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.

Rutherford County is seeing encouraging signs of recovery as tourists return to the area, with local tourism and business leaders reporting increased visitation throughout the summer.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Nebo man following an investigation into reported sex offenses involving a child.

Deputy William Guzman with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged 52-year-old Russell Eugene Jackson of Marion with felony Possession of Methamphetamine. He was issued a secured bond of $10,000. On Friday, August 7, Deputy Guzman initiated a traffic stop on a black truck hauling a trailer with no registration plate displayed. Prior to approaching the vehicle, Deputy Guzman observed Jackson, the driver, discarding an item from the vehicle. MCSO Deputy Hunter Kirby recove

The Henderson Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a 15-year-old juvenile who was reported as a runaway.

Nathan Mace is officially McDowell County’s sheriff after county commissioners appointed him Monday and District Court Judge Ellen Shelley administered the oath of office.

Town reminds motorists to watch for students, buses as school year begins.

Gov. Josh Stein has withdrawn Jeffrey Smythe’s nomination to permanently lead the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, ending a more than seven-month confirmation standoff with the state Senate.

Helene recovery, Washington accountability and control of the Western North Carolina seat are expected to define the race.

Rutherford County commissioners dealt with a wide range of issues at their August meeting, from growing demands on social services to changes that could affect fire protection and homeowners' insurance.

MORGANTON, N.C. — A Morganton woman is facing child abuse and drug charges after authorities allege a 7-year-old boy suffered multiple burns and did not receive medical attention.

Susan H. Goode, age 60, of Forest City, passed away Friday, August 7, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC. Susan was born Friday, December 3, 1965 in Rutherford County. She worked in textiles for several years and later for Walmart. Susan enjoyed reading the Bible and loved her family above everything else. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clayton and Joan Duncan Wright and by brothers, Vincent and James Hamrick. Those left to cherish her memory include her hus

A Morganton man who previously served time in federal prison for drug trafficking has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl in Burke and Catawba counties.

MORGANTON, N.C. — The Burke County Sheriff’s Office handled nearly 3,000 calls for service during July, while deputies made 125 arrests and seized a significant amount of narcotics, according to the department’s monthly activity report.

Rutherford County will hold its first Agent Orange Remembrance and Awareness Day ceremony Monday, bringing veterans, families and community members together to recognize the lasting impact of the Vietnam War-era herbicide.