A pig that wandered into a local home was safely taken into custody and later returned to its owner after what deputies called “one of the more unusual calls for service.”

A state task force formed by Gov. Josh Stein has released an interim report offering early recommendations aimed at keeping electricity in North Carolina affordable, reliable and cleaner as demand rises.

Beverly E. Hartford, age 78, of Bostic, passed away Sunday, February 15, 2026 at the Terra Bella Senior Living Center in Hendersonville, NC. Born April 10, 1947 in Watertown, South Dakota to the Helmer and Leona Anderson. She was preceded in death by her son, Michael Shane Hartford and by her stepfather, Leo Avendt. She is survived by her grandchildren, Joshua Hartford, Megan Norvell and Logan Kelly; daughter-in-law, Tina Kelly; great grandchildren, Hannah, Brayden, Grayson,

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and the Rutherford County Detention Center are beginning major renovations and construction. We want to take a moment to address these changes and assure the public that all services previously in place remain available, although they may look a little different during this time

Information regarding Rutherford County Convenience Centers

Sandy Greene McBrayer, age 80, of Mooresboro, passed away Friday, February 13, 2026 at Atrium Health-Cleveland in Shelby. Sandy was born Thursday, June 7, 1945 in Greer, SC to the late Austin Greene and Elizabeth Mae White Greene. She was a graduate of Chase High School, class of 1963. Sandy was a dedicated homemaker who loved taking care of her family. Sandy enjoyed working on crafts and cooking for others. For many years, she would make pies and dressing for the Grace of Go

Vanise Lookadoo Smith, age 84, of Caroleen, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Fair Haven Home of Bostic. Vanise was born Wednesday, April 30, 1941 in Rutherford County to the late J.A. Lookadoo and Essie Short Lookadoo. She was a graduate of Cliffside High School, class of 1959 and worked for Burlington Industries for many years. She later became a CNA and worked at Fair Haven for seventeen years before retirement. Vanise was a faithfu

Gov. Josh Stein spent the weekend touring mountain ski resorts to spotlight North Carolina’s winter tourism industry, urging travelers to return to western counties and highlighting a sector officials say draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The governor and First Lady Anna Stein visited training facilities at Appalachian Ski Mountain and made stops at Beech Mountain Ski Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort as Americans followed international competition at the Winte

The local branch of the United States Postal Service in Chimney Rock is scheduled to reopen Feb. 23, restoring in-person mail access nearly 17 months after closures tied to damage and disruption from Hurricane Helene.

The Spindale Police Department requests your assistance in identifying the individual and vehicle involved in an incident at Tractor Supply in Spindale. Please provide any relevant information to (828)286-3464.

Gov. Josh Stein announced the statewide expansion of a $208 million home-efficiency initiative, saying the Energy Saver North Carolina program is now open to eligible applicants in all 100 counties and aimed at reducing household utility costs while supporting jobs and environmental goals.

The Rutherford County Board of Education approved a districtwide policy governing artificial intelligence use, adopted a midyear budget amendment and declared a district property surplus during its Feb. 3 meeting, actions officials said will guide technology integration and long-term facilities planning.

The town council of Lake Lure met on Feb. 10 and adopted a proclamation thanking public works and emergency personnel who responded to back-to-back winter storms, while handling routine advisory board updates and appointments, according to details confirmed by town officials.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is urging the public to remain alert to romance scams, a form of fraud in which criminals create fake online identities to build relationships and then exploit victims financially or for personal information.

Detective Kyle Gibson with the McDowell County Sheriff’s charged 34-year-old Jericho Lee Baldi of Marion with felony Obtain Property Under False Pretense and Misdemeanor Larceny. He was issued a secured bond of $10,000.

In-person early voting for North Carolina’s March 3 primary election begins Thursday and runs through 3 p.m. Feb. 28, giving voters in all 100 counties an opportunity to cast ballots ahead of Election Day.

Captain Paul Alkire with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged 44-year-old Jason Michael Thompson of Marion with felony Larceny. He was initially denied bond due to being out on pretrial release.

Candidates for multiple Rutherford County offices discussed public safety, court services, and budgets during a forum Feb. 10 at the Golden Valley clubhouse, giving voters an early look at the issues shaping the March primary.

William Travis Marshall, 20, of Rutherfordton, is being held under $707,000 in secured bonds across four Rutherford Superior Court cases, after being arrested on Feb. 9, according to public detention center and court records reviewed by WCAB News.

The Spindale Police Department is reminding residents to help keep the new North Slope Skate Park a safe and welcoming place for everyone following recent reports of inappropriate behavior at the facility.