The Lead Story

Major Road to Reopen in Bat Cave as Lawmakers Debate Future Funding

After 18 months of closures caused by Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Department of Transportation said it will reopen U.S. Route 64 into Bat Cave on March 28, restoring a critical lifeline for mountain communities while state lawmakers signal support for major changes to how the state funds transportation projects.

Annie Dance

2 hours ago4 min read

Latest News

Ford Recall

Ford drivers listen up! The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced Ford will be recalling over 250,000 vehicles.

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Scam Alert: Fake DMV / Court Notice for Unpaid Parking Citations

The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office has received several reports today about a scam text message (graphic included) circulating in our area involving unpaid parking citations.

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Nebo Man Charged After Child, Adults with Special Needs Found Living in Unsafe Conditions

Detective Billie Brown with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged 58-year-old Derrick Suppes of Nebo with felony Abuse of a Disabled Person with Injury; (2 counts) misdemeanor Attack by Dangerous Dog; and misdemeanor Child Abuse

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Local News

Scam Alert: Fake DMV / Court Notice for Unpaid Parking Citations

The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office has received several reports today about a scam text message (graphic included) circulating in our area involving unpaid parking citations.

1 min read

Nebo Man Charged After Child, Adults with Special Needs Found Living in Unsafe Conditions

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UPDATE: Suspect Located – Vandalism Incident

The individual previously sought in connection with an attempted breaking and entering and vandalism incident that occurred on March 14–15 in the Dysartsville area has been identified and located.

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Regional News

Ford Recall

Ford drivers listen up! The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced Ford will be recalling over 250,000 vehicles.

1 min read

Mooresville mayor at Center of Growing Calls for State Investigation

Mounting controversies surrounding Mooresville Mayor Chris Carney have intensified calls for an independent state investigation, as questions about police conduct, internal town disputes, and potential conflicts of interest continue to surface.

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New Homeland Security Secretary Sworn Into Office

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) welcomed the confirmation and swearing-in of Secretary Markwayne Mullin as the new head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on March 24.

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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.

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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.

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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

Margaret "Net" Arwood

Margaret “Net” Arwood, age 68, of Rutherfordton, passed away Friday, March 20, 2026 at her home. Net was born Tuesday, February 11, 1958 in Buncombe County to the late Shadrack Norton and Starlene Gosnell Norton. She was a dedicated homemaker whose life was lived to take care of her family. She enjoyed cooking and sewing for her family and everything she did came from a loving heart. Net attended Drury Dobbins Baptist Church and loved the Lord with all of her heart. She had a

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Michael J Morgan

Michael James Morgan, age 79, of Rutherfordton, passed away Friday, March 20, 2026 at Oak Grove Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Michael is singing and playing his guitar with the angels in Heaven. No formal services are planned.

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