JJ Ervin is heading across the United States this fall to watch his favorite NFL team play football — the Seattle Seahawks.
It’s definitely a dream come true for this young guy who knows about football.
The son of Rev. Joe and Liz Ervin of Forest City, JJ was selected by the nonprofit organization Dream On 3 to travel to Washington along with his parents and sister to enjoy a Seahawks game. Several other surprises await him there.
Dream On 3 makes sports-themed “dreams” come true for kids and young adults, ages 5-21, who are living with life-altering conditions including those with mental health challenges and intellectual disabilities.
JJ was introduced to Dream On 3 by one of the organization’s referral partners and will be the third Dreamer from Rutherford County to be granted a dream, said Marketing Specialist Kelsey Ruocco.
Dream On 3 has communities in the Carolinas, North Texas, Rocky Mountain, Georgia, and D.C. The organization was founded by Brandon and Elizabeth Lindsey in 2013. Dream Recipients are given the
opportunity to live out their ultimate sports dreams through customized experiences with a favorite athlete, sporting event, or sports team.
JJ and his family’s experience will include luxury accommodations, transportation, and dining as well as other activities based on his interests and the big game.
“All the fun is anchored to the main event – JJ’s requested Sports Dream,” said Ruocco. “JJ is going to be a VIP at one of the Seattle Seahawks home games...Other details will be a surprise to JJ and his family.”
Diagnosed at age three with autism and nonverbal a few years, JJ is challenged in social skills that often come to him slowly, said his father.
Today as an eighth grader, JJ at age 14, is in a traditional classroom with certain times of his day spent with a Special Education Team to make sure he is doing well.
“He has some pull out time, but we definitely want him to be engaged in the classroom as much as possible,” said Ervin.
When JJ began kindergarten he was in special needs classes, but teachers soon discovered he was being held back intellectually and JJ began to go into a traditional classroom setting.
“As far as his academics, he is standard,” said his dad.
JJ hasn’t been able to connect well with his peers, so making friends has been a challenge.
“One thing we have learned, that through his football he doesn’t have to say a whole lot to a part of this team,” said Ervin.
Although JJ plays football at East Middle, “he is
not the kid who will get a lot of playing time,” said Ervin. “He finds a lot of peace and comfort in the game.”
JJ was born the same year his dad began his chaplaincy with the East Rutherford High School football team. When JJ was about eight years old he was allowed to be the ball boy at East and the guys on the high school team became important to him.
“It’s really the only thing he’s really known... then he started hanging out with me on the sidelines,” said Ervin.
JJ runs the football for the Junior Varsity and Varsity teams for the games.
Although a little awkward and with some anxiety, Ervin says JJ “has been able to make pretty special connections with coaches and players in the outside world.”
Regardless of where he has been, football has always been such an outlet and his favorite sport.
During a time when JJ was attending Camp Harmony, the family learned of Dream On 3 and JJ was actually referred to the organization by a camp counselor, Ali Flack. Her brother, Chad Flack became involved and knowing JJ’s love for football and sports, began to make some connections with the Charlotte based organization.
“So in November, we’re going to Washington,” said Ervin.
The announcement that JJ had been selected as a ‘dreamer’ was made recently at a scrimmage game at East Rutherford.
“We were kind of asked to keep it under wraps, but JJ being the booger he is, overheard some of the conversation and it wasn’t a complete surprise,” Ervin continued.
Joe said his son is a person of few words, “but the way his face lit up, said it all. It was that million dollar smile. We are so thankful. We are really humbled that we got chosen.”
This football season, look for JJ on the sidelines of the East Rutherford football games, having the time of his life and waiting for his dream to come later this fall in Seattle.
JJ Ervin with his parents, Rev. and Mrs. Joe Ervin and his sister, Gabby.
Forest City Fire Rescue has new chief;
The new fire chief for The Town of Forest City, Billy Ray Samuel, Jr plans to keep moving the fire department forward to be better than ever before, he said during a recent interview.
“Our firefighters are highly trained and will continue furthering our education,” Samuel said. He was named Fire Chief and sworn into office at the August 5 meeting of the Forest City Town Council. He has extensive experience in fire service and joined the Forest City Fire Department in 2004 when he was hired by then Chief Mark McCurry.
“Our Dad was a volunteer with Hudlow when I was
very young, our older brother retired from Hudlow with 30 years of service,” Samuel said. “We all started at Hudlow. I later joined Rutherfordton,” Samuel said. Samuel said he started at the bottom and was promoted to Captain and then became Fire Chef. “I love the fire service and what it has done for me over the last 33 years,” Samuel said. “This is not everyone but I would encourage anyone that would like to see what we are about to come by and try. It doesn’t have to be at Forest City, we have 16 other departments that are willing to give someone a chance just like the one I got at 16 years old. Start their own family tradition, let their grandkids talk about how Grandpa was a firefighter.”
