THE SHELBY INDEPENDENT

Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Tallent Hafer, 89, of Shelby, NC, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. She is survived by her husband, Roe Lemmuel Hafer of the home, her children, Tim Tallent and wife Teresa of Shelby, NC, four grandchildren, Ansley Tallent of Raleigh, NC, Matthew Tallent of Asheville, NC, Katelyn Tallent of Raleigh, NC, and Garrett Tallent and wife Emma of Italy, two great grandchildren, Peter Michael Tallent and Walden Tallent, and two treasure

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent The Cleveland County Board of Education during their meeting Monday night, Nov. 10, 2025 as they weighed their decisions on the school calendar for the 2026-27 school year. Chuck Thompson | Shelby Independent The Cleveland County Schools Board of Education voted in a contested 5-4 ballot Monday evening to approve the Calendar Option A which is a parent and staff favorite, and violates state law. Cleveland County Schools is jus

Veterans’ Day salute to my pawpaw

Press release | North Carolina State Government via Cleveland County On Nov. 5, the federal government directed the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and other states to issue November 2025 Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits at 35% below the maximum allotment levels. This change affects all households receiving FNS (formerly known as SNAP) benefits in North Carolina. What This Means for FNS Recipients" Because of the federal directive, mo

Staff Reports | Press Release, Cleveland County Government Cleveland County Finance and Purchasing Team. courtesy photo The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Cleveland County for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. This award recognizes governments that go beyond the minimum requirements of generally

By Alan Wooten | The Center Square file photo (The Center Square) – Government operations in North Carolina using only rainy day funds would last 41.5 days, says analysis by the Pew Research Center. The insight said the funds are 11.4% of $3.61 billion in spending. The total days is a decrease of 17.8, fifth most from the previous year. Pew said in October the balance was $3.62 billion. Additionally, first-term Republican state Treasurer Brad Briner told the Carolina Journal

Press release | Cleveland County Gov. SHELBY — The United States Department of Agriculture has ordered a pause on all November SNAP benefits until further notice due to the federal government shutdown. Unless the USDA lifts their suspension in the coming days, November SNAP benefits will not be issued. The NC Department of Health and Human Services is ready to act quickly should the USDA allow North Carolina to resume November SNAP benefits. You can still use your EBT card an

Stein, former two-term attorney general, said his review of public safety legislation gets one simple test: “Does it make people safer,” he said.

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent 'the Beast' throws riders up in the air, hanging upside down over the weekend at The Cleveland...

By Alan Wooten | The Center Square (The Center Square) – North Carolina has more than enough money to pay its outstanding bills and...

SHELBY — Since 1924, the Cleveland County Fair has brought families together to celebrate agriculture, community and fun. With livestock...

Participants will give an 8 to 10 minute original speech on any aspect of the U.S. Constitution they choose. Then present a 3 to 5 minute oration on a pre-selected topic.

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent Shanghai Fire Department, Shelby, NC. The new building being proposed will be built to the...

The SBO was requested t conduct an in investigation into the matter.

There’s no place quite like North Carolina.

Dot Roark cuts the ribbon dedicating the new C19 studio and in honor of her plaque on the wall for the trust endowment she created for CCC's broadcast program and C19. Chuck Thompson | Shelby Independent Editor's note: Since the publication of this article on Aug. 29. 2025., Dorothy (“Dot”) Mulder Roark,101, passed away at home on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2025. The Shelby Independent extends our heartfelt condolences to her family. Cleveland Community College held a spec

Cleveland County tops the list with double digits.

For anyone in Cleveland County, it’s possible you’ve heard of Allison Golf Cars – you might have even taken a ride in one of their golf carts and not even realized it when at a festival or some other event. Their golf carts are everywhere. From driveways to fairways, concerts to corporate events, since 2009 Allison Golf Cars has been in the driver's seat, steering the wheels of change for mobility, rolling along, putting smiles on people’s faces and providing fun for the whol

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“My position is not about politics; it is about ensuring that our students, staff, and teachers have a safe and nurturing place to grow.”