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The Lead Story
Western North Carolina Assesses Storm Damage
Communities across western North Carolina are waking up Tuesday morning to flooded roads, storm damage and cleanup efforts after hours of intense overnight rainfall triggered flash flooding across Henderson and Rutherford counties.
Annie Dance
2 days ago2 min read
Latest News
Charlotte Murder Suspect Captured in Rutherford County After Teen’s Killing
A man charged in the killing of a Charlotte teenager was captured in Rutherford County after investigators tracked him to the small community of Bostic, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
2 min read
Western North Carolina Assesses Storm Damage
Communities across western North Carolina are waking up Tuesday morning to flooded roads, storm damage and cleanup efforts after hours of intense overnight rainfall triggered flash flooding across Henderson and Rutherford counties.
2 min read
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
Local News
Charlotte Murder Suspect Captured in Rutherford County After Teen’s Killing
A man charged in the killing of a Charlotte teenager was captured in Rutherford County after investigators tracked him to the small community of Bostic, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
2 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
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
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
Joyce Rogers Bridges
Joyce Rogers Bridges, age 84, of Forest City, passed away Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Holly Springs Senior Citizens Home. Joyce was born Tuesday, November 4, 1941, in Rutherford County to the late Marcus Rogers and Hazel Gordon Rogers. She worked at Spindale Mills for more than thirty years and was a faithful member of Chase Baptist Church. She was talented in woodworking and enjoyed building furniture and other handcrafted items for her family. Joyce was also an expert seamstre
2 min read
Barbara Ann McGinnis Brackett
Barbara Ann McGinnis Brackett, age 72, of Forest City, passed away Sunday, May 23, 2026 at Rutherford Regional Medical Center. Barbara was born Wednesday, January 6, 1954 in Rutherford County to the late Jessie James McGinnis and Emma Jane Bradley McGinnis. She worked many years as a caregiver in home healthcare and was of the Baptist faith. Barbara enjoyed playing bingo and especially enjoyed going to yard sales. She loved her fur babies, Peppi and Pudgie. In addition to her
1 min read
Rita Weatherford
Rita Weatherford, age 76, of Ellenboro, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Wendover Hospice in Shelby. Rita was born Friday, August 12, 1949 in Cleveland County to the late James Greene and Nora Mashburn Greene. Rita lived a life of service to others which included her work as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Hospice and for Carolina Community Care. She was a faithful member of Goode’s Grove Baptist Church where she ministered as the Vacati
2 min read
Harrelson Funeral Home
Harrelson Funeral Home
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