Samuel says he has the opportunity to live in the best town and will work to make it even better for residents and visitors.
“We as town employees are part of what makes Forest City beautiful and a great place to live and work. Each department in this town works great together. My hope is to continue that from now on,” Samuel said.
Forest City Town Manager Janet Mason announced Samuel’s appointment as fire chief.
of fire service experience, a wealth of knowledge, and a strong dedication to leading and serving the people of Forest City to this new role,” Mason said, when he was named fire chief. Samuel served as interim fire chief since the retirement of Chief Ferrell Hamrick. Samuel holds a number of qualifying certifications and is a member of various emergency response organizations, including the Rutherford County Fire Chiefs Association, the Rutherford County Emergency Management
and the
Terrorism of
Security team. Among those attending the ceremony were his family and firefighters from his past and present days.
“Samuel brings 33 years
Dr. Patrick Vollmer at CORE, Inc. is conducting a research study to evaluate an investigational eye drop to potentially treat NK.
Approx. 7 office visits over 6 weeks. Compensation for your time and travel provided. Please call CORE, Inc. at (501) 322-0505 to see if you qualify to participate.
Site Location: 222 N. Lafayette St., Ste. #23 Shelby, NC 28150
Mayor Steve Holland presents the Fire Chief’s oath to Billy Samuel,
FAVORITE
GOULASH MEATBALLS
Serves 6
Sauce
2⁄3 onion, very finely chopped
1 cup chicken broth
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 red and 1 green bell pepper, deseeded and diced
2 teaspoons paprika
14 ounces canned chopped tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Meatballs
1⁄3 onion, very finely chopped
1 pound, 2 ounces extra lean pork mince
1 slice whole-grain bread, processed to crumbs
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried sage
To serve
5 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
1 cups shredded green cabbage
1 tablespoons low-fat sour cream
Start the sauce by cooking the onion in 1⁄4 cup of the broth in a covered casserole for 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, peppers and paprika, cook 1 minute, add tomatoes, tomato paste, and remaining broth. Season and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
While the sauce is cooking, mix meatball ingredients with seasoning and shape into 24 small balls. Brown meatballs in 2 batches in a nonstick frying pan, then add to the sauce and simmer for 20 minutes. Cook spaghetti in a large saucepan of lightly salted boiling water for 7 minutes, tstir in cabbage and cook for another 5 minutes. Drain and divide pasta and cabbage between warmed bowls. Spoon meatballs and sauce over pasta and top each serving with a teaspoon of sour cream.
SEASONED SPINACH
Serves 4 as a side dish
1 pound mature spinach with stem and roots
Sea salt
Dressing
2 tablespoons roasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon spring onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon roasted sesame seeds, crushed
1 teaspoon sagwa-shikcho (Korean apple vinegar)
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 garlic clove, grated or finely chopped
Black pepper, freshly ground
Fill a large saucepan with water, salt well and bring to a boil. In a large bowl, prepare an ice bath.
Rinse spinach with cold water to remove dirt. Remove any hairs from roots. Cut spinach into 1 3⁄4’’ pieces, keeping purple roots intact. Split roots in half horizontally and keep separately.
In a medium bowl, combine dressing ingredients and stir until sugar has dissolved. Set aside. Blanch spinach in two separate batches. In the boiling salt water, blanch spinach stems with leaves until just wilted, about 1 minute, remove spinach from water and plunge into ice bath. Repeat with spinach stems with roots, but cook for 1 to 2 minutes before plunging into the ice bath. Remove from the ice bath, drain well and gently squeeze out any excess water. Gently loosen clumps of spinach and transfer to a bowl. Toss well with dressing. Cover, chill for about an hour to allow the flavors to mellow before serving.
TURKEY MEATBALL
GYROS
Makes 4 servings
1⁄2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1 pound lean ground turkey
3⁄4 cup (6 oz.) reduced-fat plain yogurt
1⁄2 cup finely chopped peeled cucumber
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 1⁄2 teaspoons lemon juice
8 whole wheat pita pocket halves
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 cup chopped tomatoes
In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, egg and seasonings. Crumble turkey over mixture and mix well. Shape into 16 balls. Place meatballs on rack coated with cooking spray in a shallow baking pan. Bake uncovered at 400F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until no longer pink.
