A Polk County magistrate issued the arrest warrant on Sept. 16, 2025. Barth was booked and released on a $1,000 unsecured bond on Sept. 22. His first court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 24 before District Court Judge Monica Gillett.

Join us this year as we celebrate 101 years from Sept. 25 to Oct. 5 at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds, 1751 E. Marion St., Shelby.

Among those in attendance were State Senator Ted Alexander, 110 N.C. House Representative Kelly Hastings, 111 N.C. House seat Representative Paul Scott, various members of the Cleveland County GOP and local residents.

With the assistance of MCSO K9 Rambo, deputies searched the vehicle and found approximately 4.7 grams of suspected methamphetamine, multiple doses of Lorazepam (a Schedule IV controlled substance), and drug paraphernalia.

“Tourism is back in Western North Carolina, and the fall is a great time to visit this area,” said NCGHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “That’s especially true for this part of U.S. 129, where thousands of drivers and riders are drawn to this route. But on this stretch of highway, things can go from spectacular to tragic in a heartbeat. We want every visitor to enjoy the journey and return home safely by slowing down, buckling up and driving sober.”