Firefighters found Evelyn Blakeney dead after a fire at an apartment complex in Kings Mountain
NC – A fire burned through an apartment building on Charles Street in Kings Mountain early Wednesday morning
Police received multiple calls about the fire around 4am at the Green Tree Apartments
Firefighters arrived and found flames burning through one of the buildings
The fire destroyed two apartments and there’s extensive smoke and water damage to at least six others
they found 45-year-old Evelyn Blakeney dead inside one of the apartments
The Cleveland County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Kings Mountain Police Department are investigating the cause of the fire
Anyone with information about what happened are asked to call the Kings Mountain Police Department at 704-734-0444
A fire gutted a Kings Mountain apartment building and left one woman dead and several families displaced early Wednesday morning
According to a news release from the city of Kings Mountain
the Kings Mountain Police Department received multiple emergency calls reporting a structural fire at the Green Tree Apartments
the Kings Mountain Fire Department found one of the apartment buildings fully engulfed in flames," the release said
"Immediate firefighting efforts were initiated
two apartments were destroyed and six suffered extensive smoke and water damage
a search was conducted and Evelyn Blakeney
The American Red Cross was on the scene to assist the families
The smell of smoke lingered in the air Wednesday morning hours after the blaze was extinguished
and caution tape roped off the block of apartment buildings affected by the fire
The building with the most damage was destroyed
the shutters melted off the face of the brick
and the roof completely burned away exposing a few charred rafters and beams
A boy standing outside with his family showed a video he had shot of the flames and smoke billowing into the darkened sky
lives in the first floor of the apartment building damaged by fire
He said he was asleep but his uncle woke him up and said there was a fire and the family fled
He said one woman jumped from a window to escape the flames and his uncle heard Blakeney yelling for help
He said most of the people living the complex speak Spanish
Several blocks of brick apartments make up the Green Tree Apartments
They appear ramshackle and in a state of disrepair
Black Harbor Commercial LLC owns the property
The total value of the property is listed at $3.7 million
and the company purchased the apartments in 2017 for $3 million
The same company recently purchased a Shelby apartment complex, and residents spent several weeks dealing with a sewage spill outside the building after a pipe backed up
The city of Kings Mountain said the investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing and is being led jointly by the Cleveland County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Kings Mountain Police Department
and the Cleveland County Sheriff's Department chaplain all assisted with the call
Police urge anyone with information to contact the Kings Mountain Police Department at 704-734-0444
Reach reporter Rebecca Sitzes at rsitzes@gannett.com
Queen City News
KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A woman was tragically killed after an early morning apartment fire that displaced multiple families
according to the Kings Mountain Police Department
officers received multiple reports of a structure fire at the Green Tree Apartments on Charles Street
When crews from the Kings Mountain Fire Department arrived
they found one of two apartment buildings fully engulfed in flames
Two apartments were destroyed and six suffered serious smoke and water damage
45-year-old Evelyn Blakeney was killed during the fire
Officials in Kings Mountain say there were no sprinklers in the building that caught fire
It’s unclear whether the affected apartments had smoke detectors
but nearby units in the same building did have smoke detectors
It sounded normal Wednesday afternoon at the Green Tree Apartments
and the shutters are melted into the brick
you could feel it in your face,” said David Byers
He awoke to flames and his neighbors running out of the apartments across from him
“Police knocked on every door and they didn’t let them get anything
they just had them get out because the fire was moving pretty fast,” said Byers
There was one neighbor he didn’t see outside
“I just prayed and hoped she wasn’t in there
“There’s nothing we can do; God’s plan is God’s plan
The property manager said they’ve been able to put everyone in either hotels or other apartments
The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Cleveland County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Kings Mountain Police Department
Anyone with information should contact KMPD at 704-734-0444
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Kings Mountain National Military Park is conducting a series of prescribed burns within the park boundaries through Wednesday
Wildland fire crews are working to prepare these units for safe and effective prescribed burns
which are conducted in accordance with the approved fire management plan and as weather conditions allow throughout the spring season
Surrounding communities may expect minimal smoke and visibility impacts during the burns
Some access to trails and grounds within the burn areas may be temporarily restricted during burn activities for visitor and wildland fire crew safety
The timing of the prescribed burn implementation is dependent upon a variety of conditions as burns are conducted within specific parameters that take into account temperature
The safety of firefighters and the public is the number one priority of all NPS wildland fire management activities
Informational updates and alerts regarding prescribed burn activities in the park will be posted on the park website and social media
A Kings Mountain mill that has been operating for more than 60 years will soon close
announced it would begin laying off employees next month in a phased closure
The mill was acquired by Coats in December 2017
"Coats’ decision to exit its North American yarns business and close its Kings Mountain site comes after a strategic review of the business and in response to structural market changes," said a company spokesperson in an email to The Star Wednesday
including our innovation hub and manufacturing facility in Marion are unaffected by this decision
and the company remains committed to its performance materials business."
The mill manufactures high-performance engineered yarns
specializing in cut-resistant and flame retardant yarns
It also produces yarns from recycled fibers marketed under its earthspun® trademarks and with its large solar installation promotes its earth friendly yarns as "Spun by the Sun."
According to a letter from Coats to the N.C
Department of Commerce's Rapid Response Team
the mill employed 173 employees who will be laid off in phases
"In accordance with WARN requirements and recommendations
this notice is to inform you of the upcoming employment workforce reduction by Patrick Yarn Mill," the letter said
"The company plans to lay off employees due to a plant closure at the facility located at 501 York Road
said there are no unions and no bumping or transfer rights
the first round of layoffs will happen around May 31
31 and the final employees will be let go Dec
Kings Mountain has a long textile history that spans more than 100 years with the first cotton mill opening in 1888
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Kings Mountain residents received letters in the mail this week notifying them of an issue with the water
it stated that Kings Mountain has levels of TTHM above drinking water standards
"Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard," the letters said
"Although this incident was not an emergency
and what we did (are doing) to correct this."
chief operator of the water treatment plant
said the letters went out this week to all city water customers informing them that the levels of Trihalomethanes
the city water had a widespread taste and odor issue due to dry weather that led to algae bloom in the lake
but that was a different issue that has since been resolved
were taken from a sampling site at a small
dead-end line with water that isn't flushed enough
He said the city is working with the state to move the sample point that is more indicative of the water that is used by customers
"The very tiny bit that were above the limit is not going to effect them."