In a small bowl, combine yogurt, cucumber, onions, and lemon juice. Line pitas with lettuce and tomatoes; add meatballs and drizzle with yogurt sauce.
The start of the National Football League season is cause for celebration for millions of fans, but this year’s season may prove especially intriguing for supporters of the Kansas City Chiefs. That’s because the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs have an opportunity to make history during the 2024-25 season.
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, no NFL team has ever won three consecutive Super Bowls. The Chiefs, who defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII in 2023 and the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in Super Bowl LVIII in 2024, have a chance to be
2024 National Football League Did you know? small town friendly BIG time results
the first to accomplish that elusive feat.
Other teams, including the Miami Dolphins between 1971 and 1973, and more recently the New England Patriots between 2016 and 2018, appeared in back-toback-to-back Super Bowls, but neither franchise won three consecutive Super Bowls. The Buffalo Bills appeared in four consecutive Super Bowls in the early 1990s, but notably lost all four contests. The Chiefs kick off their 2024 run at history at home versus the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, September 5.
Ignite Your Girl Power This Fall
If you’re in search of community that values friendship, learning, adventure and leadership, look no further than the world of Girl Scouting.
Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont (GSCP2P) is forming troops and recruiting new leaders for the new troop year that begins October 1. All girls in grades K-12 are invited to join now, and they can find troops in their area by zip code or choose to participate independently.
Join over 11,000 girls, adults and lifetime members across 40 counties in western and central North Carolina who are building girls of courage, confidence and character while making the world a better place at www. BeAGirlScout.org/discover.
Girls and their families who are interested in learning more about Girl Scouting in their area can find informational events happening throughout our council by visiting the online calendar at bit.ly/43ApK9R.
“As girls are heading back to school, this is the perfect time to find her Girl Scout troop for the upcoming membership year to have a space to be herself, make lifelong friends
and learn vital leadership and life skills,” said Jennifer Wilcox, CEO of GSCP2P. “There are programs for all girls’ interests so she can try new things, discover hidden talents and make a difference in her community, all while igniting her girl power.”
Over the past membership year, GSCP2P awarded over 300 girls for their leadership through the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, had a blast at summer camp with more than 500 girls and met over 250 girls at our equestrian center for lessons and programs. With a focus on STEM, outdoors, life skills and entrepreneurship, the activities, possibilities and patches are endless.
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Volunteer opportunities range from being a troop leader for the year to volunteering on an episodic basis. We’re excited to announce that beginning August 2024, new Girl Scout Daisy (grades K-1) troop leaders in our council will receive a monthly supply box filled with step-by-step instructions, ready-to-go supplies and thoughtful script suggestions. Claim your Daisy Girl Scout Experience Box at bit.ly/3UyLpxW.
Article Provided By: Baylee Fortune
Mission Health is proud to sponsor the Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp September 20-22. This unique weekend retreat was developed to refresh stroke survivors and caregivers from the many challenges related to stroke recovery and is open to
stroke survivors, caregivers, family members and friends. This is a weekend of education, socialization, relaxation and support,
Car washing for fundraiser
fundraiser on Saturday at the facility. A car wash is held each Saturday morning through September. Cost is donations only.
Mission Health sponsoring stroke survivor camp
including crafts, games, activities, pampering, and nature walks. This is Mission Health’s 10th year sponsoring this event, and it will be held at Lake Junaluska Camp, 91 North Lakeshore Drive, Lake Junaluska, NC. To register, visit https:// unitedstrokealliance.regfox. com/camper-asheville-ncarea-stroke-camp-2024. For questions or to inquire about financial assistance, call 309-688-5450.
Article Provided By: Nancy Lindell
SUBSCRIBE
Several residents of Out of the Ashes in Forest City participated in the car wash
Where: 132 E. Main St., Forest City- McBrayer Office Bldg.
More Info: 5 students per tutor. Tutors have NC Teaching Certificate. Limited slots. Team NC Tutoring 828-202-5593 or info@ teamnctutoring.com.
Volunteer Opportunities
More Info: Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity’s affordable homes are making a positive impact on many families in need. Volunteer today & lay the foundation for a brighter tomorrow. Volunteers needed for construction, ReStore, Clothing Center, more. 828-2450716, www.rutherfordhfh.org, habitat.org
More Info: NC Guardian ad Litem Program trains & supervises child advocate volunteers to represent best interests of kids in court system. www.volunteerforgal.org, 828-2886121.
More Info: CarePartners
Hospice & Palliative Care is seeking volunteers. Variety of opportunities, including specialized respite support, socializationcompanionship, assistance with errands, Veterans program & more. Volunteer roles are designed to support staff. 828-274-9567.
