There has been something on my mind lately. Multiple people have asked me what I thought was wrong with NASCAR. While I do continue to follow the sport, cover events, I do still want to be positive about it since I have a lot of respect for those for who do that line of work and those friends of mine who are in the business.

The boys are back in town, and this season promises a return to days of baseball past.

The 2015 Forest City Owls team had its first crack at the bat Tuesday night against Columbia Blowfish. Tomorrow night the team will take the field at home against the Florence Redwolves beginning at 7:05 p.m.

The Congregations For Children (C4C) Rutherford County knows that together change can happen. And one of the changes they seek to make this summer is to keep children from going hungry.

The spring high school sports season has come to a close, but not without a valiant effort by a couple of teams last week.

R-S Central's softball team (18-5) made the sweet 16, but fell to upstart 11 seed in Parkwood, 3-1 at home to end the season. Parkwood's Caroline Ruth threw a four hitter and the Lady Rebels were able to get just enough run support to end one of Central's greatest softball season's of late. Haley White, who tossed a three hitter, looked good from the pitching circle, but the bats couldn't get going. It's one of just a couple of times that has happened all year long.

Memorial Day, while not intended to be, serves a kick off to summer for many travelers. But with AAA estimating that travelers will encounter higher lodging costs this year, why not plan to visit all that's offered right here in your own backyard?

The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the symbol of quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch since 1933, are scheduled to make several appearances in the area on May 28-30, including one in the Town of Forest City on Friday, May 29, in conjunction with Fox Distributing's 35th Anniversary.

At the completion of this column, just two of the eight postseason teams this spring season are left in high school sport among Rutherford County teams. R-S Central softball and Thomas Jefferson girls soccer team is all that's left.

For a year now, Retro Praise & Worship Center has worshipped together on Sunday mornings at Retro Cinema. But, leaders are quick to remind, the church isn't as much about its location but its mission to keep Christ at the forefront.

Six students at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy traded uniforms for walking shoes and their classrooms for a much larger learning experience in March.

Softball

R-S Central has been on a surge lately, beating East Rutherford 5-0 last week and have won nine of their last 10 games. Brooke Moore had 2 RBI in the win against East Rutherford, while Haley White, Katie McEntire and Makayla Crawford each had two hits. White picked up the win, tossing an exceptional one-hitter.

The Third Annual Corvettes for Vets will be this Saturday beginning at 10 a.m.

The event grew out of the Rutherford County Corvettes Club, said President Barry Bumgardner. The club's members - who are from across Western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina - decided they wanted to use their cars in a positive way to bring people into the community and to raise money for a charity.

After years of construction, mud and rain, Timber Ridge is now completed.

Located in Spindale, Timber Ridge is a 50-unit apartment development for individuals ages 55 and older with a maximum income at 60 percent or less of the median income of Rutherford County, adjusted for household size. Rents range from $364 to $475 per month.

Jimmy Means Racing made Forest City especially proud this past weekend in Talladega. The Xfinity team based right here in Rutherford County with young Joey Gase driving had their best weekend so far this season.

The sounds of fiddles and banjos will again fill the air around the Union Mills Learning Center during the Third Annual Music at the Mills Bluegrass & Arts Festival May 15 and 16.

Sixth graders from Rutherford and Polk counties were having too much fun learning how to dust for fingerprints, watch cans shrink from changes in air pressure and learning proper hand washing techniques to realize that they were learning about science and technology at the same time.

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson Softball went 1-2 on the week. They beat Community School of Davidson 6-5 to end the week to notch their third victory of the season. They will host Highland Tech on 4/30.

Let’s start locally.

Carlos Watkins had a solid spring for Clemson Football. The Tigers junior will likely see a lot more of the field this coming season. He had four tackles in the spring game for the Orange team and a sack just a couple of weeks ago. 

For the 40th year, fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade crafts, fresh cut flower arrangements and more will once again be available from local farmers who set up shop at the Farmers Market of Rutherford County. 

Local Roundup: East Rutherford baseball (11-4, 7-2) took care of rivals R-S Central and Chase this past week. Pitching and defense continues to bode well for the Cavaliers. They continue to have a two game lead in the 2A portion of the SMAC, while Crest leads the conference overall.

Pat Hardin has certainly seen changes for the libraries across Rutherford County. As library director for the past 42 years at Norris Public Library, Hardin said the library now offers much more than just books for people to borrow and read. 

A film made in 1948 about Rutherford County has been newly-restored and will have a public premiere next week. 

“This is Progressive Rutherford County” will be shown Tuesday, April 14, at 7 p.m. at Retro Cinema 4 in Forest City. Tickets will be $6 for all seats. 

High school baseball

Chase won all three of their contest while Spring Break was in session and has won four in a row now.