A public safety roundtable held Aug. 6 in Statesville highlighted problems that extend well beyond Iredell County — including challenges Rutherford County and other rural communities face when law enforcement encounters people who need jail, mental health treatment, juvenile services or other intervention.

Jane E. Ayres, age 85, of Ellenboro, passed away Thursday, August 6, 2026 at her home. Jane was born Monday, June 9, 1941 in Rutherford County to the late Pete Burgess and Nellie Crow Burgess. She was a graduate of Tri-High School, class of 1959. She worked for the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Department in administration and communications for thirty-six years before retirement. Jane was a longtime member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church where she served on numerous committe

Patricia Ann Mathis, age 73, of Forest City, passed away Thursday, August 6, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City. Patricia was born Friday, March 27, 1953 in Gaston County, NC to the late Fred Lineberger and Ruby Stroupe Lineberger. She was a graduate of Dallas High School, class of 1971. Patricia worked many years in the textile industry. She enjoyed needlework such as sewing, knitting and crocheting. Patricia especially enjoyed bird watching and was a w

Savani Lael Wright, infant daughter of Tyliyah Twitty and Sean Wright, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Monday, August 3, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC. She was born Saturday, August 1, 2026 in Asheville. Even though her time in this world was brief, she left an eternal impression on the hearts of all who knew her. She was a beautiful gift from God and there was no doubt that she was her mother’s daughter both outwardly and inwardly. Savani was loved by

Newly released court documents are providing additional details in the investigation into the deaths of a Burke County couple whose bodies were discovered buried near a walking trail in Glen Alpine.

Buncombe County is seeking public feedback as it moves forward with plans to apply for more than $20 million in grant funding to support long-term recovery from Hurricane Helene.

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights has opened a Title IX investigation into Buncombe County Schools following a complaint regarding the district's restroom policy for transgender students.

Restaurant owner claims town improperly took control of disputed building; Lake Lure says lease never included police facility.

During National Farmers Market Week, on August 5, Governor Josh Stein and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai visited the Durham Farmers’ Market to highlight the SUN Bucks program, which provides nutritious food for more than a million North Carolina children throughout the summer. While private philanthropies have stepped in during past years to help the state cover its share to activate the federal program, this year’s budget includes state funding

The race to replace U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards is quickly turning attention toward Western North Carolina state lawmakers, including a senator whose district includes Rutherford County.

The Henderson Police Department recently completed an updated analysis of the City's Crime Index. The results show continued reductions in several major crime categories, both over the past year and across a longer-term comparison.

BCSO’s COPS Team (Community Oriented Policing) is a collaboration between Detectives and Patrol Deputies that works with community members to solve quality of life issues in areas where we receive a high volume of complaints of crime activity.

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NCDHHS launches public dashboard as foodborne illness outbreak grows; 33 people hospitalized since May.

Transportation officials highlight progress but acknowledge years of work remain to rebuild damaged corridors in Hickory Nut Gorge.

Vera Martin Pace, age 95, of Forest City, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 3, 2026 at her home. Born in Chesnee, SC on Sunday, January 25, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Virgle Martin and Ophelia Phillips Martin and the widow of Perry Pace. Vera was a graduate of Chesnee High School, class of 1949. She retired from Tanner Companies and enjoyed working part-time at Isothermal Community College for many years. She is a member of Floyd’s Creek Baptist Chur

Frank Turner, age 88, of Forest City, went to his heavenly reward on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at his home. Frank was born Sunday, July 3, 1938 in Rutherford County to the late Darvin Turner and Estelle Sisk Turner. He worked in home construction as a master carpenter and brick mason most of his life. Frank was a longtime and faithful member of Harriett Free Will Baptist Church where he served as the Chairman of the Deacons and Sunday School Superintendent for many years. Fran

Report says NC congressman missed House votes to help decorate staffer’s Christmas tree; Edwards denies wrongdoing.

The Chimney Rock Village Council is continuing to address Hurricane Helene recovery, infrastructure repairs and downtown operations while voters prepare to choose new council members this fall.

As North Carolina faces growing electricity demand from data centers, artificial intelligence, and new industries, a new report adds to an ongoing debate over who should bear the cost of expanding the state's electric grid.