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Demolition Begins on Lake Lure’s Flowering Bridge
Demolition began yesterday on the Flowering Bridge in Lake Lure, a site many remember as the original bridge connecting Lake Lure and...

Lou Gilliam
Aug 201 min read


Lake Lure Man Charged with Selling Rented Equipment
According to the sheriff’s office, the case began on June 23 when Deputy Chris Dvorak responded to a report of property damage and theft. Investigators said Epley rented a piece of machinery but failed to return it.

Lou Gilliam
Aug 201 min read


Marion Residents Face Multiple Felony Drug Charges
The investigation began on Saturday, August 9, when deputies stopped a Ford Escape near the Old Fort Exit on Interstate 40 for a traffic violation. Greene was driving, and Woodard was a passenger. Using the assistance of MCSO K-9 Hiko, deputies found suspected fentanyl (5 grams), methamphetamine, Zene (a synthetic opioid), and drug paraphernalia.

Lou Gilliam
Aug 191 min read


State Board Launches Registration Repair Project to Ensure Accurate, Complete Voter Rolls
Raleigh, N.C. Today, the State Board of Elections formally launched its comprehensive effort to collect identification numbers — driver’s...

Tanya Templeton
Aug 193 min read


Chimney Rock State Park Elevator Fire Alarm Investigated; Reservations Now Required
Emergency crews responded Saturday to a fire alarm at the Sky Lounge elevator inside Chimney Rock State Park, according to Rutherford County 911 emergency communications records. Officials reported no visible smoke or fire.

Annie Dance
Aug 191 min read


Spindale Board Approves Housing Grant Application, Sewer Fixes, and New Website Launch
Commissioners voted to pursue a Community Development Block Grant that would help build new homes on Illinois Street, with public hearings set for Sept. 15 and Oct. 20. They also corrected service availability fees on three properties with no sewer connections and amended the town’s FY24 audit contract after delays caused by Hurricane Helene.

Annie Dance
Aug 191 min read


Forest City Commissioners Address Resident Complaints, Celebrate State Champs, Review $3M Program
Commissioners also heard from Preferred Choice Healthcare on a new co-responder program, funded by a $3M federal grant awarded to United Way of Rutherford County last year. It's unclear why it took over 10 months to publicly acknowledge it.

Annie Dance
Aug 191 min read


North Carolina to Apply for the Rural Health Transformation Program
Raleigh The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced today it will begin preparing to submit its application to...

Tanya Templeton
Aug 183 min read


Businesses Reopen as Lake Lure Restoration Efforts Continue
One of the most visible restoration projects is underway at Washburn Marina and the Lake Lure Beach area. Contractors are now removing debris and sedimentation, a process made more difficult by standing water. Crews are stabilizing equipment with pallets in order to safely move forward with the work. Officials call this a major milestone that brings the community closer to reopening the lake, which is expected sometime next year.

Lou Gilliam
Aug 152 min read


Tractor Trailer Accidents Snarl Traffic in Polk County
In a separate incident, a tractor trailer jackknifed while attempting to turn around on Highway 108 near the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. That crash temporarily closed the highway, but no injuries were reported.

Lou Gilliam
Aug 151 min read


Earthquake Reported in Mill Spring, N.C.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 2.7 magnitude earthquake was detected at 11:14 a.m. Wednesday about four miles north of Columbus in the Mill Spring community. The quake occurred at a depth of 3.5 miles, or 5.6 kilometers.

Lou Gilliam
Aug 151 min read


AG Jeff Jackson Warns Instagram on Privacy, Security
“Our children’s safety comes first,” said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “Instagram needs to do some clean up on its location-sharing feature so we can keep children and victims safe – and it needs to do so now.”

Tanya Templeton
Aug 152 min read


Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Warns of Jury Duty Phone Scam
Authorities emphasize that the Sheriff’s Office will never ask for or accept money to prevent an arrest if a warrant exists. Additionally, anyone who is legitimately subpoenaed will receive a copy of the subpoena, which will be delivered to their home.

Lou Gilliam
Aug 141 min read


Rutherford County School Bus Driver Charged After Ellenboro Crash
According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the bus driver failed to yield the right of way to the truck while turning left onto New House Road. The bus was carrying four passengers in addition to the driver. No one on the bus was injured, but the truck’s driver was taken to a hospital in Shelby with minor injuries.

Lou Gilliam
Aug 141 min read


North Carolinians Invited to Share Their Ideas at Statewide Economic Development Listening Sessions
“North Carolina’s economic success is a product of strategic investments in our people, our places, and our partnerships, and these sessions will help us shape a plan that makes us more competitive and prosperous,”

Jacob Thompson
Aug 142 min read


Lake Lure Debris Removal Reaches Major Milestone as Cove Work Begins
To date, 766,760 tons of silt and sediment have been removed from Lake Lure, including 60,778 tons in the last week. Additionally, 96,376 cubic yards of debris have been cleared from the waterway, with 886 cubic yards removed last week alone.

Lou Gilliam
Aug 131 min read


Lake Lure Flowering Bridge to Be Dismantled After Storm Damage
According to the town, two independent engineering assessments determined the historic bridge was beyond repair and could not be restored. Following a competitive bid process, Mitch Contracting was awarded the removal contract. The demolition process is expected to take several weeks.

Lou Gilliam
Aug 131 min read


School Bus and Pickup Truck Collide in Ellenboro; Charges Pending
According to the report, the school bus driver failed to yield the right of way to a Ford F-150 while making a left turn onto New House Road. The truck, traveling southwest on New House Road, collided with the bus.

Lou Gilliam
Aug 131 min read


North Carolina Receives $4 Million Federal Workforce Reentry Grant
“When we prepare people leaving incarceration for success in the workforce, we all benefit,” said Governor Josh Stein. “With support from this new grant, North Carolina can continue to build a strong workforce, improve reentry outcomes, and provide people with real opportunities for a second chance.”

Jacob Thompson
Aug 133 min read


Judge Orders Halt to Unpermitted Mining in Western North Carolina
The state’s Mining Act is designed to balance the extraction of mineral resources with the protection of natural landscapes and nearby communities. Violations can carry fines and lead to civil or criminal penalties.

Tanya Templeton
Aug 121 min read
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