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

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

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.

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.

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.

Rutherford County Emergency Communications processed 463 emergency and administrative calls from Aug. 20-21, according to the latest report from the county's 911 center.

Nearly two years after Hurricane Helene devastated Chimney Rock Village, local officials are shifting their focus from immediate recovery to a larger question: What will the community look like when rebuilding is complete?

Congressman highlights jobs, Helene recovery and public safety during district tour.

Governor's August column touts education investments.

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.

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

Julie Scruggs, age 68, of Ellenboro, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at her home. Julie was born Thursday, September 19, 1957 in Rutherford County to the late Molt Edwards and Mafra Silvers Edwards. She was the co-owner and operator of Scruggs Body Shop and worked for Munsey Homes in construction. Julie attended Homeward Bound Baptist Church and enjoyed photography, arts & crafts, listening to music, drawing and going camping with her family. In addition to her parents,

A Marion man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after deputies say he resisted officers during a traffic stop along Interstate 40.

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office handled more than 4,000 calls for service and made 171 arrests during July, according to the agency’s monthly activity report.

2026 drive collected more than 110,000 school supplies.

Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer is calling for the city to terminate its contract with Flock Safety, citing residents' concerns about automated license plate readers and the handling of surveillance data.

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — A man who was recently listed among the Burke County Sheriff’s Office’s most wanted suspects was arrested after surrendering to authorities. Michael Joel Davis, 29, of Morganton, was taken into custody on August 14 after a local bondsman brought him to the Burke County Magistrate’s Office to surrender. Deputies also served Davis with outstanding Failure to Appear warrants in Burke County. According to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, the Burke County ch

North Carolina is seeing a significant increase in reported cases of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by a parasite that can be spread through contaminated food or water.

‘Run, Hide, Fight’ guidance and suspicious-activity reporting can help protect communities across the mountains.

Investigators say stolen NASCAR memorabilia helped crack months-long case; additional suspects remain under investigation.