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Volume 135 • Issue 34
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
kmherald.com • 704-484-1047
75¢
A mother-daughter defining moment By Loretta Cozart
Susie Graham has worked in Cleveland County Schools for 33 years, but this year may be her most memorable. This year will also be special for her daughter, Cailyn Van Buren, who just moved from teaching fifth grade to becoming assistant principal at Bethware Elementary School. As the staff returned to work this month, Susie posted on her Facebook page, “I attended my yearly beginning of school administrative meeting today— something I’ve done for many years. While I can’t recall everything about the earlier years, this is one I will never forget because today, I was blessed to attend with my daughter as
SWEARING-IN AND PROMOTIONS AT KMPD – Pictured L-R: Chief Gerald Childress, Assistant Chief Chris Moore, Patrol Sergeant Jason Dee, Patrol Captain Buddy Black, Officer Ronald Hamrick, and Lt. Lance Hamrick. Photo by KMPD Cailyn Van Buren and her mother, Susie Graham, attended the administration meeting for Cleveland County Schools together for the first time in August. Photo by Loretta Cozart she begins her administrative journey. She has worked hard to become an education leader and, this year, will serve as an assistant principal at the elementary level. Seeing her walk
into the room in a leadership role made this Mama’s heart swell. Cailyn Van Buren, you make me so proud.” Looking back, Susie says, “It was a defining moment. See MOMENT, Page 8A
KM Police Department Officer swearing-in and promotions On Wednesday, August 16, Officer Ronald Hamrick was issued his oath of office by Mayor Scott Neisler. Sergeant Buddy Black was promoted to Patrol Captain
and Corporal Jason Dee was promoted to Patrol Sergeant. “Kings Mountain Police Department is excited to welcome Officer Ham-
rick to our family, and we appreciate the continuous leadership and dedication of Captain Black and Sergeant Dee,” KMPD shared on their Facebook page.
KM Crisis Ministry needs your help By Loretta Cozart
Kings Mountain Crisis Ministry (KMCM), an emergency organization sponsored by the Kings Mountain Ministerial Association, helps individuals and families in need in our community. With summer requests high, and school back in session, the ministry is asking the community for help.
As of the end of July, KMCM has served as many people as they did during the entire year in 2022. And five months remain in the year. According to Executive Director Lisa Harrison, “We are seeing record numbers of people needing food and See CRISIS, Page 8A
NC BEACHBLAST FESTIVAL DRAWS CROWDS TO KM– Kings Mountain’s NC BeachBlast Festival attracted large crowds downtown on August 18th and 19th. This family-friendly event offered music, food, and activities for all ages. The festival began at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 18th with CBMA Award Winners DJ Eric Bowman and Too Much Sylvia. The following day featured performances by Jim Quick and Coastline, Cat5 Band, Swinging Medallions, and Band of Oz. Children and adults alike stayed busy with various activBy Loretta Cozart ities provided by the City of Kings Mountain Special Events. See more photos on page 5A.
First COKM Citizens Academy starts Sept. 28
Valerie Boyd of The Davidson Association with members of NC State Extension. Photo by Loretta Cozart
The Davidson Association Health Fair a huge success By Loretta Cozart This year’s Davidson Health Fair focused on balance, as all aspects of life impact your health. Taking care of your health is crucial for living your best life. The event was held at Mt Zion Baptist Church Life Center in Kings Mountain and featured
educational resources from various organizations. Another key is monitoring your health through annual checkups to ensure you live your healthiest life. Learning about disease prevention and taking an active role in keeping yourself healthy impacts your longevity. As we age, it is necessary to monitor blood pressure, and cholesterol, among others, to keep your See FAIR, Page 3A
The first City of Kings Mountain Citizens Academy will be held in the Fall of 2023 and will consist of fifteen citizens who are chosen through an application process. The application link is available at CityofKM.com, under Administration, or by visiting the City Clerk’s office at City Hall. The academy will be a commitment of eight weeks and consist of six weekly sessions, attendance at the Thursday, October 12 Work Session, and a graduation ceremony during the Council meeting on Tuesday, November 28. The proposed date of the first session is Thursday, September 28. Each session will begin with a light meal at 5:30 pm at the assigned weekly location. Staff will form a curriculum of instruction that will blend small group discussions, field trips, and presentations that will provide the citizen with valuable
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information to help them better understand all City functions. The City of Kings Mountain Citizens Academy is designed in the spirit of transparency, openness, and participation. The citizens are the City’s stakeholders, and they have a right to participate to be involved in the governance of their communities. Citizens will learn about how municipal government is structured, as well as gain knowledge of the different factors that impact the decision-making process for Staff and Council. This academy will be a positive avenue for citizens to interact with Council and See ACADEMY, Page 8A
BACK-TO-SCHOOL FOR CLEVELAND COUNTY SCHOOL STUDENTS – On Wednesday, August 16, 14,220 students returned to 30 Cleveland County Schools. The Herald asked parents of Kings Mountain and Grover students to share photos for this week’s paper. Included in the photos are students from Pre-K through their senior year. Best wishes to all students, educators, and administrators for a successful school year. Pictured above is first grader Ryland Mills See more photos on page 8B. By Loretta Cozart
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