He said people would have to be exposed to high levels of TTHM over decades to have a health impact
"We pride ourselves on sending a safe product to town," he said
and the next sampling will be done the first week of June
He said they are hoping all the actions they've taken will have the levels back on track
If the water is still in violation of NC DEQ standards
another letter will be sent out to customers
they are not mandated to send another letter
Vaughn said in addition to moving the sampling point
the city is installing baffling walls in the sedimentation basins at the plant to increase detention time in the basins and increase flushing of the water main within the city
the city will also be adding aeration and mixing within the finished water tanks
it said routine monitoring conducted the beginning of the year revealed that contaminant concentrations from one or more sampling locations in the water system exceeds the standards for TTHM
The standard is 0.080 mg/L and the sample location with the highest level of TTHM had a concentration of 0.085 mg/L
people do not need to boil water or take any corrective actions
For those with severely compromised immune systems
may be at an increased risk and should contact their health provider about drinking the water
"TTHMs are four volatile organic chemicals which form when disinfectants react with natural organic material in the water," the letter said
The letter said some people who drink water for many years containing excess TTHM may experience problems with their liver
kidneys or central nervous system and may have an increased risk of cancer
"Based on prior test results the city of Kings Mountain had already initiated collaborative discussions
with NC DEQ regarding potential corrective actions to address TTHM concerns," the letter said
the NC DEQ recommended corrective measures to reduce TTHM are currently under design and will be implemented and installed upon final approval."
These actions include: adding aeration and mixing within the finished water tanks
installing baffle walls to increase detention time in sedimentation basins and increase flushing of the water main within the city
The letters said that increased system-wide flushing has already begun and should lead to resolving the slightly elevated TTHM levels within the next two weeks
The other corrective measures should be installed on or before Sept
Welcome to “The Show,” Will Wilson.
Following a stellar spring with the Cleveland Guardians’ Triple-A team in Columbus
the former Kings Mountain and NC State standout was promoted Tuesday to the club’s major league roster
Wilson’s promotion comes after outfielder Lane Thomas sustained a bone bruise in his right wrist
The Guardians also transferred right-handed pitcher Trevor Stephan to the 60-day injured list
thus creating a spot for Wilson on the team’s 40-man roster
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Wilson hit .535 his senior year with 14 home runs and 29 RBIs
en route to being named a 3A all-state performer by the North Carolina Baseball Coaches Association (NCBCA)
He’d experience similar success at NC State
hitting .303 with 23 home runs and 101 RBIs over three seasons
Wilson also posted a .950 fielding percentage with 183 putouts and 290 assists
spending a significant amount of time with the team’s Double-A (Richmond) and Triple-A (Sacramento) affiliates
Cleveland selected Wilson from the Giants’ Double-A roster as part of the Rule-5 Draft
This draft allows teams to select those who signed at age 19 or older and played professionally for at least four seasons
but are not at the time part of a team’s 40-man roster
Wilson hit .324 with six home runs and 18 RBIs
He was tied for the International League lead with six home runs at the time of his promotion
which included him going homering in three of his last four games
KINGS MOUNTAIN — Despite his team’s recent history with rival Crest
Kings Mountain softball coach Kevin Cruise still finds himself getting antsy with every pitch and crack of the bat
Tense moments Thursday night had Cruise once again walking a beaten path in front of the Mountaineer dugout, Kings Mountain locked in a 1-1 tie late with the Chargers
“Any time we play (Crest) it’s going to be tight
but I’ll admit I feel better now that it’s over.”
Needing a victory to keep its Big South 3A title hopes alive
Kings Mountain rallied Thursday night to take a 2-1 victory over Crest
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After Addie Carpenter was hit by a pitch and stole a base with two outs in the seventh inning
the Mountaineers walked it off following a Crest error on a pop fly to shallow right field
It is the fourth one-run game between the teams the past two years
a Maddie Crocker triple paying off Allie Summer’s leadoff base hit and staked their team to a 1-0 lead in the opening frame
That was all the Chargers would get off Kings Mountain pitcher Maddie Huffman
with 15 of her 17 strikeouts coming in the final six innings
“It’s amazing to me how quickly she can lock back in and focus (on the task at hand),” Cruise said
she’s fired up and I know no matter what she's going to (go after batters).”
Paige Fleming’s RBI base hit pulled Kings Mountain even in the fourth
Crest’s Aidan Ledbetter was equal to the task
going 6 ⅔ innings and allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits with 11 strikeouts
I said ‘I’m glad this is the last time until probably some time in the playoffs where we play each other again.' She’s been great for Crest the past four years; she’s such a fiery competitor
a good person and an unbelievable athlete.”
its Big South 3A title hopes remain in play
The Mountaineers are now tied with Crest atop the league
Kings Mountain is on the road Monday at South Point
before finishing the regular season Friday at North Gaston
Crest takes the field Monday and Tuesday at North Gaston and Ashbrook
concluding the 2025 regular season with a visit from Stuart Cramer
If the teams finish with the same conference record
NCHSAA RPI rankings will determine which receives preferred seeding alongside fellow conference champions
The other will be seeded as an at-large team
the city of Kings Mountain has chosen a familiar face to serve as its new city manager
City Council members voted unanimously to appoint Todd Carpenter to the role
and he officially stepped into the position on Sunday
The salary for the prior city manager in 2024-2025 was $189,305
In December, after two years of service, council members unanimously voted to not renew Jim Palenick's contract. His contract expired the end of December
and council voted to appoint Carpenter as the interim manager
A native of Cleveland County, Carpenter most recently served as interim county manager for the county and previously spent nearly 40 years in government
including as Gastonia's deputy city manager
"Carpenter brings with him an impressive 39-year career in public service
having held key leadership roles in local government," the release said
"His extensive experience includes serving as a software developer
advancing through several critical IT positions - including chief information officer - before transitioning into executive leadership as assistant city manager
HR director and ultimately deputy city manager for the city of Gastonia."
Carpenter has continued to serve local communities in interim capacities
most recently as interim county manager for Cleveland County in 2023," the release said
He holds a bachelor of science in business administration in management information systems from Western Carolina University and a master of business administration from Gardner-Webb University
They are proud parents of two children and grandparents to three grandchildren
During his time as Kings Mountain's interim manager
bringing unity to the organization and laying a solid foundation for future progress
“My tenure as interim manager has been a great experience," Carpenter said
"It’s exciting to know that I now have the opportunity to continue the work that has begun
I’m looking forward to working with city council
and our citizens to move this community forward."
He said he wanted to thank his staff for the support they have given him over the past three months and city council for the confidence they have had in him
and I will work hard to serve the citizens of Kings Mountain," he said
the Kings Mountain Police Department says it has found Angela Jamarica Burris
Burris was last seen leaving a house she shared with her mother and her aunt at 105 Lake Montonia Road, Kings Mountain on April 19
A family friend reported that they saw her get into a black passenger car
Hamrick said police received a delayed report about her disappearance on April 28 from her family
Kings Mountain Police got confirmation that previously unidentified human remains discovered in Gastonia on April 22
DNA analysis confirmed this identification
and the news was shared with her family Monday
“We offer our deepest condolences to the Burris family during this incredibly difficult time,” Kings Mountain Police said in a press release Monday afternoon
Detectives from KMPD and SBI agents identified distinctive features on the remains found in Gastonia in September 2024
investigators gathered for a new search for Burris
Police held a press conference about the 20-acre search
but did not announce the discovery of anything
The recent identification was the result of collaboration between KMPD
the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Gastonia Police Department
“While current investigations conducted by all agencies involved do not indicate any signs of foul play
we encourage anyone in the community with information — whether small or significant — that could shed light on the events leading up to her death to come forward,” the press release said
Investigators ask that anyone with information call the Kings Mountain Police Department at 704-734-0444
tips may be submitted through the Cleveland County Crime Stoppers P3 app
An international textile company has notified North Carolina officials that it plans to close its local facility in Kings Mountain
Patrick Yarn Mills — part of Coats Group of London — plans to shut down its textile plant at 501 York Road
The plant is just off I-85 in Cleveland County
most recently producing yarn from recycled fibers
the company said the closure "comes after a strategic review of the business and in response to structural market changes.”
