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Exclusive: D.A. Ted Bell Blasts Iryna’s Law as “Knee-Jerk Reaction” Burdening Counties
Bell noted the high cost of electronic monitoring. “Some of the systems are $30 a day,” he said. “Even if they’re ordered to pay, I suspect two-thirds of them won’t be able to.” He added that it remains unclear whether defendants who cannot pay would return to jail or whether the state would cover the cost. “Those are questions that nobody has thought about what the answer is,” Bell said.
Annie Dance
6 hours ago2 min read
Latest News


Catawba Nation Foundation awards $800,000 in 2025 community grants
The Catawba Nation Foundation (CNF) has awarded $800,000 in 2025 grants to nonprofit organizations advancing cultural preservation, education, economic development, and environmental stewardship across the Catawba Nation, the Cleveland County region, and Native American communities in North Carolina.
2 min read


U.S. Senate candidate Don Brown visits Cleveland County
Brown took time out of his day to talk with The Shelby Independent about several issues, including his credentials for a senate seat, healthcare, and what drastic measures need to be taken to reduce the deficit.
6 min read


Rutherford County Sees Modest Rise as North Carolina Unemployment Increases
Rutherford County experienced a modest increase in unemployment, rising from 5.0 percent in July to 5.1 percent in August.
1 min read
Local News


Exclusive: D.A. Ted Bell Blasts Iryna’s Law as “Knee-Jerk Reaction” Burdening Counties
Bell noted the high cost of electronic monitoring. “Some of the systems are $30 a day,” he said. “Even if they’re ordered to pay, I suspect two-thirds of them won’t be able to.” He added that it remains unclear whether defendants who cannot pay would return to jail or whether the state would cover the cost. “Those are questions that nobody has thought about what the answer is,” Bell said.
2 min read


Rutherford County Emergency Communications Tackles 584 Calls in 48 Hours
Law enforcement: The Sheriff’s Office handled 208 calls, while police in Forest City, Lake Lure, Rutherfordton, and Spindale collectively fielded 321 calls, reflecting a surge in law enforcement activity.
1 min read


Spindale Man Arrested in Bostic Fentanyl Overdose Case
Following interviews, evidence review, and consultation with the District Attorney’s Office, investigators identified Chad Ledbetter as a suspect. Warrants were issued on October 3, 2025, for Death by Distribution and Sell or Deliver a Controlled Substance.
1 min read
Regional News


Catawba Nation Foundation awards $800,000 in 2025 community grants
The Catawba Nation Foundation (CNF) has awarded $800,000 in 2025 grants to nonprofit organizations advancing cultural preservation, education, economic development, and environmental stewardship across the Catawba Nation, the Cleveland County region, and Native American communities in North Carolina.
2 min read


U.S. Senate candidate Don Brown visits Cleveland County
Brown took time out of his day to talk with The Shelby Independent about several issues, including his credentials for a senate seat, healthcare, and what drastic measures need to be taken to reduce the deficit.
6 min read


Old Fort Men Face Drug Charges After McDowell County Traffic Stop
The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged two Old Fort men following a traffic stop on Saturday, September 27.
1 min read
Business News


Rutherford County Sees Modest Rise as North Carolina Unemployment Increases
Rutherford County experienced a modest increase in unemployment, rising from 5.0 percent in July to 5.1 percent in August.
1 min read


Solero Technologies to Close Shelby Plant, Lay Off 102 Employees by 2026
According to a notice released by the company, the decision follows Solero’s acquisition last October of Netherlands-based Kendrion’s automotive business, which included the Kendrion Automotive facility in Shelby. The plant currently employs 102 workers.
1 min read


New North Carolina Laws
These changes are part of a broader legislative agenda passed during the 2025 session and signed by the governor earlier this year.
2 min read
Obituaries


Jeffrey Todd Jolley
Jeffrey Todd Jolley, age 51, of Cliffside, passed away Sunday, October 5, 2025 at his residence.
1 min read


Bobby W. Lamb
Bobby W. Lamb, age 80, of Forest City, passed away Thursday, October 2, 2025 at Oak Grove Healthcare in Rutherfordton.
1 min read


Wanda Vickers
Wanda Hill Vickers, age 65, of Mooresboro, passed away Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
1 min read
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