Rutherford Housing Partnership (RHP) celebrated its 30 year anniversary recently, marking a significant milestone in its mission to provide safe and affordable housing for Rutherford County residents.

"The stage is set, the stars are aligning and Rutherford Stage is inviting everyone to an "unforgettable evening," says Tyler Graeper, the director of "Night of 1,000 Stars" fundraising concert set Friday, June 13 at 7pm and Saturday, June 14 at 3pm at the Foundation Performing Arts Center at Isothermal Community College.

A member of Trail Life USA Troop 1213, based at Corinth Baptist Church in Ellenboro, received the organization's most prestigious award recently. Brantley Winn, 18, of Boiling Springs was presented The Freedom Award. Brantley is the son of Jason and Julie Winn of Boiling Springs.

Meals on Wheels is a lifesaver for 74-year-old Charles Allison of Rutherfordton and others in Rutherford County. The meals program also allows some senior citizens to stay at home.

Team Mi Pueblito (left to right): Hunt Cowan, Curtis Hardin, Rodrigo Chavez, and John Eric Sorreles, enjoying one of the fifteen stands.

Gathering early on a recent Saturday morning at Gold Hill Assembly building off Academy Street in Spindale, approximately 40 volunteers received directions to various homes across the county for the second annual Day of Caring.

Mrs. Dot DeBrule sat in a recliner in her room at Fair Haven Forest City and shared a few life stories.

A temporary bridge is under construction by the North Carolina Department of Transportation for access to Chimney Rock Park.

An Ohio woman with her sisters painted 10 tiles for the American Horizon mural that was unveiled nine days ago in Rutherfordton. The massive Mural Mosaic's Global Roots Project, "American Horizon," is hundreds of small tiles painted by artists across the country. There are 200 tiles painted by people across Rutherford County and placed in the mural. Each has a story.

Briskly walking through the dining area at Copper Penny in Forest City recently, Kendall Cudd turned toward a table of fans when she heard her name called and proceeded to add a wide smile and 'hello.' The Forest City woman was on her job after a few weeks of sheer excitement with American Idol.

A cafeteria style meal, served by Welcome Table 2 volunteers at the First United Methodist Church in Rutherfordton recently, was a blessing for community members and volunteers who ate the home cooked meal together inside the church's Family Life Center.

Gardner-Webb University (GWU) senior Connor Settlemyre, of Rutherfordton is back at school after being a percussionist in the National Small Band Programs Intercollegiate Band in Fort Worth, Texas. He is the first student from GWU to be selected for this honor. The concert, featured 124 musicians, and was held in conjunction with the 2025 National Conference of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA). Accompanying him on the trip to Texas was Dr. Sarah Fabian, director of bands and assistant professor of music at GWU.

Ruff'ton Roots Community Garden announces the return of the Plant Sale Saturday, April 26 from 10am-12pm, under the shade sails at 128 Hospital Drive, Rutherfordton. Parking is available in the lot off Edwards Street (turn in at the Ruff'ton Roots sign). This is a celebratory kick off of the fifth growing season for the Garden.

Two wonderful organizations based right here in Rutherford County - Leadership Rutherford and Mosaic Hope - are coming together the second weekend in April for two unique events you will not want to miss.

Logan Preaching Mission event "Faith in the Public Square"

Sunday, April 13 at 11am; First UMC choir singing

Sunday, April 13 at 7pm; The Source Ministry Praise Team singing

Monday, April 14 at 7pm; Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church choir singing

Tuesday, April 15 at 7pm followed by Q&A; First Baptist Church choir singing

The sounds of hammers were heard from the front lawn of Donna Lattimore's house in Forest City as seven North Carolina State University (NCSU) students were working on an assignment away from the college campus. The students, joined by Rutherford Housing Partnership (RHP) staff and the Women Roofers, put a new roof on the Lattimore home.

May 2nd marks the opening of the Spring 2025 session of EASE (Equine Assisted Senior Engagement) at FENCE, a program developed to provide equine support for people in our community affected by early-stage dementia, MCI (mild cognitive impairment) and Parkinson's disease.

On a clear and sunny 52 degree winter Sunday afternoon recently, more than 100 people gathered at Kiwanis Park in Rutherfordton to celebrate and remember a special friend of the community - Eric D. Wells.

Five months ago on September 27, 2024 Hurricane Helene brought devastating flood waters to Rutherford County, adjoining counties and Western North Carolina. Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, as well as other areas in Rutherford and Polk counties, are forever changed.

A claustrophobic person would have had a difficult time exploring the Lost Sea (Cave's) Wild Cave Tour in Tennessee.

With a record of three games lost in a New York City high school tournament doesn't always have a positive outcome, but for the girls high school basketball team from Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy (TJCA) it was a win/win situation.

Andrea Narvaez-Santos of Rutherfordton has returned to classes at Rutherford Early College High School (REaCH) after competing in the Distinguished Young Women of North Carolina program in Greensboro last month. At the conclusion of the program, Andrea won a Preliminary Award in Fitness, and Overall Awards in Interview and Self-Expression.

Thirty-six days ago people were celebrating Christmas Day with gifts, meals, caroling, church services and family gatherings. But for some affected by Hurricane Helene in Chimney Rock Village and Western North Carolina, Christmas was certainly different than in Christmases past.

The Rutherford County Schools Education Foundation (RCSEF) celebrated its supporters during the Sponsor Thank You Breakfast and Backpack Program Box Truck Dedication Ceremony January 15 at the Cool Springs Administration Building.

Cathie Solomonson, a Vietnam War nurse and former Vietnam Women's Memorial Project coordinator, will speak on her experiences on Thursday, January 23 at 6pm at Mountains Branch Library.

A free meal will be served to the community beginning Monday, January 20, at First Baptist Church in Forest City and is an extension of the Welcome Table begun a decade ago in Rutherfordton. At that time, First Baptist in Forest City participated in the Welcome Table ministry joining First Baptist, Rutherfordton, United Methodist Church Rutherfordton and the St. Francis Episcopal Church, also in Rutherfordton, serving meals to the community each Monday night.