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The Lead Story
Operation SafeDRIVE Removes Thousands of Unsafe Truckers
North Carolina was among 26 states targeted in a nationwide U.S. Department of Transportation effort in January that removed nearly 2,000 unqualified commercial drivers and unsafe vehicles from the roads.
Annie Dance
4 hours ago2 min read
Latest 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
$71 Million in State Water Infrastructure Funding Headed to Rutherford, McDowell Counties
The State Water Infrastructure Authority approved more than $472 million in funding for 145 water and wastewater projects across North Carolina on Feb. 18, 2026, with communities in western North Carolina among the largest recipients. The awards will help strengthen infrastructure, improve drinking water safety, and increase resilience against storms and flooding.
2 min read
Operation SafeDRIVE Removes Thousands of Unsafe Truckers
North Carolina was among 26 states targeted in a nationwide U.S. Department of Transportation effort in January that removed nearly 2,000 unqualified commercial drivers and unsafe vehicles from the roads.
2 min read
Local News
Early Voting Continues
Early voting is underway in Rutherford County, giving residents additional opportunities to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. On Friday, both early voting sites will open at 8 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. Early voting will continue through next week, with the final day set for Saturday, February 28. Voters who do not participate during the early voting period will need to cast their ballots on Election Day, which is scheduled for March 3. Residents can vote early at tw
1 min read
$71 Million in State Water Infrastructure Funding Headed to Rutherford, McDowell Counties
The State Water Infrastructure Authority approved more than $472 million in funding for 145 water and wastewater projects across North Carolina on Feb. 18, 2026, with communities in western North Carolina among the largest recipients. The awards will help strengthen infrastructure, improve drinking water safety, and increase resilience against storms and flooding.
2 min read
Operation SafeDRIVE Removes Thousands of Unsafe Truckers
North Carolina was among 26 states targeted in a nationwide U.S. Department of Transportation effort in January that removed nearly 2,000 unqualified commercial drivers and unsafe vehicles from the roads.
2 min read
Regional News
Task Force Report Outlines Path for Meeting North Carolina’s Growing Energy Demand
A state task force formed by Gov. Josh Stein has released an interim report offering early recommendations aimed at keeping electricity in North Carolina affordable, reliable and cleaner as demand rises.
2 min read
Lake Lure Council Thanks Storm Responders, Makes Board Appointments
The town council of Lake Lure met on Feb. 10 and adopted a proclamation thanking public works and emergency personnel who responded to back-to-back winter storms, while handling routine advisory board updates and appointments, according to details confirmed by town officials.
2 min read
FBI Warns Public About Rise in Romance Scams
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is urging the public to remain alert to romance scams, a form of fraud in which criminals create fake online identities to build relationships and then exploit victims financially or for personal information.
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
Joseph "Joey" Vickers
Joseph “Joey” Vickers, age 78, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026 at his home. Joey was born on Sunday, December 14, 1947 in Rutherford County, to the late Grover Vickers and Lillie Burgess Vickers. He served honorably in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. Joey worked for various textile mills for several years. Later, he became the owner and operator of Sandy Mush Rugs. He served as a volunteer fireman for the Sandy Mush Fire Department fo
1 min read
Beverly E. Hartford
Beverly E. Hartford, age 78, of Bostic, passed away Sunday, February 15, 2026 at the Terra Bella Senior Living Center in Hendersonville, NC. Born April 10, 1947 in Watertown, South Dakota to the Helmer and Leona Anderson. She was preceded in death by her son, Michael Shane Hartford and by her stepfather, Leo Avendt. She is survived by her grandchildren, Joshua Hartford, Megan Norvell and Logan Kelly; daughter-in-law, Tina Kelly; great grandchildren, Hannah, Brayden, Grayson,
1 min read
Sandy G McBrayer
Sandy Greene McBrayer, age 80, of Mooresboro, passed away Friday, February 13, 2026 at Atrium Health-Cleveland in Shelby. Sandy was born Thursday, June 7, 1945 in Greer, SC to the late Austin Greene and Elizabeth Mae White Greene. She was a graduate of Chase High School, class of 1963. Sandy was a dedicated homemaker who loved taking care of her family. Sandy enjoyed working on crafts and cooking for others. For many years, she would make pies and dressing for the Grace of Go
1 min read
Harrelson Funeral Home
Harrelson Funeral Home
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