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.

During a Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee hearing on September 22, Chimney Rock Mayor Peter O’Leary told Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) did not arrive in his community until months after the storm.

Donald Michael Bradley, age 66, of Cleveland, North Carolina, formerly of Caroleen, passed away at his residence on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

ICAC investigations often involve complex and sensitive matters that require detailed investigative and prosecutorial efforts. According to officials, Shaffer has worked to expand her expertise in this area, resulting in multiple convictions in Rutherford County.

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.

NCDOT officials said the change is necessary as crews finish work in the area and prepare to shift traffic onto the new bypass in the coming months, according to a press release from town officials. It is another sign that a project decades in the making is beginning to reshape the county’s transportation map.

“Local governments are on the front lines of rebuilding communities and restoring services after Hurricane Helene, and I thank the General Assembly for investing in them,” Stein said. “These grants will help towns and counties across western North Carolina bolster critical infrastructure that keeps people safe.”

According to the sheriff’s office, investigators were first notified by Polk County Middle School officials regarding Whitener for inappropriately contacting a 13-year-old via social media. This prompted an immediate investigation.

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.

WCAB News is excited to announce a new media partnership with The Shelby Independent. This partnership will allow us to expand our coverage across Cleveland County and neighboring communities, providing more comprehensive news and local insights

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.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the A.C.E. (Aggressive Criminal Enforcement) Team began looking into suspected criminal activity at a residence on Highway 226 in Bostic following multiple community complaints. Investigators conducted a knock-and-talk at the property, where consent was given to search both a camper and the main residence.

A Rutherfordton man active in the regional bull riding community is being held without bail in Polk County on a series of felony sex charges involving a minor he allegedly contacted through online social media, according to court documents.

“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.”

Pat Conner, age 84, of Mooresboro, passed away Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

The investigation began on August 29, when Deputy Ryan Washburn conducted a welfare check at a residence in Marion following a report of possible child neglect involving an infant. Authorities say evidence gathered during the welfare check and subsequent investigation led to the arrests.

The decision reflects the return of vacation lodging as utilities and roads stabilize after the flood. The board had suspended short-term rental approvals last fall when storm damage cut off access to homes and rentals. The program resumed in late June, just in time for the Fourth of July holiday.

The Flowering Bridge, a pedestrian landmark that drew thousands of visitors to Lake Lure before Hurricane Helene destroyed it in September 2024, will not be rebuilt in the near future, town officials said this week. The clarification followed Congressman Tim Moore’s (NC-14) announcement that more than $2.85 million had been awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the bridge’s replacement.

The suspect, described as a white male wearing blue jeans, a red T-shirt, and a baseball-style cap, was seen looking around the property before taking several lawn care tools.

Pate was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, altering or destroying criminal evidence, possession of a controlled substance on jail premises, maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for a controlled substance, and trafficking in opium or heroin. Her bond was set at $100,000, and her first court appearance was scheduled for September 16, 2025.