Employee separations are scheduled to happen in four phases
starting May 31 and wrapping up by the end of the year
Kings Mountain residents are being warned to avoid portions of a creek located near a city park that has been contaminated with chemicals from a former mill
According to a post made on the city's Facebook page
the contaminants were discovered on April 25
after the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality collected surface water samples from a portion of Potts Creek adjacent to the city park and west of North Sims Street "as part of an ongoing effort to monitor the safety of water for recreational use."
The city's Facebook announcement was made Thursday
and notified residents that portions of Potts Creek
A sign was recently placed near Potts Creek
a health risk evaluation was completed on the collected samples and identified the presence of tetrachloroethylene at a threshold considered unsafe for recreational use
the delay in notifying the public was because DEQ was conducting testing to determine an end-point on the creek
"We requested the distances that signs would need to be placed along Potts Creek and needed a final location
which DEQ had to determine with additional samples," said county spokeswoman Karyn Owens-Patton
A link to a press release was included identifying the former Cinderella Knitting Mills site as the source of the contaminant
The news release said tetrachloroethylene is used in a variety of industries
and the liquid waste which contains the compound can then end up in the ground water when not remediated appropriately
The release said the the compound evaporates quickly from water
If someone is exposed to the chemical continuously over a long period of time
they may be at a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer
"In NCDEQ’s latest round of sampling and health risk evaluation
it was assumed that individuals swimming in the stream would be exposed to the highest concentration of chemicals detected," the release said
"It was also assumed that individuals would swim in the stream 90 days/year for 2 hours each day from birth to 26 years of age."
drinking or fishing in the portion of Potts Creek near the park
Signs with a health risk warning will be placed along the impacted areas of the creek to discourage its use
"The NC Department of Environmental Quality
and the city of Kings Mountain are working together to fully investigate and monitor this situation in an effort to ensure all proper precautions are taken to prevent exposures," the release said
"Because potential health risks associated with tetrachloroethylene typically result from continuous exposure over a long period of time
there is not currently reason to believe individuals are at risk for adverse health effects."
with the NC Department of Environmental Quality
said Cinderella Mill filed for bankruptcy and closed around 20 years ago
She said the site is considered an "orphan site" meaning there is no responsible party available to pay for remedial actions
She said the state has limited funds to clean up sites
Jacobs said the agency is monitoring the indoor air quality because it is more of an immediate risk
"We do what we can with the funds that are available," she said
According to an old article in the Kings Mountain Herald
the knitting mill opened in 1981 and later expanded in 1990
City staff said the mill has been in operations by various companies beginning in 1962
One company owned the property from 1962-1982 and then another company owned the building from 1982-1989
Spectrum Dyed Yarns is also located at the site
A Kings Mountain organization is focusing on improving downtown Kings Mountain and strengthening local businesses
is working on becoming a Main Street Community
which leads efforts to promote economic development in communities around the state
Director Loretta Cozart said they are applying to be part of the Main Street Program
which includes around 50 around the state of North Carolina
the city took the program in-house but eventually let the director go and the membership expire
Kings Mountain Forward is working to change that and bring new beautification and revitalization projects to the city
There are around 50 in the state of North Carolina
"Kings Mountain Forward's intent is to become a Main Street Program again," she said
"It takes two years to get that designation."
She said Kings Mountain Forward has drawn up a strategic plan - with a list of things they wish to accomplish this year - and she recently attended a Main Street conference in Mooresville
"You apply to become a Main Street program
and you have to wait until they accept you," Cozart said
She said Kings Mountain was a Main Street Community
for the better part of 20 years up until 2022
She said she was part of a brainstorming session in January of 2022 but then COVID-19 arrived and the whole thing was dropped
Cozart said Kings Mountain Forward received funding from the city's municipal service district and also provides matching grants
She said their first year they received around $175,000 in grants
Kings Mountain Forward was recently part of a city streetscape planning committee to improve the downtown area
but that project is currently on hold as the city discusses budgets and funding
created a plan but went over budget by several million
The budget they had to work with was $2 million
and Kimley-Horn came up with plans for a $6 million project
"It kind of escalated into a larger thing than we really need," she said
Cozart said Kings Mountain Forward's goal with the streetscape project was focusing on the block with the Joy Theater on Railroad Avenue and creating a wayfinding system with better signs and more continuity
Southern Arts Society and members from the community
the city is reevaluating the project and pinpointing the top priorities
she said they are focusing on making improvements to downtown Kings Mountain
She said they improved and cleaned up an alleyway downtown and added lights
and the building vacancy rate has improved significantly over the past three years
was whittled down from 75% in 2022 to less than 15% in 2025
This doesn't count two buildings on Mountain Street that have been condemned and cannot be rented
Two buildings to the south of Battleground Avenue are in the process of being renovated
and Cozart said a third building on East Gold Street near City Hall is in the process of being purchased
They are also doing things to connect small businesses together
including business after hours and work bench sessions
Cozart said they have brought in professionals who discuss marketing tips and how to use social media
"Our official mission is to build a community of citizens and business leaders who advocate for Kings Mountain," she said
"We also do social economic initiatives and cultural initiatives to build that camaraderie in the community."
they started working with local high school FFA students to clean out and replant flowers at the post office
And in November they hosted a Shop Small Saturday and had 25 businesses participate
At Christmas Kings Mountain Forward sponsored the carriage rides downtown
"We also support Liberty Mountain and gave them money for their program," she said
Kings Mountain Forward offers a maximum $5,000 grant to business owners making improvements to their building
"You can't make changes in a year that are … so stark that people wouldn't like them," Cozart said
Most main streets you see have been at it 20
She said they face a lot of bureaucracy and some building owners are resistant to changes because of fears over city code issues
She said people can contact her for more information on grants and Kings Mountain Forward by emailing director@kmforwardnc.org or find them on Facebook
She said there will be upcoming opportunities to be involved and volunteer that will be announced soon
a scent similar to rotten eggs will waft into your car
a Kings Mountain resident who lives off of Sandhurst Drive
sometimes it wakes her up out of a dead sleep
The scent has been traced back to the Albemarle mine pit near the Kings Mountain Gateway Trail
which is currently being drained of many years of rainwater accumulation in preparation for mining
Rikard said the smell has penetrated her house
and she can't walk outside without feeling ill and experiencing a burning sensation in her eyes
She has started carrying her inhaler with her everywhere
something she said she hasn't had to do since she contracted COVID
"What can I do as a citizen to try push the county to do their own investigation?"
