Recent Articles

Driving into the parking lot of the Drop-In at Hudlow Road and West Main Street, Forest City, the aroma of fresh fried hot wings at Major Lee's brought customer after customer into the store at lunch time. For several minutes, there was a swinging door as one customer after the other stepped up to the counter, placed an order then stepped away for the next customer's order.

Mr. James Edward "Jim" Robbins, 89, died Sunday, July 19, 2026.

Jack H. Conner, age 77, of Caroleen, passed away Monday, July 20, 2026.

Linda Wray Morrow Vallecillo, age 81, of Forest City, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2026.

Effie "Bonnie" Lowery, age 73, of Forest City, passed away Sunday, July 19, 2026.

It is with deep sorrow and profound gratitude for his life of service that the family of Thomas "Tommy" Jeffery Raye, 53, of Bostic, NC, announce his passing Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Vickie Padgett McCombs, age 77 of Bostic died Sunday, July 12, 2026.

Roseanne "Rosie" Mary Klemm Smith, 74, of Spindale, passed away July 19, 2026.

Billy Seay, age 87, of Forest City, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, July 18, 2026.

Ruth Keeter Lovelace, age 87, of Rutherfordton, NC, died Sunday, July 19, 2026.

Phillip Stanley (Phil) Ledford, age 77 of Forest City died Thursday, July 16, 2026. Phil as he was known to his family and friends was born October 28, 1948, in Rutherford County and was a son of the late Roy Everett Ledford and Bonnie McAbee Ledford.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved husband, brother, father, and grandfather, Stanley Martin Henson, 73, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. He was born in Union, SC to the late Joseph Freeman Henson and Nellie Smart Henson. He is also predeceased by his sister, Stephanie Joy Henson; grandparents, Martin Bedford Smart and Fannie Mae Smart.

It is with heavy hearts and cherished memories we announce the peaceful passing of Bobby Carol Tesseniar, who left this world Saturday, July 11, 2026. Born January 11, 1939, in Caroleen, NC, Bobby was a beacon of kindness and love throughout his 87 years.

Local business people and tourism leaders are once again encouraged as more and more people are visiting the small towns of Rutherford County. Record-setting numbers of visitors were coming to Rutherford County through summer of 2024. But then, Hurricane Helene hit hard in late September, 2024.

Little Miss June Everly Pearson, age 5 of Spindale passed away Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Jackie Mode Huffman, age 80, of Ellenboro, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2026.

Jimmy Moore, age 82, of Forest City, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2026.

Mark James Elliott, age 68, of Forest City, passed away Thursday, July 9, 2026. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who was lovingly known as, "Slick." His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible "Mark" on all who knew him.

JoAnne Koone Jenkins, age 75, of Rutherfordton, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Sunday, July 12, 2026.