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The Lead Story
Rutherford County Unemployment Rate Ranks Among Highest in NC as Governor Unveils New Economic Plan
As Josh Stein announced a new statewide economic development strategy promising “opportunity in every corner” of North Carolina, new labor data shows Rutherford County continues to face one of the state’s highest unemployment rates.
Annie Dance
11 hours ago2 min read
Latest News
NC property tax amendment heads to November ballot
North Carolina voters, including residents across Rutherford County, will decide this November whether to amend the state constitution to require limits on how much local governments can increase property tax levies.
3 min read
Suspect Identified from Rutherfordton Shooting
Deputies and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence on Silvers Lake Road around 4 p.m. on May 20 after the Rutherford County Communications Center received multiple calls reporting that two people had been shot.
1 min read
North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty After Threatening Officials on Bluesky
A western North Carolina man has pleaded guilty in federal court to posting the home address of a United States Supreme Court justice online to Bluesky with the intent to threaten, intimidate or incite violence, according to federal prosecutors.
2 min read
Local News
Suspect Identified from Rutherfordton Shooting
Deputies and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence on Silvers Lake Road around 4 p.m. on May 20 after the Rutherford County Communications Center received multiple calls reporting that two people had been shot.
1 min read
Rutherford County Unemployment Rate Ranks Among Highest in NC as Governor Unveils New Economic Plan
As Josh Stein announced a new statewide economic development strategy promising “opportunity in every corner” of North Carolina, new labor data shows Rutherford County continues to face one of the state’s highest unemployment rates.
2 min read
One Dead, One Injured in Rutherford County Shooting
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deadly shooting that happened Tuesday afternoon on Silvers Lake Road. Deputies were called to the scene around 4 p.m. After arriving, authorities found two people suffering from gunshot wounds. Officials say one victim died at the scene, while the second victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. According to investigators, deputies immediately took the suspect into custody upon arrival. Authorities say
1 min read
Regional News
NC property tax amendment heads to November ballot
North Carolina voters, including residents across Rutherford County, will decide this November whether to amend the state constitution to require limits on how much local governments can increase property tax levies.
3 min read
North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty After Threatening Officials on Bluesky
A western North Carolina man has pleaded guilty in federal court to posting the home address of a United States Supreme Court justice online to Bluesky with the intent to threaten, intimidate or incite violence, according to federal prosecutors.
2 min read
Governor Stein Celebrates Lake Lure Reopening After Hurricane Recovery
Josh Stein visited Lake Lure on May 15 to celebrate the reopening of one of western North Carolina’s best-known outdoor destinations following extensive recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene. Joined by federal, state and local officials at Morse Park, Stein called the reopening a major milestone for the region’s recovery and tourism industry. “This is an exciting day for western North Carolina,” Stein said. “Twenty months ago, Hurricane Helene devastated Lake Lure, but toda
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
Jean Nix Morrow
Jean Nix Morrow, age 85, of Forest City, NC passed away peacefully on May 15th, 2026 to be with our Lord and Savior, and to join her family and friends that preceded her in death. Born April 23rd, 1941, in Rutherford County, she was the youngest of three children born to Fred and Nora Nix. She retired from Tanner Co. after 20 years of service there. Prior to that, she worked at Crellin Plastic and the Hanes Plant. She was very devoted to her family, being a caregiver to her m
1 min read
Landon Wray Wilson
Landon Wray Wilson, age 24, of Ellenboro, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026.
2 min read
William "Bill" Mask
William “Bill” Mask, age 85, of Ellenboro, passed away Friday, May 15, 2026 at his home.
1 min read
Harrelson Funeral Home
Harrelson Funeral Home
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