Last week was rough for Rutherford County on the gridiron as we went 1-3 with Thomas Jefferson (2-1, 0-1) as the only one to crack the win column.

Angela Sanford's dream and vision for a home to rebuild the lives of young women who have been addicted to drugs is now a reality.

After going 4-0 the week previous, it was an even 2-2 last week for Rutherford County football.

Young Life of Rutherford County gives teens an opportunity to connect with each other and Christ in an environment that isn't church.

The Rutherford County Library's three branches will have new hours beginning Sept. 6.

Real quickly, let's go over one topic. R-S Central, who won in week one on the football field at McDowell had to forfeit that win due to an ineligible player.

This year's performance line up at The Foundation Performing Arts Center will feature performances by Grammy award-winning artists as well as local favorites.

Although weather was a factor around the area on the first week of football Friday, three Rutherford County teams played well enough to win, but only two were able to do so. Here are some notes and a preview for this week's upcoming games. All games have a 7:30 start on Friday, August 26.

From 12 cars to now more than 400 vehicles of all ages, makes and styles - Hot Nights, Cool Rides turns 25 this year.

The annual car, truck and motorcycle show will be held Aug. 20 in downtown Forest City, again hosted by the Forest City Merchants Association. The show began in 1991 as a way to create a new event to bring people into town, said Ray Pittman, one of the original merchants who created the event.

Finally, Football Friday night is back! Three Rutherford County teams are in action with Chesnee playing south of the border (8-19-16).

East Rutherford at East Henderson (East Rutherford won 57-25 last season)

Thirty years have passed since Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey danced in the foothills of North Carolina, but a festival built on the legacy of "Dirty Dancing" will return again this year with plans of growing even bigger in the years to come.

High School football has officially started. Last week, practice began for Chase, R-S Central, East Rutherford and Thomas Jefferson. All four school have around 30-35 on varsity this season. So, depth is a concern for all four schools this season. A number of players could play both ways for all four teams. The first month could be troublesome with the heat and humidity as bad as it is right now.

For seven weeks youth and adults from more than 35 states have visited Rutherford County to help homeowners here to have warmer, safer and drier homes.

The American Red Cross again has a physical presence in Rutherford County.

With an office inside the United Way building on Withrow Road, American Red Cross Community Executive Amanda Edwards is quick to point out that ARC's presence was never absent in Rutherford County.

August the first, High School football officially began. Since I tackled the Southern Piedmont last week, let's go the SMAC 2A/3A this week. No doubt the top three should be no brainers, but from fourth on back, it's anybody's guess. Let's get to it.

Leniece Lane and her daughter, Addison, didn't just get their kicks on Route 66, which was part of their summer vacation. Instead, the duo embarked on a trip across the United States to visit various National Parks and historic sites - a trip that they plan to make again.

Before we talk about some football, here are a couple thoughts on other sports stuff.

A theatre that exists only in pictures and old news articles may yet again rise in downtown Forest City.

The Women Roofers celebrated a milestone Friday, July 8, with the completion of the non-profit's 100th roof.

Senior Legion season ends after downing Shelby, Post 423 had a tough time with #1 seed Union County as they were swept in three games last week. Considering they started 0-5, they did a great job to recover and make the second round of the playoffs.

Those who embark on the Gold Mile trail in Rutherfordton may not realize that each gold coin denoting the one-mile loop is a handmade, original piece of art.

The first-ever Freedom Fest, a joint collaboration between the Towns of Rutherfordton, Forest City and Ellenboro, the Forest City Owls and Rutherford County Chamber was held on July 4th at McNair Field.

Well, I accidentally skipped a week and since I haven't said anything, let's get down to business. And we start on the diamond.

During the annual event children and their parents took part in a variety of fun and educational activities. Law enforcement and local agencies also had booth with information and giveaways available.

The Little Detroit Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America is joining other organizers across the United States in celebrating Collector Car Appreciation Day July 8.