The Kings Reporter (2026)

10/06/2026

Ross Dress for Less Confirmed Alongside Five Below for Lemoore’s Old Kmart Site!

By The Kings Reporter Staff
Lemoore, CA – June 2026
Big retail news keeps rolling in for Lemoore! Fresh off the excitement around Five Below, we’re excited to report that Ross Dress for Less has also been confirmed as a major new tenant in the revitalization of the former Kmart building at Lemoore Plaza (215 W. Hanford-Armona Road).

This marks another major step forward in the multi-tenant redevelopment project by California Gold Development Corporation. With visible construction progress including interior build outs, exterior updates, and site preparations these confirmations are turning local buzz into reality and giving the community plenty to look forward to.

10/06/2026

It’s Official: Five Below Heading to Lemoore – One of Three New Tenants Reviving the Old Kmart Building!

Lemoore, CA – June 2026
Here at The Kings Reporter, we’re thrilled to deliver confirmed good news for the 559. After months of strong local buzz and visible construction activity, it’s now official: Five Below is coming to Lemoore as one of three exciting new businesses moving into the former Kmart building at Lemoore Plaza (215 W. Hanford-Armona Road)

This redevelopment by California Gold Development Corporation is breathing new life into a long-vacant big-box space and represents a major win for local shoppers, job seekers, and the entire community.

The Three New Tenants Bringing Energy Back to the Plaza
• Five Below: Get ready for “hot stuff, cool prices”! This fast-growing retailer specializes in trend-forward toys, games, tech gadgets, beauty and home essentials, snacks, and more — all at extreme value prices (think $1–$5 sections and beyond). It’s the perfect spot for families, teens, and anyone hunting for fun, affordable finds.

Ross Dress for Less (not officially announced) Designer and name-brand fashion, home goods, and accessories at deep discounts. Ross will bring even more bargain-hunting excitement to Lemoore.

Anytime Fitness (not officially announced) : A 24/7 gym option that fits perfectly with the health and wellness wave sweeping through the Central Valley — supporting locals on their fitness journeys around the clock.
This multi-tenant transformation of the old Kmart site is expected to create new jobs, boost foot traffic, and energize the shopping center after years of quiet. Construction activity, including interior work and exterior preparations, has been ramping up, turning rumors into reality.

Lemoore residents have been waiting for positive developments like this, and The Kings Reporter has been on the story from the early signs. This project highlights the ongoing growth and revitalization happening right here in Kings County.

We’ll keep following the progress and bring you updates on opening timelines, hiring opportunities, and more as they become available. #559

10/06/2026

Video credit to one of our viewers Lemoore, CA – June 2026
Here at The Kings Reporter, accuracy isn’t just a goal it’s our standard. While other outlets chase headlines, we stay plugged into the heartbeat of the Central Valley, bringing you reliable updates on what’s really happening in Kings County. And once again, our reporting has been proven spot on.

10/06/2026

The Two Stories Behind How Armona Got Its Name

Armona, CA — Every small town has its naming story, but Armona has two very different ones — and locals still debate which is true.

The most commonly accepted version is that the name was supposed to be “Ramona,” inspired by Helen Hunt Jackson’s famous 1884 novel. When the Southern Pacific Railroad was building a station in the 1880s, someone simply switched the first two letters, and “Ramona” became “Armona.” The name stuck, and the town has carried it ever since.

But there’s also a much sweeter local legend. Old-timers say early settlers discovered a grave marker that simply read “Ar Mona,” which they interpreted as “Our Mona” a touching tribute to a lost girl. They supposedly named the community after her.

While the railroad story is backed by most historians and written records, the “Our Mona” tale remains a beloved piece of local folklore that many in Kings County still enjoy telling.

09/06/2026

What other types of dining, entertainment, or general infrastructure developments would you like to see implemented in Kings County, aside from Long John Silver's?

09/06/2026

Jackson Ranch Brings New Life to Kettleman City Corridor

A major new development is rising along Interstate 5 at the Utica Avenue exit, just four miles from Kettleman City. Jackson Ranch, a 405-acre commercial project, aims to serve the thousands of travelers who pass through this stretch between Los Angeles and the Bay Area.

The first piece is already open — a Chevron ExtraMile gas station and convenience store. A second station, Shell, is set to open by the end of this year. Plans call for two hotels, sit-down restaurants, fast food outlets, retail, and eventually industrial space.

The project has been in the works for years and is finally starting to deliver. A 10-acre truck stop is expected in 2026. Once complete, Jackson Ranch could become the largest commercial hub in the area, giving drivers more options than just the usual fast-food stops along this busy corridor.

