On July 8, members of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Illegal Gun Reduction and Narcotics Task Force (IGRANT) arrested Priscilla Ann Hendrix during a traffic stop on Leicester Highway following an investigation that began late last year. This investigation stemmed from a community complaint.

Nearly two years after Hurricane Helene reshaped the Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure officials are confronting another challenge that could influence the town's future: How to regulate taxpayers' private property when it's used as vacation rentals for income while promoting tourism. It now rivals the community's permanent housing stock while rebuilding its year-round population.

North Carolina is among dozens of states experiencing an increase in cyclosporiasis cases, an intestinal illness that can cause severe diarrhea lasting for weeks.

A Forest City man charged with trafficking more than 13 pounds of methamphetamine was already facing separate assault charges at the time of his arrest, according to court records obtained by WCAB News.

Julia Ann Harrill Randall, age 87, of Ellenboro, passed away Monday, July 13, 2026 at Rutherford Regional Medical Center. Julia was born on Thursday, November 24, 1938 in Rutherford County to the late George Harrill and Lucille Toms Harrill. She was a graduate of Harris High School. Julia worked for over twenty-three years as a supervisor for Absorba Textiles. She was a gifted seamstress and enjoyed cooking for her family. Julia was a faithful member of The Barn Fellowship. I

JoAnne Koone Jenkins, age 75, of Rutherfordton, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. JoAnne was born Saturday, July 7, 1951 in Rutherford County to the late John Koone and Mildred Alley Koone. She worked as a bus driver for Tri-Community School for twenty-one years and later as the manager for the Bakery at Ingles Market for fourteen years. JoAnne enjoyed crocheting, listening to Conway Twitty and tending to h

Jackie Mode Huffman, age 80, of Ellenboro, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City. Jackie was born Thursday, May 30, 1946 in Rutherford County to the late Amos Mode and Ovelia Johnson Mode. She was a graduate of East Rutherford High School, class of 1964 and also a graduate of Kings College in Charlotte. She worked many years as an administrative assistant for Stonecutter Mill and later as a Medical Office Assistant for various D

Jimmy Moore, age 82, of Forest City, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City.Jimmy Moore, age 82, of Forest City, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City. Jimmy was born Sunday, August 22, 1943 in Rutherford County to the late Willie Moore and Nellie Scruggs Moore. He was a graduate of Chase High School and served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy. Jimmy worked as a supervisor

U.S. Rep. Tim Moore is introducing legislation aimed at increasing transparency around Federal Emergency Management Agency staffing after concerns from disaster survivors about delays and difficulty getting assistance following Hurricane Helene.

A new $800,000 state grant will provide free transportation for eligible students attending Isothermal Community College, but the "College Commute Initiative" comes with restrictions on who can use the service, where rides can go, and how the program will be monitored.

A year-long investigation by the Burke County Sheriff's Office into a suspected drug trafficking organization has resulted in the seizure of more than 27 pounds of methamphetamine and the arrests of two individuals facing serious felony charges.

Lieutenant Richard Pittman with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged 40-year-old Tiffany Ann Justice of Marion with felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.

The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office is requesting the public's assistance in identifying the individual pictured below in connection with an ongoing investigation.

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to hold two special closed-session meetings this week as the search for a new county manager moves forward.

South Carolina saw a historic political transition within 48 hours as Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone as the state’s first female U.S. senator following the death of her brother, longtime Sen. Lindsey Graham.

The Rutherfordton Police Department is addressing recent questions and concerns from the public regarding the use of Flock Safety cameras throughout the community, emphasizing that the technology is designed to assist with criminal investigations—not to enforce routine traffic violations.

FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a new county burn ban ordinance on July 6, giving local officials greater authority to restrict outdoor burning during periods of elevated wildfire danger.

Governor Josh Stein is highlighting North Carolina’s continued economic success after signing the state’s first full budget in more than two years.

Four days into Rutherford County's municipal candidate filing period, no candidates have filed to challenge any incumbent mayor, and no one has entered the race for the two Town Council seats in Chimney Rock Village.