Recent Articles

Jane E. Ayres, age 85, of Ellenboro, passed away Thursday, August 6, 2026.

Robert Michael "Mike" Moore, 71, of Rutherfordton, passed away August 6, 2026.

Many artists have painted and drawn local landmarks and other images of Rutherford County. But few have done so with the heart and spirit of the late James Allen.

Vera Martin Pace, age 95, of Forest City, went home to be with the Lord Monday, August 3, 2026.

Joe Martin Bradley, age 77 of Ellenboro died Monday, August 3, 2026. Joe was born April 28, 1949, in Rutherford County and was a son of the late Will Briscoe (Red) and Eunice Hardin Bradley.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, John Stanley Glasbrooks, Tuesday, July 28, 2026. He was born to Iva Jane Glasbrooks and the late Eddie Truitt Blanton in Buncombe County, NC.

Frank Turner, age 88, of Forest City, went to his heavenly reward Saturday, August 1, 2026.

Foy Emerson Toney, 85, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving and devoted family. He was the son of the late Coy and Nicie Condrey Toney from Rutherford County, NC.

Norma Gale Laughter, 77, of Rutherfordton, continued on her sole journey to the eternal realm in July 2024.

Steven Michael Lovelace, 52, of Ellenboro, NC passed away July 30, 2026. He is survived by his wife Shannon, daughter Brietta King (Kevin), daughter Fiona Kennedy (John), son Tristan, son Gavin, and 2 grandchildren Sophie and Kyra, preceded in death by granddaughter Ramsey.

Jimmy William Hefner, age 48 died Monday, July 20, 2026. Jimmy was born July 29, 1977, in Catawba County and he was a skilled dog trainer and owner of Off the Chain K-9 Fitness.

Earl Thomas Burgin, II, age 72 of Forest City died Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Tom was born June 2, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan but spent most of his life in Rutherford County. He was the son of the late Earl Thomas Burgin, and Mary Louise Camby Burgin.

Shirley Stanley Honeycutt, age 90, of Forest City, passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

Jason Michael Higgins, 48, of Forest City, went home to be with the Lord July 28, 2026.

Rutherford County Sheriff Aaron Ellenburg and his team of officers and other staff have made great progress in settling into their new headquarters, but there are still a few more boxes to unpack and furnishings and equipment to rearrange. Overall, they are happy to have moved to a more spacious law enforcement center that facilitates greater efficiency and collaboration.

Scott Webber has been named the new Rutherford County Manager. Previous County Manager Steve Garrison resigned the position February 3, to begin a new job with the State of North Carolina as a regional recovery coordinator related to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. Since then, County Commission Chairman Bryan King has served as interim county manager.

Bruce Wayne Givens, Sr., age 65, of Forest City, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Judy Toney Cole, age 78, of Rutherfordton, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday, July 25, 2026.

Elizabeth "Anne" Frazier, age 77, of Mooresboro, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2026.