Dunham’s Sports® is excited to announce the official Grand Opening of its new Spindale store on Friday, June 19th at 9:00am. Dunham’s would like to invite residents of Spindale, Forest City and the surrounding communities to our Grand Opening weekend. The new store is located in the White Oaks Plaza at 1639 US-74 Alt. Store hours are Monday–Friday 9am to 9pm, Saturday 8am to 9pm and Sunday 9am to 7pm. Join Dunham’s in celebrating the opening of our new store at 9am on Friday, June 19th. The first 150 adult customers to make a purchase of $19.99 or more on Friday, June 19th will receive a Dunham’s Sports® gift card, worth up to $250.
Additionally, the first 100 families in line will receive a shopping bag with a coupon good for 25% off the regular price of everything they can fit in the bag (one-time use coupon good June 19th only, excludes firearms, ammo, optics and gift cards. Limit two of any one item).
On Saturday, June 20, the first 50 adults in the store will receive a Dunham’s t-shirt. Sunday, June 21st, the first 50 adults will receive a Dunham’s Sports® baseball cap. While shopping, enter to Win a Yeti® Roadie 15 Hard Cooler and a Rambler 26 oz. bottle (value $240), a Berne® Hooded Duck Jacket (value $64.99) or a
Benelli Nova 3 12GA 28” MOBL Pump Action Shotgun (value $749.99). Drawings will be held on July 8, 9 and 10.
Dunham’s Sports® is one of the largest sporting goods chains in the country, operating
offers expanded apparel and footwear departments, large hunt, fish, camp and water sports areas, and a broad selection of fitness equipment.
over 260 stores in 26 states. Founded in 1937 as Dunham’s Bait & Tackle, Dunham’s Sports® has grown to become the leading full-line sporting goods chain in secondary and tertiary markets in the United States.
The new Spindale Dunham’s
In addition, Dunham’s Sports® offers an expanded selection of equipment for all team sports from youth through adult, a large golf department, a broad selection of indoor and outdoor games, Go-Carts and Mini-Bikes, work wear, denim, hydration and much more. The store will feature great brands like Carhartt®, Ariat®, Nike®, Under Armour®, Adidas®, ChicknLegs®, Brooks®, Skechers®, Birkenstock®, Yeti®, Blackstone®, Callaway Golf®,
NordicTrack®, Pro-Form®, Easton®, Rawlings®, Federal®, Winchester®, Vortex®, Smith and Wesson® and many more.
Dunham’s Sports® is focused on delivering the name brands customers are looking for across its full assortment, while delivering great value; both tie directly into Dunham’s Sports® motto “Big Names...Low Prices.” We encourage you to Get in the Game® at Dunham’s Sports®, where our big names bring you in and our low prices bring you back!
Be sure to visit dunhamssports.com to find out more about the great brands and value Dunham’s Sports® has to offer.
Camp Harmony successful; Cookie sales will benefit the camp
Camp Harmony 2026 concluded recently with dozens of exceptional children, volunteers, staff and other supporters involved in the camp.
“It inspires volunteers to care for and support others with compassion and empathy,” said Director Nikki Brock of Forest City. “I am honored to continue being part of an organization that enriches lives, strengthens communities, and encourages people to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”
Campers spent time at the Forest City Recreation Center playing in the gym and swimming each day.
They skated and hand fed the animals at a zoo. The ChickFil-A mascot visited the children one day with surprises, also.
Throughout the month of June 10% of cookie sales at the Forest City Chick-Fil-A will be donated for Camp Harmony expenses.
“Being a part of Camp Harmony has been a deeply meaningful experience, beginning as a volunteer at the age of 10,” said Nikki. “Through Camp Harmony I have had the privilege of helping develop lasting friendships and connections that extend far beyond camp itself. The experiences created here provide opportunities that some individuals may never otherwise have the chance to enjoy—moments of belonging, joy, personal growth, and community,” Nikki said.
“I have seen many volunteers become influenced to further their education in areas of education, speech, occupational and physical therapy from being a volunteer at Camp Harmony...I remain committed to supporting its mission and future growth,” she added.
Compiled By: Jean Gordon. Camp Harmony Photos.
Time to Celebrate Dad!
Foundation Invites 2026 Grant Applications
RHI Legacy Foundation is accepting grant applications through Friday, July 31 at 5pm.
reports will be required for partners that receive grant funding.
Current focus areas are chronic disease, healthy eating, and active living. A thorough description of each of the focus areas and eligibility requirements appears in the grants section of their website at www.RHILegacyFoundation.com/grants.
RHI Legacy Foundation welcomes grant applications from organizations that serve people in Rutherford County. Exempt governmental units, religious institutions, and nonprofit entities may apply.
Grants will be evaluated based on the measurable impact of the project, the consistency with the mission of the Foundation, the requestor’s ability to sustain the project beyond grant funding, and the project’s adherence to the 2026 focus areas. Agencies selected for approval will receive funds in October of 2026. Subsequent
Professionals from across the region recently completed Gardner-Webb University’s Grant Writing Certificate program, developing proposals designed to address real needs in education, public safety, healthcare, and community development. Now equipped with practical skills and grant plans, participants are positioned to pursue funding and turn their ideas into action.
Agencies with questions about eligibility or who need assistance with the application process are encouraged to call Jill Miracle, the Foundation’s executive director at 828202-4630. Miracle states, “We are available to discuss grant applications at any time during the process. It is our desire to deepen relationships with applying organizations to learn more about their work and to assist them as needed as they complete their requests.”
Since 2014, RHI Legacy Foundation has awarded $31,892,000 to local organizations to create or expand healthrelated services in Rutherford County, to increase organizational capacity, and to provide access to healthy foods and recreational activities. Key projects include the Rutherford County Schools Backpack Program, the Thermal Belt Rail Trail and the newly opened Legacy Soccer Park.
Interested applicants are encouraged to visit https://www.RHILegacyFoundation. com for more information.
Article Provided By: RHI Legacy Foundation
participants emphasized that grant writing is more than completing an application— it is a strategic process requiring research, clarity, and attention to detail.
While each participant’s project is distinct, the collective impact of the program is clear. From literacy and education to healthcare, financial empowerment, and public safety, these proposals represent tangible solutions to real challenges.
Offered through Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE), the five-session course provided handson training in identifying funding opportunities and building competitive grant proposals. Led by Dr. Bobbie Cox, professor and director of the Master of Public Administration program, the course culminates with participants presenting a grant proposal tailored to their organization’s needs.
For many participants, the course provided a framework to turn long-recognized needs into clear, fundable initiatives.
Octavia Dorsey, a GardnerWebb University learning management systems administrator, focused her project on literacy, an issue she has observed firsthand through her experience as a school librarian. “There is a gap,” Dorsey said. “The community wants to blame COVID, but COVID wasn’t the problem—it just shed light on the problem.”
Through the course, Dorsey developed a proposal for “Always Learning Tutoring,” a communitybased initiative designed to strengthen literacy skills and expand access to educational support.
Similarly, Kimberly Logan of Haven Center in Forest City, wrote a grant to support the organization’s “Decision Camp” program that helps young people identify their strengths, explore career pathways, and build life skills through immersive, real-world experiences. Her organization’s programming includes yearround mentorship, cultural exposure, and scenariobased learning that enables students to see the long-term impact of their choices.
Throughout the program,
From left Tammy Drummond-Rowland, Cathe Graves and Lisa Mathis Courtney prepare for the local author fair at the county library held on June 13. Tammy writes about holistic wellness, Cathe devotions and Lisa’s book is about women dealing with grief.
Mason Brian Jones of BSA Troop 129 Spindale was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout with three Palms on May 23 in a ceremony at Calvary Baptist Church in Mooresboro.
Eagle Scout is the highest award a youth can earn in the Boy Scouts of America it signifies extreme leadership and outdoor skills.
A part of the requirements include a community service project that must be thought of by the scout, planned, organized and led to completion by supervising others.
Mason contacted the Town of Spindale and worked closely with town officials leading the construction of a Rails to Trails rest shelter and bench with concrete base and metal roof in the center of town. BSA Troop 129 in Spindale is sponsored by Spencer Baptist Church.
Pictured are front row (left to right): Ralph and Cheryl Heatherly (grandparents), Crystal Jones (mother), Lucy Jones (sister), Charles Jones (father), Eagle Scout Mason Jones, Terry Henderson (Scoutmaster), Doris and Alan Jones (grandparents). Back row: Jon Carlisle- U.S.Marine Corps League -Chris Ebert Detachment, Forest City; David Guy Representative of North Carolina Congressman Tim Moore and Rutherford County Commissioner Alan Toney.
Article & Photos Provided By: Pat Jobe
Taking Time to Turn a Page: How Readers are Attempting to Slow Down Summer
(Feature Impact) For many adults, the slowburning summers of childhood are a thing of the past. Unscheduled days and unhurried weeks have turned into a rushed season of endless activities and packed calendars.
In fact, according to a new survey from ThriftBooks, the largest independent online bookseller of new and used books, threequarters of U.S. adults who read said summer moves faster now than it did when they were growing up. Readers across the country are turning back the clocks by opening a book with 56% of those surveyed reporting reading makes summer feel like it lasts longer, and most agree it helps them slow down in a way other forms of downtime simply do not.
Somewhere along the way, digital devices took the place of traditional books with 60% of readers saying screens take away from the feeling of summer, including the activities most associated with childhood: being outdoors, family time and reading.
For readers, books may be one of the simplest ways to bring back that
by Pat Jobe
Drink water?
Ah, come on.
I sat with a local doctor many years ago, and he was frustrated.
“People tell me there’s water in their soft drinks and coffee and tea, but they need to just drink water,” he said.
Even more years ago, I saw a video that was very rough and poorly made, but the audio was pretty clear. It came from a Russian doctor who had been in a Soviet prison. He said many of his fellow prisoners knew he was a doctor and when they would get sick, they’d come to him. But he had no access to medicine, so he would tell them to drink more water.
He said in every case their health improved.
But after reading this, you’re likely not going to drink more water.
A church member I worked for was told to drink more water by his doctor. He said he didn’t like the taste. He was dead within a few months. I’m not sure his lack of hydration killed him, but water might have prolonged his life.
On the radio a famous
Lots Of People Know This, But Don’t Do It
preacher said when he drinks more water he has to use the bathroom more often. The man on the radio with him said once we become better hydrated the trips to the bathroom become more like they were before. It evens out.
But we just won’t do it. There is some good news. Alcohol consumption is down. Drinking alcohol has the opposite affect of drinking water. Water helps. Alcohol hurts.
A young friend told me recently he had given up drinking alcohol. This surprised me because I know he is not at all religious. He explained, “It’s poison. Even a little bit is poison.” And it is a slow killer, but a killer all the same.
My church member who died shortly after being told to drink more water probably figured life was not worth living if he had to drink more water. Maybe not, but truly there seems to be a real resistance in our culture to doing things that are good for us.
