The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is directing the public to a new online booking search system as the Rutherford County Detention Center transitions to a new system designed to provide easier public access to information about people currently in custody.

MORGANTON, N.C. — A woman whose Facebook livestreams have circulated widely across the Catawba Valley in recent weeks was arrested Tuesday morning on a cyberstalking charge, and an arrest warrant obtained by Catawba Valley News & Weather accuses her of posting another woman’s phone number and home address on social media.

On August 17, 2026 Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff's Office charged Robbie Allen Tucker, age 49, of Mill Spring with narcotics and firearms-related offenses as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal drug activity. During the operation, detectives seized over 700 grams of methamphetamine.

Detective Grant Robinson with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged 19-year-old Joseph William Flack of Marion with felony Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle, felony Larceny and felony Possession of Stolen Goods/Property.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — Buncombe County commissioners are set to consider several issues Tuesday that could have an impact on disaster recovery, future development, economic growth and recreation in the county.

More than 60 pounds of unused and unwanted prescription medications were recently collected from the prescription medication drop box at the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division staff emptied the collection box, helping ensure these medications are safely removed from homes and properly disposed of.

Nearly 40% of blacklegged ticks collected in Biltmore Forest tested positive for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

Lake Lure is moving ahead with plans to replace its century-old dam, but preliminary estimates show the project may cost more than $175 million — before several major expenses are added.

A Rutherfordton woman is facing felony charges after investigators say she was involved in an alleged plot to have her former partner kidnapped and the partner’s current boyfriend killed.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating William Ernest Smith Jr., who currently has an outstanding warrant and has not been located by law enforcement.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating Michael Joel Davis, who currently has outstanding warrants and has not been located by law enforcement.

A Morganton man is facing felony charges after a traffic stop in Marion led deputies to discover a firearm and suspected methamphetamine.

A Polk County man was arrested Thursday after authorities obtained warrants charging him with six felony offenses, including four counts of statutory sexual offense with a child by an adult and one count of taking indecent liberties with a child, according to Polk County court records obtained by WCAB News.

Phyllis Blanton Norman, affectionately known to those who loved her as “Punkin,” of Rutherford County, North Carolina passed away on August 12, 2026, at the age of 57. Punkin was one of a kind. She was funny, strong-willed, and wonderfully stubborn, with a personality that could fill a room. She loved dogs and treasured the simple things in life, especially spending time with her friends and family. Those who knew Punkin knew there was never a dull moment when she was around.

Wayne D. Mitchem, age 75, of Forest City, passed away Monday, August 10, 2026 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Wayne was born Thursday, February 15, 1951 in Rutherford County to the late Earl C. Mitchem and Lottie Mae Carswell Mitchem. Wayne was a graduate of Chase High School Class of 1971. He worked as a machinist for Timken for over thirty years. He was a long-time member of Victory Baptist Church in Ellenboro, NC. Wayne, more than anything, enjoyed spending time wi

Howard Louie Patterson, age 88, of Rutherfordton, passed away Monday, August 10, 2026 at Rutherford Regional Medical Center. Howard was born Thursday, March 10, 1938 in Rutherford Cunty to the late Ernest Hugh Patterson and Frances Fowler Patterson. Howard loved horses, tractors, and wearing a cowboy hat. He also loved his family. Howard will be missed by all who knew him. In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by a son, Joey Lee Patterson. Those left to che

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating a man wanted on active warrants.

The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating a man wanted on multiple felony warrants.

A Forest City man has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to one felony count involving a child.

The Town of Black Mountain could still be months away from deciding the future of its public safety operations after the former Public Safety Building was deemed unsafe earlier this year, forcing police and firefighters into temporary facilities.