McDowell County, N.C. — A Nebo man faces a felony charge after investigators say he stole a vehicle earlier in December.

Rutherford County Manager Steve Garrison’s 2025 year-end highlights report presents a long list of meetings, projects, and ribbon cuttings, but offers little assessment of unresolved problems facing the county as he prepares to step down from the post. The 42-page report, released as Garrison’s resignation approaches on Feb. 3, catalogs departmental activity across county government — from public safety and elections to tourism and transit — but largely avoids discussion of

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.

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.