She said she called state emergency management
county emergency management and the North Carolina Division of Air Quality
She said a woman with the Division of Air Quality told her that the scent was caused by hydrogen sulfide
and Albemarle releases reports on a regular basis regarding the levels of H2S and those reports state that the levels are safe
But she said those reports come from a contractor that is paid for by Albemarle
She said she wants to know why DEQ hasn't done its own investigation considering the number of complaints that have been made
including newly elected Congressman Tim Moore
"I'm waiting for the new administration to come in so I can make some phone calls and get something done," she said
Rikard also posted on a local town Facebook page stating what she had been told about the smell by the department of air quality
"They receive reports from Albemarle via a contractor THEY hire/pay," she wrote in the post
"Those reports show all levels are within normal parameters
I asked how can we trust a report generated by a company paid for by the same company causing the problem
She agreed its frustrating and stated she had no answers at this time
I then asked how can a citizen request the state begin their own investigation
but she has received a ton of calls and agrees it generates questions
Claims she will call a meeting within the organization to discuss."
One person stated he had bought his own H2S monitor
Department of Environmental Quality is in contact with the owners of the pit
which is occurring because the lake has reportedly experienced a natural 'turnover,' which resulted in low levels of odorous gas released from the pit lake," Chan said
"Turnover happens when cold water at the surface of a lake sinks and warmer waters at depth rise
so cold snaps can increase the level of odors present."
She said the permittee is currently reporting air monitoring data to DEQ
the dewatering activity is in compliance with the mining permit
DEQ is and will continue to be in communication with state health officials
local officials and the permittee about this," Chan said
all monitoring is being conducted by Albemarle but DEQ will continue to evaluate the monitoring procedures and data collected and plans to stay engaged with the company on best management practices to mitigate the odor
"DEQ will take appropriate actions as we continue to assess the situation," she said
the issue has been publicly addressed by both the city and Albemarle
In December, the city first began receiving calls about reports of natural gas leaks, and the scent was traced back to the pond at Albemarle
A spokesperson for the mining company said the odor was a result of the dewatering process at the existing mine pit and as that process continues
water closer to the pit's bottom can contain lower-oxygenated water and decomposed organic matter that has the potential to cause "some level of intermittent odors."
Albemarle released an update in its newsletter
The newsletter said the company has been collaborating with local officials to ensure the community remains well informed
the extensive and ongoing air monitoring underway demonstrates present levels are more than 10 times lower than regulatory health and safety guidelines," it said
we are actively working on measures intended to minimize the odor."
The newsletter said that following a period of cold weather and wind in early December
the water in the mine pit experienced a natural event called "turning over," which can happen in lakes and ponds because of seasonal variations in temperature
The organic material contained in the deeper waters are displaced and released hydrogen sulfide
The city experienced a similar event in 2018 after a cold snap
along with state and local public officials
have responded out of an abundance of caution to ensure a common understanding of the occurrence and to minimize public concern," it said
the city of Kings Mountain police and fire departments visited the site and concluded that there were no safety risks."
monitoring systems have been installed around the mine pit perimeter to help gather ongoing data
"All readings of hydrogen sulfide have been less than 1 part-per-million which is far below established health and safety guidelines set by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)," it said
"We have mobilized additional monitoring systems to positions near the mine pit and in locations within the community proximate to the Kings Mountain site
Any significant change in findings will be shared with public officials."
People are encouraged to reach out to Albemarle's community relations staff with questions or concerns by calling 704-734-2775 or emailing kmcommunity@albemarle.com
Whether it be as a coach or taking on a leadership role, Matt Bridges has devoted the better part of the last two decades to Kings Mountain athletics
he’ll shed the Mountaineer athletic director role for a pair he cherishes infinitely more: Husband and dad
Bridges resigned from his position as Kings Mountain athletic director earlier this month
shifting to a job outside of the education sector
He said a desire to spend more time with family played a role in the decision
“(Kings Mountain High) has been good to me as a student
“I’ve been through some of the ups of state championships
Big South 3A titles and Wells Fargo wins and seeing people grow and go to the next level
I’ve also experienced the lows of saying goodbye to some great friends
athletes and coaches for the last 17 years
But it’s time for me to be home and be the mentor and father figure for my own.”
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Bridges lettered in baseball and wrestling at the school
in addition to playing college baseball at Rockingham County Community College and Gardner-Webb University
Bridges served as Mountaineer varsity baseball coach for six seasons (2013-18)
when Kings Mountain led by former NC State baseball standout Will Wilson earned a 20-6 mark and a pair of NCHSAA playoff wins
Bridges has spent the past seven years as Kings Mountain athletic director
the school’s athletic program has seen a host of improvements
most notably to its tennis courts as well as the installation of FieldTurf and rubberized track at John Gamble Stadium
The Mountaineers won the 2023 NCHSAA 3A title in volleyball
in addition to KMHS wrestling and track athletes earning state gold during Bridges’ time as athletic director
those are memories that’ll be with me for the rest of my life,” he said
“By no means was this an easy decision; this is a great job
one backed by a great administration and great coaches
The next athletic director will be walking into a great situation
I no longer could give this job the 100% required.”
