THE SHELBY INDEPENDENT

By Alan Wooten | The Center Square Health / Affects Local – In exchange for ending a pricing plan, Atrium Health has been returned to in network for the State Health Plan in North Carolina to resolve a conflict that escalated and generated confusion just as the healthcare open enrollment period was beginning. The move announced jointly by Atrium and first-term Republican state Treasurer Brad Briner on behalf of the nearly 750,000 teachers, state employees, retirees, lawmakers

By Chuck Thompson | The Sunday Column OPINION — On June 21 October 27 stopped being just my birthday. It became a milestone because I simply get another birthday. This column isn’t about saying ‘it’s my birthday,’ it’s about being thankful that I’m here to celebrate what this birthday means to me. I get to complain and make jokes about turning 48 and most importantly, I get to wake up that morning... That’s a great birthday present. There was a time when I probably wouldn’t h

By Chuck Thompson | The Sunday Column OPINION — No, it’s probably not what you think, sorry; its much worse. If you like apples, then just stop reading this right now… this is your warning… because if you read the whole thing then you’ll never look at apples the same way again. And don’t comment about how you’re offended, or upset about this, because I warned you – this is your last chance. Anything you read past this is your own choice… Apple picking season in North Carolina

Press Release | Cleveland County Health Department CASAR / SHELBY – On Jan. 15, the Cleveland County Health Department was notified of two skunks that tested positive for rabies. The animals were found on Haywood Road in Casar and on Marion Street in Shelby. Any person exposed to potentially infectious saliva from an animal should contact their healthcare provider or CCHD for a rabies risk assessment. You may contact us at 980-484-5169 or 980-484-5100. Rabies occurs througho