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The Lead Story
Two years later: Helene recovery questions remain
WCAB News investigation: Then-Governor Cooper's climate conference trip, conflicting death tolls and recovery questions Two years after Hurricane Helene, federal and state records report different fatality figures as western North Carolina continues rebuilding. WCAB News examines former Gov. Roy Cooper's emergency preparations, disaster leadership, and the financial consequences of recovery. By Annie Dance | WCAB News RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. — Two years after Hurricane Helene imp
Annie Dance
1 day ago4 min read
Latest News
Wanda Cuthbertson
Wanda Cuthbertson, age 61, of Mooresboro went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ after winning her battle with cancer. She is at rest and in the presence of God for eternity.
1 min read
Reverend Jerry Ruppe
Reverend Jerry Ruppe, age 83, of Bostic, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
1 min read
Former Charlotte council member sentenced in COVID fraud case
A federal judge on Tuesday sentenced former Charlotte City Council member Tiawana Brown to 10 months in federal prison for taking part in stealing COVID-19 relief money. A judge rejected prosecutors’ request that she get probation instead. Her two daughters, who were charged with her, got probation and four months of house arrest. The three women also must repay $137,280 to the government. The case first became public in May 2025, when Brown still held Charlotte’s District
3 min read
Local News
Old Fort woman charged with murder in boyfriend’s shooting
Court records show Jessica Martin Blackburn remains held without bond following the Sept. 18 shooting death of Eric Jerome Ward. By Annie Dance | WCAB News OLD FORT, N.C. — A McDowell County woman charged with murder in the shooting death of her boyfriend remains in custody without bond following her first court appearance. Jessica Martin Blackburn, 49, of Old Fort, is accused of killing Eric Jerome Ward, 41, during what the McDowell County Sheriff's Office described as a dom
1 min read
Governor unveils Helene economic recovery plan two years after storm
In a statement on Sept. 23, Governor Stein and the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) unveiled the Western NC Economic Recovery Plan, a long-term framework to rebuild and grow the region’s economy as western North Carolina approaches two years since Hurricane Helene. The plan was built with input from 28 counties, the Qualla Boundary, five regional councils of government, chambers of commerce, and economic development organizations. “While the hea
3 min read
Chimney Rock advances Helene recovery projects, awaits grants
Two years after Hurricane Helene, village officials report progress on river restoration, infrastructure repairs and property buyouts, but major recovery projects remain dependent on state and federal funding decisions. Nearly two years after Hurricane Helene devastated Chimney Rock Village, local officials are moving forward with river restoration, water and sewer repairs and plans to rebuild the downtown business district. However, approximately $42 million in proposed reco
5 min read
Regional News
Former Charlotte council member sentenced in COVID fraud case
A federal judge on Tuesday sentenced former Charlotte City Council member Tiawana Brown to 10 months in federal prison for taking part in stealing COVID-19 relief money. A judge rejected prosecutors’ request that she get probation instead. Her two daughters, who were charged with her, got probation and four months of house arrest. The three women also must repay $137,280 to the government. The case first became public in May 2025, when Brown still held Charlotte’s District
3 min read
Old Fort woman charged with murder in boyfriend’s shooting
Court records show Jessica Martin Blackburn remains held without bond following the Sept. 18 shooting death of Eric Jerome Ward. By Annie Dance | WCAB News OLD FORT, N.C. — A McDowell County woman charged with murder in the shooting death of her boyfriend remains in custody without bond following her first court appearance. Jessica Martin Blackburn, 49, of Old Fort, is accused of killing Eric Jerome Ward, 41, during what the McDowell County Sheriff's Office described as a dom
1 min read
Governor unveils Helene economic recovery plan two years after storm
In a statement on Sept. 23, Governor Stein and the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) unveiled the Western NC Economic Recovery Plan, a long-term framework to rebuild and grow the region’s economy as western North Carolina approaches two years since Hurricane Helene. The plan was built with input from 28 counties, the Qualla Boundary, five regional councils of government, chambers of commerce, and economic development organizations. “While the hea
3 min read
Business News
Governor unveils Helene economic recovery plan two years after storm
In a statement on Sept. 23, Governor Stein and the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) unveiled the Western NC Economic Recovery Plan, a long-term framework to rebuild and grow the region’s economy as western North Carolina approaches two years since Hurricane Helene. The plan was built with input from 28 counties, the Qualla Boundary, five regional councils of government, chambers of commerce, and economic development organizations. “While the hea
3 min read
Chimney Rock advances Helene recovery projects, awaits grants
Two years after Hurricane Helene, village officials report progress on river restoration, infrastructure repairs and property buyouts, but major recovery projects remain dependent on state and federal funding decisions. Nearly two years after Hurricane Helene devastated Chimney Rock Village, local officials are moving forward with river restoration, water and sewer repairs and plans to rebuild the downtown business district. However, approximately $42 million in proposed reco
5 min read
‘The Floor Is Yours’ debuts on WCAB
“The Floor Is Yours,” a new weekly radio program hosted by Rutherford County attorney Andrew LaBreche, debuted Saturday, Sept. 12, on Eagle Country Radio, WCAB 100.9 FM and 590 AM and on eaglecountryradio.com/listen-live.
2 min read
Obituaries
Wanda Cuthbertson
Wanda Cuthbertson, age 61, of Mooresboro went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ after winning her battle with cancer. She is at rest and in the presence of God for eternity.
1 min read
Reverend Jerry Ruppe
Reverend Jerry Ruppe, age 83, of Bostic, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
1 min read
Aileen Curtis Wright
Aileen Curtis Wright, age 88, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, September 21, 2026 at Fair Haven of Forest City. Aileen was born Saturday, July 9, 1938 in Cleveland County to the late Don Eugene Curtis and Iris Scruggs Curtis. She was a graduate of Mooresboro High School, class of 1956. Aileen worked as a Rutherford County Deputy Tax Collector for thirty years before retirement. She was a faithful member of Drury Dobbins Baptist Church. Her grea
1 min read
Harrelson Funeral Home
Harrelson Funeral Home
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