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The Lead Story
Exclusive: Eighth Person Charged in Rutherford County Missing Woman Homicide Investigation
An eighth person has now been charged in connection with the homicide investigation of Jordan Elaine Wishon, whose disappearance led investigators to discover her body at a Rutherfordton home.
Annie Dance
55 minutes ago2 min read
Latest News
Municipal Election Filing Underway in Rutherford County; Early Candidate Field Takes Shape
Four days into Rutherford County's municipal candidate filing period, no candidates have filed to challenge any incumbent mayor, and no one has entered the race for the two Town Council seats in Chimney Rock Village.
2 min read
Rutherford County Courthouse Expansion Continues After Confirmed Bedbug Incident
Rutherford County's $4.84 million courthouse expansion, approved by county commissioners in 2025, remains on track after a confirmed bedbug incident temporarily closed the courthouse, adding an unexpected challenge to one of the county's largest ongoing capital projects.
1 min read
Exclusive: Eighth Person Charged in Rutherford County Missing Woman Homicide Investigation
An eighth person has now been charged in connection with the homicide investigation of Jordan Elaine Wishon, whose disappearance led investigators to discover her body at a Rutherfordton home.
2 min read
Local News
Municipal Election Filing Underway in Rutherford County; Early Candidate Field Takes Shape
Four days into Rutherford County's municipal candidate filing period, no candidates have filed to challenge any incumbent mayor, and no one has entered the race for the two Town Council seats in Chimney Rock Village.
2 min read
Rutherford County Courthouse Expansion Continues After Confirmed Bedbug Incident
Rutherford County's $4.84 million courthouse expansion, approved by county commissioners in 2025, remains on track after a confirmed bedbug incident temporarily closed the courthouse, adding an unexpected challenge to one of the county's largest ongoing capital projects.
1 min read
Exclusive: Eighth Person Charged in Rutherford County Missing Woman Homicide Investigation
An eighth person has now been charged in connection with the homicide investigation of Jordan Elaine Wishon, whose disappearance led investigators to discover her body at a Rutherfordton home.
2 min read
Regional News
CRTPO Begins Search for New Director
Leadership search begins as the Charlotte region faces transportation funding decisions, modeling questions and renewed scrutiny over billion-dollar infrastructure priorities
3 min read
Stein Signs $34.4 Billion Budget Despite Criticizing Key Provisions
Gov. Josh Stein on Tuesday signed North Carolina's $34.4 billion state budget into law, ending more than two years without a comprehensive spending plan and approving another $700 million for Hurricane Helene recovery, including funding for rebuilding efforts across Western North Carolina.
2 min read
Renew NC Opens $55M Grant Round to Rebuild WNC Infrastructure After Helene
Local governments across western North Carolina, including Rutherford County, can now apply for a share of $55 million in federal disaster recovery funding aimed at rebuilding infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene while making communities more resilient to future storms.
2 min read
Business News
Supreme Court Voids Trump Emergency Tariffs
The U.S. Supreme Court on Feb. 20 struck down President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs imposed under a federal emergency powers law, ruling 6-3 that the Constitution gives Congress — not the president — the power to levy import taxes.
2 min read
Report: Tariffs are $695M Risk to North Carolina Farmers
Plausible reductions in agricultural exports because of retaliatory trade policies stemming from aggressive U.S. tariffs could cost North Carolina farmers $695 million, a new report says.
3 min read
North Carolina Tops Nation for Workforce Development
North Carolina has been named the number one state for workforce development in 2026 by Site Selection magazine, following its 2025 ranking as “America’s Top State for Business.”
2 min read
Obituaries
Bobby Starr
Bobby Starr, age 66, of Cliffside, passed away Monday, July 6, 2026 at Hilltop Healthcare and Nursing in Rutherfordton. Bobby was born Wednesday, December 23, 1959 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to the late Robert Lucky Starr, Sr. and Christine McGaha Blanton. He was a graduate of Chase High School and owned and operated Starr Appliance Rental for many years. Bobby was a talented musician and especially loved playing bluegrass. He had the privilege of running the soundboard for
2 min read
Jettie Conner
Jettie “Rose” Conner, age 89, of Bostic, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City. Rose was born Wednesday, September 16, 1936 in Polk County, to the late Thomas Elmer Goode and Johnnie Hays Goode. She worked as a caretaker for many years and had a heart to help others. As an active member of Second Baptist Church, she lived out her Christian faith by being involved in several church ministries. Rose enjoyed collecting antiques an
1 min read
Kevin Lee Schmersahl
Kevin Lee Schmersahl passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026 at home. Born on February 21, 1951 in Baytown, Texas to Jacob and Dorothy Schmersahl (deceased). Left to cherish his memory Robin Schmersahl (Wife), Jacob Schmersahl (Kyla) – (Son), Amy Schmersahl (Daughter), Addison Schmersahl (Granddaughter), Jerry (Linda) – (Brother), Donald R Rusk (Father in law), Don Rusk (Ann) – (Brother in law), Joy Bennett (Don) – (Sister in law), many nieces and nephews, and his special fur ba
1 min read
Harrelson Funeral Home
Harrelson Funeral Home
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