Kathy Atkins Lemberger, age 72, of Mooresboro, passed away Tuesday, November 18, 2025 due to an automobile accident.

Michael A. Sanders, age 66, of Taylorsville, NC, formerly of Forest City, passed away Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at the Hospice House in Taylorsville.

Tanya Lynn Dobbins, age 67, of Forest City, passed away Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

Nearly 82 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday and Dec. 1, the time defined by the American Automobile Association as the holiday period.

Gov. Josh Stein praised this year’s honorees for their commitment to public service, noting that their contributions “embody the highest ideals” of state government. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Town of Lake Lure marked a major milestone on Nov. 18 with a final walk-through at Morse Park, officially closing one of Western North Carolina’s largest debris-removal missions in history following Hurricane Helene.

A joint investigation conducted by the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office ACE Team and Criminal Investigations Division (CID) led to the execution of a search warrant on Country Home Drive in the Harris community of Rutherford County.

This makes the third shooting in three weeks the Spindale Police Department has been investigating.

During the stop, officers found suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Ezekiel Lee Suber, 26, of Forest City, was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Darien Akiel Brown, 24, also of Forest City, was sentenced to 72 months in prison and four years of supervised release.

Carolyn Earley, age 84, of Sandy Mush, passed away Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at Fair Haven Home in Forest City.

Officers responded to reports of gunfire near the intersection of New Hampshire Street and Ledbetter Road on Nov. 19. Nazelrod said the initial investigation indicates the incident began as a domestic situation that turned physical.

Rick King, age 70, of Columbus, NC, passed away Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at his home.

Barbara “Jean” Smith Allen, age 86, of Forest City, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.

The long-planned transformation of the historic Colfax Cotton Gin in Ellenboro moved forward Wednesday with a groundbreaking ceremony.

The incidents occurred in October during the 43-day federal government shutdown, which strained food assistance programs and heightened tensions among clients.

“When families look for immigration help, they deserve real answers from real professionals,” said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “These scams do the opposite. They mislead people and take their money. Our office is working to stop this fraud and make sure people know where to find legitimate legal support.” 

The Rutherfordton–Spindale Christmas Parade is set for Saturday, December 6, bringing festive cheer to both towns as the holiday season gets underway.

Auditors also projected that from September 2025 through June 2026, the department could receive up to $210 million more in lapsed salary funds.

The proposed increase would phase in over two years: 28.5% in July 2026 and 30.9% in July 2027.