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The Lead Story
What Weekly River Testing Tells Us About Water Safety in WNC
Every week during the warmer months, crews collect water samples from rivers and creeks across Western North Carolina. The goal is simple: help the public understand when local waterways may carry higher health risks during swimming, tubing, or kayaking.
Annie Dance
3 hours ago2 min read
Latest News
Merkury Innovations Recalls Portable Fans Following Fire Reports
If you own a Merkury Innovations Hot and Cool Heating and Cooling Fan, officials are urging you to stop using it immediately.
1 min read
Newton Furniture Business Co-Owner Charged With Murder
A co-owner of a Newton furniture business has been charged with second-degree murder following a deadly shooting on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Newton Police Department and court records obtained by WCAB News.
2 min read
Rainbow Bridge Finds New Home at Bills Creek Community Center
A Rainbow Bridge memorial donated and delivered by Papa Scrap and his wife in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene has now found its permanent home in the Lake Lure area.
1 min read
Local News
Newton Furniture Business Co-Owner Charged With Murder
A co-owner of a Newton furniture business has been charged with second-degree murder following a deadly shooting on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Newton Police Department and court records obtained by WCAB News.
2 min read
Rainbow Bridge Finds New Home at Bills Creek Community Center
A Rainbow Bridge memorial donated and delivered by Papa Scrap and his wife in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene has now found its permanent home in the Lake Lure area.
1 min read
Four Arrested After Major Drug Trafficking Investigation in Rutherfordton
A lengthy narcotics investigation led to a multi-agency operation on June 10, 2026, resulting in four arrests and the seizure of significant quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl from a home in Rutherfordton.
2 min read
Regional News
Merkury Innovations Recalls Portable Fans Following Fire Reports
If you own a Merkury Innovations Hot and Cool Heating and Cooling Fan, officials are urging you to stop using it immediately.
1 min read
What Weekly River Testing Tells Us About Water Safety in WNC
Every week during the warmer months, crews collect water samples from rivers and creeks across Western North Carolina. The goal is simple: help the public understand when local waterways may carry higher health risks during swimming, tubing, or kayaking.
2 min read
ABC Bill Highlights Growing Interest in Barrel Picks and Local Control of Liquor Sales
When North Carolina consumers walk into an ABC store looking for a special-edition bourbon or whiskey, what they find often depends on decisions made by local government-appointed liquor boards.
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
Minnie Scism-Dulaney
Minnie Scism-Dulaney, age 77, of Rutherfordton, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2026 at her home. Minnie was born Monday, July 12, 1948 in Cleveland County to the late Joseph Pinkley Scism and Ruby Leigh Scism. She was a graduate of Shelby High School, class of 1967 and later earned an associates degree from Isothermal Community College. She worked for National Textiles and Watts Regulator for many years and most recently was a personal caretaker in home healthcare. She was of t
1 min read
Vicki Rogers Sturgill
Vicki Rogers Sturgill, age 62, of Ellenboro, passed away Friday, June 12, 2026 at her home. Vicki was born Thursday, April 9, 1964 in Rutherford County, to Linda Black Short who resides in Ellenboro and to the late David Rogers. She was a graduate of East Rutherford High School, class of 1982 and earned an associate’s degree from Isothermal Community College. Her heart’s desire to help the elderly led her to become a Licensed Practical Nurse which enabled her to work in Nursi
2 min read
Earl Franklin Ritch
Earl Franklin Ritch of Sachse, Texas, passed away on June 8, 2026, at the age of 83. He was born on February 27, 1943, in Concord, North Carolina, Earl was the son of Lindsey F. Ritch and Thelma M. Mills Ritch. Earl is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Sue Ritch; his daughter, Cheryl D. Jenkins and husband Joe of Vancouver, Washington, and their sons, Curtis and Brian Jenkins; his son, Jeffrey A. Ritch and wife Shehnaz of McKinney, Texas, and their daughter, Aliana. H
2 min read
Harrelson Funeral Home
Harrelson Funeral Home
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