Kings Mountain High is taking applications for the open athletic director position, a listing for which can be found on the Cleveland County Schools website
Live music is returning to downtown Kings Mountain with the upcoming 2025 "Live at Patriots Park" concert series
the concert series will be held at the Liberty Falls Amphitheater at Patriots Park
The series features a group of entertainers performing a diverse range of genres
There will be food trucks and an adult beverage garden presented by the American Legion Post 155
KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Nearly four years after Angela Jamarica Burris went missing she has been identified
Burris’ remains were discovered in April 2022 and not identified until early 2025
Then 36-year-old Burris was last seen on April 19
getting into a dark passenger vehicle near her home on Lake Montonia Road in Kings Mountain
She was thought to have a duffle bag and teddy bear with her
Burris was reported missing about nine days later
“Although it’s been over three years since Angela Burris was last seen
we have not given up on finding her and bringing closure to her family,” Kings Mountain Police said at the time
I think about her almost every day; to be honest
I wish I could talk to her about it and when I get upset
I’m crying because I miss her,” Katira Burris
that unidentified human remains found in Gaston County on April 22
DNA analysis confirmed that Burris was the woman found and her family was told the news on March 17
“We offer our deepest condolences to the Burris family during this incredibly difficult time,” said KMPD
KMPD detectives and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) agents discovered some “distinctive features” of the person found dead that matched Burris
This investigation was a collaboration between Kings Mountain Police
police said they do not suspect foul play; however
they are seeking information on what led up to Burris’ passing
Anyone with information is asked to call KMPD at 704-734-0444
you can submit a tip through the Cleveland County Crime Stoppers P3 app
by calling 704-481-TIPS (8477) or scanning the below QR code
Kings Mountain is slowly opening up again after Helene took out power to much of the city — including stores and gas stations
At gas stations there Monday customers were filling up generators and gas containers
Robert Hitchcock from Matthews stopped at one to fill up his truck
He was headed to Asheville to drop off bottled water and gas
"A lot of people up there are having hard times and not able to get any help so we decided to do our little bit
and try to help them out and get through a tough time," Hitchcock said
Although some people leaving the mountains are staying in hotels farther east
hotels around Kings Mountain and Gastonia aren’t full
Many grocery stores and restaurants in Kings Mountain are also now open as power comes back on
The Food Lion off East King Street was still closed Monday after it lost power Friday
Kings Mountain officials say most of the city will have power restored by Monday evening
and the city’s nighttime curfew has been lifted
In Cleveland County, Albemarle is draining the old Kings Mountain mine to reopen it and extract the key ingredient for many rechargeable batteries: lithium
The company started drying out the mine last spring
The company expected some smells to come from the decomposed materials at the bottom of the lake
residents started to notice something fishy—or rather
it would hit you,” said Kings Mountain resident
Nail moved to the Kings Mountain area from Gaston County about two decades ago
He said the smell wafted as far as the nearby town of Grover
The smell is also intermittent — Nail said that as of Jan
The City of Kings Mountain contacted Albemarle to confirm the presence of a potential natural gas leak on Dec
Nail posted several times about his conversations with state regulators in the town’s Facebook group — each post drew over 100 comments
One woman said her house smelled whenever she did the dishes or showered
Many commenters questioned the company and state regulators’ claims that the phenomenon was strictly natural
“They’re always blaming it on lake turnover,” Nail said
Albemarle and state regulators attributed the smell to a natural phenomenon called turnover
It occurs when cold weather cools the surface of a body of water
displacing the water at the bottom of the lake
the water on the bottom of the lake rises to the surface
bringing a smelly hitchhiker along for the ride: hydrogen sulfide gas
“If it does turnover and releases a fair amount of hydrogen sulfide
you’re going to have that odor in that community,” said Glenn Miller
a geochemist and emeritus professor of environmental sciences at the University of Nevada
Hydrogen sulfide, commonly known as “sewer gas” or “swamp gas,” forms as bacteria break down organic matter, like plant or animal proteins, or metal sulfides
food processing plants and other manufacturing processes release the gas as a byproduct
This process also occurs during digestion, as bacteria in the mouth and stomach break down food. The toxic gas is both lethal in high exposure and a tool for regulating our gut health, similar to carbon monoxide
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services compared the smell of hydrogen sulfide to “rotten eggs.” In a written statement provided by Albemarle
the company described it as a sulfurous smell akin to what you might smell in a marsh
Hydrogen sulfide degrades quickly in the air as it oxidizes, according to Miller. Humans can smell traces of the chemical — about 0.0005 parts per million — many times less than what is dangerous. The gas may cause discomfort at concentrations under 1 ppm, but most people wouldn’t experience adverse effects under 10 ppm
Albemarle’s air monitors show that hydrogen sulfide levels have not exceeded 1 ppm near the pit
and because the human nose can detect very low levels of it
the smell test doesn’t necessarily mean danger
“I’ve been around marshes and the beaches my whole life
and never smelt the strength of this odor anywhere,” Nail said
“There may be some sulfidic material on the bottom
but it’s going to oxidize pretty fast.”
Kings Mountain resident Jason Nail said he also thinks the mine’s activities have exacerbated this natural phenomenon
“I know it’s because they’re pumping the mine out,” Nail said
“During this time of year — with lake turnover — the warm water generally drops to the bottom
Albemarle did reposition one of the pumps deeper
but the company did so to reduce the smell
the company aims to reduce the amount of gas released by turnover
The water is pumped straight to a water treatment facility that strips sulfates from the water before it’s released into Kings Creek
sulfide levels have not exceeded 0.22 parts per billion — the limit set by the company’s wastewater permit
Republican Representative Tim Moore sent a letter to the EPA on Jan
asking the federal agency to monitor hydrogen sulfide levels at the mine
Moore urged regulators to ensure the safety of residents as Albemarle reopened the mine
acknowledging the mine’s “strategic importance.”
Nail wanted more transparency about the air quality surrounding the pit lake
“They put out a post saying they put more air monitoring systems in
but they won’t share the data for the last 25 days,” Nail said
The company installed additional air monitors around the pit following the smell’s appearance
An Albemarle spokesperson said the company is also considering taking measures to reduce wind over the lake and adding chemicals to the water to reduce the smell
Edit on 01/28/25: Mining operations are in Cleveland County
Two Kings Mountain women will host a grand opening for their businesses at Suites by Elle Ruth in Kings Mountain this weekend
Creations by Chelsey and Lush Med Spa & Drip Bar are inviting the community in to celebrate on Saturday from 10 a.m
Little Annie Waffles food truck will be on site
has launched her dream enterprise and opened Lush Med Spa & Drip Bar in Kings Mountain
After years of serving as a registered nurse and helping others through a variety of healthcare roles
she said she made the leap into the world of aesthetic medicine and wellness
She said the opening of the med spa represents not only a dream come true
but a chance to give back to the community that shaped her
McDowell has seen firsthand the challenges healthcare professionals face
especially after the burnout many experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic
But it was her own personal journey to health and wellness
particularly through weight loss and discovering the world of cosmetic injections
that sparked her passion for this new path
“I’ve always been passionate about helping people,” she said
“Nursing has allowed me to care for patients in many different ways
but after experiencing the power of aesthetic treatments
I realized there was an entirely new way to help people feel confident in themselves
the ability to enhance someone’s well-being both inside and out is incredibly rewarding.”
Lush Med Spa originally opened its doors in March 2024 in Shelby
and the response from the community was overwhelmingly positive
McDowell always dreamed of opening a location closer to her roots
The new location in Kings Mountain is not only a personal milestone but an opportunity to give back to the people who shaped her
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some truly inspiring women in this industry,” she said
“We are all ‘boss ladies’ in our own right
and it excites me to bring a space for health
Lush Med Spa & Drip Bar offers a range of services
“I want everyone who walks through our doors to feel seen
“This isn’t just a business for me; it’s a passion
and I’m thrilled to serve the community I love.”
For more information, follow Lush Med Spa & Drip Bar on Facebook
Also celebrating its grand opening at Suites by Elle Ruth is Creations By Chelsey Boutique
which was founded in 2014 by Chelsey Gilliam in her home and has now expanded to a storefront
I possessed a passion for crafting and creating," said Gilliam
She eventually transformed her passion in to a small business
which allowed her to become a full-time stay at home mom
Gilliam said she makes monogrammed clothing
and sells everything from boutique clothing to carpet freshener
"Within the 11-year period of balancing work and raising two boys
I outgrew my home workspace and opted to establish a storefront," she said
"I am grateful for the journey God has guided me through
I take pleasure in interacting with the community and witnessing the confidence boost women experience when trying on attire that makes them feel exceptional."
