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Rutherford County Schools Adds Nearly $10 Million to Budget Amid State and Federal Adjustments
Unaudited spending reports indicate that the district has spent approximately $21.6 million — or 21% of its budget — as of September 30. Most of the early spending came from state and local funds, while a significant portion of the new federal money remains to be distributed.

Annie Dance
Oct 141 min read


Federal Delays Threaten Hurricane Helene Rebuild, Stein Warns
Still, Stein noted that significant challenges remain. Last month, he requested an additional $13.5 billion in federal aid for recovery efforts. With the federal government partially shut down, he has called on North Carolina’s congressional delegation to find a bipartisan solution.

Annie Dance
Oct 142 min read


North Carolina Republicans Move to Redraw Congressional Map Ahead of 2026 Midterms
Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) said the move is part of a broader effort to protect Republican control of Congress. Hall pointed to Democratic redistricting in other states, including California, as justification for North Carolina’s mid-decade map.

Annie Dance
Oct 142 min read


Nathaniel "Nate" Sizemore
Nathaniel “Nate” Sizemore, age 35, of Forest City, passed away Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Atrium Health-Cleveland in Shelby following a lengthy illness.
Misty Matthews
Oct 131 min read


Fatal accident south of Broad River, near S.C.
An accident Sunday night has resulted in a fatality near Camp Creek Church Rd on Abe's Mountain Rd near the 150 connection south of Boiling Springs.

The Shelby Independent
Oct 131 min read


Shutdown: SNAP, WIC programs have money through October
"Food and nutrition are foundational to good health and people should not have to worry about their families and communities going hungry," said Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai in a release. "NCDHHS hopes for a quick resolution to the federal shutdown to ensure people in North Carolina are not at risk of losing critical food benefits."

The Shelby Independent
Oct 131 min read


NCDHHS Creates Workforce Development Coalition
The coalition consists of 25 universities and colleges in North Carolina that offer social work programs and are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Tanya Templeton
Oct 133 min read


Exclusive: Forest City Police Arrest Spindale Woman Over Suspected Fentanyl
According to the order, Santiz is charged with felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance after allegedly possessing fentanyl “unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously.”

Annie Dance
Oct 131 min read


Exclusive: Lake Lure Meeting Canceled, USACE Confirms Progress on Restoration Project
The Lake Lure project began after Hurricane Helene’s flooding on September 27, 2024, which carried tons of debris from the Broad River and its tributaries into the lake. Federal assistance through FEMA and work managed by USACE has been key to removing sediment and restoring infrastructure.

Annie Dance
Oct 103 min read


Major Drug and Weapons Bust in Rutherford County
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the investigation centered on methamphetamine trafficking and illegal firearm possession by a convicted felon. On the morning of Oct. 8, deputies conducted multiple traffic stops connected to the case, including one on Highway 9 near Lake Lure, where Brian Stephen Hollifield was arrested.

Annie Dance
Oct 102 min read


Grace Foods Seeks Donations for Homeless Children in Rutherford
The event will feature live music, food, games, and community activities, including a cornhole tournament and a “Loose Change Challenge,” where attendees can donate spare change for a chance to win a prize. Grace Foods T-shirts will be available with a $25 donation, and all proceeds will directly support local families.

Annie Dance
Oct 102 min read


Rutherford Joins All North Carolina Counties Going Digital With Court Records and Services Starting Monday
“Saving North Carolinians countless trips to the courthouse and expanding access to court records through convenient online services was the foremost priority, and proud legacy, of the eCourts conversion,” said NCAOC Director Ryan S. Boyce. “Online court records are a vital resource for millions of people in our state seeking access to justice.”

Annie Dance
Oct 102 min read


Two Arrested in Spindale Harbor Freight Theft Investigation
In late September, detectives learned that similar incidents had occurred at four other Harbor Freight locations in North and South Carolina. While each agency had open cases, the suspects had not yet been identified. The Spindale Police Department, working with the Tri-City Violent Crimes Task Force, began coordinating with other agencies to investigate.

Lou Gilliam
Oct 102 min read


Rutherfordton Police Seek Missing Person
Anyone with information about Twitty or her whereabouts is urged to contact the Rutherfordton Police Department at 828-429-8360. Authorities emphasize that any tip, no matter how small, could help in locating her.

Lou Gilliam
Oct 101 min read


Cleveland County Teacher Arrested for Alleged Identity Theft
The investigation began in August after Shelby police were contacted by law enforcement officials in Georgia. Authorities there reported that a woman claimed her Social Security number was being used by another individual.

Lou Gilliam
Oct 101 min read


Teresa Dotson
Teresa Dotson, age 61, of Caroleen, passed away Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
Misty Matthews
Oct 91 min read


Renee B. Wright
Renee B. Wright, age 71, of Ellenboro, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
Misty Matthews
Oct 91 min read


Henderson County man uses special numbers to win $100,000 Powerball prize
King bought his lucky $3 ticket for the Sept. 27 drawing from Bob’s Pit Stop on Spartanburg Highway in Hendersonville. He matched the numbers on four white balls and the red Powerball to win $50,000. Because he bought a Power Play ticket, his prize doubled to $100,000 when the 2X multiplier hit.

Jacob Thompson
Oct 91 min read


Forest City Council Delays Nuisance Ordinance Rewrite Amid Property Rights Concerns
Several council members argued that the town has no business regulating private property outside its borders. They said the proposal risked blurring the line between public health protection and unnecessary intrusion on private land.

Annie Dance
Oct 93 min read


NCDMV Expands Online Driver License Renewals Under New Law
"We encourage our customers to renew their driver's license online if they're eligible. It's fast, easy, and helps reduce wait times at our offices," said DMV Commissioner Paul Tine. “By choosing online services, you're freeing up space for those who need in-person assistance."

Annie Dance
Oct 92 min read
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