Tuesdays
What: Open Arms Substance Abuse
When: Tuesdays 6-7pm
Where: Highland Apartments Activity Center; 171 Butler Rd., Forest City
More Info: Open to those with substance abuse, parents or guardians of children with substance abuse addictions. Rena: 828-305-1280.
Wednesdays
What: Atrium Health Mobile Care Unit
When: Wednesdays 10am to 4pm
Where: Grahamtown Center; 129 1st St., Forest City
More Info: Based on income, many will be able to see a doctor at no cost. Patients from ages 2 and up will be seen. The Mobile Care Unit also serves patients on medicaid, medicare and other insurance. The goal is “to give greater health care access in Rutherford county.
Thursdays
What: Rutherfordton Kiwanis Club Meeting
When: 6:30-7:30pm (except 5th Thursdays)
Where: Woodrow Jones Building, Rutherfordton
More Info: See “Kiwanis of Rutherfordton” on FaceBook. New members welcome and light dinner served. ruffkiwanis@gmail.com
What: Narcotics Anonymous meeting
When: Thursdays; 12:30-1:30pm Where: Community Healing Recovery & Thriving Center; 648 Withrow Rd., Forest City
Every 3rd Thursday
What: Coffee and Conversation When: 9:30-10:30am
Where: Rutherford County Veterans Office; 303 Fairground Rd., Spindale
More Info: Open to Rutherford County Veterans.
Ongoing
What: Rutherford County Woodworkers Club
When: Every Fourth Tuesday Where: Rutherford County Annex, Rutherfordton
More Info: 919-696-6064
What: Stitch by Stitch
When: First Saturday of each month, 12pm
Where: Rutherford County Library, Callahan Rd., Spindale
More Info: Ages 10 and up; cross-stitch, needle point and slow stitching
What: American Legion member of Post 74 Forest City, Post 423 Henrietta or Post 437 Chimney Rock: pay membership dues at www.legion.org. Join the American Legion, contact Jimmy 704-8195862.
What: Learn more about the Civil War/Confederacy third Friday monthly at annex in Rutherfordton. 6:30pm refreshments. 7pm meeting. William Corbitt SCV camp welcomes you. More Info: teddybear93_890@ yahoo.com
What: Lake Lure Farmers Market
When: Fridays 4-7pm
Where: Morse Park; 2948 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure
August 1-30
What: Art Show- Uncommon Clay
When: 10am-3pm Tue.-Sat.
Where: Visual Artists Guild; 160 N.
Main St., Rutherfordton
More Info: Free show. Works in clay by Misty Johnson, Paula Rogalski.
What: Rutherford County Farmers Market
When: Sat. 8-12. Every Tues. 4-7.
Where: Park Square (across from POPS), Forest City
August 29
What: Ellenboro Community Restoration Assn. annual meeting
When: August 29; 7pm
Where: Philadelphia Primitive Baptist Church; 201 Philadelphia Church Rd., Ellenboro
More Info: Public is invited.
What: Kirk Wilkerson golf tournament
When: August 31; 10am
Where: Meadowbrook Golf Course
More Info: Registration $100; (golf, cart, gift bag & lunch).
SEPTEMBER & BEYOND
September 5
What: ICC Golf Tournament
When: Sept. 5; 12-2pm
Where: Apple Valley Golf Course, Lake Lure
More Info: Benefits Isothermal Community College Foundation. Sponsors, players needed; call Thad 828-395-1624 or tharrill@isothermal.edu
September 7
What: Car show in memory of James Haynes
When: Sept. 7; registration 9am-noon
Where: Greenhill Store; 2751 US Hwy. 64/74A
More Info: $20. Proceeds benefit Piney Knob Baptist Church. Johnnie 828-4297500 or Scott 828-289-0475.
What: Sarah Sweep, First Broad River Festival When: Sept. 7; 10am-9pm
Where: First Broad River near Lawndale
More Info: Festival tickets: $20. Kids under age 8 & volunteers receive free entry. Register for cleanup & purchase afterparty tickets: https://mountaintrue.org/event/9thannual-sarah-sweep-and-first-broad-riverfestival-near-lawndale-nc/
What: Fundraiser Auction
When: September 7; 10am
Where: Cedar Grove Fellowship Church, 160 Toney Rd., Bostic
More Info: Preview & registration Sept. 6, 3-5pm, Sept. 7, 9-10am. Over 400 lots. Food & country store w/baked goods, pickles etc. Proceeds to Cedar Grove Fellowship Building Fund.