But drinking water? Yep, that, too.
We’re told in our biology classes that our bodies are made up of a lot of water. The living cells that make our hearts, lungs and other organs work are made up of lots of water.
Our entire planet is made up of three quarters water. In the Middle East huge machinery works to take
the salt out of sea water and make it drinkable. Water is at the heart of so much of our lives. Out West they are trying to figure out how to manage water across thousands of miles, and water is at the heart of controversies surrounding new data centers to support Artificial Intelligence. Soft drink companies have made a gazillion dollars off bottled water.
Most of us will still refuse to drink more for our health. In the case of at least one man, he’d rather die. Writing this has made me thirsty. Contact Pat Jobe at patjobe13@gmail.com.
Rutherford County Author Jim Owens to host book signing event June 27
A book signing will be held by Author Jim Owens for his latest book “VEIN MOUNTAIN The Search for Gold” on Saturday, June 27 from 1pm to 3pm at Spindale House located at 119 Tanner Street in Spindale.
Owens tells North Carolina’s historical stories about his community. Racing hotrods, and winning treasure hunters with maps looking for gold in the hills and streams, indigenous Indians, and the famous Dutchman are just a few stories he tells us in Vein Mountain.
Each chapter delivers excitement as true events
June27, 2026 -9:00 AM
No way to describe this Auction– Something for everyone! Check out Web site for list of Unique Items being sold! Viewing: Fri., June 26th 10:00 – 2:00 PM
Auction No way to describe this Auction– Something for everyone! Check out Web site for list of Unique Items being sold! Viewing: Fri., June 26th 10:00 – 2:00 PM
Vintage Amps, Speakers Radios (Table & Floor)/Clocks, Cameras 1000+ Vintage Records 33s, 45s, 78s: DATING BACK TO THE 1930’s, Country, Western, Rock N Roll, Blues, Gospel, Classical, Soul, Jazz.
1000+ Vintage Records 33s, 45s, 78s: DATING BACK TO THE 1930’s, Country, Western, Rock N Roll, Blues, Gospel, Classical, Soul, Jazz. Plus: 100’sCD’s, Cassettes, VHS’S, DVD’s & Players. 2- 9X16 Storage Bldgs—Cast Iron/Copper
aspire to take you on a five-year journey revealing hometown stories and legends of Dysartsville North Carolina, and Blue Ridge Mountains. Owens, a local storyteller and historian, says he has always been intrigued by Vein Mountain. “This book takes you on a journey from the early settlers to the Cherokee Indian nation to solving the Dutchman’s riddle to find the gold,” said Owens. Vein Mountain is his second publication.
Article Provided By: Jan B. Cook
Aiming Outdoorsmen Toward Christ
Rutherford County TDA semi-annual Coffee Talk held
By Gary Miller
When I first began bass fishing as a young adult, I didn’t have the luxury of a bass boat and all its frills. I fished with a friend who had a “V” hull aluminum boat. The trolling motor was small, and the outboard was even smaller. He owned a small cabin on the lake, so our fishing always started from the same location. Because of the limited horsepower we rarely traveled very far away. We always fished in the same places and seldom went home empty-handed. It seems as I got older and better equipped, I traveled farther up and down the lake to find those illusive bass, only to have pretty much the same results. You see now I spend more of my time moving than I do fishing and while I can see what’s below now with all the sonar, I once knew what was below by experience. I had fished Straight Creek Hollow so many times, under so many situations, that I knew where the bass were probably hiding. I was simply forced to bloom where I was planted. Oh, there were times that I wished I were up in the river or down beside the bridge; but I was forced to learn to succeed where I was at the time. I think about this same scenario when I deer hunt. I know that I will be better off if I will just come to know the 50 acres I’ve been given instead of trying to hunt 400 acres. I can remember taking a picture of a young pine tree. It was growing from the middle of a huge rock, and it was thriving. What it couldn’t go around, above, or under, it just went through. I knew it was not supposed to grow there but it didn’t. I knew it was out of place but it didn’t. I could have explained to it every reason why it would never become a fruitful tree, but the only thing that would have been unfruitful were my words. Because, you see, it bloomed where it was planted. Don’t let anyone tell you that you will never succeed where you are. Don’t let anyone add you to the average or make you fit into a certain research demographic. When God is with you, what you can’t go around, above, or under, He will take you through.
Most of High Shoals Falls Trail, including the waterfall viewing areas, remains closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene. Debris removal was completed in spring 2026, and we are now in the planning and design stage of the recovery project.
Please see below for the status of all facilities at South Mountains:
Open
• Most hiking trails at the
The 2026 Rutherford County Travel Guide now has a tear-away map. Taylor Hardin, Marketing and Project Administrator for the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), shared the newly released guide with participants at the TDA’s semi-annual Coffee Talk. It had been stated at a previous meeting that visitors to the county were asking about a map when picking up guides. She also had posters and trifolds listing the many events in the county celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States. These include the unveiling of the Overmountain Men Memorial Statue in Rutherfordton and the largest county fireworks celebration at Isothermal Community College on July Fourth.
TDA Executive Director Don Cason welcomed the group and spoke of his additional duties as Director of the county Economic Development Commission.
Gary Miller gary@outdoortruths.org
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 23 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Stay updated on Outdoor Truths each week by subscribing at Outdoortruths.org
Jacob Fork access
• Picnic area and nearby trout streams
• Tent/trailer/RV campground
• Visitor center
• Equestrian day-use parking area
• Equestrian campground, including horse barn
• Backpack campsites –some hike-in mileages have changed due to reroutes from hurricane damage: -Fox Trail campsites are
now 6.8 miles (formerly 4.9)
-Jacob Branch campsites are now 6.6 miles (formerly 3.8)
-Little River campsites
-Murray Branch campsites are now 7 miles (formerly 5.4)
-Sawtooth campsites
Closed
• High Shoals Falls Trail, including waterfall viewing areas
• Headquarters, Shinny, and Possum Trails
$671,500 in scholarships awarded
separate budgets under one director. He outlined the eight year old Rutherford Bound county-wide asset development program. Eleven projects are underway, 14 have been completed and over $30 million has been raised through grants, local governments, the TDA and private donations. This does not include $16 million dollars for the RHI Legacy Soccer Park. The ribbon cutting for the Colfax Gin Park in Ellenboro is being planned for July, the Factory at KidSenses Children’s INTERACTIVE Museum is in the final stages and the Depot on Park Square in Forest City is planned for completion in November. All TDA funds come from the occupancy tax collected when people spend the night in hotels and bed and breakfasts in the county. Cason also discussed the TDA’s Raise The Rock program raising funds to help with the rebuilding of Chimney Rock after hurricane Helene.
Helene Recovery at South Mountains State Park
• No trail access for mountain biking
• Shinny Creek and Upper Falls backpack campsites
• All of Clear Creek access (day use only) Article Provided By: ncparks.gov
plan for rebuilding the town. Having the plan in place has led to securing several grants to help rebuild the area which will eventually include
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina approved scholarships totaling $671,500 to 106 WNC students in 60 schools in 20 counties. More than 60 volunteers from the community reviewed applications and selected recipients.
Judson Bragdon of Lake Lure Classical Academy was awarded the WNC Regional - Clyde and
Mildred Wright Endowment Fund Scholarship, valued at $20,000 over four years.
“Serving on the scholarship committee is incredibly rewarding,” said Leronica Casey, a volunteer reviewer for the Nathaniel Ellis Cannady, Jr. Scholarship and Rotary Club of Asheville Harry R. Morrill Scholarship programs.
“I enjoy reviewing and reading each applicant’s story of ambition and get joy knowing that my efforts contribute to helping the next generation overcome financial barriers and reach their educational goals.”
Scholarship endowments can have broad eligibility criteria or can be focused on a particular school or county, offered to students pursuing a degree in a stated field, or to those who’ll attend a designated college or university.
Reagan Jones, age 12, of Forest City, competed at the National Gymnastics Association National Competition on June 8th and placed 2nd in the nation for her age group out of 14 talented gymnasts. Out of 362 Level 4 competitors, Reagan
her
GARY MILLER
Around
faith responders who have done so much to assist in rebuilding stores in Chimney Rock.
Article & Photos Provided By: Pat Nanney
Taylor Hardin, Marketing and Project Administrator for the Rutherford County TDA.
ICC Launches Inaugural Careers Electric Summer Electrical Academy
Seventeen area high school students are participating in the inaugural Careers Electric Summer Electrical Academy at Isothermal Community College, an innovative eightweek program designed to introduce young people to rewarding careers in the electrical industry.
The academy, which runs from June 1 through July 29, provides high school juniors and seniors age 16 and older with hands-on training, industry instruction, workplace learning opportunities, and valuable certifications. Participants also receive a $2,000 stipend and transportation support while exploring career
pathways in the growing electrical trades field.
“This program gives students an opportunity to gain real-world experience, develop in-demand skills, and learn directly from industry professionals,” said Dr. Scott Queen, ICC’s vice president of Economic and Workforce Development.
“We are excited to partner with Careers Electric to help students discover rewarding careers while building a strong workforce for our region.”
Students selected for the inaugural academy are Luke Bailey, Brenda Borbonio-Trinidad, Dylan Brown, Avery Calvert, Jeffrey Camp, Aiden
More Than $22 Million in FEMA Funding for Hurricane Helene Recovery Projects in NC-14 including Lake Lure, Spindale
Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) announced more than $22 million in federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hurricane Helene recovery projects across North Carolina’s 14th District. The funding will support debris removal and critical infrastructure repairs in communities across NC-14, including projects to restore water, sewer, roadway, and utility systems damaged by Hurricane Helene.
“These projects represent another important step forward in the recovery from Hurricane Helene,” said Congressman Moore. “From debris removal in Burke County and Rutherford County to infrastructure repairs in communities across NC-14, this funding will help restore critical infrastructure and support the work that remains ahead. I appreciate President Trump, Secretary Mullin, and FEMA for continuing to prioritize Western North Carolina’s recovery.”
Local FEMA funding recipients include:
• $1,258,761.67 supports private property debris removal operations in Rutherford County following Hurricane Helene. The project removed eligible storm debris from private properties and help communities continue recovery efforts. This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.
• $822,891.40 will go to the Town of Lake Lure to repair or replace a sewer lift station damaged during Hurricane Helene. The project will help restore critical wastewater infrastructure serving local residents and businesses. This funding is authorized
under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.
• $476,531.21 will go to the Town of Lake Lure to repair damaged roads, embankments, ditches, shoulders, and related infrastructure impacted by Hurricane Helene. The project will help restore transportation infrastructure and improve access throughout the community. This funding is authorized under Section
406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.
• $297,065.83 will go to the Town of Lake Lure to repair or replace pipes damaged during Hurricane Helene. The project will help restore critical utility infrastructure. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.
