K-Town Connection Ep 40: A.L. Brown Cross Country Team

In Episode 40 of the K-Town Connection, we sit down with coach Nick Buckwell and members of the A.L. Brown Cross Country team to explore their dedication to athletics, academics, and the Kannapolis community.

Hear firsthand from student-athletes Laney Morton, Megan Fongemy, and Myles Beaver as they share their experiences growing up in Kannapolis, training as competitive runners, and building strong bonds through their sport.

Coach Buckwell discusses the revitalization of the Cross Country program, its history of excellence, and the team’s commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment. Whether it’s training downtown, high-fiving locals, or representing the “K” with pride, this team embodies resilience and spirit.

Learn about:

-The team’s training routines and competitive goals

-How Kannapolis has transformed into a hub for families and young athletes

-The upcoming Wonder Community Mile fundraiser on June 28th

🎯 Call to Action:

Support the Team: Join the Wonder Community Mile event or donate to their program to help these athletes thrive!

Engage with Us: Like, comment, and subscribe to K Town Connection for more inspiring stories from Kannapolis.

#KTownConnection #ALBrown #CrossCountry #KannapolisCommunity

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 40: A.L. Brown Cross Country Team

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