Cleveland County News

01/06/2024

A NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPARKS CONTROVERSY IN SHELBY

The following was posted in The Shelby Star on December 20th and 27th:

"The City Council of Shelby, North Carolina will conduct a public hearing during its regular meeting at 6:00 p.m., Monday, January 8, 2024, at 300 South Washington Street to consider a proposed conditional zoning map amendment from Light Industrial (LI) and R20 Residential (R20) to R6-CZ Residential
Conditional Zoning District, GB-CZ General Business Conditional Zoning District, and GI-CZ General Industrial Conditional Zoning District for property located on either side of West Dixon Boulevard with access to Polkville Road, Old Boiling Springs Road, and Washburn Switch Road, with the Cleveland
County Parcel Numbers 30492 and 28474.

A more detailed description and map of this property are available for public inspection in the Planning and Development Services Department located at 315 South Lafayette Street, Shelby, North Carolina, during regular business hours, 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Also, you can call (704) 484-6829 for more
information.

Persons interested in being heard on this matter are invited to comment on the proposed conditional zoning district at the hearing, whether for or against. Comments may be presented orally at the hearing, in writing prior to the hearing, or both.

Members of the public with special needs wishing to attend this meeting should call the City Clerk (704-484-6800) at least 24 hours prior to the meeting to request assistance."

How will Cleveland County be able to support this? Schools, roads, infrastructure. Why are these massive corporations in such a rush to build in Cleveland County?

Share your thoughts below:

01/01/2024

FORMER O'YUMMYS BUILDING CHANGES HANDS

The property formerly known as O'Yummys at 1144 East Stagecoach Trail in Lawndale sold for $105,000 on November 29th of last year.

Selling for $37,500 in 2010, the property was intended for varying uses over the years that never fully materialized. The most recent tax assessment of the property valued the building and land at a total of $110,762.

What will become of the property in 2024? Share your thoughts below:

01/01/2024

Would there be any interest in a school board candidate forum before the primaries?

12/23/2023

I’d rather take a bath in undiluted purple power than step in the Fallston Dollar General

12/22/2023

12/20/2023

Today I learned that Ora Supermarket has A5 Wagyu in stock in Shelby.

It’s goin’ down for lunch. Who woulda thunk it?

12/11/2023

FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL COMING TO CLEVELAND COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS IN JANUARY '24

Are you a foodie?

The Foodees Food and Culture Festival will be coming to the Cleveland County Fairgrounds from January 26th to January 28th, 2024 to kick off the new year in culinary style!

With over 40 gourmet food trucks, live arts and crafts, and non-stop entertainment, there's bound to be something for everyone at the Foodee Fest, so mark your calendars and follow for more information as it comes.

Do you plan on visiting the Foodie Fest at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds?

Share your thoughts below:

12/11/2023

If you wanted that blue Bandit I’m sorry to tell you but it’s gone as of fifteen minutes ago 😂

I’ve never taken a dime from businesses to advertise and never will, these are just good folks. Most people don’t even know there’s a hobby shop in Shelby!

Go check ‘em out - still plenty of time to nab a good Christmas gift!

12/11/2023

FILING DEADLINE FOR 2024 ELECTIONS DRAWS NEAR

Are you planning on running for office? This coming Friday, December 15th will be the last day for interested parties to file for candidacy in the upcoming election. Many hot button issues - The Catawba Two Kings Casino, School Funding, and the overall path of growth for Cleveland County will be further influenced by those elected in 2024.

The NC House of Representatives District 111 office, currently held by Republican Tim Moore, will be vacated in his run for the US House of Representatives. Republicans David Allen, Paul Scott, and Paul Brintley having filed to run for the position.

The Cleveland County Board of Commissioners will have have three seats open, which are currently held by Republicans Kevin Gordon, Ronnie Whetstine, and Johnny Hutchins. Incumbents Republicans Kevin Gordon and Johnny Hutchins have filed for re-election, with newcoming Republicans Tony Berry, Linda Laine, and Robert A. Williams having filed as well.

