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.

If you're looking for a quintessential American experience for July 4th, look no further than Freedom Fest at McNair Field.

Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) is a student-led club found in many high schools and usually attracts students that are interested is a career in healthcare. Each year National HOSA chooses to focus on one particular disease or disorder, for the 2015-2016 year the national focus was on Alzheimers.

Maybe it's me, but attendance has been down in the area lately for all games. I know it's summer, vacations, hot weather or that other things have to be done at this time.

Can't get to the library? Then let the library come to you!

A bluebird is a symbol of hope, and a regional camp named after it has provided hope and support for three local women who have experienced cancer.

It looks like Cleveland rocks again. Finally. A championship.

June 25th will mark the day that Jordan Adcox has been preparing for since she was five months old.

Libraries across Rutherford County will come together on June 21 at Crestview Park to host the first-ever Summer Reading Program Field Day.

After doing some thinking, I may not have given East Rutherford and Bobby Reynolds the credit they deserved. So, here is some rambling to go along with what could be an apology letter of some sorts.

Tabitha Dotson went from being two years behind on her high school coursework to now graduating a year ahead of time.

Newton, who was on the volleyball and track teams as well as being a member of HOSA and Beta and Student Council President, received the Goodnight Scholarship at N.C. State University. The Goodnight Scholars Program is a comprehensive student development program designed to develop scholars into leaders within the STEM and/or education fields.

Mackenzie Fletcher credits her senior project with helping her decide her college major.

Who would have thought the team who finished fourth in the SMAC 2A/3A standings would win the 2A State Title? Apparently, the East Rutherford Baseball team could do so.