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www.shelbyinfo.com Our 42ND Year • Issue No. 29 • July 17, 2025
Mon.-Fri. 10am-6pm Sat. 10am-4pm
224 S. LAFAYETTE ST. NEXT TO SHELBY CAFE
704-484-1047
I-85 widening project the topic of a free eminent domain seminar Planning and development are underway on a proposed project in Gaston County that would improve approximately 10 miles of Interstate 85 (I-85) from the U.S. 321 interchange (Exit 17) at Groves Street in Gastonia to the NC 273 interchange (Exit 27) at Beatty Drive in Mount Holly. The work would involve widening I-85 in the project area from six to eight lanes, upgrading interchanges, and relocating or replacing roadway and railroad bridges. The widening project aims to improve congestion and traffic along a heavily traveled artery connecting Cleveland and Mecklenburg Counties, according to information from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) website. The I-85 widening project will significantly impact adjacent property owners along the route, who could lose property and land rights and face easements and appraisals initiated under Eminent Domain actions. Eminent Domain allows the government to seize private property in the public interest.
Under the 5th amendment, the government may exercise its right to seize property against a landowner's will in a process called "condemnation," provided the taking is for a "public use" and the government provides "just compensation." According to NC-Eminent-Domain.com, property owners involved in an eminent domain dispute could face several issues. If a government takes your property and forces you to move, your relocation costs should be covered. They likely won't offer this compensation; You must fight for it. Home or business condemned? That means the government is suing you, which may lead to a court case. Other issues surround inverse condemnation, where the government or utility project infringes on your property, easements involving your rights to own and control the land in question, and appraisals for the value of your property. I-85, a critical stretch of highway connecting Gastonia to other cities and towns in Gaston County, including Kings Mountain, serves as a vital corridor for commuters
within the Charlotte metropolitan area. The proposed improvements aim to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow along this essential route. Due to its proximity, construction schedule, and association with I-85, the proposed work also includes an additional project to improve the intersection of U.S. 29/74 and NC 7. The final highway expansion design was completed earlier this year, and construction is expected to be finished by 2030. The widening project is expected to cost $624.4 million, according to the NCDOT at https:// www.ncdot.gov/projects/i85-widening-gaston-county/ Pages/default.aspx. A free virtual seminar starting at 7:00 p.m. on July 10 will provide information to Gaston property owners affected by the I-85 widening project. Hosted by the statewide firm, James Scott Farrin, the seminar will address the impact on more than 100 parcels of residential and commercial property in Gaston County. "Property owners in Gaston County face uncertainty
I-85 Widening Project, Gaston County. Map image courtesy of the North Carolina Department of Transportation website at https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i-85-widening-gaston-county/ Pages/default.aspx. as the I-85 Widening Project threatens to disrupt their homes and businesses," the release stated. The virtual seminar, scheduled from 7-9 p.m. on July 10, aims to help residents: • Understand eminent domain laws and procedures in North Carolina • Learn about their rights as property owners when dealing with government takings • Receive guidance on
negotiating for fair compensation for their properties • See NCDOT project maps and learn about NCDOT timelines • Ask an attorney questions about the project's impact on their specific properties You must register with James Scott Farrin in advance. For more information on the seminar, residents can contact the law firm at (877) 399-4990. Participants should be on the lookout for
an email before the workshop that includes an electronic link to access the virtual session and download the event materials for printing. The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is one of the largest personal injury firms in North Carolina and has helped over 73,000 injured people since 1997, operating 14 offices in NC and one in SC. Website: https://www.farrin.com.
Eclectic Blend of Indie Cinema
Real to Reel International Film Festival July 23 - 26 The Cleveland County Arts Council is pleased to announce that the Real to Reel International Film Festival will once again open its doors to embrace filmmakers and film lovers a ike for ts 26th annual festival on July 23-26, at the Joy Performance Center in Kings Mountain. “Real to Reel continues to be a platform for independent filmmakers from around the world to showcase their work to the Cleveland County community and beyond. We pride ourselves on keep-
ing the focus of the festival on the artists who make it possible. Audiences this year can expect a strong lineup of stories across a wide range of genres and production styles, with multiple opportunities to interact with directors, ac-
Bailey Marie - 5:30 PM
tors, and other film crew members,” said Festival Director Thomas Manning. “Real to Reel is one of the Arts Council’s signature events. We are proud to provide an opportunity for filmmakers to participate and attendees to enjoy the art of film,” said Cleveland County Arts Council President Shearra Miller. A total of 38 films will be shown throughout the festival, with screening blocks beginning at 7 p.m. nightly, with a 1 p.m. Don’t miss this Farewell Tour Performance!!
Scotty Hasting - 6:45 PM John Michael Montgomery - 8:30 PM
Au ugust 9, 2025 Uptown Shelby • 5:30PM-10PM Uptow
John Michael Montgomery
Saturday matinee. Interactive, moderated Q&A sessions with filmmakers will be held after multiple screenings. Tickets can be purchased at a discount in advance, and are available online at realtoreelfest.com, in-person at the Cleveland County Arts Council at 111 S. Washington Street, Shelby, N.C. or by phone at 704484-2787. Tickets will also be available at the Joy Performance Center at 202 S Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain, N.C.,
2025 Special Guests
each day of the festival. The selection committee screened over 200 film submissions from amateur and professional filmmakers, encompassing short films, documentaries, feature-length projects, and animations. International countries of origin for submissions include Japan, India, Iran, Turkey, Belgium, and Brazil, among others. Awards categories will be classified by the status of their student/amateur or professional submissions. For more information
about this year’s festival, contact Thomas Manning at the Cleveland County Arts Council by email thomas@ccartscouncil. crg or phone 7C4-4642787. You can also visit the film festival website at realtoreelfest.com. The mission of the Real to Reel International Film Festival is to offer a forum for independent film, video, and multimedia artists from around the world to showcase their talents and expose the works of these artists to our region.
August 14-19 Keeter Stadium
All Veteran Group Golden Knights THURSDAY, AUGUST 14 Citizens Day Operation Helo Senior Game Times: 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 7:30 PM FRIDAY, AUGUST 15 Stones River Academic Achievement Day Brigade JROTC Game Times: 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM AUGUST 16 T-28 Warbirds SATURDAY, USAA Military Appreciation Day Salute to
Game Times: 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM
Shelby High School SUNDAY, AUGUST 17 Youth Athletic Day
Game Times: 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM
MONDAY, AUGUST 18 Healthcare Appreciation Day Game Times: 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19 Championship Tuesday
General Admission Tickets on sale at www.alws.us • 704.466.3103
Game Time: 7:00 PM