A Rutherfordton man active in the regional bull riding community is being held without bail in Polk County on a series of felony sex charges involving a minor he allegedly contacted through online social media, according to court documents.

The investigation began on August 29, when Deputy Ryan Washburn conducted a welfare check at a residence in Marion following a report of possible child neglect involving an infant. Authorities say evidence gathered during the welfare check and subsequent investigation led to the arrests.

The decision reflects the return of vacation lodging as utilities and roads stabilize after the flood. The board had suspended short-term rental approvals last fall when storm damage cut off access to homes and rentals. The program resumed in late June, just in time for the Fourth of July holiday.

The Flowering Bridge, a pedestrian landmark that drew thousands of visitors to Lake Lure before Hurricane Helene destroyed it in September 2024, will not be rebuilt in the near future, town officials said this week. The clarification followed Congressman Tim Moore’s (NC-14) announcement that more than $2.85 million had been awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the bridge’s replacement.

The suspect, described as a white male wearing blue jeans, a red T-shirt, and a baseball-style cap, was seen looking around the property before taking several lawn care tools.