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The Lead Story
Exclusive: Mooresboro Man Charged With Kidnapping, Strangulation
A Rutherford County man faces felony charges of kidnapping and assault by strangulation following an Aug. 22 incident, according to court records obtained by WCAB News.
Annie Dance
1 day ago2 min read
Latest News
Lake Lure Hearing Exposes Growing Tensions Over Lawsuit, Recovery and Town's Future
A public hearing on Lake Lure’s proposed 260-page comprehensive plan Monday quickly expanded into a broader debate over a pending lawsuit involving Lured Market, the town’s recovery from Hurricane Helene and the future of major infrastructure projects.
6 min read
Two Marion Men Arrested Following Narcotics Search
Two Marion men have been arrested following a narcotics search warrant executed Wednesday morning, August 19, by McDowell County Drug Enforcement and the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team.
1 min read
Rutherford County Handles Over 460 Emergency Calls
Rutherford County Emergency Communications processed 463 emergency and administrative calls from Aug. 20-21, according to the latest report from the county's 911 center.
1 min read
Local News
Lake Lure Hearing Exposes Growing Tensions Over Lawsuit, Recovery and Town's Future
A public hearing on Lake Lure’s proposed 260-page comprehensive plan Monday quickly expanded into a broader debate over a pending lawsuit involving Lured Market, the town’s recovery from Hurricane Helene and the future of major infrastructure projects.
6 min read
Two Marion Men Arrested Following Narcotics Search
Two Marion men have been arrested following a narcotics search warrant executed Wednesday morning, August 19, by McDowell County Drug Enforcement and the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team.
1 min read
Rutherford County Handles Over 460 Emergency Calls
Rutherford County Emergency Communications processed 463 emergency and administrative calls from Aug. 20-21, according to the latest report from the county's 911 center.
1 min read
Regional News
Lake Lure Dam Replacement May Cost More than $175 Million, Engineers Say
Lake Lure is moving ahead with plans to replace its century-old dam, but preliminary estimates show the project may cost more than $175 million — before several major expenses are added.
2 min read
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
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
Phillip Melton
Phillip Melton, age 65, of Forest City, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC. Phillip was born Wednesday, August 24, 1960 in Rutherford County to the late Bobby Melton and Willie Faye Hutchins Melton. He was veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the 82nd Airborne Division. Phillip worked for Stonecutter Mill for many years. He was a past member of Corinth Baptist Church and enjoyed the outdoors. Phillip was an avid gardener and loved tink
1 min read
Julie Scruggs
Julie Scruggs, age 68, of Ellenboro, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at her home. Julie was born Thursday, September 19, 1957 in Rutherford County to the late Molt Edwards and Mafra Silvers Edwards. She was the co-owner and operator of Scruggs Body Shop and worked for Munsey Homes in construction. Julie attended Homeward Bound Baptist Church and enjoyed photography, arts & crafts, listening to music, drawing and going camping with her family. In addition to her parents,
1 min read
Phyllis "Punkin" Blanton Norman
Phyllis Blanton Norman, affectionately known to those who loved her as “Punkin,” of Rutherford County, North Carolina passed away on August 12, 2026, at the age of 57. Punkin was one of a kind. She was funny, strong-willed, and wonderfully stubborn, with a personality that could fill a room. She loved dogs and treasured the simple things in life, especially spending time with her friends and family. Those who knew Punkin knew there was never a dull moment when she was around.
2 min read
Harrelson Funeral Home
Harrelson Funeral Home
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