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Newly Released Autopsies Reveal Details in Deadly Statesville Plane Crash
Newly released autopsy reports and a preliminary federal investigation are providing additional insight into the Dec. 18, 2025, plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport that killed seven people.

Annie Dance
5 hours ago2 min read
Latest News


State Auditor Involved in Car Crash
North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek and members of his staff were involved in a minor crash Wednesday morning on Interstate 85 South, according to the Office of the State Auditor.
1 min read


Narcotics Arrest
On 04/08/2026, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office conducted a focused patrol in the Dysartsville area of Morganton.
1 min read


Newly Released Autopsies Reveal Details in Deadly Statesville Plane Crash
Newly released autopsy reports and a preliminary federal investigation are providing additional insight into the Dec. 18, 2025, plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport that killed seven people.
2 min read
Local News


State Auditor Involved in Car Crash
North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek and members of his staff were involved in a minor crash Wednesday morning on Interstate 85 South, according to the Office of the State Auditor.
1 min read


Narcotics Arrest
On 04/08/2026, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office conducted a focused patrol in the Dysartsville area of Morganton.
1 min read


Joint Operation Leads to Drug Seizure, Arrest in Rutherford and Cleveland Counties
April 2, 2026, a coordinated operation conducted by the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office ACE Team, the Tri-City Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the seizure of more than1.5 pounds of methamphetamine and 133 grams of marijuana.
1 min read
Regional News


Newly Released Autopsies Reveal Details in Deadly Statesville Plane Crash
Newly released autopsy reports and a preliminary federal investigation are providing additional insight into the Dec. 18, 2025, plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport that killed seven people.
2 min read


Federal Funds State Audit Flags Issues and 'Questionable Costs'
A new statewide audit of federal spending is raising concerns that could affect programs and services across western North Carolina, including in Rutherford County and surrounding communities.
3 min read


Council of State Holds Meeting at Historic Halifax, Warns of Wildfires During Burn Ban
Gov. Josh Stein opened the April Council of State meeting with a nod to history, but the day’s most urgent message centered on a present-day threat: wildfires burning across North Carolina.
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


Raymond "Red" Simpson
Raymond “Red” Simpson, age 88, of Sandy Mush, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. Red was born Monday, May 24, 1937 in Rutherford County to the late Henry Simpson and Oral Weese Simpson. He served his country honorably in the U.S Navy and was a veteran of the Korean War. Red worked for PPG Industries for forty years before retirement. He was a longtime member of Grace Chapel of Forest City. Red enjoyed hunting, golfing, fishing, and watchi
2 min read


Nancy Norville Harrill
Nancy Norville Harrill, age 81, of Rutherfordton, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Holly Springs Senior Citizens Home. Nancy was born Saturday, April 22, 1944 in Rutherford County to the late Virgil Norville and Beulah Kimbrell Norville. She was a graduate of R-S Central High School, class of 1963. Nancy’s greatest passion and love was being a homemaker and taking care of her family. She enjoyed cooking and gardening. Nancy was a past member of Gray’s Creek Baptist Chur
1 min read


Robert "Bob" Bailey
Robert “Bob” Bailey, age 88, of Forest City, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at his residence. Bob was born Monday, October 18, 1937 in Athens, Pennsylvania to the late Phillip Cecil Bailey and Georgianna Hicks Bailey. He worked at the Kennedy Space Center for twenty years as a Lead Inspector before retirement. Bob was a Master Mason of the Indian River Lodge #90 for fifty-six years also a Worth Patron of the Orange Chapter #137 Order of Eastern Star in Apopka, Florida s
1 min read

Harrelson Funeral Home

Harrelson Funeral Home
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