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The Lead Story
Exclusive: Mooresboro Man Charged With Kidnapping, Strangulation
A Rutherford County man faces felony charges of kidnapping and assault by strangulation following an Aug. 22 incident, according to court records obtained by WCAB News.
Annie Dance
2 days ago2 min read
Latest News
Buncombe County Detention Facility Detainee Dies After Being Found Unresponsive in Cell
A 33-year-old man awaiting trial on multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder and first-degree rape, has died after being found unresponsive inside his cell at the Buncombe County Detention Facility.
3 min read
Lake Lure Hearing Exposes Growing Tensions Over Lawsuit, Recovery and Town's Future
A public hearing on Lake Lure’s proposed 260-page comprehensive plan Monday quickly expanded into a broader debate over a pending lawsuit involving Lured Market, the town’s recovery from Hurricane Helene and the future of major infrastructure projects.
6 min read
Two Marion Men Arrested Following Narcotics Search
Two Marion men have been arrested following a narcotics search warrant executed Wednesday morning, August 19, by McDowell County Drug Enforcement and the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team.
1 min read
Local News
Buncombe County Detention Facility Detainee Dies After Being Found Unresponsive in Cell
A 33-year-old man awaiting trial on multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder and first-degree rape, has died after being found unresponsive inside his cell at the Buncombe County Detention Facility.
3 min read
Lake Lure Hearing Exposes Growing Tensions Over Lawsuit, Recovery and Town's Future
A public hearing on Lake Lure’s proposed 260-page comprehensive plan Monday quickly expanded into a broader debate over a pending lawsuit involving Lured Market, the town’s recovery from Hurricane Helene and the future of major infrastructure projects.
6 min read
Two Marion Men Arrested Following Narcotics Search
Two Marion men have been arrested following a narcotics search warrant executed Wednesday morning, August 19, by McDowell County Drug Enforcement and the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team.
1 min read
Regional News
Lake Lure Dam Replacement May Cost More than $175 Million, Engineers Say
Lake Lure is moving ahead with plans to replace its century-old dam, but preliminary estimates show the project may cost more than $175 million — before several major expenses are added.
2 min read
State Public Safety Gaps Have Local Consequence
A public safety roundtable held Aug. 6 in Statesville highlighted problems that extend well beyond Iredell County — including challenges Rutherford County and other rural communities face when law enforcement encounters people who need jail, mental health treatment, juvenile services or other intervention.
4 min read
Exclusive: Lured Market Sues Lake Lure Over Police Boathouse Dispute After Helene Recovery
Restaurant owner claims town improperly took control of disputed building; Lake Lure says lease never included police facility.
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
Alyssa "Poody" Tuggle
Alyssa “Poody” Tuggle, age 26, of Spindale, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2026 at her residence. Alyssa was born Wednesday, December 1, 1999 in Williamsburg, Virginia to Carol Ann Stevenson Rhodes who resides in Spindale. In spite of her learning disabilities and autism, she became a bright beam of light to all who knew her. She was affectionately known as “Poody” to all who knew and loved her. Alyssa was a beautiful young lady with the purest and the sincerest of hearts. Sh
2 min read
Ronnie Lee Evans
Ronnie Lee Evans, age 50, of Cliffside, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Sapphire Ridge Health and Rehabilitation in Brevard, NC. Ronnie was born Thursday, June 3, 1976 in Rutherford County. He worked as a volunteer fireman and an EMS Technician for many years. Ronnie also repaired small engines and did auto body repair work. He was a member of Bethany Baptist Church and was an avid fisherman. He was preceded in death by his father, Micheal Yates Evans; brother, Richa
1 min read
Phillip Melton
Phillip Melton, age 65, of Forest City, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC. Phillip was born Wednesday, August 24, 1960 in Rutherford County to the late Bobby Melton and Willie Faye Hutchins Melton. He was veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the 82nd Airborne Division. Phillip worked for Stonecutter Mill for many years. He was a past member of Corinth Baptist Church and enjoyed the outdoors. Phillip was an avid gardener and loved tink
1 min read
Harrelson Funeral Home
Harrelson Funeral Home
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