• $528,014.91 will go to the Town of Spindale to repair or replace pipes
Rutherford Weekly Sudoku
damaged during Hurricane Helene. The project will help restore critical utility infrastructure and support
ongoing recovery efforts. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.
contact Peyton Greenlee at pgreenlee@isothermal.edu
JUNE
Being Accepted Now
June 19
June 20
Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Hamburger/Hot Dog dinner
Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday Forest City Vip Lions Club
When: Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday; 6:30pm
Where: Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church; 397 Mt. Pleasant Church Rd., Forest City
More Info: Seeking volunteers or new members. We serve our community.
Every 2nd Tuesday
Lake Lure Lions Club
When: 2nd Tuesdays 6pm
Where: La Strada Restaurant; 2693 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure
More Info: If you’re interested & would like to attend a club meeting, contact club president John Kobland at jkobland@gmail.com.
First Tuesday Rutherford Dementia Support Group
When: First Tuesday each month 5-6pm
Where: First United Methodist Church Forest City Fellowship Hall; 341 E. Main St., Forest City
More Info: Discuss topics related to Dementia. 828-395-0083.
First Tuesday Cancer Support Group
When: First Tuesday each month 5-6:30pm
Where: Rutherford County Senior Center
More Info: For cancer patients & survivors; informative topics, friendship & refreshments. RSVP 828-245-4596, option 1.
Third Tuesday Amateur Radio Club
When: 3rd Tuesday; 7pm
Where: Rutherford County Administration Building; 289 N. Main St., Rutherfordton (Use the door on the left to enter the building.)
More Info: Isothermal Amateur Radio Club Amateur Radio Operators (Hams), GMRS, or any radio hobby enthusiast feel free to join us & explore the aspects of the radio hobby.
Fourth Tuesday
Rutherford County Woodworkers Club
When: Every Fourth Tuesday Where: Rutherford County Annex, Rutherfordton More Info: 919-696-6064.
Second Thursday Coffee for Veterans
When: Second Thursday of the month at 10am Where: Fairfield Mountains Chapel; 1384 Buffalo Creek Rd., Lake Lure
More Info: All veterans welcome for free coffee, refreshments, and camaraderie.
More Info: Rutherford County Beekeepers’ monthly meeting is for any beekeeper or anyone else wanting to connect, learn, and share about beekeeping. We serve the county as ambassadors for beekeeping.
Third Thursday Coffee & Conversations for Veterans When: Third Thursday monthly; 9:30-10:30am Where: Rutherford County Veteran Services; 145 College Ave. Suite B, Rutherfordton More Info: 828-287-6185.
Thursdays
BINGO – Disabled American Veterans Chapter 25 When: Thursdays 7-10pm Where: Old Green Hill School; 2501 US 64/74A Hwy., Rutherfordton More Info: Doors open 5:30pm. Early bird 7pm; regular program 7:30pm
Narcotics Anonymous meeting When: Thursdays; 12:30-1:30pm Where: Community Healing Recovery & Thriving Center; 648 Withrow Rd., Forest City
Rutherfordton Kiwanis Club Meeting
When: 6:30pm (except 5th Thursdays) Where: Woodrow Jones Building, Main St., Rutherfordton
More Info: Join us to work for the benefit of the kids of Rutherford County
Learn more about the history of the Confederacy Contact teddybear93_890@yahoo. com. We need new members interested in the history & will help preserve this history. Contact me about joining the LT William Corbitt SCV camp. Meetings 2nd Thursday night at the Annex in Rutherfordton
Saturdays
Community Flea Market
When: First Saturday monthly
Where: Gilkey Community Center; 217 Gilkey School Rd., Rutherfordton
More Info: Fundraiser for Gilkey Community Center building improvements. Joey 828-289-8828.
Stitch by Stitch
When: First Saturday monthly, 12pm
Where: Rutherford County Library, Callahan Rd., Spindale
More Info: Age 10 & up; crossstitch, needle point & slow stitching
Forest City Kiwanis Club Citizen of the Year Award Nominations now being accepted
The award, given each year since 1935, recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding service, leadership & dedication to the community. Community members are encouraged to nominate deserving individuals who exemplify citizenship & who help make the community a better place to live & work. Nominations due July 3. Submit in paragraph form describing nominee’s character, community involvement, leadership, and contributions to the community. Nominations can be mailed to Forest City Kiwanis Club PO Box 314 Forest City, NC 28043 or they can be given to any club member.
Thru July 25
Art Show
When: Thru July 25; Wednesday, Thursay, Saturday 11am-3pm, Friday 11am-7pm
Where: Rutherford County Visual Artists Guild; 160 N. Main St., Rutherfordton
More Info: “Textures”, a collaborative art show by Bobby Pitts (ceramicist) and Tom Phelps (photographer). “Textures” exhibits pairings of photographs and pottery tied together by a dialogue that begins in color and finds an echo in texture: what is suggested on a flat surface becomes tangible in clay.
When: June 19; 10am-3pm
Where: Kiwanis Park; 129 N. Main St., Rutherfordton
More Info: The MLK Committee of New Hope invite all to attend! Food Market, Vendors, Music, and fun fellowship. Dress for outside park weather.
Blood Drive
When: June 19; 12-5:30pm
Where: First Baptist Church Forest City, Fellowship Hall; 211 W. Main St., Forest City
More Info: All presenting donors will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice and be automatically entered to win 1 of 2 $7.5K gift cards! To make an appointment visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800733-2767
Blood Drive
When: June 19; 12-4:30pm
Where: Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall; 252 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton
More Info: All presenting donors will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice and be automatically entered to win 1 of 2 $7.5K gift cards! To make an appointment visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800733-2767
When: June 20; 4-7pm
Where: Piedmont-Pleasant Hill Community Clubhouse; 1761 Maple Creek Road, Rutherfordton More Info: $8.
June 26
Free Movie Friday
When: June 26; 8pm
Where: Forest City Pavilion On Park Square - POPS; 153 Park Square, Forest City
More Info: Grab your lawn chairs and join us for Shrek! It’s the perfect way to enjoy an evening with friends and family. The event is free and open to the public. To view the FULL event lineup and details, visit forestcitypops.com.
Blood Drive
June 27
When: June 27; 9am-2pm
Where: Cliffside Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall; 220 Old Main St., Cliffside
More Info: All presenting donors will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice and be automatically entered to win 1 of 2 $7.5K gift cards! To make an appointment visit RedCrossBlood. org or call 1-800-733-2767
July 4
The Big Day in Ellenboro
When: July 4; 9am-1pm
Where: Main Street, Ellenboro; Ellenboro Town Hall
More Info: Patriotic opening ceremony 9:30am; car show, vendors, The Golden Valley Crusaders concert 11am, free hot dogs, chips and drinks in the basement of the Town Hall.
July 4
America 250 Rutherford County One County. One Celebration. 250 Years
When: July 4; noon
Where: Isothermal Community College – Lake Imogene Campus Grounds
More Info: Rutherford County’s official celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary — a once in a generation event bringing our communities together for one unforgettable night of patriotism, pride, and celebration. Massive countywide fireworks show with public viewing areas at Legacy Soccer Park and AJSA Jet Ski Races at the Lake Imogene Campus
August 1
County-wide Back to School Bash & Movement Fest
When: August 1; 10am to 2pm
Where: POPS- Pavilion on Park Square; 153 Park Square, Forest City
More Info: Partners include Grahamtown Team, Chase Youth Sports, Town of Forest City and others. Backpack giveaway, first come, first serve; games, health services, kids programs.
showcasing creativity, community pride, and youthful perspectives through Young Visions of America, a special public art installation created by students from the R-S Central High School AP 2-D Art Class in celebration of America 250.
Students were challenged to create original designs reflecting the spirit, history, and future of Rutherfordton while connecting our community’s story to the larger American experience. The result is a collection of thoughtful and inspiring works that highlight hometown pride, cultural heritage, natural beauty, and the vision of the next generation.
Featured student artists include: Cassie Hill, Rylee Morrison, Lydia Skipton, Elizabeth Trout, Fallyn Dunn, Dawna Stevens, Richard Truong.
Special thanks to R-S Central Art Teacher Addie Harris-Trull for her leadership and guidance throughout the project.
“The first AP 2-D Art and Design class at R-S Central High School was honored to collaborate with the Town
visual proposals representing the past, present, and future of Rutherfordton within the larger American narrative and worked together to bring those visions to life.”
“This installation emphasizes the power of young artists to shape public spaces and contribute to community identity,” said Lindy Abrams of Rutherfordton PARC. “By giving students a platform in Main Street Park, we’re not only celebrating a national milestone, we’re also fostering local creativity.”
Young Visions of America is part of the ongoing Art in the Park initiative, a collaboration between Rutherford Town Rising and Rutherfordton PARC that brings rotating public art displays to Main Street Park and celebrates creativity throughout our community.
Stop by Main Street Park and see how the next generation envisions Rutherfordton’s place in America’s story.
Mi Pueblito Mexican restaurants recently awarded $5,500 in scholarships to eight outstanding graduating seniors from Rutherford and Cleveland counties.
Established in memory of Judy Cope, the scholarship reflects her belief in the power of education and helping others pursue their dreams.
Scholarship Recipients:
• Camden Pasour
Kings Mountain High School
• Dylan Betancur
Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy
• Samantha Cox Cleveland County Early College
• Abagail Ellis Shelby High School
• Casse McFarland
East Rutherford High School
• Jean Pierre Umanzor
East Rutherford High School
• Maxie Canipe Crest High School
• Savannah Hodge R-S Central High School
Article Provided By: Mi Pueblito
Article Provided By: My Rutherfordton
Summer road trips create a sense of adventure during a popular time of year. That’s especially true for those planning driving vacations. Seasoned road trippers know to expect the unexpected when taking to the open road, and the surprises that emerge during a summer road trip make such excursions even more
memorable.
Many drivers will be hitching a trailer to their vehicles when taking to the open road for summer vacation. Trailers can be used to transport bicycles, boats, jet skis, kayaks, or even extra luggage.
Driving with trailers can be tricky, but drivers can keep these safety strategies in mind
when driving a vehicle with a trailer hitched to the back.
• Familiarize yourself with the trailer. Consumer Reports notes that travel trailers can sometimes weigh more and be even taller than the vehicle pulling them. That can make it challenging to
drive safely with a trailer in tow. But practice makes perfect, and drivers are urged to practice driving with a trailer in tow before they depart for a road trip. A large and empty parking lot can be a great place to get a feel for driving with a trailer hitched to the back of your vehicle.
• Practice turns. Turning when driving a car or truck with a trailer hitched to the back requires a different approach. Wide turns are necessary to reduce the likelihood that the trailer tires hit the curb.
• Consider using towing mirrors. Towing mirrors are specially designed side-view mirrors that extend beyond standard side-view mirrors to offer drivers wider visibility, which can be necessary when wide loads are attached to the back of a vehicle. Towing mirrors can make it safer to change lanes and drive in reverse when a trailer is attached to the back of a car or truck.
