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The Lead Story
S.C. Names First Female Senator After Graham’s Death
South Carolina saw a historic political transition within 48 hours as Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone as the state’s first female U.S. senator following the death of her brother, longtime Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Annie Dance
2 hours ago2 min read
Latest News
Burke County Drug Investigation Leads to Major Meth Seizure, Two Arrests
A year-long investigation by the Burke County Sheriff's Office into a suspected drug trafficking organization has resulted in the seizure of more than 27 pounds of methamphetamine and the arrests of two individuals facing serious felony charges.
2 min read
MARION WOMAN CHARGED AFTER STABBING INCIDENT
Lieutenant Richard Pittman with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged 40-year-old Tiffany Ann Justice of Marion with felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.
1 min read
Can You Help Identify This Individual?
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office is requesting the public's assistance in identifying the individual pictured below in connection with an ongoing investigation.
1 min read
Local News
Burke County Drug Investigation Leads to Major Meth Seizure, Two Arrests
A year-long investigation by the Burke County Sheriff's Office into a suspected drug trafficking organization has resulted in the seizure of more than 27 pounds of methamphetamine and the arrests of two individuals facing serious felony charges.
2 min read
MARION WOMAN CHARGED AFTER STABBING INCIDENT
Lieutenant Richard Pittman with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged 40-year-old Tiffany Ann Justice of Marion with felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.
1 min read
Can You Help Identify This Individual?
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office is requesting the public's assistance in identifying the individual pictured below in connection with an ongoing investigation.
1 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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