Recent Articles

Like any mom, I know I may be a little biased. But this isn't just my story to tell. It's one that has been told in school hallways, on football fields, in wrestling rooms, and now on stages and platforms far beyond our county lines.

This is a hometown story.

Edwin Toro, 72, of Forest City, NC, opened his eyes in heaven on February 26, 2026.

Ruby Laughter, age 87, of Rutherfordton, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

James "Jim" Todd Freeman was preceded in death by his mother, Katie Todd Freeman, and father, Z. Miller Freeman of Rutherford County, NC.

Donald "Wayne" Scruggs, age 79, passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

Helen Faye Smith, 75, of Spindale, passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

Geraldine Gibson, age 83, of Ellenboro, passed away Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Helen Faye Smith, 75, of Spindale, passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

William Jackson Grayson, 93, passed away February 24, 2026.

Cleofus "Buddy" Monroe Piercey, 85, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026.

Marsha Craig West, 50, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Druary P. Jones, age 87 of Ellenboro died Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Druary was born September 5, 1938, in Ellenboro, NC.

Understanding the value of close cooperation when it comes to fighting crime, the three police departments in Forest City, Spindale, and Rutherfordton came together and formed the Tri-City Violent Crime Task Force in February, 2024. Two years later, Forest City Police Chief Chris Leroy, Spindale Police Chief Chad Nazelrod, and Rutherfordton Police Chief Clint Ingle say the Task Force is a resounding success.

Congratulations to members of the Chase High School Junior Chef team who were announced as the winners of the North Carolina Junior Chef Competition last week!

The team of Keira Macopson, Chadea Byrd, Lexi Jack, and Quan Murray, under the leadership of Mrs. Taylor Wilson, placed first in the state in the school's first year participating in the event.

The team next competes at the regional level in Alabama.

Film and television production activity in North Carolina generated an estimated $185.5 million in direct in-state spending in 2025. The total reflects robust investment across feature films, streaming and television series, reality programming, commercials, and independent projects, and the sum ranks as the fourth-highest year-end total since the current version of the North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant program went into effect in 2015.

Anne Mathis-Grafe, age 60, of Shelby, passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Darlene Gowan, 73, of Forest City, died Saturday, February 21, 2026

Danny Lawrence Toms, age 69, of Rutherfordton, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Romeo Hicks (RH) Morrow went to be with the Lord on February 22, 2026. He was 92 years old.

Kathy Dills, age 67, of Rutherfordton, NC passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026.