A lengthy narcotics investigation led to a multi-agency operation on June 10, 2026, resulting in four arrests and the seizure of significant quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl from a home in Rutherfordton.

FEMA has approved more than $63.2 million in Hurricane Helene recovery funding for North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District, according to Congressman Tim Moore’s office.

Earl Franklin Ritch of Sachse, Texas, passed away on June 8, 2026, at the age of 83. He was born on February 27, 1943, in Concord, North Carolina, Earl was the son of Lindsey F. Ritch and Thelma M. Mills Ritch. Earl is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Sue Ritch; his daughter, Cheryl D. Jenkins and husband Joe of Vancouver, Washington, and their sons, Curtis and Brian Jenkins; his son, Jeffrey A. Ritch and wife Shehnaz of McKinney, Texas, and their daughter, Aliana. H

A new experimental data tool from the U.S. Census Bureau is giving state and local officials a more detailed look at where households may be most vulnerable during extreme summer heat, including in Western North Carolina.

A Lake Lure science teacher is facing scrutiny after criticizing recent reporting on E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria levels in western North Carolina waterways, including the Broad River, Chimney Rock, and Lake Lure, calling the coverage is "trying to make people look bad” despite the data coming from a state environmental monitoring program.

NAME: Dylan Scott Smith DOB: 08/25/2001 Age: 24 Address: Homeless, Morganton Charges: Burke County Failure to Appears (F) Insurance Fraud <$100,000 (F) Obtain Property by False Pretense (X 2) (M) Second Degree Trespassing Catawba County Charges (F) Felony Worthless Check (F) Financial Card Theft (F) Obtain Property by False Pretense (X 3) (M) Possession of Stolen Goods (M) Aid & Abet Larceny Caldwell County Charges (M) Misdemeanor Larceny Summary: On June 7, 2026, deputies wi

Rutherford County Department of Social Services and the Rutherford County Senior Center will host a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event on Monday, June 15, to help educate residents about the warning signs of elder abuse and ways to protect vulnerable adults. The event will begin at 10 a.m. at the Rutherford County Senior Center, located at 193 Callahan Koon Road in Spindale, and is open to the public. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was established in 2006 to raise

Dunham’s Sports will officially open its newest location in Spindale on Friday, June 19, with a weekend of promotions, giveaways and special offers for customers.

On June 9, 2026, an inmate was found unresponsive in his cell at the Burke County Jail. Detention and medical personnel responded immediately and initiated life-saving measures while requesting assistance from Burke County EMS, who also responded to the scene. Despite these efforts, the inmate was pronounced deceased a short time later. The Burke County Sheriff’s Office has requested that the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) conduct an independent investigat

A long-planned bridge replacement at the Lake Lure Dam is facing another delay, pushing construction into the next decade as state transportation officials cite the need for additional planning and design work.

A Polk County grand jury has indicted a 42-year-old man on two counts of murder and one count of first-degree arson in connection with the deaths of Robert and Wendy Peck, the Saluda couple, both 80, found dead after a house fire.

Robin Vaughn Howard, age 56, of Ellenboro, passed away Thursday, June 4, 2026 at her home. Robin was born Monday, March 9, 1970 in Lexington, NC to Nancy Vaughn who resides in High Point, NC. Robin was a dedicated homemaker who loved her family dearly. Among her many gifts was her talent as an artist and photographer. She especially enjoyed painting, drawing and sketching. As a lover of nature she took enormous pleasure in feeding and caring for all kinds of animals. She was

William Bradley, age 26, of Mill Spring, NC passed away Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Spartanburg Medical Center. William was born Wednesday, January 12, 2000 in Henderson County to Junior and Tracy Bradley who lives in Mill Spring. He worked for several years as a heavy equipment operator for Clary Hood Grading. William was a member of Shingle Hollow Congregational Holiness Church. He loved calling his sister in the morning after she had worked all night. No matter what the situ

The Burke County Sheriff's Office has released its monthly activity report for May 2026, highlighting the wide range of law enforcement services provided throughout the county.

NAME: Warren Lawrence Branch DOB: 09/06/1997 Age: 28 Address: 7960 Old NC 10, Icard, NC Charges: (F) Assault Serious Bodily Injury (M) Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence Court Date: 06/19/2026 Bond: $125,000- secured Summary: On June 2, 2026, deputies with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported trespassing incident at 2772 U.S. Highway 70 in Connelly Springs. Deputies identified a white male wearing black pants as Warren Lawrence Branch. Deputies were a

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office has released its monthly activity report for May 2026, highlighting the workload and law enforcement efforts carried out across the county during the month.

Gov. Josh Stein is highlighting statewide efforts to encourage secure firearm storage as North Carolina observes NC S.A.F.E. Week of Action, held June 1–7.

Rutherford County Farmers Market is pleased to announce an added evening market to better connect customers with farm-fresh products throughout the week. Beginning Tuesday, June 9, and running through the growing season, the market will be open Tuesday evenings from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

Questions are growing over how the town of Lake Lure shared water quality data as the lake continues reopening after Hurricane Helene.

A new study conducted in Biltmore Forest is raising concerns about the growing presence of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses in western North Carolina.