The holiday season has past, and next comes the season many of us have dreaded: It's the season of getting back on track with healthy eating and exercise.

New babies born during the month of December at Rutherford Regional Medical Center received a handmade gift designed just for them.

College Football National Title

Clemson (13-1) at Alabama (14-0) (Monday Jan 9 at 8pm)

Former Chase Trojan, Carlos Watkins will get a second chance to play for a National Title at Clemson after the Tigers mauled Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl 31-0. Watkins had two sacks, two pass breakups and three tackles in the win. Watkins now has 10.5 sacks this season which leads the team.

Students at Forrest Hunt Elementary can now say they have something in common with Apple's Steve Wozniak: They have begun to learn the basics of computer programming.

High school students are encouraged to choose a senior project theme that is something they are passionate about. Chase High student Madison Galloway did just that - and as part of her project on Beta, has helped Cliffside and Harris Elementary Schools in launching Junior Beta Clubs.

One of the most anticipated high school basketball games of the new year happens on Tuesday, January 3rd. R-S Central will go to East Rutherford for Men's and Women's action.

The tree on the courthouse lawn was lighted again for the first time in 10 years. Funds were raised to light the tree again, and the Town of Rutherfordton worked along with other organizations to provide the electricity and lights for the tree. (Rftn Christmas tree lighting 1) During the tree lighting, various musical performances were held for those in attendance. The tree lighting took place just after the Rutherfordton Christmas Parade.

The 9th Annual New Year's Day Polar Plunge in Lake Lure will be held Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, at the Lake Lure Inn & Spa Pool.

Well, it's Christmas time! Basketball is in full swing. The NFL and College Football season will soon come to an end. While I am at it, here are my top 9 rankings for both NFL conferences and my top 3 bowl games with an ACC team in it.

First Baptist Church in Forest City will again present a live nativity for the community on the fourth Sunday in Advent.

High school basketball (Men's)

East Rutherford is on fire early on. The Cavs just beat Burns 94-55 this past week to run their record to 7-0, 3-0. The Cavs are winning by 20-plus points per game right now and it really is no surprise considering the roster they have.

One of the nation's oldest women's clothing labels was started in Rutherfordton, and now, 85 years later, Doncaster and Tanner is being highlighted in a new book published by the Rutherford County Historical Society.

High School Basketball has began all of a sudden and here is how the SMAC Men and Women are projected to do this year.

The Town of Rutherfordton has decked the halls and is ready to celebrate Christmas with a parade, events and a lighting of the Christmas tree on the courthouse lawn on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Savana Jenkins has a smile that lights up her entire face - so much so that her nickname at school is Smiley - and a loving nature that goes along with it. And her smile couldn't have gotten any bigger than it did during a recent trip to the Walt Disney World Resort with Ace & TJ's Grin Kids.

He won't officially retire until the end of this semester, but Coach Mike Cheek knew that this would be his last year as R-S Central's head football coach. Unfortunately, they lost to Huss in the second round of the 2AA playoffs Friday. The Hilltoppers kept it 7-0 at the half, but it all fell apart in the second half to end the season and Cheek's tenure as head coach of the Hilltoppers.

The Chase High School Marching Band is waiting to hear if it will be taking part in the performance of a lifetime: for the newly elected president in 2017.

The Town of Forest City never shines brighter than it does during the Christmas season.

The Trojans have never won a team sport title, but Saturday they tried to change all that. Chase has won individual titles in wrestling, swimming and track. The Chase Men's soccer team came dang near close as they fell in Raleigh 4-0 to First Flight in the 2A state title bout.

New Beginning Soup Kitchen served around 23,000 meals in 2015. The non-profit that operates under the umbrella of the Green River Baptist Association is on track to serve just as many this year.

The Rutherford County Toy Run will be held Sunday, Nov. 20, beginning at 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot behind Denny's in Spindale.

The high school football playoffs are here and just two teams of the four in Rutherford County make it to the postseason. TJCA is in the 1A and R-S Central makes the 2AA.

A veteran law enforcement officer is now leading a local program that provides training for the next generation of police officers.

Any given day you will likely find someone picking a tune or talking about music inside B Sharp Music in Spindale. But on Wednesdays, you'll find a man who is a legend in his own right - Ralph Spicer.

Behind the running of Demetrius Mauney, East Rutherford pulled away late for a 23-0 victory over Chase on Friday night.