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.”

Airport Director Devon Raisch reported that fuel sales are down nearly $40,000 this month. He cited the recent Statesville plane crash, which killed seven people, as a factor affecting local flight activity.

Rutherford County commissioners were confronted Monday night with urgent warnings from Department of Social Services employees who said chronic staffing shortages and heavy caseloads are jeopardizing child welfare.

Jean Dyer Boone, age 84, of Forest City, passed away Monday, December 29, 2025 at Wendover Hospice in Shelby.

Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating Randy Sean Waters, 39, who was reported missing by his family on December 30, 2025.

On January 1, 2026, investigators with the Tri-City Violent Crimes Task Force conducted surveillance at Sterling Oaks Apartments, a location that has received multiple narcotics complaints.

Jeremy Keith Fincannon was arrested Jan. 5 and charged with ten criminal charges, including felony assault on a law enforcement

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is joining a nationwide initiative to help first responders better assist individuals with special needs through a new Special Needs Occupant Sticker program.

A fire that started on New Year's Eve, now called the Haircomb Gap Fire, remains 75% contained at 20.4 acres, according to state fire maps.

Rutherford County officials used a public meeting earlier this month to outline what comes next for the county’s opioid settlement funds, describing a multi-year rollout that is expected to move from planning into implementation in 2026.

A court order released late on December 30 clearly sets the next steps in the effort to remove Rutherford County District Attorney Ted Bell from office.

The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office has charged two Marion residents following a traffic stop that uncovered suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.

A house fire in Stanley, North Carolina, has claimed the life of the father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin and left his mother critically injured, according to officials.

The Forest City Town Council held its December meeting on Dec. 15, covering grant approvals, budget updates, and ongoing town projects.

As 2026 approaches, North Carolina residents will see dozens of new laws take effect, reflecting a legislative session marked by policy expansion, regulatory tightening, and unresolved political tension over the state budget.

Nineteen-year-old Hinson was shot and killed in her car while returning from a Christmas party in December 1981.

Laura Lane Wise, age 61, or Mt. Holly, NC, passed away Saturday, December 27, 2025 at the Wexford House in Denver, NC.

Shelby Jean Jenkins White, age 88, of Rutherfordton, passed away Saturday, December 27, 2025 at the Fair Haven Home in Forest City.

Ina Faye Bailey, age 82, of Ellenboro, passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at Oakland Living Center.

More than a year after Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, recovery officials reported ongoing efforts to restore housing, repair roads, and implement hazard mitigation programs aimed at reducing future storm damage.