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The Lead Story
What Rutherford voters need to know before casting a ballot
Early voting ends Oct. 31; several nonpartisan municipal races include write-in choices. Rutherford County voters still have time to register, review their choices, and vote before the Nov. 3 election. County figures updated Oct. 21 show more than 4,400 early ballots cast at the county’s two voting locations. Before casting a ballot, review every contest — including those with only one printed candidate. Some nonpartisan races have write-in candidates campaigning, so one prin
Annie Dance
5 hours ago2 min read
Latest News
Lake Lure planning details emerge during early voting
Details of Lake Lure’s September planning discussions emerged in an Oct. 20 agenda packet during early voting, putting proposed housing and development policies before residents choosing a mayor and two council members. Mayor Carol Pritchett faces write-in challengers Kathy Tanner and John Edmonds Kozma. Incumbent Jim Proctor, challengers Friedrich Jaeger-Faber, Dave Lusk and Richard Sayles are competing for two council seats. Scott Doster, who also serves as the liaison to t
3 min read
Vance rallies Republican leaders in Hendersonville for Whatley, Balkcom
Vice President JD Vance traveled to Hendersonville on Oct. 19 to campaign for Republican US Senate candidate Michael Whatley and congressional nominee Jennifer Balkcom, bringing another high-profile Republican appearance to North Carolina just two weeks before Election Day. Speaking at Hyder Warehouse, Vance urged voters to support both candidates while sharply criticizing their Democratic opponents, former Gov. Roy Cooper and 11th Congressional District nominee Jamie Ager, w
5 min read
Bostic man charged with drug possession, resisting officer
A Bostic man was arrested Oct. 20 on charges of felony possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor resisting a public officer, according to NC Judicial Branch eCourts records reviewed by WCAB News. Justin Shane Barden, 46, allegedly failed to follow commands, stiffened his arms, and turned away to avoid being handcuffed by Rutherford County Sheriff’s Detective Brian Atkins during a traffic stop investigation, the charging document states. The arresting officer was Willis Co
1 min read
Local News
Lake Lure planning details emerge during early voting
Details of Lake Lure’s September planning discussions emerged in an Oct. 20 agenda packet during early voting, putting proposed housing and development policies before residents choosing a mayor and two council members. Mayor Carol Pritchett faces write-in challengers Kathy Tanner and John Edmonds Kozma. Incumbent Jim Proctor, challengers Friedrich Jaeger-Faber, Dave Lusk and Richard Sayles are competing for two council seats. Scott Doster, who also serves as the liaison to t
3 min read
Vance rallies Republican leaders in Hendersonville for Whatley, Balkcom
Vice President JD Vance traveled to Hendersonville on Oct. 19 to campaign for Republican US Senate candidate Michael Whatley and congressional nominee Jennifer Balkcom, bringing another high-profile Republican appearance to North Carolina just two weeks before Election Day. Speaking at Hyder Warehouse, Vance urged voters to support both candidates while sharply criticizing their Democratic opponents, former Gov. Roy Cooper and 11th Congressional District nominee Jamie Ager, w
5 min read
Bostic man charged with drug possession, resisting officer
A Bostic man was arrested Oct. 20 on charges of felony possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor resisting a public officer, according to NC Judicial Branch eCourts records reviewed by WCAB News. Justin Shane Barden, 46, allegedly failed to follow commands, stiffened his arms, and turned away to avoid being handcuffed by Rutherford County Sheriff’s Detective Brian Atkins during a traffic stop investigation, the charging document states. The arresting officer was Willis Co
1 min read
Regional News
Vance rallies Republican leaders in Hendersonville for Whatley, Balkcom
Vice President JD Vance traveled to Hendersonville on Oct. 19 to campaign for Republican US Senate candidate Michael Whatley and congressional nominee Jennifer Balkcom, bringing another high-profile Republican appearance to North Carolina just two weeks before Election Day. Speaking at Hyder Warehouse, Vance urged voters to support both candidates while sharply criticizing their Democratic opponents, former Gov. Roy Cooper and 11th Congressional District nominee Jamie Ager, w
5 min read
Seven McDowell landslides underscore mountain risks, Isaias had no deaths, governor says
After Isaias, residents should know the warning signs, plan an evacuation route, and understand that debris can reach homes below steep slopes. McDowell County officials say seven landslides occurred as Isaias brought heavy rain to Western North Carolina earlier this month, renewing concerns about unstable slopes in communities still recovering from Hurricane Helene. There were no known injuries or deaths from Isaias, Governor Josh Stein said. For residents, the danger extend
2 min read
What Rutherford voters need to know before casting a ballot
Early voting ends Oct. 31; several nonpartisan municipal races include write-in choices. Rutherford County voters still have time to register, review their choices, and vote before the Nov. 3 election. County figures updated Oct. 21 show more than 4,400 early ballots cast at the county’s two voting locations. Before casting a ballot, review every contest — including those with only one printed candidate. Some nonpartisan races have write-in candidates campaigning, so one prin
2 min read
Business News
NC auditor’s tipline accepts confidential reports of government misconduct
State accepts confidential complaints about fraud, waste and abuse, with options for anonymous tips and supporting documents. North Carolina residents who suspect fraud, waste or misuse of state resources can submit confidential complaints to the Office of the State Auditor, including anonymous tips. The office investigates allegations involving state agencies or employees within its legal authority. Complaints may concern misappropriation or mismanagement of resources, viola
1 min read
NC fuel tax pause offers relief for drivers
Stein signs law suspending the 41-cent-per-gallon tax through Nov. 30, with additional relief for farmers Rutherford County drivers could save $6.15 on a 15-gallon fill-up under a temporary suspension of North Carolina’s motor fuel excise tax, provided the full tax reduction reaches the pump. Gov. Josh Stein signed House Bill 3, the Relief at the Pump Act, on Oct. 9 in Fairview. The suspension began Oct. 10 and runs through Nov. 30, covering gasoline, diesel and alternative f
2 min read
Hilltop festival draws families, sparks discussion
Rutherfordton’s Oct. 3 event featured downtown activities, police vehicles and community groups Families and visitors filled downtown Rutherfordton for the Hilltop Fall Festival on Oct. 3, with entertainment, vendors and children’s activities drawing praise alongside questions about town spending and festival offerings. The Saturday event featured a magic show, a car show, and a pet costume contest hosted by Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue, according to the town’s MyRuth
2 min read
Obituaries
Kathy Klassen
Kathy Klassen, age 75, of Rutherfordton, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at the Holly Springs Senior Citizens Home.
1 min read
Carolyn Christine Epps Francis
Carolyn Christine Epps Francis, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.
1 min read
Kathy Ann Thomason
Kathy Ann Thomason, age 67, of Granite Falls, NC, passed away Friday, October 9, 2026, at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center while being surrounded by her loving family.
2 min read
Harrelson Funeral Home
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Harrelson Funeral Home
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