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North Carolina records 159 fire deaths in 2025, report finds
Analysis shows older adults and homes without working smoke alarms face the greatest risk
North Carolina recorded 159 civilian fire deaths in 137 fatal fire incidents in 2025, according to a new statewide analysis released by the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal.

Annie Dance
3 hours ago3 min read
Latest News


Public Advisory: Beware of Fraudulent Online Concealed Carry Permits
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Contract Change Raises Questions in McDowell Revaluation
Property inspections are underway across McDowell County as officials prepare for the county’s next required property revaluation, a process that will determine updated tax values for more than 32,000 parcels.
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North Carolina records 159 fire deaths in 2025, report finds
Analysis shows older adults and homes without working smoke alarms face the greatest risk
North Carolina recorded 159 civilian fire deaths in 137 fatal fire incidents in 2025, according to a new statewide analysis released by the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal.
3 min read
Local News


Public Advisory: Beware of Fraudulent Online Concealed Carry Permits
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a warning regarding a significant rise in deceptive online advertisements for concealed carry permits.
2 min read


Contract Change Raises Questions in McDowell Revaluation
Property inspections are underway across McDowell County as officials prepare for the county’s next required property revaluation, a process that will determine updated tax values for more than 32,000 parcels.
2 min read


Mcgee Charged with Felony Drug Possession
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Regional News


Rutherford County Elections
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Helene Costs Leave Rutherford County Waiting on Millions
Rutherford County’s latest audit shows the financial aftershocks of Hurricane Helene are still hitting hard, with taxpayers fronting tens of millions of dollars while the county waits for federal reimbursement.
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Records Show Thousands of Pending Cases as Incumbent Judge Claims ‘No Backlog’ in District 41
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Business News


Supreme Court Voids Trump Emergency Tariffs
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Report: Tariffs are $695M Risk to North Carolina Farmers
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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.”
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Obituaries


Sonya Lovelace
Sonya Glenn Lovelace, age 53, of Ellenboro, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.
1 min read


Jesse "Larry" Harris
Jesse “Larry” Harris, age 81, of Forest City, passed away Friday, March 6, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
1 min read


Barbara Cole Harrill
Barbara Cole Harrill, age 71, of Forest City, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026 at her home.
1 min read

Harrelson Funeral Home

Harrelson Funeral Home
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