When towing a heavy boat, the brakes should be set to use a lot of force. But brakes should be adjusted when towing lighter weight to avoid tires locking up and skidding.
• Use the tow/haul mode if your vehicle has one. Many modern vehicles, and particularly trucks, come with a tow/ haul mode option. When
engaged, that system automatically adjusts the transmission when it senses a vehicle is going downhill. That takes some strain off the brakes and generally makes driving with a trailer in tow a lot safer. These tips can make driving with a trailer in tow more comfortable. Additional tips are available at consumerreports. org and carparts.com.
• Recognize trailers swing. Consumer Reports urges drivers to give constant consideration to the swing of a trailer when turning. A trailer sometimes swings in the opposite direction when turning, which can increase the chances of hitting other vehicles, signs and even pedestrians. Carparts. com notes that the longer the distance between the rear wheels to the back bumper of the trailer, the greater the tail might swing. Managing and calculating swing is one of the reasons why practicing before taking to the open road can be so helpful.
• Adjust the trailer brakes. Consumer Reports notes that many trailers have electric brakes, and these brakes can and should be adjusted depending on what’s being towed.
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups chopped fennel
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/3 cup chopped Castelvetrano (green) olives
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 orange, zest and juice only
1 goat cheese log (4 ounces)
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish pepper, to taste
Elder Abuse Awareness Event held at the Rutherford County Senior Center
Physical, emotional, psychological, financial and neglect are common categories of elder abuse. Prevention and awareness of these issues were discussed at the Rutherford County Elder Abuse Awareness Event recently at the Rutherford County Senior Center.
Tonya Garrison, Program Manager at the senior center, and Jody CrottsRollins, Supervisor or Adult Protective Services at the Rutherford County Department of Social Services, welcomed those attending.
Tonya Garrison said that elder abuse is a growing problem and many instances are not reported due to embarrassment or fear.
Pat steak dry & season generously with salt. Heat grill pan or grill to medium-high heat. Grill steak until medium-rare (135-140F), turning halfway through cooking, about 8 minutes total. Set aside.
Seniors should be aware of their value, purpose and opportunities. If a situation doesn’t feel right one should trust instincts and seek help. Tell someone. She encouraged the seniors to stay connected, stay aware, keep living boldly and remain curious asking “what do I still want to do.”
Detectives Tim Lowery and Mason Jolley with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s
Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Cook linguini according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining linguini in colander.
In same pasta pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Cook fennel, red pepper flakes & 1 teaspoon kosher salt over medium heat, stirring, until fennel is tender, 5-6 minutes. Add chopped olives, garlic & orange zest. Stir in orange juice. Set aside.
Return drained linguini to pot. Crumble goat cheese on top, add reserved pasta water. Stir until pasta is evenly coated.
Serve with slices of steak on top & garnish with fresh parsley.
Department spoke about financial exploitation of seniors by scammers who continue getting smarter. They highlighted calls about a relative in trouble needing money, someone needing bond money, impersonating a government agency such as the IRS or a sweepstakes or lottery. The caller will ask for a gift card which is hard to track to which the answer should always be “NO.” They also cautioned about exploitation by care takers who gain access to financial information and misuse the
Never give money to someone you don’t know was a message from representatives from the State Employees Credit Union. They see victims of scams almost everyday.
Slow down and think when you get a call, hang up and never wire money were things to remember.
Mandy Johnson, ombudsman with the Area Council on Aging, spoke about her role in investigating abuse claims in nursing homes, adult care facilities and family care homes. Signs of abuse can include becoming isolated, behavior changes, poor hygiene, weight loss and injuries. Her advice included stay connected, keep personal information private, check on neighbors and think ahead about decisions to be made.
The event concluded with Bingo and drawings for door prizes.
Article & Photos Provided By:
CARAMELIZED BEEF BOWLS
1 package (8 ounces) rice vermicelli noodles
Beef:
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 thumb ginger, peeled and grated
2 tablespoons fish sauce
4 teaspoons light brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemongrass paste
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 pound Niman Ranch ground beef
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Dressing:
4 tablespoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons lemongrass paste
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 teaspoons sriracha or hot sauce (optional)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salad:
8 oz. butter lettuce leaves
8 oz. carrots, peeled and sliced into matchsticks
1 English cucumber, thinly cut into half-moons
1 bunch fresh mint
1 bunch cilantro
chopped roasted and unsalted peanuts
1 lime, cut into wedges
Cook vermicelli noodles according to package directions. Set aside.
For beef: Whisk garlic, ginger, fish sauce, brown sugar, lemongrass paste & lime juice until blended. Add beef, mix until well blended. Marinate 15 minutes. In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil. Add beef, cook, breaking up using wooden spoon & stirring occasionally, until beef is caramelized, 10-12 minutes.
For dressing: Combine soy sauce, lime juice, lemongrass paste, brown sugar & sriracha. Whisk until sugar dissolves. Slowly stream in vegetable oil, whisking, until dressing is thickened.
Prepare salads: Divide noodles between four bowls. Arrange caramelized beef, lettuce, carrots, cucumber, mint & cilantro in bowls, drizzle with dressing & sprinkle with peanuts. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing.
Pat Nanney
Chapel Methodist Church 3060 Poors Ford
June 20
What: Food Give Away
When: June 20; 8-10am
Where: Caroleen Congregational Holiness Church; 112 Walker Store Rd., Ellenboro
More Info: Please come to the second parking lot and we will bring a box out to your car.
June 26
What: The Gospel Gathering
When: June 26; 6:30pm, doors open at 5:30pm
Where: Crestview Baptist Church; 630 South Church St., Forest City
More Info: A love offering will be received. Hosted By Jackson Smith.
Featuring: Clint & Grace Jackson, The Lawsons, Heaven Bound Trio, Simple Faith, Larry Stewart, Steve Williams, Justin Owens, Ron & Angela Epley, Nic Rupard, Liberty Williams, Howard Gordon and many more.
June 28-July 2
What: Vacation Bible School
When: June 28-July 2; 6-8:30pm
Where: 2nd Baptist Church Rutherfordton; 191 Green St., Rutherfordton
More Info: Register at 2ndbc.tv/vbs
July 2
What: Bostic Freedom Fest
When: July 2; 6pm
Where: Concord Baptist Church; 234 Oak Grove Church Rd., Bostic
More Info: Live music, food, K9 demo, water balloon fight, kids activities, historical artifacts and more. The evening will end with a fireworks show. Please call with any questions 828-447-5124.
July 5
What: First Sunday Night Singing
When: July 5; 7pm
Where: Riverside Baptist Church; 1178 Hogan Rd., Forest City
More Info: Featuring “Faith Walkers 4”
July 20-24
What: Vacation Bible School
When: July 20-24; 5:30-8:30pm
Where: First Wesleyan Church; 700 South Church St., Forest City
August 30
What: Chimney Rock Baptist Church
100th Anniversary
When: August 30; 10am
Where: Chimney Rock Baptist Church; 270 Boys Camp Rd., Lake Lure
More Info: Refreshments will follow and all are invited to join this special event.
Ongoing Church Programs
Forest City Church of God
Sun: 11am, Wed: 7pm. 238 Washington St., Forest City.
First United Methodist Church
Live 9am Sunday. 264 N. Main St., Rutherfordton. 828-287-3704
Camp Creek Baptist Church
Sunday School 10am. Worship 11am. Wed: 6:30pm. 1801 Camp Creek Rd., Union Mills. 828-288-1554
Chase Baptist Church GPS; Grieving Parents Support Group. Helping people find their way after the loss of a child. Appt: 828-305-3619.
Spindale United Methodist Church 10am Bible Study, 11am Worship. 185 Mill St., Spindale, 828-286-2281. 2nd & 4th Fridays- Free Hotdog meal. 3rd Wednesday- Free Community meal.
Community Bible Study
Mondays, September 14, 2026 -May 10, 2027 at 246 N. Main St., Rutherfordton, 28139. Includes In-depth study of Genesis. More details online https://rutherfordtoneve. cbsclass.org/
Saving Grace Church Sun: 11am. Withrow Rd., Forest City.
St. Francis Episcopal Church Sun: 8:30am Adult Sunday School. 9:30am Worship Holy Eucharist. 408 N. Main St., Rutherfordton
Cedar Grove Fellowship Church Sun: Worship 9:30am. Sunday School 10:30am. 160 Toney Rd., Bostic
The Church of the Exceptional Sun: 11am. Transportation available with wheelchair lift. Everyone is invited. 828657-5628
St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church Sun: 11am Worship Holy Eucharist. Wed: free meal. 10am-12pm. Jericho Road Soup Kitchen. 330 N. Ridgecrest Ave., Rutherfordton
Redemption House Worship Thurs: 7pm. Men & women programs offer freedom from addiction through biblical advisory, Christian recovery consulting, & licensed professional counseling. Call 423518-1450.
The Biker Church 11am Sun. 245 Big Springs, Forest City. 828-289-4900
Harriett Memorial FWB Church Sun: 11am & 6pm. Wednesdays 7pm. 1938 Highway 221-A, Forest City
Rutherford County Zen Meets every Sunday 11am Kiwanis Park, Rutherfordton.
Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Sunday school 10am; Worship 11am. Free meal 10am-12pm; last Sat. monthly. Mt. Olivet Church Rd., Ellenboro.
Spindale First Baptist Church Showers of Blessing Shower Ministry Mondays 10am-2pm. Provided: Towels, Wash Cloths, Shampoo, Soap, Refreshments, Fellowship. Free Rutherford Transit is Available. Heavenly Sundsine free laundry: Provided: Washer, Dryer, Detergent, Hot Water, Refreshments, Fellowship. Free Rutherford Transit is Available. 871 Thunder Rd., Spindale.
United Methodist Church Sun: 9:45am. 2596 US Hwy. 221-A, Avondale. PO Box 266, Henrietta. avondaleumc4@gmail.com
Rutherford Regional Health System Advances Surgical Care Close to Home
Rutherford Regional Health System is pleased to announce the expansion of access to advanced surgical care with the addition of the da Vinci Surgical System, a robotic-assisted technology that allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with enhanced precision.
The $2.2 million investment from Lifepoint Health, the parent company
of Rutherford Regional Health System, expands access to advanced surgical care for patients throughout Rutherford County and surrounding communities.
The first robotic-assisted procedures at Rutherford Regional were successfully completed over the last two weeks by general surgeons Dr. Andrew Demeusy, Chief of Surgery, and Dr. Thomas L. Eisenhauer. The technology will initially support a variety of minimally invasive general surgery procedures, including appendix repairs, hernia repairs, treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other minimally invasive general surgery procedures, with the potential to expand services in the future.
Rutherford Regional’s continued commitment to expanding access to advanced healthcare in Rutherford County,” said Sudandra Ratnasamy, CEO of Rutherford Regional Health System. “Patients in rural communities should not have to travel far from home to access innovative surgical options. We are proud to continue expanding the level of care we can provide right here in our community.”
