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The Lead Story
Man Arrested in Burglary of Late NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle’s Iredell County Home
Investigators say stolen NASCAR memorabilia helped crack months-long case; additional suspects remain under investigation.
Annie Dance
2 days ago3 min read
Latest News
Marion Man Charged With Drug Possession, Resisting an Officer
A Marion man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after deputies say he resisted officers during a traffic stop along Interstate 40.
1 min read
Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Reports More Than 4,000 Calls for Service in July
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office handled more than 4,000 calls for service and made 171 arrests during July, according to the agency’s monthly activity report.
2 min read
Governor Stein Delivers School Supplies
2026 drive collected more than 110,000 school supplies.
2 min read
Local News
Marion Man Charged With Drug Possession, Resisting an Officer
A Marion man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after deputies say he resisted officers during a traffic stop along Interstate 40.
1 min read
Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Reports More Than 4,000 Calls for Service in July
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office handled more than 4,000 calls for service and made 171 arrests during July, according to the agency’s monthly activity report.
2 min read
Governor Stein Delivers School Supplies
2026 drive collected more than 110,000 school supplies.
2 min read
Regional News
Lake Lure Dam Replacement May Cost More than $175 Million, Engineers Say
Lake Lure is moving ahead with plans to replace its century-old dam, but preliminary estimates show the project may cost more than $175 million — before several major expenses are added.
2 min read
State Public Safety Gaps Have Local Consequence
A public safety roundtable held Aug. 6 in Statesville highlighted problems that extend well beyond Iredell County — including challenges Rutherford County and other rural communities face when law enforcement encounters people who need jail, mental health treatment, juvenile services or other intervention.
4 min read
Exclusive: Lured Market Sues Lake Lure Over Police Boathouse Dispute After Helene Recovery
Restaurant owner claims town improperly took control of disputed building; Lake Lure says lease never included police facility.
3 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
Phillip Melton
Phillip Melton, age 65, of Forest City, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC. Phillip was born Wednesday, August 24, 1960 in Rutherford County to the late Bobby Melton and Willie Faye Hutchins Melton. He was veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the 82nd Airborne Division. Phillip worked for Stonecutter Mill for many years. He was a past member of Corinth Baptist Church and enjoyed the outdoors. Phillip was an avid gardener and loved tink
1 min read
Julie Scruggs
Julie Scruggs, age 68, of Ellenboro, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at her home. Julie was born Thursday, September 19, 1957 in Rutherford County to the late Molt Edwards and Mafra Silvers Edwards. She was the co-owner and operator of Scruggs Body Shop and worked for Munsey Homes in construction. Julie attended Homeward Bound Baptist Church and enjoyed photography, arts & crafts, listening to music, drawing and going camping with her family. In addition to her parents,
1 min read
Phyllis "Punkin" Blanton Norman
Phyllis Blanton Norman, affectionately known to those who loved her as “Punkin,” of Rutherford County, North Carolina passed away on August 12, 2026, at the age of 57. Punkin was one of a kind. She was funny, strong-willed, and wonderfully stubborn, with a personality that could fill a room. She loved dogs and treasured the simple things in life, especially spending time with her friends and family. Those who knew Punkin knew there was never a dull moment when she was around.
2 min read
Harrelson Funeral Home
Harrelson Funeral Home
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