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The Lead Story
Balkcom Wins GOP Nomination for NC-11, Setting Up November fight with Ager
Helene recovery, Washington accountability and control of the Western North Carolina seat are expected to define the race.
Annie Dance
3 hours ago4 min read
Latest News
New McDowell County Sheriff Sworn-In
Nathan Mace is officially McDowell County’s sheriff after county commissioners appointed him Monday and District Court Judge Ellen Shelley administered the oath of office.
2 min read
School is Back: Rutherfordton Urges Drivers to Slow Down and Stay Alert
Town reminds motorists to watch for students, buses as school year begins.
1 min read
Stein pulls Smythe Nomination After Senate Standoff, Audit Scrutiny
Gov. Josh Stein has withdrawn Jeffrey Smythe’s nomination to permanently lead the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, ending a more than seven-month confirmation standoff with the state Senate.
1 min read
Local News
New McDowell County Sheriff Sworn-In
Nathan Mace is officially McDowell County’s sheriff after county commissioners appointed him Monday and District Court Judge Ellen Shelley administered the oath of office.
2 min read
School is Back: Rutherfordton Urges Drivers to Slow Down and Stay Alert
Town reminds motorists to watch for students, buses as school year begins.
1 min read
Balkcom Wins GOP Nomination for NC-11, Setting Up November fight with Ager
Helene recovery, Washington accountability and control of the Western North Carolina seat are expected to define the race.
4 min read
Regional News
State Public Safety Gaps Have Local Consequence
A public safety roundtable held Aug. 6 in Statesville highlighted problems that extend well beyond Iredell County — including challenges Rutherford County and other rural communities face when law enforcement encounters people who need jail, mental health treatment, juvenile services or other intervention.
4 min read
Exclusive: Lured Market Sues Lake Lure Over Police Boathouse Dispute After Helene Recovery
Restaurant owner claims town improperly took control of disputed building; Lake Lure says lease never included police facility.
3 min read
Stein Administration Announces State Funding for SUN Bucks Summer Food Program After Private Donations Filled Gap
During National Farmers Market Week, on August 5, Governor Josh Stein and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai visited the Durham Farmers’ Market to highlight the SUN Bucks program, which provides nutritious food for more than a million North Carolina children throughout the summer. While private philanthropies have stepped in during past years to help the state cover its share to activate the federal program, this year’s budget includes state funding
3 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
Susan H. Goode
Susan H. Goode, age 60, of Forest City, passed away Friday, August 7, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC. Susan was born Friday, December 3, 1965 in Rutherford County. She worked in textiles for several years and later for Walmart. Susan enjoyed reading the Bible and loved her family above everything else. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clayton and Joan Duncan Wright and by brothers, Vincent and James Hamrick. Those left to cherish her memory include her hus
1 min read
Jane E Ayres
Jane E. Ayres, age 85, of Ellenboro, passed away Thursday, August 6, 2026 at her home. Jane was born Monday, June 9, 1941 in Rutherford County to the late Pete Burgess and Nellie Crow Burgess. She was a graduate of Tri-High School, class of 1959. She worked for the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Department in administration and communications for thirty-six years before retirement. Jane was a longtime member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church where she served on numerous committe
1 min read
Patricia Ann Mathis
Patricia Ann Mathis, age 73, of Forest City, passed away Thursday, August 6, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City. Patricia was born Friday, March 27, 1953 in Gaston County, NC to the late Fred Lineberger and Ruby Stroupe Lineberger. She was a graduate of Dallas High School, class of 1971. Patricia worked many years in the textile industry. She enjoyed needlework such as sewing, knitting and crocheting. Patricia especially enjoyed bird watching and was a w
1 min read
Harrelson Funeral Home
Harrelson Funeral Home
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