THE SHELBY INDEPENDENT

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent Deb Hardin Deb Hardin, a candidate for and a current County Commissioner, is on the last lap of her second term. If reelected, she will begin her third term in December. That means Hardin has served on the board through massive changes across Cleveland County, from the Justice Center to the new Board of Elections building, the 911 Center and Two Kings Casino. Through all these projects, she said she has been concerned about the walle

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent Laura Boggs Tharrington Laura Boggs Tharrington has called Cleveland County home since 1980 when she took her first breath as a newborn. This is her home. A 1998 graduate of Burns High School, she graduated from Gardner-Webb University and currently teaches at Crest High School. She teaches business principles, which includes being trustworthy, preparedness, integrity and all the ethical principles. "That's something important to me

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent Denise Wright Denise Wright is a candidate for Cleveland County Commissioner . She’s just one of seven candidates vying for two seats up for election. She also ran for commissioner in 2024, jumping into the race a little late; she managed to finish in a strong fourth place out of three seats up for election in many of the precincts. Wright grew up on a small farm in Upper Cleveland County. Her husband works for the City of Shelby, an

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent Pres. Donald J. Trump and Wayne King courtesy photo Editor’s note: This interview was first published on Dec. 5, 2025. For the candidates willing to participate that have interviews released / being released before the March 3 primary, it was deemed only fair to re-release this feature with all other “Facing the voters” articles. Wayne King, a Cleveland County native and lifelong Kings Mountain resident , is no stranger to wheels o

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent Josh Biddix There’s the saying, “Once a Marine, always a Marine” but Josh Biddix is also aiming at being a county commissioner for the people of Cleveland County. A husband, father of two, and a former police officer (on top of his military service), Biddix sat down with The Shelby Independent to discuss the issues currently facing Cleveland County, concerns of his own, and the hope he has for the future of the county. A Crest High

Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent Cleveland County Admin Building where the county commissioners meet. Chuck Thompson | Shelby Independent Is the school board political drama spilling over to the county commissioners race? The Shelby Independent could not verify that political drama is contagious because the CDC could not be reached for comment for this question, but in a google search, and it must be noted was not verified by any qualified experts, stated, "The C

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent Cleveland County Commissioners' meeting December 2025 before call to order. Chuck Thompson | Shelby Independent The County Commissioners’ meeting was short and thoughtful, wrapping up the year by tabling a zoning request until January and the commissioners praising county staff for their dedicated efforts in 2025.   County Commissioner Kevin Gordon was reappointed by the board to serve as Chairman and Commissioner Deb Hardin was

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent Josh Queen, standing, shows a video explaining Community Connect, while Chairman Kevin Gordon and Commissioner Deb Hardin watch. Chuck Thompson | Shelby Independent Imagine EMS or the fire department arriving to your home for an emergency, they know your security gate code, alarm system code to your house, how many people reside in the home, dogs, cats and even where hazardous materials such as gasoline or spray paint canisters ar

From left, Senate candidate Michael Whatley, N.C. House Rep. Paul Scott, N.C. Senator Ted Alexander and N.C. House Rep. Kelly Hastings at...

The Charles F. Harry III Cleveland County Admin. Building. Chuck Thompson | Shelby Independent A new public portal is expected to...