For patients, roboticassisted surgery can mean smaller incisions, less pain, reduced scarring, shorter hospital stays, and a quicker recovery when compared to traditional surgeries. The technology also allows surgeons to operate with enhanced precision, flexibility, and visualization during procedures.
While often referred to as a “robot,” the system does not operate independently. Every movement is completely controlled by the surgeon in real time. Using advanced instruments and highly magnified 3D visualization, surgeons are able to perform delicate procedures with greater precision through minimally invasive techniques.
“This investment reflects
“As president of Isothermal Community College and as a member of the Rutherford Regional Health System Board of Trustees, I see this advancement as an important investment not only in patient care, but also in the future health care workforce our community will depend on,” said Margaret Annunziata. “Technologies like robotic-assisted surgery are changing the way care is delivered, and they underscore the importance of education, training, and strong partnerships between health care providers and institutions like Isothermal. By expanding access to advanced care close to home, Rutherford Regional is helping prepare our region for the future of health care while creating new opportunities for
students, professionals, and the communities we serve.”
The addition of roboticassisted surgery is part of Rutherford Regional’s ongoing commitment to making communities healthier through continued investment in technology, services, and specialized care. As a community hospital, Rutherford Regional
Health System remains focused on bringing highquality healthcare close to home so patients can receive advanced care while staying connected to the support of family and friends. For more information about surgical services at Rutherford Regional Health System, visit MyRutherfordRegional.com/ surgical-services. Rutherford Regional Health System, part of Duke Lifepoint Healthcare, is a 143-bed acute care facility that offers a broad array of inpatient and outpatient care. Rutherford Regional is dedicated to providing patients with a wide range of services to meet their healthcare needs across more than 23 medical specialties. For more information visit MyRutherfordRegional.com.
Article
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Dr. Andrew Demeusy (left) and Dr. Thomas L. Eisenhauer (right) with the da Vinci Surgical System.
Dr. Thomas L. Eisenhauer
Dr. Andrew Demeusy
Summer Games May 2931 at North Carolina State University. Among those were more than 20 athletes from Rutherford County. Athletes from across the state competed in eight sports, including swimming, basketball, bowling and track and field.
Rutherford County was represented in four sports: athletics (track and field), bowling, cheerleading, and gymnastics.
Athletics competitors included Nathaniel Harsh, Jeremy Hart, Bobby High, Matthew Lazo, and Sarah Lazo.
In bowling, competitors included Unified Doubles partners Zackery Arrowood and Jack Kennedy; Doubles partners William “Billy”
Eric Grondahl, Hartley Plyer, and Kato Porter. The cheerleading team consisted of Cassandra Collier, Lillie Cooper, Kadyn
Tea Crawford represented Rutherford County in gymnastics.
Congressman Moore Announces $63 Million+ in FEMA Funding for Hurricane Helene Recovery Projects in NC-14
Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) announced more than $63.2 million in federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hurricane Helene recovery projects across North Carolina’s 14th District. The funding supports debris removal, infrastructure repairs, utility restoration, and other recovery efforts in communities throughout Western North Carolina.
“After Hurricane Helene, communities across Western North Carolina began the difficult work of cleanup and recovery, and these funds help ensure local governments are not left carrying those costs alone,” said Congressman Moore. “Local crews worked quickly to clear debris, repair damaged infrastructure, and restore critical services.”
• $43,835,919.09 will support debris removal operations throughout Rutherford County following Hurricane Helene. The project removed more than 418,000 cubic yards of debris from waterways across the county, helping reduce safety hazards and support ongoing recovery efforts. This project is funded at a 90 percent federal cost share. This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.
• $14,522,004.00 will reimburse debris removal operations in Lake Lure, including the removal of approximately 75,000 tons of sediment from the lake. This work helps restore the waterway and support continued recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. The project is funded at a 90 percent federal cost share.
This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.
• $2,445,496.62 will support the North Carolina Department of Transportation to replace the Cedar Creek Road Bridge in Rutherford County. The project includes engineering, demolition, and construction work necessary to restore the bridge to its pre-disaster function. This project is funded at a 90 percent federal cost share. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.
• $337,718.52 will reimburse Rutherford Electric Membership Corporation for costs associated with administering Public Assistance grants related to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. This funding is authorized under Section 324 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.
• $237,316.44 will support permanent repairs to the covered bridge and water tank cage in Chimney Rock Village that were damaged during Hurricane Helene. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.
• $172,895.07 will reimburse Polk County for costs associated with administering Public Assistance grants related to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. This funding is authorized under Section 324 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.
Congressman Tim Moore represents the 14th Congressional District of North Carolina, including Cleveland, Gaston, Burke, and Rutherford Counties, as well as parts of Mecklenburg and Polk Counties. Visit timmoore.house.gov for more.
Article Provided By: Office of Congressman Tim Moore
Compiled By: Jean Gordon.
Sachse, TX, passed away June 8, 2026, at the age of 83.
27, 1943, in Concord, NC. Earl was the son of Lindsey F. Ritch and Thelma M. Mills Ritch.
his wife of 62 years, Sue Ritch; his daughter, Cheryl D. Jenkins and husband Joe of Vancouver, WA, and their sons, Curtis and Brian Jenkins; his son, Jeffrey A. Ritch and wife Shehnaz of McKinney, TX, and their daughter, Aliana, two brothers, Freeman L. “Buster” Ritch of Newton Grove, and Terry L. Ritch of Kings Mountain, and his sister, Rena C. Jones of Paris, KY.
Earl proudly served his country in the United States Navy, retiring with the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer after 22 years of dedicated service. Following his military career, he worked as a long-haul truck driver and later in real estate.
A faithful Christian, Earl sang in the church choir, served on various church committees, and was devoted to his faith. He loved the Lord and sought to live his life in service to Him and others.
The funeral was held June 16 at Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Rev. Ernie Cole officiating. Military honors were accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.
An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.
maker and a member of Gantts Grove Baptist Church where she was active cooking and serving meals. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Diane Green, her great-grandson, Bradley Liam Greene, and her brothers, Alan Thrift, Dean Thrift, and Eugene Thrift.
Survivors include her husband of 70 years, William Floyd Toney, her son, Dennis Toney and wife Betty of Forest City, her daughters, Brenda Kay Toney Ligon of Shelby, Elizabeth Smith and husband Michael of Forest City, and Marie Roach and husband David of Forest City, a granddaughter that she and Floyd raised, Tanya Lynn O’Brien, her brother, Joe Lee Thrift of Forest City, 15 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
The funeral was held June 15 at Gantts Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Robert Lane officiating.
An online guest registry is available at www. padgettking.com Padgett~King Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.
I believe everyone has a God-given desire to belong. One of the worst feelings in life is to feel insignificant. A personal fear of mine is to wake up one day to find myself irrelevant. If we want our earthly time to make a difference, we must be willing to live a life of purpose. I think that there are several characteristics of people who are and continue to be relevant.
The first quality of living a life of relevance is faithfulness. We may not be able to choose our station in life, but we can choose to be devoted. Being a responsible spouse, parent, employee, sibling and friend depends on us fulfilling the role we have been called upon to fill. People need to know that they can depend on you to be there. Life is more about reliability than ability. The next attribute is that of being genuine. Your uniqueness is what makes you special. People who try to be someone they aren’t are robbing others of getting to know the real you. When God made you,
Errol Stanley Gibbs, for 62 years.
A member of Gilkey United Methodist Church, Jewarl enjoyed worshiping alongside her church family. She and Errol especially loved attending events at the Shingle Hollow Fire Department.
She is survived by her daughters, Candy Gibbs (Dan Michael) and Katharine Blanton (Derek); her grandchildren, Jeffrey Donald Black, Sabrina Anne Black, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Blanton, and Keith Richard Michael; 11 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren, with 2 more great-great-grandchildren expected soon.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Ponice Greene, Margaret Ritch, George Willis, M.C. Willis, Harvey Willis, and Junior Willis.
A funeral was held June 14 at Gilkey United Methodist Church with Rev. MacKenzie Gary and Rev. David Blanton officiating.
Online condolences may be made at www. crowemortuary.com.
Crowe’s Mortuary is assisting the family of Jewarl Gibbs.
WORDS COUNT
Sylvia and her husband, Larry Hutchins, shared 55 years of marriage. During Larry’s service in the United States Air Force, the couple traveled extensively, building a life together across many miles before ultimately returning to the place
A lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Sylvia’s faith was the cornerstone of her life.
A funeral was held June 13 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Forest City.
Rutherford Weekly offers the printing of obituaries in our paper as a community service and free of charge for Rutherford County residents and the immediate area. The obituary may include a picture if the image is of print quality. We request that the obituary is limited to 150 words and we will edit the obituaries due to space. The obituary will include preceded family members, surviving family members, funeral service information, memorials, and the name of the funeral home serving the family. The obituaries will not include names of grandchildren, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, or pets. We only accept obituaries from licensed funeral homes. The deadline is Monday at 10AM prior to Thursdays publication. Please have your funeral home send us your loved ones’ obituaries to events@rutherfordweekly.com
Scott Blake, wife Lynne, children Levi (Amber) and Kay-Leigh (Scott), son Brad Blake, wife Sherry, daughters Alisia (Dale) and Morgan (Garren).
Robyn was married to Mike Elliott and they had 3 children Nick, Andy (Mandy) and Sarah (Andrew). Billie had 7 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.
She worked as a nurse for 33 years, many of those with Hospice.
The immediate family will have a private grave side service at her request.
If anyone wishes to make a donation in her name please donate to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
he threw away the template. Therefore, being authentic makes you irreplaceable and relevant to all those who know you. Be the best version of you. The last and most important trait is that of sincere love. The love we show to others and the time we invest in their lives will leave an indelible mark. The people who play an important role in my life are those who take the time to show me that they really care. If you want to make a difference in a person’s life, we must be willing to look beyond ourself and focus on serving others. I am sure that there are more things to say about being significant, but if you do these things you’ll have a good start on living a life of relevance.
New public restrooms in Chimney Rock Village
We are honored to receive a heartfelt thank you from Chimney Rock Village for the public restroom facility that is now open and serving residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
While homebuilding is often what people
associate with Habitat for Humanity, our mission is about much more than constructing houses. Habitat seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
Following Hurricane Helene, the need in Chimney Rock Village extended beyond housing. We were grateful for the opportunity to partner with local leaders and volunteers to help meet that need.
Seeing these facilities open and available for everyone who lives, works, and visits the village is a reminder that strong communities are built in many different ways. We are thankful for the trust placed in us and proud to have played a small role in supporting Chimney Rock’s continued recovery. Thank you, Chimney Rock Village, for your kind words. Together, we continue building hope and strengthening communities.
