For the second year in a row, the Gryphons football team make the third round of the playoffs, but fall again. The effort was there, but second half turnovers doomed Thomas Jefferson in a 33-28 road loss to Community School of Davidson (12-2). Rutherford County hasn't made the fourth round of the football playoffs since 1992.

It's begun to look a lot like Christmas in Forest City, and the holiday season will officially kick off Thursday night during the Annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony beginning at 6 p.m.

"It's a tradition. People come every year and bring their families," said Amy Bridges, town planer and director of downtown development.

The Gryphons have won on defense, field position and turnovers the past two weeks and have two playoff victories as a result. Thomas Jefferson picked up their tenth win of the season and have done so in back-to-back seasons. It's the first time on school history to notch double-digits in the win column in consecutive years.

What if? What if third graders were introduced to the idea of college, well before they'd need to even think about volunteerism, GPAs and SATs.

By asking that what if several years ago, the McNair Educational Foundation created the "High School Heroes" program in elementary schools. The program is implemented by students who are in the Building Leaders class.

A variety of activities honoring those who served in the armed forces was held around Rutherford County prior to Veteran's Day on Nov. 11.

Only one team remains in the fall playoff among high school teams in the county and it's at Thomas Jefferson.

Being able to provide space for mothers and children to acclimate to a change in their lives is a goal of a new women's shelter that will be built by Grace of God Rescue Mission.

For 40 years, Marie Champion has overseen the Rutherford County Veterans Services department. On Dec. 18, she'll leave the position, but, she said, she'll never stop working to help veterans.

Three of the four football teams in Rutherford County won last week and all three will get a chance to play in the postseason, starting Friday (11/13).

The Haynes Branch Library in Henrietta officially has a new home.

Located on land that was once home to Cone Mills Haynes Plant, a grand opening/ribbon cutting is planned later this month. The new library is next door to a new Rutherford County EMS Station.

Rutherford Health Center, a Blue Ridge Community Health Services site, has expanded its offerings to the community with new dental services.

Rutherford County's 2015 Football Champion is R-S Central.

There was no doubt about last Friday's contest. R-S Central handled business and easily won 42-0 over East Rutherford. The Hilltoppers offense is peaking at the right time as they scored 28 the week before and now 42 with all six touchdowns coming on the ground against the East Rutherford.

Lindsey Bailey has been riding horses since she could walk. Born into a family who has always been a part of the equestrian scene, it was no surprise that Bailey would one day also become a rider.

The year 2015 has been a big one for Rutherford County Line, a bluegrass band with members from across North and South Carolina and Tennessee. In June the group performed at Dollywood and an album is in the works.

It's that time of the year again, East Rutherford will battle R-S Central in Rutherford for round two of the Rutherford County football championship.

Without insurance, Gladys Logan wasn't sure how she would afford a mammogram. A friend told her about mobile mammography, but there was a cost associated with it. She didn't have the money to pay for it, and because she didn't qualify for Medicaid, that wasn't an option either.

Those who are facing or have faced a breast cancer diagnosis are not alone.

On the football field...

East Rutherford seemed to be on the way to a shocking loss until they scored 16 unanswered in the second half and beat Draughn on the road 16-14. A safety gave them the lead in the fourth and they held on to move to 4-4, 2-3 on the year.

One day just isn't enough.

For the twelfth year, Rutherford County's Week of Caring will be held Oct. 17-24, with projects ranging from raking leaves and cleaning gutters to cleaning ceiling fans and constructing handicap ramps. The week leads up to the National Make A Difference Day.

If you've always wanted to explore your family history but lacked the tools and know-how to do so, then the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Forest City can help you to get started.

Round one of this season's Rutherford County Championship goes to R-S Central (4-3, 1-3), who got past Chase 26-7 last Friday. It was Central's rushing game led by Tyrese Tate that led them to four touchdowns on the ground and well over 250 yards in that category.

"Sow that you may reap, come that you may gain, pay that you may remain."

For more than 70 years the Rutherfordton Garden Club has been following this motto, gathering to learn, share and work on projects that help to beautify the Town of Rutherfordton.

What was once home to a Boy Scout troop will now serve youth - and adults - again as early as the end of October.

In case anybody missed it, Brendan Thompson ran for a 67-yard touchdown at the end of last Friday's game at Crest. Nicknamed "Twink", who is a special needs kid was set up on the last play of the game to do so by coaches on both sides. After the touchdown, players from both sides ran to the end zone to congratulate the young man. It was a scene that you don't see hardly in the sports. Although it rained, it didn't dampen the spirits of good sportsmanship. Kudos to those involved in handling that whole thing.

For almost 40 years, Riders in the Sky has been sharing humor and music with audiences of all ages. And on Oct. 5, the Grammy-winning cowboy quartet will return to The Foundation Performing Arts & Conference Center in Spindale to again entertain.