Rutherfordton Council Approves Projects, Hears Request to Review Police Pursuits

 A Rutherfordton Town Council meeting earlier this month featured sweeping infrastructure approvals tied to FEMA funding from Hurricane Helene, alongside a deeply emotional plea calling for changes to police pursuit policies.

During public comment at the April 1 meeting, resident Mason Rhodes delivered a lengthy and pointed critique following a March 27 crash that left three people dead and a fourth hospitalized. 

Rutherfordton officials did not identify those involved in its March 30 statement. Family members said Shiaderrick Barbee (a.k.a. Duke Barbar), 36 (his mother said he was the driver), Marrick Patterson, 43, and Pam Cline, 30, died. Amber Jennings, 26, was hospitalized. One was transported by helicopter. A vigil was held on March 31.

In Dec. 2025, Rhodes, a Democrat, filed to run for State Representative to challenge Jake Johnson, the Republican primary winner and incumbent for District 113, but withdrew his candidacy for the November ballot.

Elsewhere in the meeting, officials approved a series of projects, all by unanimous votes, including:

• A contract to develop a master plan for Kiwanis Park, funded largely through a $30,000 grant, with completion expected by summer.

• Final approval for a roughly $2.76 million wastewater treatment plant upgrade with construction expected to begin in late May.

• A $5 million grant-funded resiliency initiative tied to damage from Hurricane Helene, aimed at strengthening sewer and infrastructure systems.

• Roof repairs to the Woodrow Jones Building and major water mitigation upgrades at Norris Public Library.

• The town’s annual audit contract reflecting increased compliance work tied to grant funding.

• 
  

Mayor Jimmy Dancy also highlighted community updates, including the opening of Norris Park and the recognition of Norris Library.

The meeting included statements from town manager Doug Barrick and council members Stanley Clements, Alan Herrick, Doug Sheets, and Doris Crute.