At MANNA FoodBank in Mills River, DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson joined coalition partners including Footprint Project CEO Will Heegaard, NCSEA Executive Director Matt Abele, LOSRC’s Sara Nichols and Nathan Ramsey, and MANNA FoodBank COO Elizabeth Hipps to demonstrate the first round of completed assets of the mobile microgrids.
DEQ and partners demonstrate mobile microgrid initiative in Western NC
Two mobile microgrids will provide reliable clean energy for critical facilities in the face of more frequent and intense storms
The NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), in partnership with Footprint Project, Land of Sky Regional Council (LOSRC) and NC Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA), announced the development of two mobile microgrids that will increase resilience during storms. The partnership also showcased critical power and refrigeration microgrid assets.
Mobile microgrids are a collection of solar and battery systems on movable trailers that ensure continued power for communities following extreme weather and during power outages.
Last year, DEQ’s State Energy Office (SEO) announced a $5 million investment in permanent and mobile microgrids to improve disaster resilience. Using these funds, Footprint Project is building two mobile microgrids (trademarked as Beehive Microgrids™) to support community resilience across North Carolina.
“Western North Carolina communities lost power and communications for weeks following Hurricane Helene. Mobile microgrids help communities get back on their feet faster by providing access to communication networks and providing electricity for critical infrastructure,” said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. “The two mobile microgrids will be able to be deployed statewide to help communities recover more quickly after major disasters.”
“Beehive Microgrids™ are made up of an ecosystem of solar and battery systems on towable trailers that provide a range of services,” said Heegaard. “Cooler Bees include fridges and freezers and can store food, medicine, and ice. Power Bees charge electronic devices, medical equipment, and portions of entire buildings, and Water Bees provide drinking water filtration. Because they are mobile, these Bees can be towed immediately to communities hardest hit in disasters.”
“Helene made clear that resilience is not abstract — it is whether people can keep medicine cold, charge a phone, access information, power essential services, and support their neighbors during a crisis,” said Nichols.
“The Beehive Microgrids give Western North Carolina a flexible, mobile tool to meet those needs when traditional
systems are disrupted. Land of Sky Regional Council is proud to be part of this partnership and to help build a more prepared, connected, and resilient region.”
“As we saw after Helene, solar and battery storage served an invaluable role in keeping the lights on for many throughout the region,” said Matt Abele, with the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association. “Continued investments in this technology are instrumental for long-term resiliency, and to ensure North Carolina is better prepared for future storms and other grid events.”
These two mobile microgrids will be fully completed in March 2027 and will consist of solar and battery powered trailers for refrigeration and electricity, for longer term disaster recovery efforts.
Permanent microgrid projects also in progress
As part of this initiative, the coalition will also install up to 24 permanent microgrids across six Hurricane Helene-affected counties: Avery, Buncombe, Madison, Mitchell, Rutherford, and Yancey.
Selected sites will receive stationary microgrids to ensure continuity of
operations during future disasters, offset the sites’ energy costs and contribute clean, reliable energy to the grid during normal conditions. Following a request for proposal process, the coalition selected Bill’s Creek Community Center in Rutherford County as one of the first 5 sites to receive microgrids.
• Bill’s Creek Community Center in Rutherford County – The coalition will install an 8.7 kW solar array and 27 kWh battery. This rural community center located in the Lake Lure area supports hundreds of North Carolina families, many of whom lack access to public water or sewer services. The center also provides free medical supplies through the medical equipment loan closet. The project amount is $55,063.
Microgrid installations will begin this summer, and DEQ will continue site selection throughout 2026.
This innovative disaster recovery model will strengthen emergency power access for critical community services, serving thousands of North Carolinians.
Article Provided By: N. C. Department of Environmental Quality
By: Jean Gordon
Some days it seems just like yesterday when I was a young teenager at home without a summer job away from the house, but a job unlike that of many of my friends.
As I’ve said many times our family grew all of our vegetables at home in four separate garden plots on our property. Corn, green beans, crowder peas, all varieties of peppers, beets, cucumbers, squash, onions and more tomatoes than you can imagine were a part of the summer harvest. We even tried potatoes but our parents learned pretty quickly, buying them at the store worked well enough.
As a young adult, I learned a person could actually buy green beans in a can at the grocery store. No joke.
I remember one morning, Mama telling us on her way out the door to her public job, there was corn to shuck under the tree at the shed. We knew exactly what she meant, but never in our wildest dreams did we imagine just exactly how much corn she was talking about. She picked it before going to her job at the Tanner Companies.
Later we were told we had shucked 100 dozen ears of corn that morning. Our main job was to shuck and silk the corn. Getting all the silk away from the corn was often challenging, but we did.
At that time in our young lives, Mama didn’t trust us to cut the corn off the cob for freezing, so that was among her jobs when she returned home. Daddy’s main job after work was to help string the green beans for canning and after his retirement, he peeled tomatoes, cleaned the beans and chopped peppers.
I thought about the corn shucking days recently at
the Washburn Community Outreach Center while I spent about 30 minutes taking some of the shucks off the corn we’d later donate to clients.
I told another Washburn volunteer that when my sisters and I had to shuck 100 dozens ears of corn one morning, we made up our own word games to help pass the time. We played games, told stories and dreamed of the day we’d never have to shuck that much corn again.
When Mama told us about the corn under the tree, there was not one word of arguing. It was just a fact of life, sort of like picking the green greens, tomatoes and other veggies. Although we didn’t actually do any of the caning or freezing, everything was ready for Mama when she got home. Daddy was the best green bean-stringer ever. He actually used his pocket knife to cut off the ends and even to get all the strings out. When he later retired from Stonecutter, he’d help with all the vegetables.
When Mama retired from her job away from home at age 40, she contributed to the family budget by selling much of the produce. That was the plan, all along. After all there was no way in the world we could eat all the tomatoes from 350 plants or all the corn produced from a large corn field.
Our parents had their own home produce stand at
the house where customers bought whatever they wanted on the honor system. They’d weigh the vegetables and put the money in a metal box. It worked.
Mama spent her days harvesting the veggies and later prepping everything for freezing or canning. There was never, never a dull moment during the garden season.
Although it was hard work, I look back on it now and am grateful to have learned so much about gardening and working, but most of all the sacrifices our parents made to feed their family and lots of other people, too.
Even after leaving home, my sisters and I returned to help our parents with the garden work. They didn’t have to ask for our help, we knew it was needed and what better pay than taking to our homes fresh ripe tomatoes for sandwiches, corn on the cob or bread and butter pickles.
Sometimes, don’t you wish we could go back to a time when it seemed things were a bit simpler. Comparing shucking 100 dozen ears of corn or peeling gallons of tomatoes, doesn’t begin to compare to a lot of junk teenagers face today.
I will always be grateful for the memories of growing fresh veggies at home with our family.
Contact Jean Gordon at: gordonjean211@gmail.com
National Network Classified Ads
Learn How to Poison-Proof Your Home to Make It Safe for Children & Adults
Any day of the year is an appropriate time to discuss lowering the risk for household poisoning — but especially as we approach the end of the school year, with children spending more time at home.
Mission Hospital McDowell (MHM) is fortunate to have talented pediatrician Dr. Jerald DeLaGarza treating children and educating families about these and other important issues. He kindly served as our content expert for this column, which offers important, lifesaving information for families.
Poisonous agents abound, especially in the home, and raising awareness is critical to keeping our children safe.
Dr. DeLaGarza notes that kitchens contain household cleaners like dishwashing liquid and dishwasher pods, which often catch the eyes of children because they’re brightly colored and resemble candy. Children can also easily access cleaning sprays and other hazardous materials when stored under the sink. The laundry room presents a similar scenario and is also a place where many cleaning supplies are
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
stored, in addition to laundry liquid, powder, and pods. Keeping these locked or out of reach is essential.
In the bathroom, we should make sure that all medications — both prescription and over-thecounter pain relievers like asprin — are safely out of reach of children. They should either be stored in a high place where they cannot be reached, or in a locked container.
Other products that pose poisoning risks are toiletries like lotions, makeup, colognes, and even mouthwash. Its minty taste attracts children, who may ingest a dangerous amount.
“A family can childproof extensively,” says Dr. DeLaGarza, “and still end up in the Emergency Room because a dangerous product was on the counter or elsewhere within reach of a child for just a minute. All it takes is for a parent to turn their back briefly.” He adds that even when mopping the floor, mobile and curious children have fallen into a bucket filled with water and cleaning solution. In addition to a poisoning risk, the danger of drowning is present as well.
Dr. DeLaGarza also shares that we should be mindful of the vessels we put poisonous liquids into. For example, families might store something very toxic — yet sweet-tasting — like antifreeze, in a milk jug in the garage. Children will associate the jug with something safe and poison themselves by drinking it.
home, but from the vantage point of a crawling baby or newly mobile toddler. “Everything imaginable gathers under furniture which can harm children if ingested, from coins or dropped pills to the back of an earring.”
When it comes to medication, Dr. DeLaGarza advises that parents not refer to children’s vitamins, for example, as “candy,” so they don’t get the wrong idea. Children’s vitamins and medications should also be stored securely at all times.
Adults should also take their own medication out of sight of children, because of a child’s natural tendency to imitate what they see.
Dr. DeLaGarza encourages parents to be aware of what’s outside their homes too. In addition to insect stings and things like poison ivy, which we have less control over, he states that children have been known to eat flower bulbs before they’re planted, and to keep them out of reach. Additionally, don’t put animal bait and traps around the perimeter of your home for a child to encounter.
Secure medication storage remains when kids enter adolescence. Unfortunately, there’s a trend now where teens will take some prescription medications
of their parents’ out of the house, get together, throw them all in a bowl, and then take a random sampling. These events are dubbed “pharm parties.”
Whenever you realize a prescription medication is no longer needed, such as pain medications from that surgery months ago, it’s best to safely dispose of them — either at the annual drug takeback event at Mission Hospital McDowell or many drugstores/pharmacies offer a secure receptable where people can dispose of unneeded prescription medications.
Dr. DeLaGarza also urges families to communicate with grandparents who may be visiting, for example, and establish a plan to place purses out of reach of children, since they may also contain medications.
To eliminate confusion and boost safety, adults should also organize their own medications with a pill organizer (though these are not child-proof) so they can keep track of what medications they’ve taken and when.
A valuable piece of advice that Dr. DeLaGarza offers is to take a tour of your own
The most important thing is to post the number for Poison Control prominently in your home: 1-800-2221222. Families can also visit poisonhelp.org for general guidelines, but they shouldn’t treat their children without getting medical advice from a professional. For example, it used to be that parents were advised to use Ipecac, a drug that would force a child to vomit, if poisoning was suspected. This is no longer recommended, and the first step should be calling Poison Control or 9-1-1.
By taking steps to prevent something tragic from happening, children can remain safe and healthy.
