The Matthew Pannell Shining Star Foundation conducted its annual Christmas gift give-away to over 100 people last week in Rutherford County and also women at the Bethel Colony of Mercy in Lenoir.

The Rutherford County Community-Wide Fall Litter Sweep included 14 teams comprised of 85 volunteers as well as paid pickup on over 60 miles of roads. This annual collection event was held over a 6-week period to allow for weather and erratic schedules. The ongoing partnership with the teams also includes the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the towns of Spindale, Rutherfordton, and Forest City.

"She's raising four disabled children," Joyce Herring shouted across the parking lot at Willette Automotive.

But aren't we all disabled in one way or another?

Rutherford County has a bumper crop of thankfulness to celebrate Thanksgiving.

When Matthew Short builds a muscle, his first priority is to build the confidence muscle.

Rutherfordton's First United Methodist Church is launching a new scholarship fund. Several hundred dollars have been raised already.

Thirteen state employees, including a Rutherford County native, from nine state agencies and universities were honored with Governor's Awards for Excellence recently during a virtual online ceremony. The highest honor a state employee may receive for dedicated service to the state and the people of North Carolina, the awards recognize accomplishments and actions that are outside of the usual scope of their job duties.

Rev. Travis McEntyre went over the moon in joyful praise.

Brush Them Teefies!

NOTIFICATION OF DISCHARGE OF UNTREATED WASTEWATER

This year has been interesting to say the least, but it has also been challenging, inspiring, and unifying in such a beautiful way. We were encouraged to gain new perspectives on life and the meaningful aspects of our existence while completely letting go of our ideas on societal normalcy. This is already a globally memorable experience, and hopefully we can utilize the strength gained during this time to continue meeting others in the face of adversity.

When Collins Metal was paying $12 per 100 pounds, customers were lined up a long way in both directions on business 74 in the eastern edge of Forest City.

"We were paying between 35 and 40 thousand (dollars) per day and every dime of it was going right back into this community," Barry Collins said of a business that has benefited the local economy for over 90 years.

Rutherford County is a basket of jewels, but few outshine The McNair Educational Foundation. With offices on the three largest high school campuses, and outreach that extends as far as local kindergarten classrooms and onto college campuses, the foundation has touched thousands of lives in its 30-plus year history.

Cathy Watson doesn't really want you to know where she lives.

She can't take any more pigs.

The Rutherford County School System is going through a strangely amazing time.

It's been strange because of Covid19.

Early voting starts October 15 in Rutherford County at two new locations.

Social distancing will be observed at both the Spindale House on Main Street, Spindale and the County Annex building at 289 North Main Street Rutherfordton.

An eight-year-old girl made her cry.

New playground equipment and grading at James F. Crowe Park was completed just in time for the reopening of town parks across the county and state.

The Rutherford County Government, North Carolina Board of Commissioners honored Isothermal Community College President Walter Dalton on Tuesday evening by naming a portion of U.S. 74 after him.

Kermit the Frog sings, "It's not easy being green."

In 90 degree heat and lifting and hauling boxes of food, volunteers at Washburn Community Outreach might well sing, "It's not easy being us."

Chase Corner Ministry, across the road from Chase High School, provides three food ministries, according to Cynthia Cooper, the agency's director. Emergency canned food is given out Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Rutherford County has received a $586,000 grant for housing rehab for low to moderate income homeowners from Community Development Block Grants.

Born and raised in Bostic, Kristin Austin embodies the best in small town friendly Rutherford County.

It's a thrift store. It's a golf tournament. It's a ministry to men getting out of prison. It's a long drive straight down the fairway for Jesus.