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Volume 136 • Issue 34
kmherald.com • 704-484-1047
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
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Feeding Kids of Cleveland County impacts local families Feeding Kids of Cleveland County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was started in 2016 out of the homes of several families who wanted to make a difference in the lives of students in need in our community. Since its inception, it has grown from serving 20 students in 2016 to serving 220 students in 2023, which adds up to over 800 people it is currently and consistently serving through our programs. Its mission is to provide food and books to Cleveland County students and families identified as food insecure. They do this through weekend food bags, school break food and book deliveries, and Community Table Thanksgiving Meals. Over the summer, Feeding Kids Cleveland County served 607 children and 400 adults, totaling 1,007 people across the county. Reading Kids Cleveland County worked hard to individually choose, pack, and give away over 2,500 books for all students and families throughout the summer. Each child received one book on their reading level and each
family received one nonfiction book at each delivery. The impact of this initiative is significant. By bringing books into the homes of these families, they are improving literacy rates and promoting a love for reading in a small way. This is a testament to the power of collective action and the difference we can make when we come together. With the work of Cleveland County Schools social workers and its team of volunteers, it provides a bag of shelf-stable, kid-friendly food on weekends and a large box of shelf-stable food, a bag of fresh food, and age-appropriate books during the four breaks from school throughout the year to bridge this nutritional gap: Spring Break, Summer Break, Thanksgiving Break, and Winter Break. See KIDS, Page 5A
2024-2025 NC LFNC Program Fellows
KM selected as host for Lead for NC Program The City of Kings Mountain is thrilled to announce its selection as a host city for the Lead for NC (LFNC) Program for the 2024-2025 cycle. This prestigious program is designed to foster a new generation of public
service leaders by pairing enthusiastic young professionals with meaningful fellowships in local government offices across the state. The LFNC Program is a dynamic initiative to
strengthen public institutions and enhance community support by engaging young talent in local governance. Through this program, fellows gain hands-on experience and contribute to advancing public service
while local governments benefit from fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Kings Mountain, known for its vibrant community and rich history, is set to benefit significantly from See LEAD, Page 8A
KM Forward hosts sign ordinance Workbench NC BeachBlast Festival Session September 5 celebrates its 25 years in KM
KM Forward will hold a Workbench Session on proposed sign ordinance changes featuring the City of Kings Mountain’s Planning Director, Henry Earle, on Thursday, September 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the Patrick Senior Center at 909 E. Kings Street in Kings Mountain. The city seeks stakeholder engagement on the proposed sign ordinance changes by the Planning and Zoning Board. The planning director will re-
By Loretta Cozart
view the proposed sign ordinance changes, followed by a question-and-answer session. The sign ordinance will impact any Kings Mountain business with signage, and this is the stakeholder's opportunity to hear the proposed changes and have input.
The NC BeachBlast Festival celebrated its 25th anniversary in Kings Mountain on Saturday, August 17. The festival featured performances by The Tonez, Blackwater Band, and headliner The Voltage Brothers, and was sponsored by Carolina Power Partners. This year’s event, pre-
sented by Yates Construction and Metcon, offered something for everyone of all ages. Activities included inflatables, games, the Kids’ Pavilion sponsored by Clearwater Paper, the allnew Pirate Port sponsored by Southeastern Container, the Rotary Splash Pad, watermelon eating sponsored by Food Lion, swashbuckling pirates, the big Beach
Ball Drop sponsored by Sun-Drop, and the second annual BeachBlast Golf Cart Parade. The music began at noon with DJs Johnny B and Eric Bowman. Over 50 vendors provided great food and beverages, and more than 3,000 festivalgoers shopped until they dropped on Boardwalk Vendor Row. Into its 25th year.it is
easy to see why the NC BeachBlast Festival continues to receive acclaim. City of Kings Mountain Tourism and Events always does a great job of bringing fun downtown. They are the first to say that they could not do it without their dedicated volunteers who always show up to make local events a huge success, as these photos show!
The city wants input on possible renovations for parks By Loretta Cozart C i t y of Kings Mountain invites you to view renderings of possible renovations to Davidson/Sims Street Park (soccer fields), vote on your favorite, and give
feedback. Your first opportunity was during Beach Blast at Patriots Park on Saturday, August 17, from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. If you missed that, share your thoughts through Friday, August 23 by visiting Mauney Memorial Library. The renderings will be available for viewing and feedback during regular library hours. Take this opportunity to voice your opinion on these potential renovations.
Fin and Gil hope everyone attending the NC BeachBlast Festival had a great time at this historic event. Have any cool pictures of the event you would like to share? Post your pictures using #BeachBlastturns25 and enter to win a meet and greet with our fantastic fish. We will share your photos here and with the KM Herald. Photo by City of Kings Mountain
Beach music lovers always enjoy the dance floor for their signature moves. (Photos by Angela Padgett) See more photos on page 5A
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