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The Lead Story


Six More Charged in Missing Woman Murder Investigation
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office has announced six additional arrests in the murder investigation of Jordan Elaine Wishon, bringing the total number of people charged in connection with the case to seven.
Annie Dance
37 minutes ago2 min read
Latest News


Burke County Sheriff's Office Reports Busy June with Nearly 2,900 Calls for Service
The Burke County Sheriff's Office remained busy throughout the month of June, responding to thousands of calls while making arrests, serving civil papers, and taking illegal drugs off the streets.
1 min read


SCAM CALLS
Scam calls are circulating again this afternoon from individuals impersonating law enforcement and claiming to be with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office. Please know: This is NOT how we operate. The Sheriff’s Office will never call anyone demanding money, payment, gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or any other form of payment to clear up a warrant, missed court date, jury duty issue, or similar matter. If you receive a call like this: • Hang up immediately • Do n
1 min read


Former Spartanburg County Sheriff Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for Federal Corruption Scheme
Former Spartanburg County sheriff sentenced to 41 months in prison for federal corruption scheme.
3 min read
Local News


Burke County Sheriff's Office Reports Busy June with Nearly 2,900 Calls for Service
The Burke County Sheriff's Office remained busy throughout the month of June, responding to thousands of calls while making arrests, serving civil papers, and taking illegal drugs off the streets.
1 min read


SCAM CALLS
Scam calls are circulating again this afternoon from individuals impersonating law enforcement and claiming to be with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office. Please know: This is NOT how we operate. The Sheriff’s Office will never call anyone demanding money, payment, gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or any other form of payment to clear up a warrant, missed court date, jury duty issue, or similar matter. If you receive a call like this: • Hang up immediately • Do n
1 min read


Former Spartanburg County Sheriff Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for Federal Corruption Scheme
Former Spartanburg County sheriff sentenced to 41 months in prison for federal corruption scheme.
3 min read
Regional News


CRTPO Begins Search for New Director
Leadership search begins as the Charlotte region faces transportation funding decisions, modeling questions and renewed scrutiny over billion-dollar infrastructure priorities
3 min read


Stein Signs $34.4 Billion Budget Despite Criticizing Key Provisions
Gov. Josh Stein on Tuesday signed North Carolina's $34.4 billion state budget into law, ending more than two years without a comprehensive spending plan and approving another $700 million for Hurricane Helene recovery, including funding for rebuilding efforts across Western North Carolina.
2 min read


Renew NC Opens $55M Grant Round to Rebuild WNC Infrastructure After Helene
Local governments across western North Carolina, including Rutherford County, can now apply for a share of $55 million in federal disaster recovery funding aimed at rebuilding infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene while making communities more resilient to future storms.
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


Bobby Starr
Bobby Starr, age 66, of Cliffside, passed away Monday, July 6, 2026 at Hilltop Healthcare and Nursing in Rutherfordton. Bobby was born Wednesday, December 23, 1959 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to the late Robert Lucky Starr, Sr. and Christine McGaha Blanton. He was a graduate of Chase High School and owned and operated Starr Appliance Rental for many years. Bobby was a talented musician and especially loved playing bluegrass. He had the privilege of running the soundboard for
2 min read


Jettie Conner
Jettie “Rose” Conner, age 89, of Bostic, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City. Rose was born Wednesday, September 16, 1936 in Polk County, to the late Thomas Elmer Goode and Johnnie Hays Goode. She worked as a caretaker for many years and had a heart to help others. As an active member of Second Baptist Church, she lived out her Christian faith by being involved in several church ministries. Rose enjoyed collecting antiques an
1 min read


Kevin Lee Schmersahl
Kevin Lee Schmersahl passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026 at home. Born on February 21, 1951 in Baytown, Texas to Jacob and Dorothy Schmersahl (deceased). Left to cherish his memory Robin Schmersahl (Wife), Jacob Schmersahl (Kyla) – (Son), Amy Schmersahl (Daughter), Addison Schmersahl (Granddaughter), Jerry (Linda) – (Brother), Donald R Rusk (Father in law), Don Rusk (Ann) – (Brother in law), Joy Bennett (Don) – (Sister in law), many nieces and nephews, and his special fur ba
1 min read

Harrelson Funeral Home

Harrelson Funeral Home
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