More Info: Supports One More One Less Ministry, CPS Construction is hosting. Diapers gifted to families in need. Free family friendly event with a free food, door prizes, corn hole tournament.
September 12
What: Cancer Survivor Celebration
When: September 12; 5-7:30pm
Where: Carolina Event and Conference Center; 376 Hudlow Rd., Forest City
More Info: Rutherford County cancer survivors & 2 guests welcome. Music, dinner, musical bingo, RSVP: 828-2454596.
September 14
What: RS Central Baseball Fundraiser Car Show
When: September 14
Where: 641 US 221, Rutherfordton Student
Parking Lot
More Info: $25 entry fee. Johnnie 828-4297500 or Jimmy 828-748-2797.
September 22
What: Ani & Wanei Cultural Festival When: September 22; 12-4pm
Where: Big Barn Venue at Hickory Nut Gap Farm; 57 Sugar Hollow Rd., Fairview More Info: Cherokee and Appalachian Heritage, activities for the whole family, Cherokee dancers, musicians, artisans, storytellers, puppets, Appalachian music and art, Native-owned food truck.
September 27
What: Holes for Houses Charity Golf Tournament
When: September 27; 10am
Where: Meadowbrook Golf Course, Rutherfordton
More Info: $100 per player (includes lunch). Contact Sheila Cain at 828-2483178.
September 27-29
What: Art Show- Celebrate Art
When: Sept. 27-29; Fri. 11am-9pm, Sat. & Sun. 9-5
Where: The Foundation
More Info: Free event features an eclectic mix of contemporary and classic pieces from talented, local artists presented by the Rutherford County, Visual Artists Guild.
September 28
What: Chase High Class of 1974 50 year Reunion
When: September 28; 6pm Where: One 13; Rutherfordton More Info: $40/person. Mail Checks to Shelia Cuthbertson; 177 Carolina Paradise, Rutherfordton, NC 28139. Deadline Sept. 1.
State Fair
Area artists on stage for Earl Scruggs Music Festival beginning
The life and legacy of Earl Scruggs will be celebrated again this year during the third annual Labor Day Weekend celebration, the Earl Scruggs Music Festival, at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring beginning Friday, Aug. 30 through Sunday, September1.
The festival that features leading Americana, country and bluegrass acts is much, much more than some of the best musicians on the stage to honor the Cleveland County banjo giant.
In addition to performances by Tanya Tucker, Old Crow Medicine Show, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Yonder Mountain String Band, and more, the three-day gathering will feature a variety of addon opportunities including horseback riding, a ‘Bluegrass Over Easy’ breakfast, bourbon tasting, pickleball, yoga, and more. While some events require a paid admission, many activities are free to festival passholders.
“Where else can you enjoy a trail ride in the morning, have lunch at a sit-down restaurant, and catch a world-class music act, all in the same day?,”
Doug Grondahl, COO of Tryon International said recently. “Our facility’s versatility, high-end amenities, and stunning natural surroundings make it the perfect setting for a uniquely unforgettable music festival experience.”
The music festival performances also include several artists with local connections.
On Friday, Rutherford County native Carley Arrowood and her band, will perform from 1:30 to 2:30pm on the Foggy Mountain Stage.
Carley grew up in Rutherford County, a daughter of Yancey and Cindy Arrowood of Union Mills, and has been playing music since she was 10 years old. She will be joined by her sister Autumn, who started playing at age 8. In addition to Autumn on mandolin/vocals, others are Carley’s husband Daniel Thrailkill, guitar and vocals, Paul Watson on bass
and Sawyer Whitman, banjo.
The Wilder Flower, with a connection to WNCW in Spindale, will perform from 3 to 4pm also on Friday following Carley’s band on the Foggy Mountain Stage.
Madeline Dierauf, on fiddle, is the daughter of WNCW music host Roland Dierauf. The Wilder Flower has a new album coming out.
The band also features Danielle Yother on guitar and Molly Johnson on banjo. The band plays a mix of folk, Americana, bluegrass, and old-time tunes, and often performs three-part harmonies and original songs. They’ve played throughout the Carolinas and have toured as far as Ohio, Alabama, and Georgia Darrin & Brooke Aldridge from Cherryville will be on the Foggy Mountain Stage Sunday, Sept. 1 for Bluegrass Gospel from 11am to 12:30pm. They are returning artists to the Earl Scruggs Festival.
The Wilder Flower and Darrin & Brooke played most recently performed at the Cherry Bounce Festival in Forest City.
Friday
The Earl Scruggs Music Festival is kid-friendly, with free admission to children 12 and under with accompanying General Admission ticket holder adults. Visit the Little Foggies Kid Zone presented by Bryan Easler Toyota for kids activities and even a musical instrument petting zoo.
