K-Town Connection Ep 23: Ken & Makenzie Lingafelt join us along with Linn Ritchie & Kristin Rodgers

Recorded in the historic WRKB studios and Marketplace on Main Street in beautiful downtown Kannapolis, the #RoughTalkCousins Chris Hughes and Ryan Dayvault along with Dr. Dave (Chuck Irvin) welcome Ken and Makenzie Lingafelt along with Linn Ritchie and Kristin Rodgers.

Ken Lingafelt does a deep-dive into the opening of The Bank food hall along with giving us some incredible stories related to the downtown revitalization.

He and Makenzie also preview this weekend’s 5th Annual KANTOBERFEST!

We also heard from Linn Ritchie and Kristin Rodgers about this year’s Savin’ Pairs Breast Cancer Glow Walk taking place on October 12, 2024.

Meet in front of the Swanee Theatre:
200 West Ave in Downtown Kannapolis

COME EARLY, EAT AT THE BANK FOOD HALL, TOWEL CITY TAVERN

Email LinnRitchie@gmail.com if you want to be a Sponsor.

Hardee’s Biscuits Got Him Inside the Mills: Chad Mitchell’s Untold Story | Ep 75

In Episode 75 of the K-Town Connection, lifelong Kannapolis photographer and artist Chad Mitchell opens his archive of more than 25,000 photographs that document the demolition of Cannon Mills — the place that built this town. As the massive mill complex disappeared, Chad decided someone had to record what was being lost. What began as a personal mission became one of the most important visual records of Kannapolis history ever created. He takes us inside the abandoned buildings, shares how he gained access (Hardee’s biscuits helped), and reveals the stories behind some of his most powerful images — including the fall of the iconic water tower, a once-in-a-lifetime balloon ride over the complex, and the unforgettable photograph of his late father standing in the partially demolished mill, looking out at the rubble of the place where he had worked for decades. Chad also looks back at an incredible creative career that includes photographing Appalachian State football during its national championship years, serving as team photographer for Kannapolis professional baseball, working with NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, and creating artwork connected to Dale Earnhardt. His guiding philosophy has always been simple: Tell as much of the story as possible in one shutter click. Today, as a new generation grows up in a Kannapolis that looks nothing like the mill town their parents and grandparents knew, these photographs have become even more valuable. They don’t just preserve buildings — they preserve the people, the work, the memories, and the identity of a community that was forever changed. This episode is exactly what the K-Town Connection is about: preserving Kannapolis history by telling the stories of the people who lived it. 📸 Browse and purchase Chad’s photography and artwork: ChadMitchell.com 📍 Filmed at Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Tune-Up & Brake Service Garage in Kannapolis, North Carolina 🎙️ Hosted by the #RoughTalkCousins Chris Hughes & Ryan Dayvault, along with Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin and David Steele Chapters 0:00 – Intro & Local Updates 5:32 – Welcome to Episode 75 5:52 – Introducing Chad Mitchell 7:02 – Growing Up in Kannapolis 12:00 – How Chad Began Documenting the Mills 14:00 – Getting Access with Hardee’s Biscuits 17:18 – Inside the Abandoned Mill Buildings 19:24 – Over 25,000 Photographs 25:10 – The Darkest Place in the Mill 27:20 – “Lifeline” – The Railroad Light Painting 37:15 – Where to See & Buy the Photos 38:21 – Kiln-Dried Maple Floors & the Sign 39:49 – Baseball Photography Years 43:45 – The Dale Earnhardt Artwork 46:06 – The “Quality Work Means Job Security” Sign 53:45 – The Balloon Ride Over Cannon Mills 56:15 – The Photograph of Chad’s Father 59:48 – Closing Thoughts & Thank You

K-Town Connection Official Home of the K-Town Connection

K-Town Connection Ep 23: Ken & Makenzie Lingafelt join us along with Linn Ritchie & Kristin Rodgers

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Hardee’s Biscuits Got Him Inside the Mills: Chad Mitchell’s Untold Story | Ep 75