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The Lead Story


Helene: Republicans from Mountains say Stein’s Red Tape Stifling
Stalled recovery in Hurricane Helene is blamed on “stifling bureaucracy utterly lacking in common sense and resourcefulness,” say seven Republican members of the North Carolina House of Representatives in a statement directed at first-term Democratic Gov. Josh Stein.

The Center Square
49 minutes ago3 min read
Latest News


Gatch Receives Charges After Domestic Violence Incident
Detective Kyle Gibson with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged 33-year-old Justin Edward Gatch of Marion with felony Breaking and/or Entering with Terrorizing to Injure; misdemeanor Assault on an Individual with Disability and misdemeanor Interfere with Emergency Communication. He was denied bond due to the incident being domestic violence-related.
1 min read


Search Underway for Two Missing Children in Spartanburg County
The Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office is actively searching for two missing children who were reported as runaways early this morning.
1 min read


Helene: Republicans from Mountains say Stein’s Red Tape Stifling
Stalled recovery in Hurricane Helene is blamed on “stifling bureaucracy utterly lacking in common sense and resourcefulness,” say seven Republican members of the North Carolina House of Representatives in a statement directed at first-term Democratic Gov. Josh Stein.
3 min read
Local News


Gatch Receives Charges After Domestic Violence Incident
Detective Kyle Gibson with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged 33-year-old Justin Edward Gatch of Marion with felony Breaking and/or Entering with Terrorizing to Injure; misdemeanor Assault on an Individual with Disability and misdemeanor Interfere with Emergency Communication. He was denied bond due to the incident being domestic violence-related.
1 min read


Search Underway for Two Missing Children in Spartanburg County
The Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office is actively searching for two missing children who were reported as runaways early this morning.
1 min read


Chimney Rock Post Office Reopens, Showcasing the Village’s Unshakable Spirit
Not even high winds, snow flurries, or a temporary power outage could stop the Chimney Rock Post Office from reopening its doors — a true testament to the Village’s resilience and community spirit. Administrator Stephen Duncan shared that the reopening came with its fair share of challenges, including a surprise visit from some curious bears. But through teamwork and determination, the post office once again stands ready to serve the people of Chimney Rock. Tim Moore expresse
1 min read
Regional News


Helene: Republicans from Mountains say Stein’s Red Tape Stifling
Stalled recovery in Hurricane Helene is blamed on “stifling bureaucracy utterly lacking in common sense and resourcefulness,” say seven Republican members of the North Carolina House of Representatives in a statement directed at first-term Democratic Gov. Josh Stein.
3 min read


Task Force Report Outlines Path for Meeting North Carolina’s Growing Energy Demand
A state task force formed by Gov. Josh Stein has released an interim report offering early recommendations aimed at keeping electricity in North Carolina affordable, reliable and cleaner as demand rises.
2 min read


Lake Lure Council Thanks Storm Responders, Makes Board Appointments
The town council of Lake Lure met on Feb. 10 and adopted a proclamation thanking public works and emergency personnel who responded to back-to-back winter storms, while handling routine advisory board updates and appointments, according to details confirmed by town officials.
2 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


Anne Mathis-Grafe
Anne Mathis-Grafe, age 60, of Shelby, passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Wendover Hospice House in Shelby. Anne was born Wednesday, January 26, 1966 in Darby, Pennsylvania to the late Jere Lintner and Shirley Gober. She worked for SONY manufacturing in her early years. She later worked as the Bakery Manager for Ingles for twenty-one years before retirement. Anne enjoyed watching horror movies and reading. She also enjoyed cooking and baking for her family. Her greatest
1 min read


Katy Dills
Kathy Dills, age 67, of Rutherfordton, NC passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026 at her home. Kathy was born Wednesday, July 2, 1958 in Corpus Christie, Texas to the late Bill Pressley and Jean Lindsey Pressley. She graduated with an associate’s degree from Isothermal Community College. Kathy worked for PPG/NEG Industries for several years and proudly worked as a commercial truck driver for many years. Kathy had a heart for underprivileged people having volunteered at Sister
1 min read


Joseph "Joey" Vickers
Joseph “Joey” Vickers, age 78, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026 at his home. Joey was born on Sunday, December 14, 1947 in Rutherford County, to the late Grover Vickers and Lillie Burgess Vickers. He served honorably in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. Joey worked for various textile mills for several years. Later, he became the owner and operator of Sandy Mush Rugs. He served as a volunteer fireman for the Sandy Mush Fire Department fo
1 min read

Harrelson Funeral Home

Harrelson Funeral Home
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