By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent Snow totals are still being defined but right now it is expected to be six to seven inches After last weekend’s ice storm , Cleveland County is prepping for wintry weather across the county this weekend, as municipalities, county government and schools prepare for snow. The City of Shelby posted cautionary social media posts, urging residents to be prepared, while other towns across the county did the same.  From Boiling Springs to B

Staff reports Kings Mountain City Hall, late summer 2025 The City of Kings Mountain announced that all city offices will be opening at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Solid waste will begin picking up Monday's route tomorrow once operational hours of the landfill are verified and when road conditions are safe for equipment and employees. If your normally scheduled pick-up day is Monday, please place your container by the road as usual, at or near the spot you would

Staff Reports Due to expected extreme cold tonight and the potential for refreezing of any remaining precipitation, Cleveland County will operate on a three-hour delayed start on Tuesday, January 27. County offices and services will open at 11:00 a.m. Impact on County Services: • Convenience/Recycling Sites: All sites will open at 11:00 a.m., except the Polkville (4732 Peyton Place Rd., Polkville) and Lutz (230 Vic Randall Rd., Lawndale) Convenience Sites, which will remain c

By Alan Wooten | The Center Square (The Center Square) – Between 6 and 12 inches of snow and sleet were reported over the weekend near North Carolina’s border to Virginia and Tennessee and also in Buncombe County. A major winter storm gripping the nation from New Mexico to New England led to at least a dozen states getting federal emergency declarations from second-term Republican President Donald Trump. North Carolina is among them. The emergency declaration unlocks federal

Staff Reports Cleveland County Government offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 26, due to inclement weather. This closure includes all convenience centers and landfills. Residents are encouraged to visit www.clevelandcounty.com for the most up-to-date information regarding County closures and service updates. Road conditions are treacherous and residents are urged to avoid travel. Those needing information on essential resources or shelter availability may contact the Citiz

Chuck Thompson | The Sunday Column OPINION / HUMOR – First, you have to understand that while you’re reading this on Sunday (or later) during Icemegeddon, I am writing this on Friday night, eating all my winter storm snacks and typing away, having no clue more than the weatherman on what would actually happen by Sunday. As a friend mentioned to me today, "Being a weatherman is the only job where you can be wrong most of the time and not get fired." By the time you read this.

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent, Special Saturday News & Weather Column Cleveland County Government has declared a state of Emergency, along with The City of Shelby and the State of North Carolina. SATURDAY, Jan. 24, 2026 — Icemegeddom looms on the horizon. Good morning, it's 5:30 a.m., as of publishing time. Today is the day the winter storm rolls in. Don't eat all your storm snacks before it's over. Today's local high will be in the mid 30's. Cloudy, goes without

Staff Reports Read the State of Emergency, signed by Chairman Kevin Gordon, in it's original form below: The Shelby Independent

Staff Reports Read the statement below in it's original form: The Shelby Independent

By Alan Norman | The Center Square (The Center Square) – More than 11.1 million are braced for hazardous winter weather this weekend from Murphy to Manteo in North Carolina. Preparations are ongoing for nominal snow accumulation from the mountains to the Outer Banks. Not all areas are expected to get snow or accumulation; many will get rain and freezing slick surface conditions. An emergency has been declared by first-term Democratic Gov. Josh Stein. The state price gouging l

Cleveland County Emergency Management and County leadership are closely monitoring the weather forecast and preparing for significant winter weather impacts. County officials are coordinating preparedness efforts to ensure the safety of residents. Community safety remains our top priority, and residents are encouraged to stay informed and take appropriate precautions ahead of the storm.   If any county closures, service impacts, or operational changes occur, official updates