They don't just get educated here and leave.

Among the ones who come home or stay here after high school are one capacity development director and one flower farmer. There are dozens more. They may well be among our best hopes for the future.

Minister Robert Godfrey, 41, of Spindale knows what it is like to get in trouble as a young teen and be incarcerated. He has lived that. He understands the challenges of youth in Rutherford County when they get out of school in the afternoons with "nothing to do," he said recently. He wants to help the youth to make better choices than he did.

For U.S. Army veteran and Shelby native, Stanley Whitaker, the surprise his neighbor, spray paint artist Darrell Endicott had for him thoroughly caught him off guard - but in a good way!

Under a bright sunny sky, similar to the one on Sept. 11, 2001, approximately 200 people gathered Saturday for the 20th anniversary memorial ceremony of 9/11: We Will Never Forget.

Hometown girl makes good.

Or maybe better we should say, distinguished retiring Air Force Colonel is ending her career and speaking to community 9/11 remembrance at the POPS. The park will open at 8 that morning with a number of emergency vehicles on hand and information available from local veterans groups. The program with get underway at 10.

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.