THE SHELBY INDEPENDENT

By Rod Powell | Guest Opinion OPINION — A young couple trying to buy their first home in Cleveland County already has plenty working against them. Home prices are high. Interest rates are high. Insurance isn't cheap, and saving enough for a down payment can take years. Then they finally find a modest house they can afford and discover they're competing against a large investment company with cash ready to go. That's happening in North Carolina. Around Charlotte, corporate inv

By Rod Powell | Special Guest Opinion OPINION — A while back somebody asked me why I spend so much time at farmers markets, food pantries, community events, and little gatherings around Cleveland County. The answer was pretty simple. That’s where I find out what’s really going on. I taught history and civics for thirty years, and one thing I learned a long time ago is that you can learn a lot more by listening than by talking. Some of the best lessons I ever got didn’t c

Overcoming the fear of public speaking and building the confidence to seize the speech By Chuck Thompson | Shelby Independent Toast of the town: The local Toastmaster chapter helps people overcome their fear of public speaking. From left, Mike Whitt, Emily Lesalle, Bill Jobe, Rich Taylor, Cynitra Stewart, Kim and Rod Powell. | Chuck Thompson Feature – Some may not think twice about it, but public speaking is a real fear for many people. Toastmasters is an international organi