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Moore announces $13.85 million for Helene recovery
Lake Lure parks and pedestrian bridge, Rutherfordton school buildings and Polk County debris removal are covered by five FEMA awards. More than two years after Hurricane Helene, U.S. Rep. Tim Moore announced $13.85 million in federal recovery funding on Thursday for projects in Lake Lure, Rutherfordton and Polk County. The five Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awards cover public facilities and debris removal. About $8.7 million is designated for Lake Lure, where th

Annie Dance
48 minutes ago2 min read
Latest News


Moore announces $13.85 million for Helene recovery
Lake Lure parks and pedestrian bridge, Rutherfordton school buildings and Polk County debris removal are covered by five FEMA awards. More than two years after Hurricane Helene, U.S. Rep. Tim Moore announced $13.85 million in federal recovery funding on Thursday for projects in Lake Lure, Rutherfordton and Polk County. The five Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awards cover public facilities and debris removal. About $8.7 million is designated for Lake Lure, where th
2 min read


Helene recovery update leaves key questions unanswered
More than two years after the storm, state figures document federal approvals but leave gaps in tracking completed buyouts and time spent waiting. More than two years after Hurricane Helene, North Carolina reports that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved more than 600 properties for voluntary buyouts. Its latest recovery newsletter does not say how many purchases have closed, how many homeowners have been paid or how long approved projects are taking t
4 min read


Forest City police seek missing man
Steven Frady’s wife urges public to share information after Sept. 20 disappearance Forest City police are asking for help locating Steven Frady, who disappeared after leaving his residence on Beaver St. on Sept. 20. Frady left sometime between approximately 1:13 p.m. and 3:20 p.m. that Sunday, according to a Sept. 26 statement from the department. He was last seen wearing a greenish T-shirt and blue jean shorts. Detectives are actively following leads, police said. Investigat
1 min read
Local News


Moore announces $13.85 million for Helene recovery
Lake Lure parks and pedestrian bridge, Rutherfordton school buildings and Polk County debris removal are covered by five FEMA awards. More than two years after Hurricane Helene, U.S. Rep. Tim Moore announced $13.85 million in federal recovery funding on Thursday for projects in Lake Lure, Rutherfordton and Polk County. The five Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awards cover public facilities and debris removal. About $8.7 million is designated for Lake Lure, where th
2 min read


Helene recovery update leaves key questions unanswered
More than two years after the storm, state figures document federal approvals but leave gaps in tracking completed buyouts and time spent waiting. More than two years after Hurricane Helene, North Carolina reports that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved more than 600 properties for voluntary buyouts. Its latest recovery newsletter does not say how many purchases have closed, how many homeowners have been paid or how long approved projects are taking t
4 min read


Forest City police seek missing man
Steven Frady’s wife urges public to share information after Sept. 20 disappearance Forest City police are asking for help locating Steven Frady, who disappeared after leaving his residence on Beaver St. on Sept. 20. Frady left sometime between approximately 1:13 p.m. and 3:20 p.m. that Sunday, according to a Sept. 26 statement from the department. He was last seen wearing a greenish T-shirt and blue jean shorts. Detectives are actively following leads, police said. Investigat
1 min read
Regional News


Moore announces $13.85 million for Helene recovery
Lake Lure parks and pedestrian bridge, Rutherfordton school buildings and Polk County debris removal are covered by five FEMA awards. More than two years after Hurricane Helene, U.S. Rep. Tim Moore announced $13.85 million in federal recovery funding on Thursday for projects in Lake Lure, Rutherfordton and Polk County. The five Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awards cover public facilities and debris removal. About $8.7 million is designated for Lake Lure, where th
2 min read


Helene recovery update leaves key questions unanswered
More than two years after the storm, state figures document federal approvals but leave gaps in tracking completed buyouts and time spent waiting. More than two years after Hurricane Helene, North Carolina reports that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved more than 600 properties for voluntary buyouts. Its latest recovery newsletter does not say how many purchases have closed, how many homeowners have been paid or how long approved projects are taking t
4 min read


Vance rallies Republican leaders in Hendersonville for Whatley, Balkcom
Vice President JD Vance traveled to Hendersonville on Oct. 19 to campaign for Republican US Senate candidate Michael Whatley and congressional nominee Jennifer Balkcom, bringing another high-profile Republican appearance to North Carolina just two weeks before Election Day. Speaking at Hyder Warehouse, Vance urged voters to support both candidates while sharply criticizing their Democratic opponents, former Gov. Roy Cooper and 11th Congressional District nominee Jamie Ager, w
5 min read
Business News


NC auditor’s tipline accepts confidential reports of government misconduct
State accepts confidential complaints about fraud, waste and abuse, with options for anonymous tips and supporting documents. North Carolina residents who suspect fraud, waste or misuse of state resources can submit confidential complaints to the Office of the State Auditor, including anonymous tips. The office investigates allegations involving state agencies or employees within its legal authority. Complaints may concern misappropriation or mismanagement of resources, viola
1 min read


NC fuel tax pause offers relief for drivers
Stein signs law suspending the 41-cent-per-gallon tax through Nov. 30, with additional relief for farmers Rutherford County drivers could save $6.15 on a 15-gallon fill-up under a temporary suspension of North Carolina’s motor fuel excise tax, provided the full tax reduction reaches the pump. Gov. Josh Stein signed House Bill 3, the Relief at the Pump Act, on Oct. 9 in Fairview. The suspension began Oct. 10 and runs through Nov. 30, covering gasoline, diesel and alternative f
2 min read


Hilltop festival draws families, sparks discussion
Rutherfordton’s Oct. 3 event featured downtown activities, police vehicles and community groups Families and visitors filled downtown Rutherfordton for the Hilltop Fall Festival on Oct. 3, with entertainment, vendors and children’s activities drawing praise alongside questions about town spending and festival offerings. The Saturday event featured a magic show, a car show, and a pet costume contest hosted by Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue, according to the town’s MyRuth
2 min read
Obituaries


Kathy Klassen
Kathy Klassen, age 75, of Rutherfordton, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at the Holly Springs Senior Citizens Home.
1 min read


Carolyn Christine Epps Francis
Carolyn Christine Epps Francis, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.
1 min read


Kathy Ann Thomason
Kathy Ann Thomason, age 67, of Granite Falls, NC, passed away Friday, October 9, 2026, at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center while being surrounded by her loving family.
2 min read

Harrelson Funeral Home
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