David Caldwell and many like him are heroes for our N.C. environment.

It is a crowd pleasing tradition that brings classic cars and car lovers together in downtown Forest City.

"Thousands,"

With one word, Ray Rice wrapped up 45 years of teaching martial arts. His presence on Main Street, Forest City is highlighted by words like "attitude," and "humility," painted across the fronts of his two storefront studio.

Discovering new ways to earn the required 300 sweat equity hours before ownership of a Habitat for Humanity home has certainly been a challenge for future Habitat families since the global pandemic.

Tragedy may yet turn into glory.

If $22,375 and many thousands of prayers can work, Zion Edwards may be on the road to recovery.

On June 29, Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina received a donation of 222 acres in the Thermal City area of Rutherford County from David and Martha Cameron and their son Rob Messick. This donation of land is the first of a two-part planned gift by the Cameron family. In their estate, the Camerons will bequeath their remaining land to the conservancy -- approximately 101 acres including two homeplaces.

Rutherford County announces Dr. Matthew Kramer has accepted the position of EMS Medical Director to provide medical oversight of emergency medical services within Rutherford County. Dr. Kramer fills the position left vacant on July 1 when Dr. Guy Winker retired. The Medical Director provides oversight of all protocols that govern EMS personnel, fire departments, rescue squad personnel, and 911 telecommunicators. Dr. Kramer will continue his business at Main Street Family Practice while providing oversight services to Rutherford County EMS.

Keep Rutherford County Beautiful Earth Month and Litter Sweep numbers spell success in community awareness and involvement in 2021.

When Cynthia Alexander goes to work for the Salvation Army, it is, "to serve the Lord every day."

A class is being offered in Rutherford County for anyone wishing to learn how to operate a canoe, kayak, and more.

If you are reading this story, it's because of friendship.

Brian Stacey's friend, Chuck Melton wants you to know that the Bostic dump truck service guy, drives a lot more than a dump truck.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation recently awarded Isothermal Community College a $8,000 grant to support adult literacy. This local grant is part of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation's recent award of $10.5 million donation to support summer, family, and adult literacy programs, representing the organization's largest one-day grant donation in its 28-year history.

Keep Rutherford County Beautiful (KRCB) announces Emma Rogers, a graduating senior from R-S Central High School, is the first-ever recipient of the $1,200 Green Scholarship.

Among the 2021 Isothermal Community College graduates receiving degrees take time for photos and smiles.

As a few cloudy skies hovered over the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center Blueberry Patch near Fairview/Black Mountain on a Saturday morning recently, former UNC Women's Basketball Coach Sylvia Hatchell greeted everyone with an ever-ready smile. More than one time during the morning, she thanked the group of volunteers for preparing the patch for a hearty harvest season.

When Mark McCurry was in high school, his friends knew him as good for a laugh.

The retired Forest City Fire Chief says retirement has turned him into a man maid.

The Mercy Award is the highest honor a LifePoint employee can receive. It is named in memory of Scott Mercy, LifePoint Hospital's Founding chairman and CEO. Mercy believed that a group of people working together toward a common goal or common vision can accomplish great things. The award commends individuals who consistently go beyond the call of duty in serving patients and community. It recognizes one employee at each hospital who best exemplifies the spirit and values upon which the company was founded. This year's Mercy Award winner is Anagine Burns.

Cars are sometimes at the heart of Rutherford County. Luckily Roy Mullins and Paul Deck have hearts for selling and servicing cars.

"When you watch a young couple buying a new car or even a newer car than the one they're driving, you see all kinds of emotions. But when all the details are worked out and they realize they've done it, it's pretty obviously one of the best days of their lives. They will even hug and kiss," Mullins said when asked what he likes about selling and servicing cars at Friendship Chrysler Dodge Jeep Nissan and dreams of continuing the traditions at the company's newly purchased McCurry-Deck dealership.

In a recent media release to Community First Media, the Catawba Nation announced it plans to fast-track the summer 2021 opening of the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort project in Kings Mountain.

Watching youtube videos during the toughest days of COVID-19 last year sparked a new interest and a challenge for one 18-year-old R-S Central High School student.

Construction is underway at Wells, Jenkins & Wells after being awarded the Increasing Meat Processing Efficiency and Capacity Grant from NCDA&CS last September. This grant is being used to expand their operations off Rollins Road in Forest City.

A chat with Margaret Annuziata is as comfortable as sweet tea at Smith's Drug or lunch at the Copper Penny.