A year in review: Looking back at 2022
With 2022 nearly in our rear view mirror, it’s time to take a look back over the top stories of the past 12 months. The year had its share of tragedies with loved ones taken too soon, but it had its bright moments too with lucky lottery wins, new businesses and restaurants in town and an easing of pandemic restrictions with fewer deaths and cases.
According to online data, these are the most read 10 stories of the year:
Well-known town employee killed in incident on GWU campus
A beloved Boiling Springs town employee, who greeted everyone who crossed his path, was killed in a tragic accident in December while working on the campus of Gardner-Webb University. A public works employee for 16 years, Jerry Hensley was remembered for keeping the town beautiful and being an unofficial ambassador for Boiling Springs.
Two people killed in head-on collision on N.C. 74
According to the N.C. Highway Patrol, Robert Ward, 76, of Morganton, was driving alone in a Ford Crown Victoria, travelling east in the westbound lanes around midnight when he collided head-on with 19-year-old Autumn Johnson of Mooresboro. Troopers said they both died on impact.
Student goes viral for controversial Halloween costume
A local charter school student went viral after dressing up as Jacob Chansley, a now iconic man involved in the Jan 6 attacks on the capitol. The Pinnacle Classical Academy student wore a furred hat with horns and had his face painted red, white and blue for a school Halloween competition. A teacher shared the student’s photo on his personal Facebook page and applauded the boy's “free thinking."
Former Sagebrush building to find new life
Coach's Neighborhood Grill, sports-themed dining establishment, opened in December after the existing building went through renovations.
A spokesperson for the company said they chose Shelby because they felt like there was a need for a local ‘neighborhood’ place to hangout after local football games, celebrate birthdays and the last day of school or to grab catering for a party.
Man plans to travel, help fund retirement with lottery win
William Brooks said his win will make it possible to secure his retirement and travel once the pandemic concerns are eased.
Local teen dies in wreck
The wreck happened on N.C. 150 around 7 p.m. near Maple Springs Road between Shelby and Boiling Springs, according to the N.C. Highway Patrol.
Two teens were in a Honda Civic going west on N.C. 150 when they tried to make a left turn, striking a Chevrolet Tahoe head-on, troopers said, killing 16-year-old Gabriel Dibruno and seriously injuring the teen driver.
Two elementary schools shuttered
The beginning of the year kicked off with Cleveland County Board of Education beginning the process of closing Marion and Graham Elementary schools. The decision came about as a result of study which revealed aging buildings in need of attention and low enrollment numbers. Both schools closed their doors this summer and students were consolidated into other Shelby schools. Graham Elementary ended a 95-year history of educating Cleveland County pupils and during a last assembly in June, former students, educators and administrators shared memories.
Boiling Springs mansion for sale
Talmadge and Mary Turner listed the home, which is still for sale, so it wouldn't be a tax burden on their children, according to the couple's daughter.
Mary was born in Boiling Springs and has been active in the community for her entire life. Talmadge is the founder and owner of Turner Trucking Company. The business hauls food and other goods for national grocery chains all over the country.
Police: Local woman dies jumping from moving car
A local woman died in February after police say she jumped from a moving car. The incident happened on South Post Road just outside of Shelby at 12:30 a.m.
Investigators with the North Carolina Highway Patrol were told that Hailey Jackson voluntarily jumped from a moving vehicle.
“When troopers arrived, they were advised that a heated argument was going on inside the vehicle prior to the accident happening,” said Trooper Ray Pierce with the N.C. Highway Patrol.
The 22-year-old Shelby woman died from her injuries.
Casino faces fines, potential closure
The Catawba Two Kings Casino is in hot water after the National Indian Gaming Commission said the casino failed to submit a management contract which resulted in issuing a notice of violation. This could mean fines of $57,527 per day and a temporary closure. The casino can appeal the notice. The casino has attracted controversary since before ground was broken and plans for a permanent facility are on hold. The casino celebrated its one year anniversary on July 1, 2022.
Rebecca Sitzes can be reached at rsitzes@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: A year in review: Looking back at 2022
