant Chief Hamrick earned a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Captain Black and CRO Medlin each earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. Records Specialist Shannon Bell earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Emergency Medical Care. KMPD is extremely proud of their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to furthering their education while continuing to faithfully serve the Kings Mountain community. Congratulations to each of you on accomplishing these important milestones.
FREE N M A D IS S IO
ASSISTANT CHIEF LANCE HAMRICK
CAPTAIN BUDDY BLACK
COMMUNITY RESOURCE OFFICER (CRO) ROBERT MEDLIN
RECORDS SPECIALIST SHANNON BELL
The straw stuffed mannikin was used to show what can happen when you get your arm caught in a bush hog. It was not pretty. (Photos by Alan Hodge) explained tractor power take-off shaft precautions and what can happen if you put your fingers too close to the drive chain and sprockets on a hay baler. For that demo, Allen inserted a wiener into a rubber glove to simulate a finger, tied the glove to a stick, started the baler, and poked the “finger” into These Cleveland County Farm Bureau representatives hosted the the works. The Safety Day at Kings Mtn. High School. From left Thad Allen, Kevin gnarly result defi- Parker, Craig Mayes and Myron Edwards. nitely got the students’ attention. “We don’t want to scare you,” said Allen. “We just want you to be aware.” S t u d e n t Kaydence Den said the information was interesting. “My grandfather has a tractor,” she said. Another demo at the Farm Bureau station used miniature lawn tractor models Craig Mayes tells students to be careful around tractor power take with a baby doll off shafts. on one and a how important it is to make tor, and how tight to tighten a sock monkey on the other. The baby doll had sure you don’t accidentally tourniquet. Elliot’s talk had a a roll cage and seat belt. The surprise someone who is rapt audience of about 25 kids who hung on his every wordsock monkey did not. After sawing. ‘Don’t come up and star- knowing the facts could save rolling the mowers down a table the monkey flipped and tle them,” he said. “They someone’s life someday. Student KJ Bell even tried came out the worse for wear might not see you and swing his hand on the CPR rubber thus demonstrating lawn care around.” Student Carter Delling al- torso. safety. “It’s good to learn this,” “Safety is the watchword,” lowed as how he had operated a chainsaw before but learned he said. said Parker. Other safety stations on At another station, NC something new from Oliver. “It was very helpful,” Del- the rotation included demonService County ranger Craig strations of fire extinguisher Oliver held a chain saw safety ling said. In a mobile unit on the use, fire suppression blankets, demo. He showed the students how to put on the full school campus, Cleveland and electrical safety. The session wrapped up woodcutting regalia of hel- County EMS instructor met, chaps, earmuffs, and eye Shawn Elliot held a very in- with a bang- literally. Back protection. He also explained sightful seminar on how to do CPR, apply a heart defibrilla- See FARM BUREAU, See Page 4A
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