She said she takes pride in her embroidery and boutique clothing
and looks forward to empowering women to feel more confident
For more information, check out Creations by Chelsey VIP on Facebook
A foul odor plagued the city of Kings Mountain this winter as cold weather unearthed a long-submerged gas
International mining company Albemarle is working to restart the mine after a four-decade hiatus to extract lithium for rechargeable batteries
City officials started investigating an eggy smell in early December 2024
and state regulators determined that the rotten odor came from hydrogen sulfide gas
Cold weather had cooled the surface of the Kings Mountain pit lake
Albemarle installed additional air monitors near the Kings Mountain pit lake after state regulators encouraged the mining company to measure hydrogen sulfide gas exiting the lake
At least some of the monitors were placed downwind of the lake
meaning the smell test is not the best metric for risk
Albemarle collected data between January 19-28
Although at least some monitors detected hydrogen sulfide daily
the highest levels peaked well below the minimum risk level
the smell was a persistent nuisance but not a threat to residents’ physical health
state regulators said they will continue monitoring air quality at the mine
They encouraged residents who notice a bad odor to call the Department of Environmental Quality’s Mooresville Regional Office
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality issued the following statement on the smell:
“Albemarle will continue to submit air quality data for DAQ to review to ensure health-based levels are maintained
local officials and the permittee about this
DEQ continues to engage with the facility as it explores technical solutions to mitigate odors in the community."
Kings Mountain residents who notice objectionable odors in their community should call DEQ’s Mooresville Regional Office at 704-235-2100 and ask for someone at the Division of Air Quality.”
KINGS MOUNTAIN — Two years had passed, but Kings Mountain junior running back Josiah Hill was still smarting over his team’s last meeting with East Lincoln.
doing all that extra stuff; it stuck with me,” he said
“I held that grudge from my freshman season up to now
Hill’s gains helped Kings Mountain score a measure of revenge from that bitter 2022 defeat
in addition to two TD receptions to lead the Mountaineers to a 38-28 win over East Lincoln in their NCHSAA 3A West first-round playoff matchup
NEXT BIG THING: Big man, big numbers: Here's how Kings Mountain football's "Tex" Vaughn is making waves
FIRST ROUND FINAL SCORES: North Carolina high school football scores, live updates Round 1 Gastonia, Shelby area
“After last season going out in the second round (last year at A.C
losing to South Point without putting points on the board
You don’t want that to happen again; that feeling is horrible
knowing you can go to state and not meeting the standard
The teams went tit-for-tat in the first half
Armstrong threw for two TDs and rushed for another
while East Lincoln’s Grant Lawless threw three TD passes — two to wideout Jaxon Dollar — of his own
outscoring the Mustangs 17-7 in the final 24 minutes
After its defense forced an East Lincoln (7-4) punt on its first possession of the second half
68-yard drive which culminated with Armstrong recovering his own fumble for a Kings Mountain touchdown
The Mountaineers extended their lead on the following drive
Hill’s 5-yard TD run upping their advantage to 35-21 late in the third period
a 27-yard connection with senior wideout Jackson Beam
trimmed Kings Mountain’s lead to 35-28 with just over three minutes remaining
Mountaineer kicker Matthew Rhom put a bow on things with a 34-yard field goal and a 10-point cushion it would carry to the finish line
“We were worried a little bit about our matchups
and as you could see we gave up some stuff in the secondary; it was concerning coming into it,” said Kings Mountain football coach Strait Herron
Kings Mountain (9-2) advances to take on undefeated Jay M
The Bulldogs shut out Northeast Guilford 28-0 to up their record to 11-0
but that’s been so long ago I don’t remember
and it really doesn’t matter,” Herron said
“The teams have changed (so much since then)
start looking at them and see what we can do.”
Kings Mountain residents may soon be able to enjoy Chick-fil-A if proposed plans come to fruition
City Council was recently given a rundown during a work session of multiple commercial developments in various active and planning stages
including several popular fast food restaurants
said there are currently 2.2 million square feet of commercial and 2.9 million square feet of industrial development that is either being proposed or is actively being development or already completed
Earle said this is in addition to all the housing projects that are also in the works
Here is a list of some of the commercial projects happening around Kings Mountain:
The popular dining establishment is being proposed on a four-acre parcel of land at the intersection of York Road and Innovation Drive
The planning department said it is in the very early stages
and they do not yet have even a sketch plan
The property will potentially include both Chick-fil-A and a Mobil gas station
the restaurant is in active construction phase and grading is currently being completed on the site
The third proposed fast food restaurant will also be located on York Road just north of Exit 8 near Waffle House
the project is in the commercial review phase and a traffic impact analysis is being conducted
The distillery and tasting room is located at 1033 York Road
and they received their certificate of occupancy in September and are waiting on their ABC license
Southern Artisan Spirits is a family distillery and dedicated to the revitalization of the lost art of craft distillation
Ingredients are all organic and fresh which create the finest beverages
Earlier this year, land was cleared and preliminary work completed at West Gold Street for the boutique hotel.
