top of page
The Lead Story


Exclusive: Mooresboro Man Charged With Kidnapping, Strangulation
A Rutherford County man faces felony charges of kidnapping and assault by strangulation following an Aug. 22 incident, according to court records obtained by WCAB News.

Annie Dance
4 days ago2 min read
Latest News


$3.8 Million in FEMA Funding Announced for Helene Recovery in Lake Lure, Chimney Rock and Polk County
Nearly two years after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, more than $3.8 million in additional federal funding is headed to communities in the region for infrastructure repairs and recovery costs.
2 min read


Charlotte Growth Could Benefit Rutherford County
Charlotte's continued growth could create new economic opportunities for Rutherford County, but local officials will need to prepare for businesses and workers looking beyond the Charlotte area.
3 min read


Early Voting Access Increases For 2026 Statewide
North Carolina will have more early voting sites and hours than it did during the 2022 midterm election.
3 min read
Local News


$3.8 Million in FEMA Funding Announced for Helene Recovery in Lake Lure, Chimney Rock and Polk County
Nearly two years after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, more than $3.8 million in additional federal funding is headed to communities in the region for infrastructure repairs and recovery costs.
2 min read


Charlotte Growth Could Benefit Rutherford County
Charlotte's continued growth could create new economic opportunities for Rutherford County, but local officials will need to prepare for businesses and workers looking beyond the Charlotte area.
3 min read


Early Voting Access Increases For 2026 Statewide
North Carolina will have more early voting sites and hours than it did during the 2022 midterm election.
3 min read
Regional News


Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival Returns to Mocksville for 14th Annual Celebration
Bluegrass music, family fun and a day of fellowship will come together Saturday, September 12, when the Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival returns to Mocksville for its 14th annual celebration.
3 min read


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
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


Alyssa "Poody" Tuggle
Alyssa “Poody” Tuggle, age 26, of Spindale, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2026 at her residence. Alyssa was born Wednesday, December 1, 1999 in Williamsburg, Virginia to Carol Ann Stevenson Rhodes who resides in Spindale. In spite of her learning disabilities and autism, she became a bright beam of light to all who knew her. She was affectionately known as “Poody” to all who knew and loved her. Alyssa was a beautiful young lady with the purest and the sincerest of hearts. Sh
2 min read


Ronnie Lee Evans
Ronnie Lee Evans, age 50, of Cliffside, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Sapphire Ridge Health and Rehabilitation in Brevard, NC. Ronnie was born Thursday, June 3, 1976 in Rutherford County. He worked as a volunteer fireman and an EMS Technician for many years. Ronnie also repaired small engines and did auto body repair work. He was a member of Bethany Baptist Church and was an avid fisherman. He was preceded in death by his father, Micheal Yates Evans; brother, Richa
1 min read


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

Harrelson Funeral Home

Harrelson Funeral Home
1/1
bottom of page
.png)


