North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek and members of his staff were involved in a minor crash Wednesday morning on Interstate 85 South, according to the Office of the State Auditor.

On 04/08/2026, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office conducted a focused patrol in the Dysartsville area of Morganton.

Newly released autopsy reports and a preliminary federal investigation are providing additional insight into the Dec. 18, 2025, plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport that killed seven people.

April 2, 2026, a coordinated operation conducted by the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office ACE Team, the Tri-City Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the seizure of more than1.5 pounds of methamphetamine and 133 grams of marijuana.

Raymond “Red” Simpson, age 88, of Sandy Mush, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. Red was born Monday, May 24, 1937 in Rutherford County to the late Henry Simpson and Oral Weese Simpson. He served his country honorably in the U.S Navy and was a veteran of the Korean War. Red worked for PPG Industries for forty years before retirement. He was a longtime member of Grace Chapel of Forest City. Red enjoyed hunting, golfing, fishing, and watchi

On 4/7/2026, the Tri-City Violent Crimes Task Force was able to determine the location of a wanted fugitive, Christopher Warren Antonio Ledbetter a/k/a Tio.

A new statewide audit of federal spending is raising concerns that could affect programs and services across western North Carolina, including in Rutherford County and surrounding communities.

Gov. Josh Stein opened the April Council of State meeting with a nod to history, but the day’s most urgent message centered on a present-day threat: wildfires burning across North Carolina.

CLEVELAND COUNTY, N.C. — A major leadership change is unfolding in Cleveland County as the water resources director for Kings Mountain has stepped down amid continued concerns over the city’s water system.

The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of a scam circulating today involving an individual claiming to be “Crystal Stokes” with MCSO.

U.S. Sen. Ted Budd welcomed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to western North Carolina on April 7 for a roundtable focused on disaster recovery and proposed reforms to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

April 7 appearances — alongside a federal disaster roundtable in Chimney Rock — highlight early contrasts in outreach and recovery focus.

FEMA Approves $26M for Helene-Damaged Property Buyouts in Western NC WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has announced more than $26 million in funding to help purchase 75 properties damaged by Hurricane Helene across Western North Carolina.

Detective Billie Brown with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged 53-year-old Maximiliano Queriapa Guardian of Marion with felony Second Degree Forcible Rape

A McDowell County man is facing a felony charge after investigators say he made explicit threats against a local court official, according to newly filed records in McDowell District Court.

A $60 million investment in tourism assets across Rutherford County is drawing renewed scrutiny after officials confirmed that most of that funding cannot be used to help residents rebuild after Hurricane Helene.

Nancy Norville Harrill, age 81, of Rutherfordton, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Holly Springs Senior Citizens Home. Nancy was born Saturday, April 22, 1944 in Rutherford County to the late Virgil Norville and Beulah Kimbrell Norville. She was a graduate of R-S Central High School, class of 1963. Nancy’s greatest passion and love was being a homemaker and taking care of her family. She enjoyed cooking and gardening. Nancy was a past member of Gray’s Creek Baptist Chur

Robert “Bob” Bailey, age 88, of Forest City, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at his residence. Bob was born Monday, October 18, 1937 in Athens, Pennsylvania to the late Phillip Cecil Bailey and Georgianna Hicks Bailey. He worked at the Kennedy Space Center for twenty years as a Lead Inspector before retirement. Bob was a Master Mason of the Indian River Lodge #90 for fifty-six years also a Worth Patron of the Orange Chapter #137 Order of Eastern Star in Apopka, Florida s

Alice Hunt Tessnair, age 69, of Bostic, passed away Monday, March 30, 2026 at Henderson Care in Forest City. Alice was born Thursday, October 18, 1956 in Cleveland County to the late Alva Ray Hunt and Nellie Ruth Hunt Justice. She was a graduate of East Rutherford High School. She worked as personal care assistant for the Haven of the Hills in Golden Valley and most recently was a cook at the Good Ole Boys Convenience Store and Grill. She enjoyed playing bingo and singing. Sh

Amy Padgett, age 45, of Ellenboro, passed away Saturday, March 28, 2026 at her residence. Amy was born Sunday, August 3, 1980 in Spartanburg County to Freda Norville Padgett who resides in Ellenboro and to the late Ronald Ray Padgett. She worked in the healthcare field as a CNA, EMT and Med Tech for various rest homes. Amy was a graduate of Sun Vally High School in Monroe, class of 1999 and was also a graduate of Isothermal Community College. She loved animals and gardening.