the city is looking to partner with the county on contributions of occupancy tax to support the construction of a parking deck
He said downtown parking space is at a premium
City staff will soon be making presentations to county commissioners and asking for a tax sharing arrangement that would support a parking deck
A second hotel is being proposed at 707 York Road on 2.5 acres of land
Candlewood Suites is a hotel chain brand owned by IHG Hotels & Resorts
The planning department has been in recent contact with the property owners
and the owners have stated they are interested in making the project happen but don't have concrete plans at this point
The proposed car wash will be located on Shelby Road
Commercial plans were submitted to the planning department in April
and they are working through the construction planning phase
The city anticipates this going into the building permit phase relatively soon
Bentley Sly has done it again
the Stuart Cramer wrestler has left Greensboro with an NCHSAA state title
Sly added to his medal collection with a technical fall victory over White Oak’s Hayden Smith
claiming the NCHSAA 3A state crown at 144 pounds
He’s now won titles at three different weight classes
Sly finished the season 55-0 and hasn't lost since a Nov
2023 setback to Central Cabarrus’ Charleston Baglio
IT'S GO TIME: Ashbrook, Cramer basketball earn top seeds in NCHSAA playoffs. Here's the rest of the bracket
THE ELITE: These Gastonia, Shelby indoor track athletes claimed NCHSAA gold; area wrestlers continue pursuit
Monday offered sweet redemption for Kings Mountain junior grappler Will Varner
After flirting with state gold the past two years — finishing fourth (126 pounds) two years ago and third (144 pounds) last spring — Varner knocked off Piedmont’s Elijah Oakley in the 150-pound final
The Mountaineers’ junior standout won via technical fall
Varner is the second Kings Mountain wrestler to claim state gold in as many years
joining Jaelen Culp who won a 3A championship at 157 pounds last February
Sly and Varner were not the only ones to leave Greensboro with hardware
Here’s a list of other area wrestlers who earned medals following the NCHSAA state tournament
Kings Mountain City Council will be changing up its meeting schedule and has adopted a new public comment policy and code of ethics for council members
City Council added a second monthly meeting to its regular schedule
these meetings were intended to be work session style meetings
but they ended up morphing into a more traditional council meeting
"In an effort to streamline the meeting schedule and provide consistency
staff recommends that council simply hold two regular city council meetings each month
eliminating the meeting previously referred to as the "regular worksession" and change the meeting days to the second and fourth Tuesday of each month," the staff report said
The change was recommended by the city manager and city clerk
There will be one opportunity for public comment a month
council also adopted a new public comment policy
which is intended to promote and maintain a positive environment for public input
avoid repetition and maintain order and decorum
which are required by law before the adoption of certain ordinances or resolutions
are held to receive public input on issues being heard by council
annexations and text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance
Here's what to know about public hearings and public comments:
Four men were arrested in the killing of a Loomis Fargo employee at an ATM in Kings Mountain in October
were charged with murder and attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon in the Oct
They are accused of following Richard Walter Henderson IV of Charlotte to the ATM at Prescriptions Plus on East King Street in Kings Mountain
getting out of their vehicle as Henderson serviced the machine
said Kings Mountain Police Chief Gerald Childress
so police are still investigating which of them is believed to be the triggerman
police looked at surveillance video from the area and saw a black Jeep Compass Freedom Edition with a star on the hood and a distinctive scratch on the hood at a Circle K on Cleveland Avenue
Henderson had just serviced an ATM at that convenience store
which is down the road from Prescriptions Plus
The same vehicle was spotted at the ATM at Prescriptions Plus seconds before the men got out of the vehicle and approached Henderseon
The men fled in the vehicle after Henderson was shot
Charlotte-Mecklenburg found the vehicle in Charlotte
Police learned that the men had rented the Jeep from a woman in Charlotte through an app that allows people to rent their vehicles out
The woman did not know the men prior to renting out her vehicle
Kings Mountain Police worked in collaboration with the FBI to locate the four men
who were arrested without incident and taken to the FBI office in Charlotte for questioning
Childress added that police think the attempted robbery was planned in advance
as the men are thought to have followed Henderson all the way from Charlotte before ambushing him at the ATM
The killing at this point appears to have been an isolated incident that is not connected to any other crimes in the area
nor do the men appear to have any gang affiliation
"The biggest break we had in this case was recovering that vehicle," Childress said
"That's what kind of led to our other investigative leads and obviously the arrests today."
One of the teams to recently release its schedule is Kings Mountain High School in Kings Mountain
Kings Mountain had a very successful 2024 season
who will both be on the 2025 schedule once again
Kings Mountain made a push in the playoffs after advancing past the East Lincoln Mustangs but was defeated in the second round by the Jay M
The Bulldogs would be defeated by Dudley one round later
The Mountaineers have their targets set on redemption as they look to push for a state championship
• Shelby (8/22)• at Burns (8/29)• Bandys (9/5)• at Charlotte Catholic (9/12)• at Forestview (9/19)• North Gaston (10/3)• at Ashbrook (10/10)• South Point (10/17)• at Hunter Huss (10/24)• Crest (10/31)
THE WAIT IS OVER.The 2025 Kings Mountain Football Schedule is HERE.One town. One team. One mission.#MountaineerPride | #FridayNightLights | #GDTBAM pic.twitter.com/tDSGhsBgV7
The Mountaineers will be without some of their top players from last season
He signed with the North Carolina State Wolfpack and has the opportunity to make an impact for them in the ACC early in his career
The Mountaineers will also be without Eli Lipscomb
Former South Carolina state championship head coach Strait Herron will be the leader of this program as he looks to get the Mountaineers their first state title
Follow High School On SI throughout the 2024-25 offseason and 2025 high school football season for Live Updates
and complete coverage from the preseason through the state championships
Be sure to Bookmark High School on SI for all of the latest high school football news
To get live updates on your phone — as well as follow your favorite teams and top games — you can download the SBLive Sports app: Download iPhone App | Download Android App
CALEB SISKCaleb Sisk has been a sportswriter in the Dalton
He started as a graphic designer with his own company that was and is run through social media
and has experience traveling back to his hometown and all throughout the state of Tennessee
North Carolina and South Carolina to cover high school sports
He has written for many On SI sites and has worked with Rivals in the past
He also expresses the enjoyment of writing about multiple sports and topics
although his first love for writing has always been recruiting
He began contributing to High School On SI in 2025
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KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A family is frustrated that it took almost four years to identify the remains of their missing loved one
Angela Burris went missing from her home in Kings Mountain in 2021, but it wasn’t until this week that authorities identified her body.
Katira Burris says she still doesn’t really have closure because she doesn’t know what happened to her mom
Someone found remains in Ferguson Park in Gastonia three years ago
but they went unidentified until just months ago.
A grandmother missing the major milestones is what hurts the most for Katira Burris.
“I don’t have this significant person to guide me through this process
so that’s the hardest thing,” said Burris.
She brought a lot of joy,” said Katira Burris.
She has been stuck for four years not knowing what happened to her mom.
“When it really hit for me it was my oldest son
and she didn’t come and she didn’t show up
and she would never have done that,” said Burris.
Thirty-six-year-old Angela Burris was reported missing from her home in Kings Mountain in April 2021.
police searched a massive property near her home.
and my family was being seen and heard,” said Burris.
“I’ve just been in shock through this whole process
and it’s been hurting me in different ways,” said Burris.
On the heels of that search came the break detectives needed but no one wanted to hear.
basically I couldn’t express any emotions,” said Burris.
Detectives say last September they continued to search through the missing persons’ database and found a possible hit.
It was a distinctive feature that they thought was a match between unidentified remains found three years ago in Ferguson Park in Gastonia and Angela Burris.
investigators announced Monday that the remains belong to Burris.
“I just know that she’s happy and she’s no longer hurting
and I want her to be remembered in that way,” said Burris.
She says she continues to feel her mom’s presence.
“I know she’s still supporting me and looking after me and being here for me.”
Detectives are still trying to figure out what led up to Burris’ death and how she got all the way from Kings Mountain
to Gastonia where her body was found.
But they don’t believe her death is suspicious.
Kings Mountain Police Chief Gerald Childress provided the following statement Tuesday on the state of the case:
Burris’ case since she went missing in the spring of 2021
we have continued to seek methods of locating Ms
Burris through local land searches and other investigative methods which had yielded no viable leads
while continuing to search through the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) data base
Our investigators immediately made contact with the Gastonia Police Department who had recovered unidentified skeletal remains in the winter of 2022
Working collaboratively with Gastonia Police and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
Burris were established with final confirmation through DNA analysis being made on February 25
While we are pleased to bring some closure to the Burris family
we are still seeking additional information on Ms
KINGS MOUNTAIN — Left for dead a matter of weeks ago following a loss to South Point
the Kings Mountain football team reminded Big South 3A — and the rest of those in NCHSAA Class 3A
for that matter — that the Mountaineers are still a force to be reckoned with
Kings Mountain received contributions from each of its three phases Friday night
doing enough to earn a hard-fought 27-19 victory over Ashbrook
“We dropped that one the week before against South Point
and I told my players we’ll have to win close
hard-fought games,” said Kings Mountain football coach Strait Herron
“Coming up short in that game and coming back (against Ashbrook)
But I’m proud of my guys for sticking in there and continuing to play.”
