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The Lead Story
Mint Hill Man Accused of Defrauding NC Medicaid, Again
A Mint Hill man who previously served federal prison time for a multimillion-dollar Medicaid fraud scheme is once again facing federal charges, accused of defrauding North Carolina's Medicaid program out of hundreds of thousands of dollars through false psychotherapy billing claims.
Annie Dance
1 hour ago2 min read
Latest News
Search for Possible Missing Swimmer at Lake James Ends Without Findings
Emergency personnel from multiple agencies responded to the Paddy’s Creek area of Lake James State Park on Wednesday evening following reports of a possible missing swimmer.
2 min read
Mint Hill Man Accused of Defrauding NC Medicaid, Again
A Mint Hill man who previously served federal prison time for a multimillion-dollar Medicaid fraud scheme is once again facing federal charges, accused of defrauding North Carolina's Medicaid program out of hundreds of thousands of dollars through false psychotherapy billing claims.
2 min read
Men Charged in Federal Dog Fighting Case, 25 Pit Bulls Rescued
Two Statesville men have been charged in federal court for allegedly operating a multi-state pit bull breeding business that supplied dogs for illegal dog fighting activities, according to federal prosecutors.
2 min read
Local News
Search for Possible Missing Swimmer at Lake James Ends Without Findings
Emergency personnel from multiple agencies responded to the Paddy’s Creek area of Lake James State Park on Wednesday evening following reports of a possible missing swimmer.
2 min read
Blue Light Bandit
“Blue Light Bandit” Causes Concern WCAB News reported yesterday the McDowell County Sheriff’s Department is warning of an individual impersonating a law enforcement officer going as far as to pull a vehicle over then searching the driver and the vehicle.
1 min read
Remove Yourself from Data Broker Websites
Your personal information may be easier to find online than you realize
1 min read
Regional News
Housing Bill Heads to President, With Key Impacts for Western North Carolina Recovery
A major federal housing package is now heading to President Donald Trump’s desk after clearing both the U.S. House and Senate with bipartisan support, setting up potential changes that could directly affect rebuilding efforts across Rutherford County and Western North Carolina.
2 min read
Officials Provide Green River Updates
NCDOT to Begin Helene Repair Work on Green River Cove Road in Polk County
Work will run from Silver Creek Road to Fishtop Access; delays and closures expected through winter.
2 min read
Felony Drug Arrests | June 8 – June 21, 2026
Over the past two weeks, CCSO deputies and investigators continued targeted operations aimed at reducing illegal drug activity throughout Cleveland County. As a result of these enforcement efforts and follow‑up investigations, twelve individuals were arrested on felony drug charges. Kenneth Atkins – Possession of Methamphetamine Brittany Crawford – Possession of Methamphetamine Santana Elliott – Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine, Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, and Traffi
1 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
Tena Johnson Hernandez
Tena Johnson Hernandez, age 64, of Rutherfordton, passed away Thursday, June 18, 2026 at Meadowbrook Health and Rehabilitation in Salisbury, NC. Tena was born Friday, November 10, 1961 in Rutherford County to the late William Clay Johnson and Katie May Norville Johnson. Tena was a graduate of R-S Central High School. She was a dedicated homemaker who enjoyed taking care of her family. She enjoyed playing bingo and taking trips to Cherokee. Tena was known for her big heart in
1 min read
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
Harrelson Funeral Home
Harrelson Funeral Home
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