THE SHELBY INDEPENDENT

By Chuck Thompson | The Sunday Column | Opinion OPINION – There are some topics that should never be a Sunday Column. Common sense, for instance, that should just be a given. And also, pedestrian accidents at the Cleveland County Agricultural Fair. This is the 102nd year. It’s one of those things that says fall has officially arrived in Cleveland County. I like the Fair. The rides, the food, livestock, people you haven’t seen since last year’s fair and, of course, the

By Chuck Thompson | Shelby Independent BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. — You might want to pay attention to your speed and slow down traveling through Boiling Springs from now on. A reduction in the speed limit in one part of town has been enacted by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). On Friday afternoon, The Town of Boiling Springs released a statement noting that the area on N Main Street between Ingles and Ramsgate Drive has been reduced from 35 mph to 25 mph.

By David Beasley | The Center Square A wall-mounted defibrillator device. Photo: Vladimir Srajber / Pexels | The Center Square. Education / Affects local – Two years ago, 13 North Carolina students suffered cardiac arrest while at school, one of whom died. Now, two state lawmakers want to ensure that all public schools – roughly 2,500 in total – stock defibrillators. The legislation, which has already passed the House,was sponsored by State Rep. Wyatt Gable, R-Jacksonville

By A thankful educator | The Sunday Column | Special to The Shelby Independent OPINION – Some days come and go without much notice. And then there are days that stop you in your tracks, days that remind you just how fragile and how strong life can be at the very same time. Recently, our community experienced one of those days. What began like any other quickly turned into something none of us ever want to face. In a moment, routines were interrupted, classrooms grew silent, a

By Alan Norman | The Center Square (The Center Square) – More than 11.1 million are braced for hazardous winter weather this weekend from Murphy to Manteo in North Carolina. Preparations are ongoing for nominal snow accumulation from the mountains to the Outer Banks. Not all areas are expected to get snow or accumulation; many will get rain and freezing slick surface conditions. An emergency has been declared by first-term Democratic Gov. Josh Stein. The state price gouging l

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

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

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

Hurricane season begins.