The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a warning regarding a significant rise in deceptive online advertisements for concealed carry permits.

Property inspections are underway across McDowell County as officials prepare for the county’s next required property revaluation, a process that will determine updated tax values for more than 32,000 parcels.

Analysis shows older adults and homes without working smoke alarms face the greatest risk North Carolina recorded 159 civilian fire deaths in 137 fatal fire incidents in 2025, according to a new statewide analysis released by the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal.

Deputy Tre Spearman with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged 52-year-old Sherry Barr McGee of Old Fort with felony Possession of Methamphetamine. She was issued a $5,000 secured bond

Sonya Glenn Lovelace, age 53, of Ellenboro, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.

Jesse “Larry” Harris, age 81, of Forest City, passed away Friday, March 6, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

Barbara Cole Harrill, age 71, of Forest City, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026 at her home.

Important Fraud Alert: Protect Yourself from Fake VA Appointment Letters

On March 3, voters in the Republican primary for N.C. House District 113 chose incumbent Rep. Jake Johnson over former legislator Mike Hager, according to unofficial results from the North Carolina State Board of Elections. 

Political newcomer Caroline Eason, a 25-year-old pharmacist from Cleveland County, defeated eight-term incumbent Kelly Hastings in the Republican primary for North Carolina House District 110, according to unofficial election results.

The Rutherford County Emergency Communications Center handled 610 total calls over 48 hours, according to a report received at 3:19 a.m. on March 9.  Officials said the calls included 75 emergency medical services calls.

Rutherfordton is receiving statewide recognition in the March issue of Our State Magazine. In the feature “Streets With a Story: Rutherfordton’s Main Street,” writer Rebecca Woltz highlights what makes our downtown so special — it’s far more than just a street. It’s the heart of our community.

The annual Household Hazardous Waste Day, sponsored by the Cleveland County Health Department, NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and Cleveland County Cooperative Extension, provides Cleveland County residents with a safe way to dispose of common household items including pesticides, car batteries, paints, and much more.

Activity County For February

Erselle Robinson, age 83, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Oak Grove Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Rosemary Leavitt, age 87, of Forest City, passed away Monday, March 2, 2026 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.

A monthly operations report from Rutherford County highlights steady development activity, thousands of emergency calls and ongoing county services across multiple departments. The February 2026 report, available on the county’s website but not otherwise publicized, provides a snapshot of activity within county government departments.

North Carolina reported one of the smoothest Election Days in recent memory, with no major disruptions, equipment failures, or administrative issues across its 100 counties. Election officials credited months of preparation and the work of thousands of poll workers for the orderly process. “Last night’s elections were a clear success for North Carolina,” said Sam Hayes, executive director of the State Board of Elections, in a statement on March 4. “There were no major contro

Incumbent Robert Martelle defeated challenger Andrew LaBreche in Tuesday’s Republican primary for District Court judge serving Rutherford and McDowell Counties.

Deputy Tre Spearman with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged 36-year-old Cody Ray Cogdill of Marion with felony Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance, misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana (up to ½ ounce). He was given a secured bond of $10,000.