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The Lead Story
State Auditor Launches Commission to Modernize North Carolina Election Systems
State Auditor Dave Boliek announced the creation of the Modernization of Election Data Systems (MEDS) Commission on Feb. 5, a bipartisan 22-member panel aimed at guiding efforts to update North Carolina’s election management system.
Annie Dance
3 days ago1 min read
Latest News
Zoning Debate Emerges as Central Issue in Rutherford County Commissioner Races
Land-use regulation and the question of countywide zoning surfaced as a defining campaign issue during a recent candidate forum featuring contenders seeking seats on the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners, as voters prepare for Republican primaries in Districts 1, 4, and 5.
2 min read
Martelle Once Sentenced District Court Judge Challenger LaBreche for a DWI
Early voting for the Rutherford and McDowell County District Court judge primary begins Feb. 12. The race features incumbent Robert Martelle and challenger Andrew LaBreche. Court records show that in 2017, LaBreche was cited for a low-level driving while impaired (DWI) charge by the NC State Highway Patrol. The case was sentenced by Martelle, with all fines and court obligations resolved. In 2018, LaBreche also pleaded guilty to driving with a revoked license; all penalties w
2 min read
Lake Lure Officials to Discuss Dam, Hurricane Recovery, and Operations This Week
Lake Lure’s Town Council will meet Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Town Hall at The Landings, for their normally scheduled monthly meeting with an agenda covering storm recovery, infrastructure planning, and government operations.
2 min read
Local News
Zoning Debate Emerges as Central Issue in Rutherford County Commissioner Races
Land-use regulation and the question of countywide zoning surfaced as a defining campaign issue during a recent candidate forum featuring contenders seeking seats on the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners, as voters prepare for Republican primaries in Districts 1, 4, and 5.
2 min read
Martelle Once Sentenced District Court Judge Challenger LaBreche for a DWI
Early voting for the Rutherford and McDowell County District Court judge primary begins Feb. 12. The race features incumbent Robert Martelle and challenger Andrew LaBreche. Court records show that in 2017, LaBreche was cited for a low-level driving while impaired (DWI) charge by the NC State Highway Patrol. The case was sentenced by Martelle, with all fines and court obligations resolved. In 2018, LaBreche also pleaded guilty to driving with a revoked license; all penalties w
2 min read
Lake Lure Officials to Discuss Dam, Hurricane Recovery, and Operations This Week
Lake Lure’s Town Council will meet Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Town Hall at The Landings, for their normally scheduled monthly meeting with an agenda covering storm recovery, infrastructure planning, and government operations.
2 min read
Regional News
State Auditor Launches Commission to Modernize North Carolina Election Systems
State Auditor Dave Boliek announced the creation of the Modernization of Election Data Systems (MEDS) Commission on Feb. 5, a bipartisan 22-member panel aimed at guiding efforts to update North Carolina’s election management system.
1 min read
Federal Regulators Cite Violations at McGuire Nuclear Plant
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Federal regulators cited Duke Energy’s McGuire Nuclear Station for two violations linked to procedural and maintenance shortcomings — including one that led to a manual reactor shutdown — underscoring ongoing scrutiny at North Carolina’s largest power plant.
3 min read
Voter Registration Deadline Nears for North Carolina Primary
Voting activity is underway across North Carolina ahead of the March 3 primary, with millions of residents registered and key deadlines approaching.
1 min read
Business News
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
State data show gap between job announcements and jobs delivered in North Carolina
As North Carolina leaders highlight a record number of job announcements, state economic data show a growing disconnect between promises made and jobs ultimately delivered, particularly within the state’s primary incentive program.
3 min read
Obituaries
Gary Paul
Gary Paul, age 75, of Union Mills, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. Gary was born Wednesday, April 12, 1950. He was a proud graduate of Augusta Military Academy in Ft. Defiance, Virginia. Later, Gary would work in the banking industry as a commercial loan officer for most of his life before retiring. He was of the Catholic Faith. Gary enjoyed many things in life such as going to the beach, fishing, watching movies with his family on
1 min read
Katy Waters
Kathy Waters, age 69, of Rutherfordton, passed away Friday, February 6, 2026 at Rutherford Regional Medical Center. Kathy was born Friday, June 15, 1956 to the late Robert Samuel Parker and Irene Bradley Parker. She worked in textiles for many years and was a faithful member of Spindale Fellowship Holiness Church. Her greatest love and joy was being able to spend time with her granddaughter, Abby. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Jody Parker,
1 min read
Brandon Atkins
Brandon Atkins, age 55, passed away Saturday, January 31, 2026 due to an auto accident. Brandon was born Sunday, August 16, 1970 in Rutherford County to Arlene Putman Atkins who resides in Henrietta and to the late Roger Atkins. He worked at Cone Mill-Haynes plant for seventeen years and most recently as a vendor for Canteen Vending for many years. Brandon was a member of High Shoal Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He enjoyed collecting vintage stereo equipment, vi
2 min read
Harrelson Funeral Home
Harrelson Funeral Home
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