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Man fatally shot in Spindale after altercation
Police say Wesley Tracy Rhodes appeared to strike a local business owner before being shot. No charges have been filed as investigators review the circumstances. A Spindale man cited for trespassing Friday afternoon was shot and killed hours later after allegedly striking a local business owner outside a West Main Street shopping plaza, according to court records and the Spindale Police Department. Wesley Tracy Rhodes, 59, died following the confrontation shortly after 8:30 p
Annie Dance
9 hours ago3 min read
Latest News
Woman sentenced in $92 million laundering scheme
Shu Jun Zhen received nine years in prison in federal court in Charlotte after admitting she helped move drug trafficking proceeds. A New York woman was sentenced Oct. 21 to nine years in federal prison for her role in a Chinese money laundering organization that handled more than $92 million in illicit funds, including drug trafficking proceeds, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina. Shu Jun Zhen, 31, was also ordered to forfeit n
2 min read
Man fatally shot in Spindale after altercation
Police say Wesley Tracy Rhodes appeared to strike a local business owner before being shot. No charges have been filed as investigators review the circumstances. A Spindale man cited for trespassing Friday afternoon was shot and killed hours later after allegedly striking a local business owner outside a West Main Street shopping plaza, according to court records and the Spindale Police Department. Wesley Tracy Rhodes, 59, died following the confrontation shortly after 8:30 p
3 min read
Rutherford County voter guide: Meet the candidates on the Nov. 3 ballot
From Congress to town hall, voters will choose federal, state, county and municipal officials. Rutherford County voters will head to the polls to elect officials responsible for public safety, education, taxation, infrastructure and government spending. The election comes more than two years after Hurricane Helene, as local governments continue overseeing disaster recovery, infrastructure repairs and rebuilding projects. WCAB News reviewed official sample ballots for Rutherfo
4 min read
Local News
Woman sentenced in $92 million laundering scheme
Shu Jun Zhen received nine years in prison in federal court in Charlotte after admitting she helped move drug trafficking proceeds. A New York woman was sentenced Oct. 21 to nine years in federal prison for her role in a Chinese money laundering organization that handled more than $92 million in illicit funds, including drug trafficking proceeds, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina. Shu Jun Zhen, 31, was also ordered to forfeit n
2 min read
Man fatally shot in Spindale after altercation
Police say Wesley Tracy Rhodes appeared to strike a local business owner before being shot. No charges have been filed as investigators review the circumstances. A Spindale man cited for trespassing Friday afternoon was shot and killed hours later after allegedly striking a local business owner outside a West Main Street shopping plaza, according to court records and the Spindale Police Department. Wesley Tracy Rhodes, 59, died following the confrontation shortly after 8:30 p
3 min read
Rutherford County voter guide: Meet the candidates on the Nov. 3 ballot
From Congress to town hall, voters will choose federal, state, county and municipal officials. Rutherford County voters will head to the polls to elect officials responsible for public safety, education, taxation, infrastructure and government spending. The election comes more than two years after Hurricane Helene, as local governments continue overseeing disaster recovery, infrastructure repairs and rebuilding projects. WCAB News reviewed official sample ballots for Rutherfo
4 min read
Regional News
Woman sentenced in $92 million laundering scheme
Shu Jun Zhen received nine years in prison in federal court in Charlotte after admitting she helped move drug trafficking proceeds. A New York woman was sentenced Oct. 21 to nine years in federal prison for her role in a Chinese money laundering organization that handled more than $92 million in illicit funds, including drug trafficking proceeds, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina. Shu Jun Zhen, 31, was also ordered to forfeit n
2 min read
Online harassment and cybersecurity: How to protect yourself without surrendering your voice
An argument in a comments section can be unpleasant. A message threatening violence requires a different response. October’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month offers an opportunity to understand that distinction — and take practical steps to protect your accounts, personal information and ability to participate in public debate. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends four basic precautions: recognize and report phishing, use strong passwords and a
3 min read
From the White House to Main Street: Trump targets housing costs, federal fraud
New directives seek to reduce mortgage expenses and duplicative housing requirements, with potential implications for Western North Carolina. President Donald Trump is directing federal agencies to reduce certain homeownership costs and streamline manufactured housing requirements, changes that could matter to Western North Carolina residents buying or replacing homes. The administration also launched a fraud reporting incentive program aimed at protecting taxpayer dollars. B
2 min read
Business News
From the White House to Main Street: Trump targets housing costs, federal fraud
New directives seek to reduce mortgage expenses and duplicative housing requirements, with potential implications for Western North Carolina. President Donald Trump is directing federal agencies to reduce certain homeownership costs and streamline manufactured housing requirements, changes that could matter to Western North Carolina residents buying or replacing homes. The administration also launched a fraud reporting incentive program aimed at protecting taxpayer dollars. B
2 min read
NC auditor’s tipline accepts confidential reports of government misconduct
State accepts confidential complaints about fraud, waste and abuse, with options for anonymous tips and supporting documents. North Carolina residents who suspect fraud, waste or misuse of state resources can submit confidential complaints to the Office of the State Auditor, including anonymous tips. The office investigates allegations involving state agencies or employees within its legal authority. Complaints may concern misappropriation or mismanagement of resources, viola
1 min read
NC fuel tax pause offers relief for drivers
Stein signs law suspending the 41-cent-per-gallon tax through Nov. 30, with additional relief for farmers Rutherford County drivers could save $6.15 on a 15-gallon fill-up under a temporary suspension of North Carolina’s motor fuel excise tax, provided the full tax reduction reaches the pump. Gov. Josh Stein signed House Bill 3, the Relief at the Pump Act, on Oct. 9 in Fairview. The suspension began Oct. 10 and runs through Nov. 30, covering gasoline, diesel and alternative f
2 min read
Obituaries
Daniel McKeown
Daniel McKeown, age 76, of Mooresboro, passed away Thursday, October 22, 2026 at the Colonial Manor in Rutherfordton.
1 min read
Rita Davis
Rita Davis, age 69, of Forest City, passed away Thursday, October 22, 2026 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Rita was born Monday, April 15, 1957 in Rutherford County to the late Joe Tesseneer and Alberta Crotts Tesseneer. She was a dedicated homemaker who loved her family dearly. Rita enjoyed going out shopping and was a butterfly enthusiast. She attended Long Branch Road Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Brenda Lynch an
1 min read
Anna Marie Paul
Anna Marie Paul, age 63, of Ellenboro, passed away Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
1 min read
Harrelson Funeral Home
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