Earl Scruggs Music Festival officially kicks off on Friday morning, but festivities will start on Thursday evening with an open-to-the-public Welcome Home celebration featuring music from Tanasi and The Well Drinkers. The free event promises toe-tapping music and an opportunity to ring in the weekend with an energetic and communal atmosphere, setting a lively tone for the days ahead. A separately ticketed Bourbon and Bluegrass tasting event will also take place at TIEC with performances by Travis Book & Friends w/ Tommy Maher & Julian Pinelli. For tickets and the full schedule visit: www. earlscruggsmusicfest.com
Article Provided By: Jean Gordon. Photos Contributed.
It was Hawaiian Dance night recently at the Rutherford County Senior Center. Dancers did the twist, the twostep, a waltz and more to great music played by the Union Express Band. During the band’s break the senior center hula dancers took over the dance floor.
230 Acres of Land Added
to
Mount Mitchell State Park
The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, in collaboration with The Conservation Fund and 130 of Chatham, LLC, announced the completion of an acquisition that protects 238.14 acres of highelevation land that has long been identified as critical acreage in Mount Mitchell State Park’s land protection plan.
The land is located southwest of the main public access area of Mount Mitchell State Park and adjacent to other land that the park protects along the southern border of Yancey County. The acquisition provides additional connections to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, and the Asheville Watershed.
“These are important acres the division has been trying to acquire for conservation the last 50 years,” said State Parks Director Brian Strong. “We are very grateful for this partnership with 130 of Chatham and The Conservation Fund that has helped protect areas of exceptional natural resource value in the Black Mountains.”
“This opportunity represents the kind of challenge The Conservation Fund (TCF) was created for,” said Mike Leonard, TCF’s former Board Chair. “We believe that land sustains us. TCF has been actively involved here since 1998 to expand Mount Mitchell State Park, including efforts that more than doubled
the park’s size in connection with its 100th anniversary in 2016.
Expansion sustains the many park visitors, rare species that rely on the unique 6,000-foothigh spruce fir forest and the local Yancey County tourism industry.”
The acquisition consists of high-elevation spruce-fir forest.
The southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest ecoregion is among the most endangered ecosystem in the U.S. It is home to several species listed federally and in North Carolina as rare, threatened, or endangered, including the Carolina northern flying squirrel, and the sprucefir moss spider, both of which are found only in the Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest region and nowhere else in the world.
Red spruce and Fraser fir once dominated the southern
Appalachian forests, but as temperatures increased, they became isolated to the highest peaks in North Carolina, those above 5,000 feet in elevation. Logging through the 1800s and 1900s further reduced the habitat by as much as 60%. Acid rain and the balsam woolly adelgid continue to present threats to the trees’ survival. N.C. State Parks is currently a part of the Southern Appalachian Spruce Restoration Initiative, which aims to replant red spruce trees in high-elevation lands across western North Carolina.
The $3.588 million acquisition was made possible through a North Carolina Land and Water Fund grant awarded to The Conservation Fund and matching grant funds from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund to N.C. State Parks. Article Provided By: dncr.nc.gov
Darrin & Brooke Aldridge from Cherryville will perform on the Foggy Mountain Stage.
The Wilder Flower.
S P O R T S C O R N E R SPORTS CORNER
The TC Elite travel softball team won the championship recently at the NSA Midnight Madness tournament in Hickory. The team went 4-0 during the tournament, allowing only six hits and one earned run. Maddie Bowen pitched a no hitter in game three. Lily Pruett and E. DeYoung, with catcher Kinley Owens, each pitched a shutout. The team scored a total of 27 earned runs. E. DeYoung led the team with the most hits with Kinley Owens, Gracie Parker, and Maggie Webb each having three hits. Pictured with the team is head coach Ryan Pruett, along with assistant coaches Tammy Owens and Josh Gaut.
Team MVP went to Dereon Kee for her first ever overthe-fence home run giving the team the walk off win.
Photos contributed contributed.
Cheering for her home team
When Etta Loving showed up Friday night for the Chase High Trojan/ Mountain Heritage football game, she was attired in her Chase Trojans Cheer shirt and other attire. The kindergarten student from Forrest Hunt Elementary School didn’t miss a beat cheering and twirling on the sidelines. The daughter of Brandon and Roxanne Loving, she also cheered for her brother Dawson, a member of the Trojan Marching Band. For the home team, it wasn’t the best non-conference game as they lost 54-0. The Trojans go on the road Friday night Aug. 30 in another non-conference match with Stuart Cramer in Belmont.
