top of page
.png)
The Lead Story
Exclusive: Polk County Man Charged with Six Felonies Involving Children
A Polk County man was arrested Thursday after authorities obtained warrants charging him with six felony offenses, including four counts of statutory sexual offense with a child by an adult and one count of taking indecent liberties with a child, according to Polk County court records obtained by WCAB News.
Annie Dance
4 hours ago2 min read
Latest News
Rutherford County Woman Charged in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot
A Rutherfordton woman is facing felony charges after investigators say she was involved in an alleged plot to have her former partner kidnapped and the partner’s current boyfriend killed.
1 min read
Burke County Most Wanted
The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating William Ernest Smith Jr., who currently has an outstanding warrant and has not been located by law enforcement.
1 min read
Burke County Most Wanted
The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating Michael Joel Davis, who currently has outstanding warrants and has not been located by law enforcement.
1 min read
Local News
Rutherford County Woman Charged in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot
A Rutherfordton woman is facing felony charges after investigators say she was involved in an alleged plot to have her former partner kidnapped and the partner’s current boyfriend killed.
1 min read
Burke County Most Wanted
The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating William Ernest Smith Jr., who currently has an outstanding warrant and has not been located by law enforcement.
1 min read
Burke County Most Wanted
The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating Michael Joel Davis, who currently has outstanding warrants and has not been located by law enforcement.
1 min read
Regional News
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
Stein Administration Announces State Funding for SUN Bucks Summer Food Program After Private Donations Filled Gap
During National Farmers Market Week, on August 5, Governor Josh Stein and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai visited the Durham Farmers’ Market to highlight the SUN Bucks program, which provides nutritious food for more than a million North Carolina children throughout the summer. While private philanthropies have stepped in during past years to help the state cover its share to activate the federal program, this year’s budget includes state funding
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
Phyllis "Punkin" Blanton Norman
Phyllis Blanton Norman, affectionately known to those who loved her as “Punkin,” of Rutherford County, North Carolina passed away on August 12, 2026, at the age of 57. Punkin was one of a kind. She was funny, strong-willed, and wonderfully stubborn, with a personality that could fill a room. She loved dogs and treasured the simple things in life, especially spending time with her friends and family. Those who knew Punkin knew there was never a dull moment when she was around.
2 min read
Wayne D Mitchem
Wayne D. Mitchem, age 75, of Forest City, passed away Monday, August 10, 2026 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Wayne was born Thursday, February 15, 1951 in Rutherford County to the late Earl C. Mitchem and Lottie Mae Carswell Mitchem. Wayne was a graduate of Chase High School Class of 1971. He worked as a machinist for Timken for over thirty years. He was a long-time member of Victory Baptist Church in Ellenboro, NC. Wayne, more than anything, enjoyed spending time wi
1 min read
Howard Louie Patterson
Howard Louie Patterson, age 88, of Rutherfordton, passed away Monday, August 10, 2026 at Rutherford Regional Medical Center. Howard was born Thursday, March 10, 1938 in Rutherford Cunty to the late Ernest Hugh Patterson and Frances Fowler Patterson. Howard loved horses, tractors, and wearing a cowboy hat. He also loved his family. Howard will be missed by all who knew him. In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by a son, Joey Lee Patterson. Those left to che
1 min read
Harrelson Funeral Home
Harrelson Funeral Home
1/1
bottom of page