THE SHELBY INDEPENDENT

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent Shelia Canipe Shelia Canipe wasted no time, immediately starting the interview by stating, “It bothers me that at one time we had nine underperforming schools, and now it is much better than that, but we still have kids graduating that can’t read, write, or count. She continued, “I know adults that, if it weren’t for technology they couldn’t count – they can’t make change at a cash register. I’ve been in a store where I have had to

By David Beasley | The Center Square contributor Courtesy photo The Center Square (The Center Square) – For North Carolina residents struggling to buy homes, it’s not their imagination that prices seem to be going through the roof, according to a newly released study. The state as a whole had an average listing price in North Carolina of about $520,000, which is 20% below the national average of $647,000, the John Locke Foundation study notes. Even so, it can be hard to find

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

Staff Reports | Press Release by Robert Queen Editor's note: This press release has been published as-is and not altered in any way whatsoever. This is a press release only; this is not an endorsement by The Shelby Independent of any candidates running for elected offices. Read it in its entirety below : As early voting begins Thursday, February 12, voters in Cleveland County have a clear choice: continue moving our schools forward with steady, proven leadership— or allow di

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent Rep. Kelly Hastings EDITOR’S NOTE: The reporter for this article does not live in the 110 NC House District. Also, in a previous version of this article, a typo made it seem he had endorsed his opponent which he clearly stated he had not. This “was” has been changed to “wasn’t” - the correction has been made. Rep. Kelly Hastings grew up in Shelby; his wife, Anika, is from Cherryville , which is where they live today. Hastings is the

By Chuck Thompson | Shelby Independent Dr. Caroline Eason EDITOR’S NOTE: The reporter for this article does not live in the 110 NC House District. Caroline Eason is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy. She is not only a third-generation independent community pharmacist, but also is a Republican running for the 110 NC House seat. The district is one of 120 districts in the North Carolina House of Representatives. Eason, an Upper Cleveland native, with a

Staff Reports Cleveland Community College and East Carolina University have strengthened educational pathways for students in Cleveland County with a new transfer agreement signed January 28 in ECU’s Science and Technology Building. The signing cemented a partnership between the two colleges that guarantees admission to the university’s Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT) program for qualified CCC graduates. That point appealed to Dr. Jason Hurst, president of

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent Brandon Bridges Brandon Bridges, 36, is running for school board . I sat across the table from him at a café, as he explained why he was running for the Cleveland County Board of Education. “I think I can make a difference,” he said as he chowed down on some French fries, relaxed, personable, answering any question thrown at him. It may not be the answer you agree with, but he didn’t hesitate in having a response. (Since two candidat

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent Grigg. Calm seas only last but so long in the dramatic ocean of politics. In the ongoing soap opera of the Cleveland County Board of Education, a new plot twist reared its head Friday, the day after the calm and professional school board candidate forum debate – call it a smear campaign, hit piece, attack, or just the truth – the focus was recently shifted onto current school board member, and candidate for the CCS Board of Education

The Board of Education Forum involved eight candidates from the CCGOP By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent The board of education candidates before the event began, seated left to right, Robert Queen, Brandon Bridges, Aaron Bridges, Shelia Canipe, Rodney Fitch, Ronnie Grigg, Stephen Self, and Danny Blanton. Sherry Yocum, standing in red shirt, and moderator Dot Cherry on right. Chuck Thompson | Shelby Independent Thursday night’s Board of

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 file graphic The Cleveland County Arts Council has rescheduled their largest fundraiser of the year, due to weather concerns, for late February. The 2026 Big Chill Casino Night and Silent Disco! Tickets are $125 per person, and the event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 7 - 11 p.m. at the Cleveland Country Club, located at 1360 E. Marion St., Shelby, N.C. There will be fun and games, including black jack, craps, roulette, Texas Hold 'em, and a poker tourna

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 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

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

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

Staff Reports | Press Release Courtesy photo CCSO On Tuesday, Jan. 20, deputies with the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office Community Interdiction Team conducted a traffic stop on South Post Road, near East Dixon Boulevard, for a vehicle registration violation. During the stop, a Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office K-9 was deployed and gave a positive indication for the presence of narcotics. Based on this indication, deputies conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle. As

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent The school board forum will involve eight of the candidates, all republican, on Jan. 29, at The LeGrand Center. UPDATE: Jay Carpenter will not be attending as previously reported. Stephen Carroll Self will be attending now. Anyone interested in listening to the school board candidates’ personal stances on local education issues, and wanting to ask them questions, will have their chance next week.   The Cleveland County GOP and Moms