Article & Photo Provided By: Jean Gordon
Tailgating dos and don’ts this season
Many sports enthusiasts feel there’s no better tradition than mingling with fellow fans while tailgating. Tailgating entails arriving at a stadium parking lot several hours early on game day; icing down beverages in a cooler; heating up the grill; and seeing some familiar, perhaps fanatical, faces.
Aiming Outdoorsmen Toward Christ
Compose With Color
By Gary Miller
the jersey or team colors to express your fandom. It also identifies you as friend (not a foe) to other fans.
DON’T expect a saved spot at the stadium.
to refusing pets on property to not allowing noisemakers or fireworks. Familiarize yourself with the rules when planning your tailgate.
I can’t remember a nicer August than we’ve been having in my area. It has acted more like May. The mornings have been nice, the rain adequate, and I’m having to mow my yard every few days. While it acted more like May, it has felt more like September. I feel rushed to get fully prepared for deer season. I still have a field to plant and a couple of tree stands to hang before I can think about getting all my equipment together. And then until November, I’ll watch and wait. Watch my trail cameras and wait until I see a buck I want to hunt. Sure, I may harvest a doe for a friend in need, but for me, I’ll watch and wait for that buck until closer to the rut. As many of you know, during that time, what shows up in the woods may not have been seen on a camera any time before. The neighboring bucks will begin moving away from their home territory to look for that first doe in heat. This is when hunting gets good. And for me, since I only have so many days I can hunt, I don’t want to waste my time and energy on unproductive times. Sure, I love just sitting in the woods, but I also like the hope and anticipation of a harvest.
Create a winning ad by adding color to your palette. Color will make your advertising stand out and get noticed faster. Research even shows that people are more likely to remember and respond to a color ad than one in black-and-white. And when your ad looks good, you look good too. In other words: Color Sells! We Sell Results! To start advertising in color, call today: 828-248-1408
The origins of tailgating are as varied as those spinning tailgating yarns. Some say the tradition dates back to community events in ancient Greece and Rome that were tied to the harvest. In America, the tailgating tradition seemingly has roots in the late nineteenth century, when college football began to invigorate the masses with popular teams at Harvard, Yale and Princeton tearing up the gridiron. Fans would gather around the tailgate of horse-drawn wagons (later automobiles) that were carrying the team’s equipment. This was the unofficial meeting point before a game.
With football season on the horizon, here are some tailgating dos and don’ts.
DO wear the team jersey. Of course you’ll want to wear
Tailgating typically is a firstcome, first-served process in the parking lot. Unlike your tickets that promise a specific section and seat, if you want prime tailgating real estate, plan to arrive early.
DO know the rules of the venue. The rules of tailgating vary by location, but may include anything from prohibiting outside alcohol
DON’T leave it all to chance. Create a list of ways to stay busy. Many tailgaters, in addition to bringing food, will pack activities. These can include a small pigskin to toss around or cornhole boards. Again, make sure you abide by the rules of the sight.
I think everything in life works best when there is an anticipated outcome. Even doing nothing can have an anticipated outcome. It’s that rest will occur. When we do nothing without an anticipated outcome, we say we’re bored. There’s a difference. The fear, however, in thinking only about the outcome, is we can fail to enjoy the process. We can get so wrapped up in the results, we forget about some of the delightful details that gave us the best chance for the success we expect. Each day I make a to-do list. It is a list of outcomes I want to accomplish. But the outcomes are nothing without a plan to achieve them. Today, what will make my day unforgettable will not be all I was able to accomplish, but it will be something special, or different, or unexpected, that will turn one mundane outcome into a memory. And memories are the things we share with others.
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 years. He also speaks at wildgame dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. gary@outdoortruths.org
DO pay attention to food temperature. One way to tank the experience is to get food poisoning. When dining outdoors, it is essential that cold food remains cold and hot food is cooked to the proper temperature. Plenty of ice, coolers and a way to heat up food will be needed. Portable gas or charcoal grills can cook food quickly.
DON’T ignore the weather. Everyone hopes for beautiful weather on game day, but Mother Nature isn’t predictable. Plan accordingly by layering clothing and bringing ponchos or other protective gear if it is going to rain or even snow.
DO clean up after yourselves and do not leave a mess behind in the lot.
DON’T get intoxicated and/or drive while under the influence. Unruly, intoxicated behavior likely will not be tolerated. And you never want to run the risk of endangering yourself or others by driving drunk.
DO have fun and enjoy yourself. After all, that’s what tailgating is all about.
GARY MILLER
Tournament MVP went to Kinley Owens who caught all four games.
