According to Sgt. Jack Reid with the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the investigation indicates that Long was walking with the flow of traffic rather than facing oncoming vehicles when he was struck by a patrol car. The vehicle hit Long with the right side, impacting the right side of the windshield.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, on September 23, Detective Smith was assisting the North Carolina State Highway Patrol during a license checkpoint on Nix Creek Road when Hoover was stopped. During the stop, officers determined that Hoover had outstanding warrants for his arrest.

The North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL) is proud to announce that North Carolina has been ranked #2 in the nation for workplace safety, according to a recent study by WalletHub. This national recognition reflects the collective efforts of employers, employees, and safety professionals across the state.

A Rutherfordton Police Department officer was involved in an early morning accident on South Main Street that left a pedestrian injured, according to a statement from the Town of Rutherfordton.

Deputies arrested Jeffrey Allen Horton, 29, at 2:46 p.m., charging him with attempted breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, two counts of resisting a public officer, and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office inmate database.

“Our volunteers are often the first to know about major incidents in the county,” said Rick Austin, CERT-Rutherford Program Manager. “We focus on making sure people have the skills and tools to protect their families and neighbors when it matters most.”

On Thursday, October 2, Deputy Spearman responded to a report of a prior vehicle break-in in the Vein Mountain Road area. The victim told authorities that Towery entered her vehicle, took an item, and left the scene on foot.

The estimated $300 million investment will create more than 300 new jobs in Gaston County. The 1.2 million–square-foot facility, located at 799 Sara Lee Access Road, is expected to open in 2027. The new jobs will generate an annual payroll impact in the community of more than estimated $20 million per year.

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.