09/06/2026

Major Mixed-Use Development Fargo Village Advances in North Hanford

Hanford, CA — Fargo Village, a major 304-acre mixed-use development, is progressing on the north side of Hanford at the northeast corner of 12th Avenue and Fargo Avenue.

The project, developed by Woodside Homes of Fresno with land owned by the Paul Singh Family Limited Partnership, plans for over 1,100 new homes, including roughly 926 single-family residences and multifamily apartments. It also features 6.7 acres of neighborhood commercial space that could include retail stores, restaurants, a gas station, and drive-thrus, along with over 12 acres of parks and a dedicated 15-acre school site.

Pioneer Union Elementary School District recently acquired the 15-acre site within the development for a new TK through 8th grade school. The district filed a Notice of Exemption in late May. No high school is planned for the site, with students expected to attend existing schools in the Hanford Joint Union High School District.

Woodside Homes is serving as the master developer, responsible for building all major infrastructure including roads, utilities, parks, and commercial pads. Specific builders for the apartments and individual restaurant tenants have not yet been announced.

The City of Hanford released the Draft Environmental Impact Report last fall, with public comments accepted through October 2025. Phase 1, which includes about 435 single-family lots and the school site, could begin construction as early as 2026, followed by Phase 2 around 2029.

The project aligns with Hanford’s 2035 General Plan and is viewed by city officials as a key part of the area’s continued growth. More information and documents are available on the City of Hanford’s website under Current Projects.

09/06/2026

Chick-fil-A Finally Coming to Hanford

Hanford, CA — After years of waiting, Chick-fil-A is officially coming to Hanford! The popular chicken chain will open a new 5,000-square-foot restaurant with a double drive-thru at the southeast corner of 12th Avenue and Mall Drive, right off Highway 198.

The new location will be part of a new shopping center on land owned by the Tachi Yokut Tribe. An exact opening date has not been announced yet.

Olive Garden will also be joining them in the same shopping center, as previously reported by The Kings Reporter back in April when their website first listed Hanford as a coming soon location. This will mark the first Olive Garden in all of Kings County.
This new dining development is already creating major excitement in the community.

What do you think, Hanford — ready for those chicken sandwiches? Drop a comment below! 👇

09/06/2026

🚨 Lemoore Retail Update: Strong Buzz & Construction at Old Kmart Plaza Point to 5 Below, Ross & Anytime Fitness!
Lemoore, CA (June 2026) — The former Kmart building at 215 W. Hanford-Armona Rd. is showing clear signs of life with recent construction activity, fencing, interior work, and exterior preparations underway as part of the redevelopment by California Gold Development Corporation.
Tractor Supply Co. is already open and thriving (soft opening 2025), serving as the anchor for this revitalization.

⭕️UPDATE!!!
Ross and 5 Below have been Confirmed!⭕️

Rumored Tenants Generating Major Local Excitement
Local community discussions have been strong around 5 Below, Ross Dress for Less, and a new Anytime Fitness (or similar 24/7 gym) potentially taking space in the divided big-box building.

⭕️ While these reports remain unconfirmed by official channels, I have very strong sources indicating this is as good as done. We’re just waiting on the City of Lemoore or the companies involved to make the official announcement.
I, Mathew Westwood — The Kings Reporter himself — am willing to put my journalistic integrity on the line and say this is true. Stay tuned for updates! 👀 ⭕️

• 5 Below: The popular discount retailer with fun, affordable finds would be a huge win for families and shoppers in the 559.
• Ross Dress for Less: Bargain clothing, home goods, and deals — even more convenient than the Hanford location.
• Anytime Fitness: A 24/7 gym option would perfectly support the growing fitness scene here, from sumo training and body recomp to everyday wellness.

The site’s ongoing activity (dumpsters, barriers, and visible progress) lines up with plans to split the old Kmart space into multiple modern units, adding to other plaza developments.
This kind of momentum is exciting for Lemoore — more jobs, shopping, and fitness options right in the Central Valley. For those of us on weight loss journeys or hitting the gym consistently, it’s another reason to stay locked in. Never too far gone .

What do you think, Lemoore? Have you seen the construction? Drop your sightings or excitement below and tag friends. I’ll update as soon as we get official word from the City or the retailers.
This is based on recent on-site observations, strong local sources, and community reports. Rumors are treated as highly credible but not officially confirmed until the City of Lemoore or the companies (5 Below, Ross, Anytime Fitness) announce.
#559

The Kings Reporter

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