The Lead Story

Candidate Filing Opens Monday as NC’s 2026 Elections Begin

In Rutherford County, most local candidates — including those running for three seats on the Board of County Commissioners — will file at the county’s new elections office at 145 College Ave. in Rutherfordton.

Annie Dance

1 day ago2 min read

UPDATE: Operation “Playbacc” – Total Arrests Announced

Multiple gang-related indictments have been filed following an extensive investigation by the Tri-City Violent Crimes Task Force into criminal activity involving the gang known as “448.”

Lou Gilliam

2 days ago1 min read

Latest News

Candidate Filing Opens Monday as NC’s 2026 Elections Begin

In Rutherford County, most local candidates — including those running for three seats on the Board of County Commissioners — will file at the county’s new elections office at 145 College Ave. in Rutherfordton.

2 min read

NCDPS Report Shows Longer Stays, Higher Populations in Juvenile Facilities

The Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (DJJDP), which runs 12 detention centers and five youth development centers, says it is already using the report’s data to guide improvements.

3 min read

CBP Warns Holiday Shoppers to Watch for Counterfeit Goods

CBP leaders said officers continue to intercept unsafe and fraudulent products entering the country, underscoring the risks behind deals that appear too good to be true.

2 min read

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Local News

Candidate Filing Opens Monday as NC’s 2026 Elections Begin

In Rutherford County, most local candidates — including those running for three seats on the Board of County Commissioners — will file at the county’s new elections office at 145 College Ave. in Rutherfordton.

2 min read

Over 1,000 Emergency Calls reported in Rutherford County in past 72 hours

Emergency Medical Services responded to 111 EMS and rescue-related calls for medical incidents across the county.

1 min read

UPDATE: Operation “Playbacc” – Total Arrests Announced

Multiple gang-related indictments have been filed following an extensive investigation by the Tri-City Violent Crimes Task Force into criminal activity involving the gang known as “448.”

1 min read

2 3 4 5

Regional News

NCDPS Report Shows Longer Stays, Higher Populations in Juvenile Facilities

The Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (DJJDP), which runs 12 detention centers and five youth development centers, says it is already using the report’s data to guide improvements.

3 min read

Clarity in SNAP fraud, not so for whether recipients reapply

Rollins said auditing from state-supplied data has resulted in removal of about 700,000 people; 5,000 dead people were found to be getting benefits; and one individual was a recipient in six states.

3 min read

Nearly 400 Arrested in Operation Charlotte's Web

Communities across Rutherford County and the broader western North Carolina region — including Charlotte — are grappling with heightened anxiety following a wave of recent federal immigration operations.

4 min read

2 3 4 5

Business News

CBP Warns Holiday Shoppers to Watch for Counterfeit Goods

CBP leaders said officers continue to intercept unsafe and fraudulent products entering the country, underscoring the risks behind deals that appear too good to be true.

2 min read

Clarity in SNAP fraud, not so for whether recipients reapply

Rollins said auditing from state-supplied data has resulted in removal of about 700,000 people; 5,000 dead people were found to be getting benefits; and one individual was a recipient in six states.

3 min read

Transportation energy prices rising ahead of Thanksgiving

Nearly 82 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday and Dec. 1, the time defined by the American Automobile Association as the holiday period.

2 min read

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Obituaries

Noel Skomars Harden

Noel Skomars Harden, age 78, of Rutherfordton, passed away Friday, November 21, 2025 at Willow Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

1 min read

Ray Fisher

Ray Fisher, age 87, of Forest City, passed away Friday, November 21, 2025 at his home. Ray was born December 2, 1937 in Rutherford County to the late Estelle Fisher.

1 min read