Organized by Foothills for Justice and Indivisible WNC, the local chapter of the national political action committee, the event drew 525 attendees, they said. Many wore yellow and carried signs reading “No Kings” and “We the People.” The rally remained peaceful, with no arrests or counter-protests.

The victim has been identified as David Barton “Bart” Long, 77. He died on Oct. 18 from injuries sustained in the October 8 collision on South Main Street involving Sgt. Jordan Chapman. WCAB News first reported the incident on Oct. 9.

The largest single grant of 2025, $1 million, will support the completion of the Dr. Bobby F. England Health and Sciences Center through the Isothermal Community College Foundation.

Court documents identify the defendant as 27-year-old Christopher Seth Ledford of Harrill Road, Forest City. Ledford faces six felony counts: three counts of Attempted Statutory Sex Offense with a Child by an Adult and three counts of Indecent Liberties with a Child.

On Wednesday, October 15, personnel from the Sheriff’s Office, along with additional resources, conducted an expanded search of the area. The femur has been sent to the North Carolina State Medical Examiner’s Office for evaluation and identification.