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The Lead Story


Exclusive: Rutherfordton man Charged With Attempted Murder
A Rutherfordton man is facing a felony charge of attempted first-degree murder following his arrest earlier this month, according to court records obtained by WCAB News.

Annie Dance
2 hours ago1 min read
Latest News


How Lucky Can You Be
Sometimes, all it takes is one ticket to change everything.
1 min read


Do Your Part – Move Over for Emergency Vehicles
The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office is reminding the public of an important responsibility: knowing what to do when an emergency vehicle approaches with flashing lights or an active siren.
1 min read


Isothermal Community College Asks Over $8.7M for Budget
Rutherford County commissioners on Monday reviewed a proposed 2026-27 budget from Isothermal Community College that seeks a $465,500 increase from its current budget, driven largely by the opening of a major health sciences facility and broader operating cost pressures.
2 min read
Local News


How Lucky Can You Be
Sometimes, all it takes is one ticket to change everything.
1 min read


Do Your Part – Move Over for Emergency Vehicles
The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office is reminding the public of an important responsibility: knowing what to do when an emergency vehicle approaches with flashing lights or an active siren.
1 min read


Isothermal Community College Asks Over $8.7M for Budget
Rutherford County commissioners on Monday reviewed a proposed 2026-27 budget from Isothermal Community College that seeks a $465,500 increase from its current budget, driven largely by the opening of a major health sciences facility and broader operating cost pressures.
2 min read
Regional News


Chimney Rock Mayor: We Need Visitors as Rebuilding Continues
Chimney Rock Village is rebuilding and reopening as it enters its first full spring and summer since the damage from Hurricane Helene, Mayor Peter O’Leary said in a recent update.
2 min read


Lawmakers Hold Multiple Meetings, Make No Decisions
Lawmakers Hold Multiple Meetings but Make No Major Decisions as Rutherford Faces Budget, School, and DSS Pressures
4 min read


Governor: 'We’re Not a Poor State, But We Act Like We Are'
North Carolina lawmakers are set to return for the short session beginning Tuesday. Gov. Josh Stein is intensifying pressure on the General Assembly over the state budget, warning that continued delays and planned tax cuts could strain core public services.
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


Jimmy Blanton
Jimmy Blanton, age 90, of Forest City, passed away Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. Jimmy was born Monday, December 2, 1935 in Rutherford County to the late James Arthur Blanton and Anne Blackburn Blanton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-seven years, Kay Roberson Blanton; son, Jaime Blanton and son-in-law, John Grant, Jr. Those left to cherish his memory include a daughter, Shelley Blanton Grant of Forest
1 min read


Debra Martin Tesseneer
Debra Martin Tesseneer, age 64, of Forest City, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at Henderson Care.
1 min read


Mona Callahan Ruppe
Mona Callahan Ruppe, age 75, of Cliffside, NC went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, April 13, 2026 at Atrium Health-Cleveland in Shelby.
1 min read

Harrelson Funeral Home

Harrelson Funeral Home
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