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The Lead Story
What the Latest Water Quality Report Reveals at the Lake Lure Beach
NCDEQ sample collected July 1 showed an E. coli concentration of 114 MPN/100 mL, as state officials urge caution around discolored water and potential algal blooms.
Annie Dance
2 hours ago3 min read
Latest News
Southern Baked Chicken Dinner
Jazzmine Woodard Well-seasoned chicken that's tender and juicy on the inside and golden and crispy on the outside served with buttery soft potatoes Prep Time10minutes mins Cook Time1hour hr 45minutes mins Marinating Time2hours hrs Total Time3hours hrs 55minutes mins CourseMain Course, Main Dish CuisineAmerican, Soul Food Servings8 servings Calories654 kcal Ingredients 1x2x3x ▢¼ cup brown sugar ▢1 tablespoon smoked paprika ▢2 teaspoons garlic powder ▢1 ½ teaspoon onion powd
2 min read
Most Wanted Update
NAME: GABRIEL MAYLINE BOONE DOB: 04/22/2005 Age: 21 Address: 104 E Bethel Road, Morganton Charges: Failure to Appear: F- PWIMSD Methamphetamine M - Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Court Date: 07/27/2026 Bond: $25,000- secured Summary: On July 1, 2026, Burke County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a welfare check at 2362 Mount Home Church Road, Morganton. Upon arrival, deputies located a female hiding underneath an unoccupied truck parked on the property. She was identi
1 min read
BCSO Detectives Investigate Fire Death as Homicide
Buncombe County, NC (July 2, 2026) Detectives with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office are now investigating a fire death as a homicide.
1 min read
Local News
Most Wanted Update
NAME: GABRIEL MAYLINE BOONE DOB: 04/22/2005 Age: 21 Address: 104 E Bethel Road, Morganton Charges: Failure to Appear: F- PWIMSD Methamphetamine M - Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Court Date: 07/27/2026 Bond: $25,000- secured Summary: On July 1, 2026, Burke County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a welfare check at 2362 Mount Home Church Road, Morganton. Upon arrival, deputies located a female hiding underneath an unoccupied truck parked on the property. She was identi
1 min read
BCSO Detectives Investigate Fire Death as Homicide
Buncombe County, NC (July 2, 2026) Detectives with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office are now investigating a fire death as a homicide.
1 min read
Heat Advisory Issued for McDowell County; Residents Urged to Take Precautions
A Heat Advisory is in effect for McDowell County from noon until 8:00 p.m. today, as dangerously hot and humid conditions are expected across the area.
1 min read
Regional News
U.S. Marshals Increase Reward for Wanted Murder Suspect
Authorities are asking for the public's help in locating a man wanted in connection with a 2024 homicide, and the reward for information leading to his arrest has now increased to $6,000.
1 min read
NC Lawmakers Unveil $34.4 Billion Budget Deal
North Carolina legislative leaders on Tuesday released a long-awaited $34.4 billion state budget agreement that would provide broad pay raises for teachers and state employees, continue personal income tax reductions, invest more than $700 million in Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, and expand funding for public safety, education, and healthcare programs.
5 min read
Lake Lure Is Still Rebuilding from Helene, Officials Say, But Progress Is Visible
When Hurricane Helene tore through the North Carolina mountains on Sept. 27, 2024, it left Lake Lure nearly unrecognizable.
4 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
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
Andrew Wyatt
Andrew “Drew” Wyatt, age 51, of Spindale, passed away Friday, June 26, 2026 at Fry Medical Center in Hickory, NC. Andrew was born Sunday, July 21, 1974 in Cleveland County to Cynthia Spratt Holland who resides in Spindale and to the late Andrew Wyatt, Sr. He worked as a welder for various local manufacturers. Andrew was a member of the First Baptist Church in Spartanburg and also enjoyed attending the Restoration Church of Forest City. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed wat
1 min read
Harrelson Funeral Home
Harrelson Funeral Home
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