The Cleveland County Board of Education will have five seats open, which are currently held by Republicans Robert Queen, Joel Shores, Ron Humphries, Greg Taylor, and Rodney Fitch. Newcoming Republicans Shelia Canipe, Matthew Canipe, and David Fisher alongside incumbent Republican Robert Queen and returning Democrat Coleman Hunt have filed for the open seats.

If past elections are an indicator for what is to be expected in 2024, the Cleveland County Board of Education race will be the one to watch, with Jerry Springer style drama to be expected within the local Republican Party leading up to the primaries.

Who has yet to file that you believe should run for office in 2024? Share your thoughts below:

12/05/2023

FORMER FATZ CAFE LOCATION FOR SALE

The building formerly occupied by Fatz Cafe located at 1235 East Dixon Boulevard in Shelby is up for sale.

Listed for nearly 1.5 million dollars, the building was abruptly vacated in August after the company filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Initial rumors of Darden Restaurants buying out existing Fatz Cafe locations proved to be untrue, at least for the Shelby location, which is owned by a separate entity.

What would you like to see move into the building? Share your thoughts below:

11/30/2023

COW ON THE LOOSE ON 226

What’d the cow say when it tried to cross the road?

If you don’t have full coverage or gap insurance you better moo-ve out of the way!

Seriously, somebody’s cow is out. Maybe they’ve already gotten it? If not, she’s headed to Wells Jenkins as soon as I can find a cattle trailer.

Is this your cow? Share your thoughts below:

Photo Credit: Rebecca Hutchins

11/27/2023

NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT COMING TO SHELBY

Joining established locations in Conover and Lincolnton, Casa Azul Mexican Kitchen will soon be opening a third location in Shelby, North Carolina.

Casa Azul Mexican Kitchen will be moving into the space recently vacated by Denny's in front of the Cleveland Mall. With both existing locations holding high praise in online reviews, the bar has been set high for what will be the newest Mexican restaurant in Cleveland County.

An opening date has yet to be set for the new location.

Have you visited the existing locations of Casa Azul Mexican Kitchen? Share your thoughts below:

11/15/2023

4TH ANNUAL FALLSTON'S SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS COMING UP THIS SATURDAY

For the 4th year in a row, Fallston’s Small Town Christmas returns this Saturday, November 18th for a day full of fun!

Hosted by Jumpin' Jeds, businesses in and around the Fallston area will be hosting a plethora of fun events and sales that you won't want to miss!

Santa Claus will be at the Gazebo in Fallston this year. More information in the photo below - make plans to attend!

Will you be attending? Share your thoughts below:

11/07/2023

It’s voting day, y’all go vote!

11/04/2023

Checkin’ out the local pottery sale at Horty’s new place in Fallston

10/24/2023

Looks like someone has been trolling the Kings Mountain High School Wikipedia page...it wasn't me! 😂

10/23/2023

DON RAMON EXPRESS BRINGS MEXICAN CUISINE TO UPPER CLEVELAND

After a long-waited period of anticipation, Don Ramon Express, located at 4146 Fallston Road in the Upper Cleveland County area, has opened their doors for business today.

After successfully operating the Don Ramon in Shelby for over a decade and encouragement from the local community, owner Miguel Leon decided to open a second location in the upper end of Cleveland County.

Open from 11 to 9 every day of the week, Don Ramon Express brings a Mexican cuisine offering to a part of the county that did not yet have one before today. In addition to offering sit down and take out service, drive through service is also offered. Looking to place a call in order? Give them a call at 704-312-6155.

Are you excited to try the new Don Ramon Express? Check out their menu in the comments, and share your thoughts below:

10/20/2023

Filling up

10/16/2023

Congratulations one more time to our photo contest winner, Terry Brady!

Enjoy your gift card to Johnny Ray’s Smokehouse - Fallston, NC.

Just a reminder! All of our prizes are delivered in person. We will never ask for your information, credit card or otherwise. All of our contests are FREE!

What should our next contest be? What should the prize be? Keep things local, and share your thoughts below:

10/16/2023

Terry Brady wins the contest with 140 likes!