Lee Higginbotham is Chief Executive Officer of Mission Hospital McDowell in Marion. He is an accomplished healthcare leader with nearly three decades of diverse experience in healthcare. A native of Charlottesville, VA, Higginbotham earned his Master of Health Care Administration (MHA) from The Medical College of Virginia and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He resides in Marion. Lee is most proud to be a husband to his best friend and father of three remarkable children.
Article Provided By: Nancy Lindell
Poisoning symptoms include nausea and vomiting, breathing problems, diarrhea, rapid or slowed heart rate, and swelling or burns in the mouth area. Individuals can also become confused, dizzy, and even unresponsive.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
UNIQUE CHURCH IN SHELBY. The Chapel of Christ. Visit our website at www. chapelofchristshelby.com (704) 538-7888 tware5@carolina.rr.com
IT’S THE BIG ONE! Kings Mountain High School Class of 1976 is planning their 50th Class Reunion. If you are a graduate of the KMHS Class of 1976 and have not received your invitation, please email the reunion committee with your address. KMHSCLASSOF1976@YAHOO.COM
1705 S. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC 704-482-7880
YOU’VE GOTTA TRY CLECO SPICES! Available at Oliver’s Hardware (3712 Fallston Road) Hwy.18 N., Shelby; Hometown Hardware (110 S Railroad Ave.) Kings Mountain; Nature’s Generosity (1074 College Ave.) Shelby and Whimsical Workshop (104 Gidney Street) Shelby. Or visit www.clecospice. com
WE BUY VINTAGE BALL CARDS. Baseball, Football, Basketball, Hockey & More! Come See Us for A Fair Price!
JAKE’S KNIVES & COINS located at 1008 S. Lafayette St., Shelby 704-600-6996 or (704) 300-6236
ANNOUNCEMENTS
GOLDEN DOMERS TOY AND HOBBY. Visit our NEW LOCATION .....Model Cars, Die-cast Cars & Trucks, Tractors, Hot Wheels, Construction Toys, Sports Memorabilia, Autographed Items, Hard to Find Items! See Mike & Brandon Willis. We’re located at 104 Oliver Ave. (behind El Acapulco Mexican Restaurant in Boiling Springs), Shelby 704-297-0102 or 704-297-0103
WE BUY VACANT SHELBY LOTS! Do you have any vacant lots or land in the Shelby City Limits? Tired of PAYING TAXES on Them? Call us... We Pay Cash! Call (704) 472-0006
WE WANT YOUR OLD GOLD, SILVER, COINS & CASE POCKET KNIVES. Top $$$$ Paid!!! JAKE’S KNIVES & COINS located at 1008 S. Lafayette St., Shelby 704-6006996 or (704) 300-6236
BARNDOMINIUM-MODULAR-DOUBLE WIDES set up on your land with no money down! HEATH’S HOME ZONE 703-5 King Street, Kings Mountain, NC. (754) 663-9663
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS with Scratch Pads! PRESS ROOM PRINTING. Call (704) 482-2243
COLLECTOR’S VAULT SHELBY, SATURDAY, JUNE 20TH. Toy, Card & Collectibles Con. 9am-3pm. Admission $5 Adults; Children 12 & Under Free! VIP EARLY ENTRY (8:30am) $10 for Adults. At the Legrand Center 1800 East Marion St., Shelby. Website: 4thandgoalpromos.com
EMPLOYMENT
WILLING TO PAY. Need someone who can build plastic model planes or cars & paint them nice. Please text. (704) 5386807
HELP WANTED. Need someone to clean out flowerbeds. 704-484-3128.
PART-TIME CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR. Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Forest City, NC is seeking a part-time Children’s Ministry Director. Send resume to ejw9738@ gmail.com or mail it to 2676 Hudlow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043. ejw9738@gmail.com
NOW HIRING PART-TIME CHURCH PIANIST. Seeking a reliable and talented pianist to support our worship services. Primary responsibilities include providing piano accompaniment for weekly worship services, collaborating with the music leader to prepare music, attending and participating in rehearsals (weekly or as scheduled). Qualifications are to be proficient in piano playing and ability to read music, ability to play a variety of worship styles (traditional and/or contemporary), and most importantly a heart for worship and a willingness to serve the church community. Please submit your resume, a brief statement of interest and any relevant references to: Southern Baptist Church Attn: MUSIC COMMITTEE 140 Church Street Rutherfordton, NC 28139
NOW HIRING LANDSCAPERS FOR FULL TIME YEAR ROUND EMPLOYMENT. Must have valid driver’s license and transportation. Over time available. (704) 473-0341
BUSINESS SERVICES
CUSTOM CABINETS & WOODWORK. Over 25 years Experience. Michael McKinstry. Custom Woodwork, Cabinets, Light Plumbing, Sheetrock, Landscaping. “Cleveland County_ Veteran Owned.” (203) 5125503
CLEVELAND COUNTY GARAGE DOORS. Summer Tuneup Special, $69.95. We will check all your equipment lube, make sure it’s working correctly. We repair broken doors. Also offering new installations. (704) 472-9367
BROTHERS N ARMS Before you call another...Call Brothers! Need your yard cleaned or home looking right again? We got you covered! Lawn care, Tree cutting & removal, Leaf blowing, Pressure washing or Home maintenance. Call “Z” today for a free estimate! 704648-6058.
BUSINESS SERVICES
HOME REPAIRS WITHOUT THE STRESS. HANDYMAN SERVICES FOR HOME REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS, INCLUDING INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR DOOR INSTALLATION, TRIM WORK, SMALL DRYWALL REPAIR, MINOR CARPENTRY, CAMERA SYSTEM INSTALLATION, PRESSURE WASHING, AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE. RELIABLE SERVICE WITH QUALITY WORKMANSHIP AT FAIR PRICES! ALSO ASK ABOUT OUR CUSTOM TABLES! (704) 466-2333
AUCTIONS
ABSOLUTE AUCTION ONSITE AND ONLINE. Saturday, June 27, 2026 - 10am; Preview: Friday, June 26, 10 til 5. Location: 891 Glen Bridge Road SE, Arden, NC 28704 www. ej-auction.com This Auction is a collection of years’ worth of items. Partial Listing: Vehicles, Hand Tools, Many Ford Tools, 2 Storage Buildings, Cub Cadet, Carport, Trailers, Antiques and much more! Edward Johnson Auctioneers, Inc. NC8134, NC8496 (828) 593-9649
PUBLIC SALE FOR NON-PAYMENT OF. 8:00AM, July 3rd, 2026 at Stanley Storage; https://www.stanleyministorage.com, Units: #103 Griffin, #129 Beatty, #130 Baker 9:00AM, July 3rd, 2026 at C&M Storage; https://www.lincolntonstorage.com, Units: #48 Oates 9:30AM, July 3rd, 2026 at Mulberry Storage; https:// www.mulberryministorage. com, Units #17 Myers 10:00AM, July 3rd, 2026 at Cherryville Storage; https://www.cherryvilleministorage.com, Units: #17,32 Wilson 10:30AM, July 3rd, 2026 at Settle Storage; https://www.settlestoragecenter.com, Units: #70 Day, #57 Cantor 01:00PM, July 3rd, 2026 at Longview Storage; https:// www.longview-storage.com, Units: #33 Phillips (704) 4737358 andrew.sain@gmail.com
YARD SALES
CLEVELAND COUNTY
MULTI FAMILY GARAGE
SALE. Saturday, June 20, 7AM2PM. Unique items, household, garden items, furniture. 1219 Spring Drive, Shelby, NC 28150
YARD SALE SATURDAY, JUNE 20TH. 8:00am-1:00pm.
Rain or Shine. Lots of furniture! (off 150 on McCraw Rd. and off 221 on Duke Power Rd.) 2547 Whelchel Rd., Mooresboro, NC 28114
ESTATE SALE (3 DAYS!)
Thursday, June 25, Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27 from 8AM to 4PM. Lots of beautiful crystal, books, small appliances, furniture, vintage and collectable items. Everything priced to sell. 3826 Harris Creek Rd., Lawndale, NC 28090
YARD SALES
CLEVELAND COUNTY
YARD SALE. Saturday, June 20th, 7am-1pm. Collectibles, Household items, Kid’s clothes and shoes. 1210 Woodhill Dr., Shelby, NC 28152
HUGE 2 FAMILY YARD SALE
Sat., June 20, 7:30am-12pm.
Indoor and outdoor, Vintage kitchen, home decor and collectible items. Men’s/Women’s/ Children’s clothing. Woodworking/mechanic hand tools, bundle deals on some tools. Electric power tools. Garden tools. Shelves of nails/screws. Large handmade wood box, trays w/nails. Lots of boxes of nails for air nailers. Light fixtures. Air compressor. Lincoln AC225 welder. Truck tool box. 2 wood stoves. Old furniture. Nordic Rider. Salvaged lumber. Old doors/windows. Nice cedar bedroom suite, $300. Way too many items to list. Cash only. Off Hwy 18N. 207-1 Sandpit Road. Lawndale, NC 28090
YARD SALE. Saturday, June 20th. Ladies Clothes & Shoes Galore. Sizes 8,10,12.-Fill a Bag. Kitchen-Aide Mixer, Golf Clubs, Household items and Yard tools. 504 W. Warren St., Shelby, NC 28150
3 FAMILY YARD SALE. Saturday, June 20th, 7am-1pm. Adult/Children’s Clothes, Household and misc. items. Too much to list. 109 Lindsay Dr., Shelby, NC 28152
RUTHERFORD COUNTY
INDOOR YARD SALE: 4 WEEKENDS! FRIDAYS, June 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th And SATURDAYS, June 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th. 8am-1pm. Everything must go! 337 Hardin Road, Forest City, NC 28043
ANTIQUES
HUMPBACK TRUNK $40. dims: 21” x 34” x 30” high. Good shape - dark in color - holds alot! (612) 710-7908
FOR SALE
CARPORTS & GARAGES. RV, Boat or Camper Covers. One of North Carolina’s Oldest Dealers! J Johnson Sales. 2690 Hwy. 221, Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895
TRAILERS, LAWNMOWER
TRAILERS, FLATBED TRAILERS, Enclosed Trailers, Horse and Cattle Trailers, Saddlery. Check our prices and quality before you buy. Bridges Riding Equipment. Boiling Springs, NC. 704434-6389, (704) 473-0867
CAMPING EQUIPMENT. Grill, Cot, Gas camping stove. Call 704-466-8854, if interested.
