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.