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The Lead Story
$800k NCDOT grant to Fund Free Rides for Eligible ICC Student
A new $800,000 state grant will provide free transportation for eligible students attending Isothermal Community College, but the "College Commute Initiative" comes with restrictions on who can use the service, where rides can go, and how the program will be monitored.
Annie Dance
4 hours ago3 min read
Latest News
Moore Introduces FEMA Caseworker Accountability Act
U.S. Rep. Tim Moore is introducing legislation aimed at increasing transparency around Federal Emergency Management Agency staffing after concerns from disaster survivors about delays and difficulty getting assistance following Hurricane Helene.
2 min read
$800k NCDOT grant to Fund Free Rides for Eligible ICC Student
A new $800,000 state grant will provide free transportation for eligible students attending Isothermal Community College, but the "College Commute Initiative" comes with restrictions on who can use the service, where rides can go, and how the program will be monitored.
3 min read
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
Local News
$800k NCDOT grant to Fund Free Rides for Eligible ICC Student
A new $800,000 state grant will provide free transportation for eligible students attending Isothermal Community College, but the "College Commute Initiative" comes with restrictions on who can use the service, where rides can go, and how the program will be monitored.
3 min read
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
Regional News
Moore Introduces FEMA Caseworker Accountability Act
U.S. Rep. Tim Moore is introducing legislation aimed at increasing transparency around Federal Emergency Management Agency staffing after concerns from disaster survivors about delays and difficulty getting assistance following Hurricane Helene.
2 min read
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
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
Julia Ann Harrill Randall
Julia Ann Harrill Randall, age 87, of Ellenboro, passed away Monday, July 13, 2026 at Rutherford Regional Medical Center. Julia was born on Thursday, November 24, 1938 in Rutherford County to the late George Harrill and Lucille Toms Harrill. She was a graduate of Harris High School. Julia worked for over twenty-three years as a supervisor for Absorba Textiles. She was a gifted seamstress and enjoyed cooking for her family. Julia was a faithful member of The Barn Fellowship. I
1 min read
JoAnne Koone Jenkins
JoAnne Koone Jenkins, age 75, of Rutherfordton, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. JoAnne was born Saturday, July 7, 1951 in Rutherford County to the late John Koone and Mildred Alley Koone. She worked as a bus driver for Tri-Community School for twenty-one years and later as the manager for the Bakery at Ingles Market for fourteen years. JoAnne enjoyed crocheting, listening to Conway Twitty and tending to h
2 min read
Jackie Mode Huffman
Jackie Mode Huffman, age 80, of Ellenboro, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City. Jackie was born Thursday, May 30, 1946 in Rutherford County to the late Amos Mode and Ovelia Johnson Mode. She was a graduate of East Rutherford High School, class of 1964 and also a graduate of Kings College in Charlotte. She worked many years as an administrative assistant for Stonecutter Mill and later as a Medical Office Assistant for various D
1 min read
Harrelson Funeral Home
Harrelson Funeral Home
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