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The Lead Story


MISSING PERSON ALERT: YESINIA MENDOZA
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing woman.

Annie Dance
1 day ago1 min read
Latest News


Five Arrested Following Lavista Circle Investigation
Over an extended period of time, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office has investigated multiple cases involving the residence located at 182 Lavista Circle in Forest City.
2 min read


U.S. Marshals Increase Reward for Wanted Murder Suspect
Authorities are asking for the public's help in locating a man wanted in connection with a 2024 homicide, and the reward for information leading to his arrest has now increased to $6,000.
1 min read


NC Lawmakers Unveil $34.4 Billion Budget Deal
North Carolina legislative leaders on Tuesday released a long-awaited $34.4 billion state budget agreement that would provide broad pay raises for teachers and state employees, continue personal income tax reductions, invest more than $700 million in Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, and expand funding for public safety, education, and healthcare programs.
5 min read
Local News


Five Arrested Following Lavista Circle Investigation
Over an extended period of time, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office has investigated multiple cases involving the residence located at 182 Lavista Circle in Forest City.
2 min read


WCAB to Count Down the Top 250 Country Songs of All Time This Holiday Weekend
Country music fans have a special reason to tune in this Independence Day weekend as WCAB 100.9 FM presents the Top 250 Country Songs of All Time, a holiday weekend tradition celebrating the greatest hits in country music history.
1 min read


Rutherford County to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with Daylong Independence Day Events
Rutherford County is preparing for a historic Independence Day celebration as communities across the county come together to commemorate America's 250th Anniversary on Saturday, July 4.
2 min read
Regional News


U.S. Marshals Increase Reward for Wanted Murder Suspect
Authorities are asking for the public's help in locating a man wanted in connection with a 2024 homicide, and the reward for information leading to his arrest has now increased to $6,000.
1 min read


NC Lawmakers Unveil $34.4 Billion Budget Deal
North Carolina legislative leaders on Tuesday released a long-awaited $34.4 billion state budget agreement that would provide broad pay raises for teachers and state employees, continue personal income tax reductions, invest more than $700 million in Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, and expand funding for public safety, education, and healthcare programs.
5 min read


Lake Lure Is Still Rebuilding from Helene, Officials Say, But Progress Is Visible
When Hurricane Helene tore through the North Carolina mountains on Sept. 27, 2024, it left Lake Lure nearly unrecognizable.
4 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


Tena Johnson Hernandez
Tena Johnson Hernandez, age 64, of Rutherfordton, passed away Thursday, June 18, 2026 at Meadowbrook Health and Rehabilitation in Salisbury, NC. Tena was born Friday, November 10, 1961 in Rutherford County to the late William Clay Johnson and Katie May Norville Johnson. Tena was a graduate of R-S Central High School. She was a dedicated homemaker who enjoyed taking care of her family. She enjoyed playing bingo and taking trips to Cherokee. Tena was known for her big heart in
1 min read


Minnie Scism-Dulaney
Minnie Scism-Dulaney, age 77, of Rutherfordton, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2026 at her home. Minnie was born Monday, July 12, 1948 in Cleveland County to the late Joseph Pinkley Scism and Ruby Leigh Scism. She was a graduate of Shelby High School, class of 1967 and later earned an associates degree from Isothermal Community College. She worked for National Textiles and Watts Regulator for many years and most recently was a personal caretaker in home healthcare. She was of t
1 min read


Vicki Rogers Sturgill
Vicki Rogers Sturgill, age 62, of Ellenboro, passed away Friday, June 12, 2026 at her home. Vicki was born Thursday, April 9, 1964 in Rutherford County, to Linda Black Short who resides in Ellenboro and to the late David Rogers. She was a graduate of East Rutherford High School, class of 1982 and earned an associate’s degree from Isothermal Community College. Her heart’s desire to help the elderly led her to become a Licensed Practical Nurse which enabled her to work in Nursi
2 min read

Harrelson Funeral Home

Harrelson Funeral Home
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