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Volume 135 • Issue 39
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
kmherald.com • 704-484-1047
75¢
Michelle Mack, CCS Teacher Of the Year 2023
Michelle Mack named Clev. Co. Schools 2023 Teacher of the Year Meet North Elementary School Kindergarten teacher Michelle Mack, CCS Teacher of the Year 2023. She has been working for Cleveland County Schools since 1995. Michelle received her Child Development and Family Relations degree from UNC-Greensboro and her teaching certificate from Belmont Abbey College. Since then, she has taught Kindergarten at North Elementary School for many years! Michelle
later went on to earn her master’s degree from Appalachian State University along with her National Board certification. Michelle had such positive, impactful school experiences that she became a teacher. She wanted to return the same kindness and passion to students. “In the classroom, I strive to be a positive role model, make learning fun, build confidence, and empower students to be successful See MACK, Page 5A
Grover Elementary School’s Savannah Ross was named CCS’ 2023 Exceptional Children Educator. Photo by CCS
Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting for The Skillet at 238 Cherokee Street in Kings Mountain on September 14 at 10:00 a.m. Owner, Iris Hubbard prepares to cut the ribbon as staff, friends, local businesspeople, and government officials look on. (Photo by CC Chamber of Commerce)
Midpines Convenience Center Temporary Site Starting October 2, 2023, Cleveland County Government will open a temporary site at the Midpines Convenience Center at 615 Margrace Road in Kings Mountain. Only household garbage will be permitted, and no trailers will be allowed at this location. “The Midpines location is one of our busiest convenience sites,” said Josh Davis, Solid Waste Director. “Both staff and the County Commissioners heard concerns of those in the nearby community and believed a temporary site would be important while long-term options are considered.” The Midpines Recycling Center was closed on August 10 due to safety concerns related to the structural integrity of the concrete driving and unloading areas. The engineered cost estimate for
Temporary site for household garbage will open at Midpines Convenience Center at 615 Margrace Road in Kings Mountain. (Photo provided) demolishing and rebuilding the site is approximately $1.1 million. The Cleveland County Solid Waste Division is studying long-term options, including relocation of a convenience site that will address existing traffic queueing issues and lack of
space on the existing site. The temporary site will be open 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday, following the same hours as the other convenience sites throughout the county. The Oak Grove Recycling Center, located at 1127 Oak Grove Road in Kings
Mountain, is the closest alternate site for bulk and recycling. Any additional updates or changes to the Midpines Convenience Center will be posted on the County’s Facebook page and our website at www.clevelandcounty.com.
Savannah Ross named EC Educator Six bear sightings in KM last week of Excellence Cleveland County Schools is proud to announce that Savannah Ross of Grover Elementary has been named the 2023 Exceptional Children (EC) Educator of Excellence. This prestigious honor recognizes Mrs. Ross’s outstanding dedication and unwavering commitment to the success of students with special needs. According to a nomination letter, it is said that “Savannah Ross implements evidence-based instructional programs with the highest fidelity. Only in her eighth year as an educator, she understands the importance of making data-based
instructional decisions and consistently uses a variety of progress monitoring tools to measure her students’ growth and make critical instructional adjustments.” “Mrs. Ross exemplifies true dedication to improving the lives of children in all that she does,” said Wendy Fitch, Executive Director of Exceptional Children. “She is passionate about teaching and seeing her students succeed, grow, and reach their highest potential in their academic, social, and behavioral skills.” In addition to her responsibilities as an Exceptional Children’s teacher, Mrs. Ross is a crucial staff member at her school, serving on various committees, going above and beyond to help See ROSS, Page 4A
By Loretta Cozart
A marked increase in bear sightings occurred in Kings Mountain last week. A black bear sighting occurred on the Gateway Trail Sunday afternoon around 3:15 p.m., but it was not an isolated event. “Most folks are reporting a teenage bear out foraging last week. While we can’t be sure this is the same bear, we know a mother bear and several babies were seen foraging last year. It is likely those cubs are teenagers now and are out on their own,” Shirley Brutko shared. “Bears have been seen in Hillside, Hall Crossing, Kings Mountain Blvd. near the Intermediate School, behind the Comfort Inn, and twice on the Gateway
This teenage black bear was seen on the Gateway Trail Sunday around 3 p.m. Use caution in rural or wooded areas, as six bears have been seen in KM within the last week. Photo by Jim Gibson Trail. We are getting bear warning signs for the trail and urge hikers to familiarize themselves with bears.
According to the Humane Society, don’t fear the worst if you see a black bear in your yard. A young-
ster may simply be passing through in search of a home of their own. Or an adult See BEAR, Page 5A
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