There are absolutely no words to describe the tragedy and destruction Hurricane Helene brought to Rutherford County, Western North Carolina and other areas on Friday. There are no monetary damage estimates available yet, but here in Rutherford County, millions and millions of damage has been caused and lives lost.

Dr. Harry (Tiger) VanderWal, who grew up in Rutherfordton and graduated from R-S Central, and his wife Echo VanderWal, a physician's assistant, knew at an early age they would go to Africa to practice medicine. Perhaps never in their wildest dreams or prayers could they have imagined what their work would be today.

History has been uncovered, the forgotten are remembered and a community has a common purpose.

Rolling onto the Court Philippe Chatrier in Paris, with his tennis gear in his lap, Conner Stroud, 24, of Rutherford County wore an unforgettable smile that resonated with his hometown, family and friends around the world.