Ten years ago, Pat Chamberlain and his wife Chelsea founded Out of the Ashes, as a ministry serving homeless people of Rutherford County. Through the years, lives have been changed, and relationships rebuilt. Pat is happy with the progress, with the success, that the organization has made, and looks forward to the future.

Less than 24 hours after an official ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony was held at the new $17.4 million Legacy Soccer Park in Forest City, young athletes gathered early Saturday morning to begin playing soccer and making memories to last a lifetime.

Jubilation, excitement and plenty of thankfulness were expressed during the ceremony led by Jill Miracle, RHI Legacy Foundation Executive Director.

Walker Kirkpatrick was released from prison about two weeks ago. Determined to change his life for the better, Kirkpatrick turned to U & I Enrichment & Recovery Center in Forest City. Kirkpatrick, according to board member and volunteer Leslie Smith, is precisely the type of individual the organization is seeking to help.

On March 7 Rutherfordton's new 50-acre disc golf course and outdoor recreation park, Norris Park, celebrated a grand opening attended by more than 100 people. The park, located on Leroy Mull Drive near Rutherford Regional Hospital, is on the property of the former Rutherfordton Golf Course.

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.

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.

Don Cason loves Rutherford County, and is now heading two organizations that are working to improve the lives of the people who live here. He has served as director of the Tourism Development Authority (TDA) for the past ten years. And starting this month, (February 2026), he is also leading Rutherford County Economic Development (RCED). The position became available upon the retirement of Birgit Dilgert.

Wedding bells will be ringing Valentine's Day, February 14, as family and friends gather to witness the marriage of a couple who met at the Rutherford County Senior Center just over a year ago.

Ava Garland continues to make Rutherford County proud after participating in the Distinguished Young Women (DYW) of North Carolina scholarship program held recently in Greensboro.

After serving nearly 11 years as Rutherford County Manager, Steve Garrison is leaving Rutherford County government. He is taking on a new role for the State of North Carolina.

Bob Burch and wife Ann live in their cabin high atop Yellowtop Mountain in Bostic enjoying a life of peace, quiet and tranquility. Sometimes.

Other times, Bob, 76, is off and running in competitive track and field events while Ann, 78, is on the sidelines cheering. "I'm the trophy wife," Ann quipped. Bob agreed.

Rudy and Cat (Catrina) Romero with their toddlers, Milo, 4, and Hallie, 2, walked on the property in Chimney Rock on January 7 where their home once stood. The house, garage, vehicles, and everything they owned were lost in the early morning hours of Sept. 27, 2024 - the day Hurricane Helene brought devastation to Western North Carolina.

Birgit Dilgert joined Rutherford County Economic Development (RCED) in November, 2012, and became executive director in 2019 upon the departure of Tom Johnson. She officially retires at the end of January, following an interesting and successful career.

When the new community resources center opens in Henrietta it will be the fruit of a vision. Revs. Travis and Rochelle McEntyre, who have served around the world, are putting their love for service into Henrietta. And they are doing it in the name of Jesus.

Reunited with her mom 426 days after Helene

These second graders from Forest City Dunbar Elementary School presented Christmas music at the Rutherford County Senior Center last week. After singing at the Center, students were taken to the Rutherford County Schools Administrative offices where they also sang before returning to school. Laura Thompson is the music teacher.

NASCAR superstar Greg Biffle's 18th annual Triple B 100 dirt track race was held December 6th at the Triple B Ranch in Rutherfordton.

The Bill's Creek Community Center was awarded the "Best in Class" award at the 2025 WNC Communities Foundation award ceremony.

Rutherford County native Bobby Causby loves everything about professional wrestling. He is thrilled to be bringing his New Blood Championship Wrestling to perform at the Spindale House in downtown Spindale December 6.

Holiday Festivities Starting

Izell O. Flack sat in the dining room of Fair Haven in Forest City recently munching on a donut during snack time and talked about turning 104 years old on October 29. Her daughter Rachel Jimeson, 61, joined her mom for the afternoon.

The atmosphere at the Christopher Ebert Marine Corps League headquarters on West Trade Street in Forest City was one of sheer excitement, great anticipation and a heartfelt desire to help children in Rutherford County at Christmas.

As Spindale residents and town officials and Rutherford County residents gathered at the North Slope Skate and Ride Park recently in Spindale, it was a time to celebrate the newest Rutherford Bound project while looking ahead to the next project.

Fountain Electric & Services has successfully completed its role as electrical services contractor for the Re!magine Spectrum Center project, a comprehensive $250 million renovation of Charlotte's premier entertainment and sports venue. The 18-month project, which began in May 2024 and concluded in October 2025, transformed the home of the Charlotte Hornets with state-of-the-art upgrades and improvements.