STORAGE BUILDINGS
1705 S. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC 704-482-7880
METAL ROOFING ! Metal Roofing - 1 Piece or the Whole Rooftop. “We Also Can Deliver” Deliveries Every Monday & Thursdays. J Johnson Sales. 2690 Hwy. 221, Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895
FOR SALE
SAMSUNG WASHER & DRYER. Less than 2 years old and used very little. $400 for the matching set. (704) 284-0248
STEEL BUILT BUILDINGS, CARPORTS, GARAGES, BARNS or WAREHOUSES. Engineered Drawings. “If You Have Vacant Land.... This Can Be The Perfect Source For Rental Income!” One of North Carolina’s Largest Site Displays. We do grading, concrete, plumbing, etc. J Johnson Sales 2690 Hwy 221 S. Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895
BAMBOO GARDEN STAKES 4’, 6’ and 8’ lengths in bundles. Poles up to 3’’ diameter up to 16ft. on request. Call (828) 202-1000
TRAILERS • TRAILERS • TRAILERS. Utility, Enclosed, Dump, Gooseneck, Equipment, Aluminum. Car or Tractor Haulers. “All In Stock!” Parts Department, Service Department “One Stop Shop!” J Johnson Sales. 2690 Hwy. 221, Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895
16’ WINFIELD TRAILER. 2 axles $3500, 4x8 trailer $500, Small trailer, approximately 3x4, $115. 6: tan ceramic tiles for walls, kitchen or bathroom. 24 count $15 per box. 2 TroyBilt tillers. Buy 1 get 1 free, $350. (704) 473-5240
TRAILER SAVER 5TH WHEEL HITCH. Hensley Trailer Saver air ride hitch. Configured for 2020+ Chev/GMC puck system. $1700. Also, Reese Sidewinder 20K pinbox. Great for towing 5th wheel trailer with short bed pick up. $1000. (704) 692-8527 kellerchjr@gmail. com
1705 S. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC 704-482-7880
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
4-PC BEDROOM SET. $200. Includes nightstand, 5-drawer chest, dresser with separate mirror and with left-side shelves. Great condition! (612) 710-7908 lross727@gmail.com
J. JOHNSON TRAILER
SALES. New, Used, Bank Repo’s, Parts, Service, Sales, Finance or Rent to Own. 2690 Hwy. 221, Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895
3 HD SPORTSTER SEATS like new, call for price. Large dog crate $50. 2-person tent $50. 2 truck tires 245-70-17 $100. 2 boat trailer tires 5-30-12 $25. Sleeper sofa $50. Dewalt battery powered chainsaw $175. Stihl chainsaw 16’’ bar $75. Call/text (828) 289-1817
WOODS 7 FT. BUSH HOG. Not a 3-point hook up. $1,250. 704-472-1119 Call or Tex.
FITQUEST EXERCISE BIKE
$100. Compact exercise bike with adjustable seat and digital display. Perfect for Father’s Day! Give a gift for better health for the whole family. Local pickup only. (770) 687-4616 debbie. hinnant@gmail.com
TOTAL GYM XLS EXERCISE
MACHINE. $150 Just in time for Father’s Day! Excellent used condition! Work your abs, arms, back, chest, and legs. Folds up for easy storage between uses. Give the gift of better health for the whole family! Local pickup only (770) 687-4616 debbie. hinnant@gmail.com
TWO STEEL TABLES. $100 each OBO. Nice heavy duty steel tables. One has wood top, one has a formica top. 48x30x29 the other one 24x48x33. Can send pictures. (704) 300-1818 kim_hopper@ bellsouth.net
GOOD USED TIN. 12 Feet$15.00, 10 Feet -$12.00, 8 Feet-$10.00. Call or Tex. 704472-1119.
1999 RV DAMEN DAYBREAK
2960. Very nice. 16K miles. Asking $12K. Call 704-9045263.
DOG RAMP, FOLDABLE, LIKE NEW $75. Dog bed, new $25. Folding table $30. Round table (38in.) $30. Oreck Steam Wand for floors $35. Boss domestic waxing & polisher for floors, light-weight $35. Call or leave voice message at (828) 286-4966
ULINE ROLLING TOOL CART
$75. Perfect Size! Also have a larger one for $100. (704) 3001818 kim_hopper@bellsouth. net
SEVERAL MOWING DECKS. For John Deere Garden Tractors. 100, 200, 300, 400, Series Tractors. Call Randy for sizes and prices. (704) 472-7800
BEEF FOR SALE. Grass Fed, Grain Finished. Summer bundle includes: 2 roast, 2 beef stews, 2 cubed steaks and 3 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean). $100.00. Also, selling whole, halves and quarters. 704-4722761.
WANT TO BUY
MILITARY COLLECTOR SPECIALIZING IN War Items. WTB- US, German, Japanese & Military Guns, S&W & Colt. War Souvenirs, Flags, Blades, Bayonets, Helmets Legally Licensed (828) 980-3329
WANTED: OLD AND NEW AMMO. Reloading supplies. Call 828-289-1488.
WANT TO BUY CARS & TRUCKS. Trailers, Tractors, Farm Equipment. Must have ID and proof of ownership. Callahan’s Towing. (704) 692-1006
TURN YOUR HOUSE INTO CASH? I PURCHASE UNWANTED RENTAL PROPERTY AND HOMES. MUST BE PRICED TO SELL! “QUICK CLOSINGS”! Call (704) 4720006
WANT TO BUY
WE BUY, SELL, TRADE TRAILERS. “Must Have Title”. (828) 245-5895
FARM & GARDEN
HAY, SQUARE BALES. $4 to $7. Also 200+ Bales Horse Hay, $8. Cut in Spring before rain came. Under Shelter. 704-4181744.
4600 FORD TRACTOR, GOOD CONDITION. With new paint. $13,500. (828) 748-3366
3-POINT HITCH CARRYALL with wooden bed. Like new, only used once. $160. Two fence chargers. Kencove is plug-in only. $30. StayFix can be plug-in or battery. $35. Call or leave voice message at (828) 286-4966
PETS & LIVESTOCK
DACHSHUND 7 week old male Dachshund pup. He has been vet checked and wormed three times. Shots are up to date. Ready to go. He is full blooded. $500. (704) 473-1393 robertknox1960@gmail.com
DOG KENNELS “ALL SIZES” IN STOCK! 7x7x4; 5x10x6; 10x10x4; 10x10x6; 10x10x6 Split Kennels for 2 Dogs, 10x20x6, ETC. Rain Tops & Dog Houses. “We Can Also Deliver and Install If Needed!” J Johnson Sales. 2690 Hwy. 221, Forest City, NC. (828) 2455895
MALSHI PUPPIES FOR SALE. Come’s with Health Guarantee, Health Records, Sample of food. Very Playful and well socialized. Beautiful. Located in Sylva, NC. Website at www. toosweetkennels.com (828) 586-1842 toosweetkennels@ aol.com
MORKIE PUPPIES. Born April 24, 2026. Very sweet and beautiful. Wormed. $450-up. No answer, leave message. (828) 208-1004
MALTI-POO PUPPY. Born April 17, 2026. He’s a sweet little guy. Cream color. Wormed. $500. No answer, leave message (828) 208-1004
PETS & LIVESTOCK
CHIHUAHUA PUPPY. 8 week old teacup puppy. Call or text at (704) 740-6838
CARS & TRUCKS
2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500HD 2 Door, Black. $8000. Also: 1994 Harley Electric Guide (red) $5000. Leave message (704) 300-9223
1976 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME. Vinyl top, 350 engine, PW & locks, sport wheels, AC, original owner family, good condition. 132,000 miles. $15,900. (704) 692-3201
2013 CHEVROLET CAMARO
V6. 174K miles, new paint, NC title, completely checked-ready to go! $8,900 OBO. ALSO.... WANTED 150 JUNK CARS & TRUCKS WEEKLY. Paying top dollar! (864) 251-3967
2012 KIA SPORTAGE. Excellent Condition, due to recall new engine has 53,000 miles on it. Has back up camera, trailer hitch, Sat radio and new tires. Only $7,900 call or text 704-484-2220 (704) 484-2220 chgassman@yahoo.com
VACATIONS
VACATION RENTAL- MYRTLE BEACH CONDO 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bath available June 27-July 4. $1895 weekly. (828) 447-6611
REAL ESTATE CLEVELAND COUNTY
WE OFFER LAND HOME PACKAGES in Cleveland, Rutherford, and surrounding counties... with little to no money down with approved financing! HEATH’S HOME ZONE 703-5 King Street, Kings Mountain, NC (754) 663-9663
HOUSE FOR SALE: Single Family. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, Ranch Style Brick Home with 1261 Gross Living Space. Lot size 12,750 square feet. All appliances included. House built in 1964 and is located in Shelby. As-is “No Warranty” Deceased sell. Asking price $210,000. Motivated seller! For more information call 704-4734701.
FOR RENT
CLEVELAND COUNTY
LIONS SENIOR VILLAGE. Has 1 bedroom HUD subsidized apartments for low income seniors. Taking applications now. Age 62 or older. Equal Housing Opportunity. 211 North Morgan Street, Shelby, NC (704) 482-7723 (704) 482-7723 Lions@RPMMANAGED.COM
APARTMENT FOR RENT. 5 RM/2 BR Apartment. Stove/ refrig. Adults only. No pets. 515 W. Sumter, Shelby. $660. per month. Call (704) 487-9622
SMALL 1BR, 1BA TRAILER. ONE PERSON ONLY. $540/mth. + $540 deposit. background check required. Non-smoker preferred. No pets inside or outside. Call 704-3000254 for appointment. 4123 POLKVILLE ROAD, SHELBY, NC. Studio Home. Rent $895, Deposit $895. Application Fee, $25 per adult. 704-214-4180.
FOR RENT
CLEVELAND COUNTY
LAUREL HILL APART-
MENTS LOCATED IN SHELBY NC. Is currently accepting applications for our 2 and 3 bedroom Townhomes. Rent is based on income (and even some expenses are deducted). Call or visit today! 1526 Eaves Road, Shelby, NC or call for more information. Equal Housing Opportunity. (704) 487-1114
103 NEW BETHEL CHURCH ROAD. Lawndale, NC. House. Rent $1595, Deposit $1595. Application Fee $25. 704-2144180.
MOBILE HOME FOR RENT.
Two-bedroom, one bath mobile home for rent in Casar in a small, 50 PLUS SENIOR mobile home park. One single tenant is preferred for this rental. Park is located in a quiet area in the country. NO PETS. $600 Month. $25 background check will be required as well as a $300 deposit if approved for the rental. Rent includes water and lawn care. For inquiries call 704-284-0983 or 704692-0960 Monday - Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and anytime on weekends.
LINCOLN COUNTY
CAMPERS/SITES Scenic Ridge Country Campground in Cherryville. Weekend & short/long term rental campers, & 30/50amp sites & cabin. Call/ text and leave message. (704) 284-4721
RUTHERFORD COUNTY
2BR, 1BA CONDO FOR RENT. Fully remodeled. Located at 115 Willow Court in East Wood Village, Bostic, NC 28018. Senior Village-55 plus. Amenities included are lawn care, trash pickup, pool and clubhouse. $1,475/mth + $700 Deposit. 704-466-8173.
OAKLAND 1 BEDROOM BRICK APARTMENT. SS appliances, water, sewer, garbage, included. $775. Also small efficiency apartment. Appliances and power included. $650. Only well qualified need apply. 828-919-1221.