Terry- shoot me a message, you’ve got a Johnny Ray’s Smokehouse - Fallston, NC gift card waiting on ya!

10/13/2023

TWO KINGS CASINO IN JEOPARDY AFTER NEW CATAWBA LEADERSHIP TAKES OVER

In a press release on Wednesday afternoon, it was alleged that Sky Boat Gaming, a current partner in the development of the Catawba Two Kings Casino, is demanding a one time payment of $125 million dollars in addition to $6 million annually to exit the project as a partner with the Catawba Nation to build the Two Kings Casino.

Issues surrounding control of the casino have ultimately resulted in the delay in construction of a permanent structure to replace the modular units that currently make up the facility.

Kings Mountain Equipment Supply, a local company created to supply gaming equipment to the Two Kings Casino, has since been replaced by an NIGC-approved company that supplies gaming machines to satisfy compliance laws previously found to be in violation. Concerns were raised earlier this year when it was discovered that local politicians who helped usher in the Two Kings Casino were financially tied to Kings Mountain Equipment Supply and stood to make significant financial gains from the partnership.

Despite the aforementioned issues, Catawba Chief Brian Harris plans to go forward with the construction of a permanent Two Kings Casino facility. “Not long after we reach a fair settlement with Sky Boat we will be ready to put shovels in the ground and begin this long-awaited and vital project,” Harris said.

How do you feel about the Two Kings Casino? Share your thoughts below:

10/11/2023

CLEVELAND COUNTY NEWS NAMED BEST LOCAL NEWS SOURCE 2023

Thank you all SO much for voting for me! The sacrifice you made through providing your personal information to be sold just to vote did not go unnoticed. It's an honor and a pleasure to receive this award!

I was going to make the banquet, but wasn't able to pay for tickets to accept my own award after spending everything in the coffer on gift cards to give away. It's tough in this business when you don't sell ads!

It was alleged that I was supposed to receive a physical copy of the award, but did not after refusing to purchase a sponsorship package in a competing local publication.

Every year, I get closer to believing that this contest is a racket to generate money and collect information for another local publication, but what do I know? I'm just happy to have woken up a winner.

Did the guy in front of you at the gas station win anything on the scratch off he held the line up for to scratch this morning? Share what he won below:

10/09/2023

CCN COVER PHOTO CON.TEST

Remember that $50 Johnny Ray’s Smokehouse gift card I bought to give away not too long ago?

It’s time to give it away!

This con.test is super simple. Take a photo anywhere in Cleveland County that you believe is representative of our county. Be creative!

Post your best photo in the comments. It must be your own! The photo with the most likes at 12 lunchtime Sunday will be the win.ner. One entry per person! Winner will receive the gift card and their photo set as the cover photo of Cleveland County News through the end of 2023.

Share your best Cleveland County photo, taken by you below:

EDIT: The scammers are on this post, as usual. THERE IS NO CREDIT CARD, LINK CLICKING, OR ANY KIND OF INTERACTION NEEDED. DO NOT CLICK FAKE LINKS - I CANNOT KEEP UP WITH THE SCAMMERS. THE WINNER WILL NOT BE POSTED UNTIL SUNDAY, AND THE PRIZE WILL BE DELIVERED IN PERSON.

EDIT 2: I have added some clever punctuation into the post and turned on commenting only for established followers to try and help curb the scammers. Hope it helps.

10/08/2023

With the fair wrapping up this evening, where will all the kids fight next week?

09/28/2023

Fallston Dollar General

Photo Credit: Mike Pen

09/27/2023

What them school fair booths gonna look like this year? 😂

09/14/2023

BREAKING: MAIN LINE WATER BREAK AT CLEVELAND COUNTY WATER PLANT

There is a break in a main water line at the Cleveland County Water Plant. Repair estimates are not yet available but were estimated to be "a while" per a Cleveland County Water Employee. Expect very low water pressure until the issue is resolved.

Do you have any thoughts? As always, share them below:

09/11/2023

Practice what you preach, practice what you eat at Floyd’s Cat,Carp & Lakeside grill