News Articles

For over 75 years the Gem Theatre has been the star of downtown Kannapolis. From movie premieres to special dates, from engagement proposals to wedding ceremonies the Gem Theatre has been an iconic structure and place of history for the City and its residents. In 2015 the City of Kannapolis acquired the theatre and began the process of refurbishing the marquee, and essential elements such as the roof, heating and air conditioning and restrooms.  Now, it’s time to give the interior...

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We are pleased to announce the promotions of three of our staff members. Becky Tolle has been promoted to the role of Recreation Superintendent in the Parks and Recreation Department. She will oversee the Recreation and Special Event coordinators, the Athletics Division, administrative staff as well as assisting with the human resources, budget and planning responsibilities of the department. Becky has been with the City for 20 years and has over 30 years of park and recreation experie...

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Kannapolis City Council Member Ryan Dayvault has been honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is one of the highest honors a citizen of North Carolina can receive. Dayvault was honored for his service as a City Council member and his volunteer work with numerous organizations in Kannapolis. Ryan has served on the Kannapolis City Council for 12 years and he is the youngest person to be elected to serve on the council. Prior to being elected to City Council...

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In a long-awaited and eagerly anticipated return, Rowan County is excited to announce the rescheduled Military Talent Attraction Weekend, an event initially slated for March 2020 but postponed due to the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Rowan Chamber of Commerce, Rowan EDC, NC Works, Salisbury VA Health Care System, City of Salisbury, Rowan Tourism Development Authority, NC4ME, and other community partners have been working on bringing back this program to match the n...

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The Kannapolis City Council has restructured the original purchase and operational agreements for the former Swanee Theatre. The City acquired the vacant Swanee Theatre as part of its purchase of the downtown properties in 2015.   In 2021 West Ave Entertainment, LLC which is owned Kent Gregory and Ken Lingafelt, signed an agreement to renovate and purchase the theatre and open it as an entertainment venue.  The renovations have been completed by West Ave Entertainment and the S...

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Cabarrus County commissioners, management and representatives from the Library System and Active Living and Parks Department celebrated another significant step forward Tuesday at the groundbreaking for the Cabarrus County Library and Active Living Center at Afton Ridge.    The investment represents another milestone in the County’s commitment to resident well-being, education and interconnection. The location is the second facility that combines library services and active liv...

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Mark your calendars for an exciting Mystery Dinner Theater performance at 6:30 p.m., November 3, at the Laureate Center. On the 18th tee of the Porous Pines Country Club, regional Golf Champ, Holin Wunn met his demise. The gallery was shocked when he collapsed in the middle of his backswing during the match of the sexes between female golf pro, Birdie Bigelow and male golf champ, Holin Wunn. Now it's necessary to not putter around and trap the killer with a stroke of investigative geni...

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City of Kannapolis loose leaf collection will begin October 30 and will end March 18. Loose Leaf Collection Do’s & Don’ts: Leaves must be placed at the curb or along the ditch line – not in ditches – in rows parallel with the street. Place leaves at the curb by 7 a.m. on the day of collection. Leaves mixed with limbs, other yard waste, gum balls, gravel, glass, or other solid matter will not be collected. Leaves in garbage containers will not be collect...

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There is still time to sign up for the Wonder Run 5K happening at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow morning, October 14!  The event will also include a Steps for STEM Fun Run, beginning at 7:45 a.m. Both runs are part of the Run Kannapolis 5K Series. All proceeds will go to the Kannapolis Education Foundation. For more information and to register for all of the Run Kannapolis races, visit: www.runkannapolis.com  

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Cabarrus County, the City of Concord and the City of Kannapolis are partnering to host a free event to educate residents about the Fair Housing Act and their rights as tenants or homebuyers. For some, housing discrimination can add hurdles to securing safe, permanent housing. To help increase understanding of the Fair Housing Act and the rights afforded by it, the agencies are collaborating on “Fair Housing: Making Every Zip Code an Opportunity.” El Puente Hispano will host an ...

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