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The Lead Story
Man Arrested in Burglary of Late NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle’s Iredell County Home
Investigators say stolen NASCAR memorabilia helped crack months-long case; additional suspects remain under investigation.
Annie Dance
14 hours ago3 min read
Latest News
Most Wanted Arrested
BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — A man who was recently listed among the Burke County Sheriff’s Office’s most wanted suspects was arrested after surrendering to authorities. Michael Joel Davis, 29, of Morganton, was taken into custody on August 14 after a local bondsman brought him to the Burke County Magistrate’s Office to surrender. Deputies also served Davis with outstanding Failure to Appear warrants in Burke County. According to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, the Burke County ch
1 min read
Rutherford County Reports Three Cyclosporiasis Cases as Statewide Total Increases to 940
North Carolina is seeing a significant increase in reported cases of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by a parasite that can be spread through contaminated food or water.
2 min read
Army’s Antiterrorism Awareness Month Offers Lessons for Western North Carolina
‘Run, Hide, Fight’ guidance and suspicious-activity reporting can help protect communities across the mountains.
3 min read
Local News
Most Wanted Arrested
BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — A man who was recently listed among the Burke County Sheriff’s Office’s most wanted suspects was arrested after surrendering to authorities. Michael Joel Davis, 29, of Morganton, was taken into custody on August 14 after a local bondsman brought him to the Burke County Magistrate’s Office to surrender. Deputies also served Davis with outstanding Failure to Appear warrants in Burke County. According to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, the Burke County ch
1 min read
Rutherford County Reports Three Cyclosporiasis Cases as Statewide Total Increases to 940
North Carolina is seeing a significant increase in reported cases of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by a parasite that can be spread through contaminated food or water.
2 min read
Army’s Antiterrorism Awareness Month Offers Lessons for Western North Carolina
‘Run, Hide, Fight’ guidance and suspicious-activity reporting can help protect communities across the mountains.
3 min read
Regional News
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
Exclusive: Lured Market Sues Lake Lure Over Police Boathouse Dispute After Helene Recovery
Restaurant owner claims town improperly took control of disputed building; Lake Lure says lease never included police facility.
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
Phyllis "Punkin" Blanton Norman
Phyllis Blanton Norman, affectionately known to those who loved her as “Punkin,” of Rutherford County, North Carolina passed away on August 12, 2026, at the age of 57. Punkin was one of a kind. She was funny, strong-willed, and wonderfully stubborn, with a personality that could fill a room. She loved dogs and treasured the simple things in life, especially spending time with her friends and family. Those who knew Punkin knew there was never a dull moment when she was around.
2 min read
Wayne D Mitchem
Wayne D. Mitchem, age 75, of Forest City, passed away Monday, August 10, 2026 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Wayne was born Thursday, February 15, 1951 in Rutherford County to the late Earl C. Mitchem and Lottie Mae Carswell Mitchem. Wayne was a graduate of Chase High School Class of 1971. He worked as a machinist for Timken for over thirty years. He was a long-time member of Victory Baptist Church in Ellenboro, NC. Wayne, more than anything, enjoyed spending time wi
1 min read
Howard Louie Patterson
Howard Louie Patterson, age 88, of Rutherfordton, passed away Monday, August 10, 2026 at Rutherford Regional Medical Center. Howard was born Thursday, March 10, 1938 in Rutherford Cunty to the late Ernest Hugh Patterson and Frances Fowler Patterson. Howard loved horses, tractors, and wearing a cowboy hat. He also loved his family. Howard will be missed by all who knew him. In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by a son, Joey Lee Patterson. Those left to che
1 min read
Harrelson Funeral Home
Harrelson Funeral Home
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