WEEK 10 FINALS: North Carolina high school football scores, live updates Week 10 in Gastonia, Shelby area
GETTING CLEARER: Who's in? Who's out? NCHSAA football playoff picture for Gastonia, Shelby teams
Things started auspiciously for Kings Mountain as its first snap was a fumble recovered by Ashbrook deep in Mountaineer territory
the defense held up its end of the bargain
forcing the Green Wave to settle for a field goal which sailed wide left
A flip switched for the Kings Mountain offense on the ensuing possession
Armstrong hitting wide receiver William Vaughn for a 76-yard pass completion
The play led to a Josiah Hill touchdown run moments later
giving the Mountaineers a 7-0 advantage in the second quarter
did what it needed to do; didn’t get down on the offense
they went and did their job and gave it back to them and things steadily picked up for us,” Herron said
Kings Mountain added to its lead shortly after
taking a 14-0 lead after Armstrong and Vaughn connected for a 61-yard touchdown
The scoring play came immediately following a Jayden Gash interception
Ashbrook answered by scoring 19 of the game’s next 22 points
McClain and Savion Lindsay each scored touchdowns
giving the Green Wave a 19-17 lead in the third quarter
Kings Mountain won the battle of field position in the fourth
twice placing Ashbrook in the shadow of its own goal line
After forcing the Green Wave to go three-and-out
the Mountaineers made short work of their labor
needing just three plays to go 26 yards for Hill’s second TD of the night
a 5-yard scamper to give his team a 24-19 lead
The second drive ended with Kings Mountain’s Thomas Fair stripping McClain of the ball at the Ashbrook 2-yard line
allowing the Mountaineers to tack on a field goal to give their team an 8-point advantage with three minutes left
The Mountaineer defense was asked to rise up one last time in the waning minutes
a long kickoff return by Ashbrook’s Smith giving the Green Wave an opportunity to potentially tie the game
its defense ending the Ashbrook drive short of the end zone
allowing it to kneel out the clock and secure the victory
Armstrong threw for 263 yards and a touchdown
4-1 Big South 3A) now find themselves in a three-way tie with Crest and South Point atop Big South 3A going into Week 11
Kings Mountain and Crest face off in Boiling Springs next week
its Big South 3A title hopes took a hit with the loss
It ends its regular season next week with the “Battle for the Victory Bell” against rival Hunter Huss
Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInKINGS MOUNTAIN
(WBTV) - A person was shot and killed when an armored truck was robbed in a Kings Mountain parking lot on Wednesday morning
Kings Mountain Police said they were called to the Prescriptions Plus Pharmacy on East King Street around 8:45 a.m
When officers arrived, they found a Loomis truck employee with at least two gunshot wounds
Police said that the victim had been servicing the ATM at the pharmacy whenever he was shot
Investigators have determined a dark-colored SUV as a potential suspect vehicle
but were unable to provide any further suspect description
The suspect is said to have fled in the vehicle immediately after the shooting
Kings Mountain Police Chief Gerald Childress said that he does not believe the suspect is still in the area
but that they could be armed and dangerous
but it is unclear if he used it prior to being shot
Police said it appeared he was working alone
Childress said that residents “should feel as safe as can be.”
“We don’t experience this type of crime in Kings Mountain,” he said during a news conference
“It’s very rare...we do live in a very nice community
and we’ll continue to investigate this thoroughly.”
Childress said that because of the nature of the crime
the FBI will be involved in the investigation
Officials have not yet released the victim’s name
Related: Guard shot during violent robbery of armored truck in Statesville
Cleveland County Commissioners recently approved the purchase of a new permanent location for the Foothills Farmers’ Market in Kings Mountain
we quickly recognized the need for a permanent market location that would protect vendors and customers from extreme weather and be able to extend the market season,” said Greg Traywick
ample parking and additional foot traffic for surrounding businesses
making it an exceptional location for the market’s long-term operations
according to a press release from Cleveland County
The county will be drafting a memorandum of agreement to outline responsibilities and expectations related to the ownership
Plans are underway to construct a "Kings Mountain Hometown Farmers' Market" pavilion
with an architectural plan and construction cost estimate in development
organizers will begin seeking grant funding to help finance the project
Foothills Farmers’ Market board members and community volunteers have worked diligently to establish a peak-season market to serve the Kings Mountain community
The market currently operates under tents on Saturdays from May through September
attracting an average of 300 customers each week
and generating more than $50,000 in sales for local farmers and home-based businesses
Follow the Kings Mountain Farmers’ Market on Facebook for future news and announcements. Vendor applications are now open for the 2025 Market Season for Kings Mountain and Shelby at foothillsfarmersmarket.com.
Someone killed a Kings Mountain woman's dogs and left their bodies near her property
and Gaston County police are investigating
a man came into her yard and threatened to shoot her dogs if they came onto his property
who had a 3-year-old pitbull named Philly and a nearly 9-year-old lab-pitbull mix named Mia
and on Wednesday when she came home from work
She tagged her dogs' air tags to a field near her home
there she is,' because she just lays down and sleeps in random places," Postelle said
come to mama,' and she didn't lift her head up."
She was laying with Philly and a stray husky that had been hanging around her property
but her intestine was hanging out of her lower body
and I think my female had one shot in the back as well," she said
She said that the dogs' legs had ropes tied to them
and the dogs were "laid out like they were trophies."
The Gaston County Police Department said that it is investigating the dogs' deaths
The department released no further information
Postelle said she no longer feels safe in her home
it's like the life that you created for them is ripped right from under you," she said
(WBTV) - Police said four men were arrested weeks after a deadly armored truck robbery at a Cleveland County pharmacy
Kings Mountain Police Chief Gerald Childress announced the arrests Wednesday
and said they are working to determine who pulled the trigger
30 at the Prescriptions Plus Pharmacy on East King Street while a Loomis employee was servicing the ATM
Police later identified him as 29-year-old Walter Henderson IV
Shortly after the shooting, police identified a black Jeep Compass as a suspect vehicle, and later released photos of the SUV
Officers said they believed the Jeep fled after Henderson was killed
Police said he was working alone when he died
Police identified the suspects as Dominick Anthony Singleton
Melek Isaiah Thomas and Damareon Laron Dockery
Childress indicated they came as a relief to the family
“I got the sense she really didn’t have a whole lot of hope that this would come to an arrest or any kind of resolution,” the chief said
“But when I called her this morning to let her know we’ve taken folks into custody
Previous Coverage: Armored truck employee killed in robbery near Kings Mountain ATM