Causby continued, "The truth is, I'm just tired. I have thoroughly enjoyed serving the community for these 10 years, but feel that I am leaving the city in good hands. In closing I will just wish you all the best. God bless the City of Shelby, God bless this council, good luck and good night."

Finance Director Paula Roach reported that while the county has spent $38 million on storm recovery, only $7.6 million has been reimbursed by FEMA — leaving $31 million outstanding. “We are being penalized for paying our bills,” Commissioner Donnie Haulk said, noting that the delay effectively makes the county an interest-free lender to the federal government.

Meanwhile, Hunt reported that at least four DSS employees recently resigned to join the state’s new Children and Families Specialty Plan, managed by Elevance/Healthy Blue, which offers salaries up to $20,000 higher plus bonuses.

Following the initial investigation, a search of the vehicle was conducted. Deputies reported locating a suspected quantity of methamphetamine inside the car. The evidence was seized, and Molina was taken into custody without incident.

Police have released several photos of the individuals and a vehicle believed to be involved. The vehicle appears to be a Chrysler minivan. Officials noted that one person in the images was edited out after being determined not to be involved in the case.

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

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.

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.

Rutherford County experienced a modest increase in unemployment, rising from 5.0 percent in July to 5.1 percent in August.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged two Old Fort men following a traffic stop on Saturday, September 27.

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

The case began on October 24, 2024, when Detective Matt Smith of the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop in the West Marion area for traffic violations.

Deputies from the Road Patrol Division and Investigations Division, along with the Sheriff, canvassed the area around midday and identified two juveniles as suspects. Evidence was collected linking them to the reported crimes, and interviews were conducted.

The program, supported by a $3 million federal HRSA grant awarded to the United Way of Rutherford County in 2024, has been operating quietly since March but had not previously been discussed at a Rutherfordton council meeting

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

Of roughly 14,500 National Park Service employees, more than 9,200 are being furloughed. Only a skeleton crew deemed “essential” or funded through non-annual appropriations continues working.