Keith Earley with the Sound Connection always makes sure the crowd enjoys dancing for prizes before the Free Movie Friday showing of Monsters University at Forest City Pavilion On Park Square - POPS.
The 2024 Broad River N.C. Championship Cardboard Boat Race will be September 14 at the Broad River Greenway, 126 Broad River Road, Shelby. Activities start at 1pm, with the race beginning at 3pm. Music, vendors, and kids activities such as a scavenger hunt. Games include building and racing a foil boat, and seeing how many pennies it will hold. Water safety demonstrations will be presented. Mason Cole performs at 6pm. Vendor applications available, call 704-4340040 for more information.
Cardboard Boat Race LOCAL LOCAL BUY
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Article & Photos Provided By: Pat Nanney
September 8
What: Worship service honoring veterans and first responders
When: September 8; 11am
Where: Pleasant Grove UMC; 250 Hudlow Rd., Forest City
More Info: Light lunch to follow.
September 15
What: In His Glory performing
When: September 15; 2pm
Where: Church of the Exceptional, Henrietta
More Info: Also penny drive for prayer garden upkeep.
Forest City Church of God Sun. 11am, Wed. 7pm. 238 Washington St., Forest City.
August 31
What: Yard & Biscuit Sale
When: August 31; 8am-noon
Where: Spindale Covenant
Brethren Church Fellowship Hall; 128 Sterling St., Spindale
More Info: Rain or shine. Proceeds to the church.
September 1
What: 1st Sunday Night Singing
When: September 1; 7pm
Where: Riverside Baptist Church; 1178 Hogan Rd., Forest City
More Info: Featuring “In His Glory”
September 8
What: Clothing Give-away
When: September 8; 12-2pm
Where: Three Angels SeventhDay Adventist Church; 2158 Hudlow Rd., Forest City
More Info: In the parking lot.
Liberty Baptist Church Sun. School 9:30am, Worship 10:30am & 6pm. Wed. 5:15pm- Youth Salt & Light Café open, 6pm Kid’s Program/AWANA, Adult Bible Study 6:30pm. 821 Webb Rd., Ellenboro. www.thelibertypulpit.com
Avondale United Methodist Church Sun. 9:45am. 2596 US Hwy. 221-A, Avondale. PO Box 266, Henrietta. avondaleumc4@gmail.com
Cane Creek Baptist Church Sun. School 9am. Worship 10am. Wed. 6:30pm. 151 Cane Creek Mountain Rd., Union Mills. 828-286-2487.
First United Methodist Church 9am Sunday. 264 N. Main St., Rutherfordton. 828-287-3704
Camp Creek Baptist Church Sun. 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.
Saving Grace Church Sunday: 11am. Withrow Road, Forest City.
Cedar Grove Fellowship Church
Sunday Worship 9:30am. Sunday School 10:30am. 160 Toney Rd., Bostic.
Burned At The Stake!
Halloween, the year 1517, more than 500 years pass the Protestant Reformation days of Martin Luther. What happened, and do you know about the forbidden book, what is it? Are you teaching the ten commandments to your children, or having “That Book” in your possession? Keep the book a secret, or else believers might be Burned At The Stake! Christians were enraged by the so-called “Fable of Christ”. Yes, it was very profitable to pay $$ to the church for sin forgiveness. Schedule this Study for your special group, church or civic organization. Guaranteed to be amazing because it is all about God’s Word, the Bible. Mathew 10:8.
“Freely You Have Received, Freely Give” Schedule This Very Unique, Amazing Bible Study. valleygravel@outlook.com
Request Burned At The Stake Outline for Review
Day weekend is widely considered the unofficial swan song of summer. Though millions of children return to school prior to Labor Day weekend, the final holiday of summer still marks an ending to the season of relaxation and a return to the hustle and bustle of life when the temperatures dip and schedules fill up.
Perhaps because Labor Day has become synonymous with the end of summer, many people look to make the weekended preceding the holiday as fun as possible. People with such intentions can keep these tips in mind as they seek to plan a memorable Labor Day weekend this year.
• Wake up early if you intend to travel. Labor Day weekend should be memorable for all the right reasons and traffic is not one of them. A recent survey from the vacation planning experts at The Vacationer found that roughly 148 million people planned to travel over Labor Day weekend in 2023, which makes the three-day period a particularly busy time to be on the road or in the air. If you intend to fly this Labor Day weekend, try to book an early morning flight to reduce the risk of delays. If you’re driving, hitting the road before sunrise, particularly if you’re traveling a long distance, can help you avoid traffic jams.
• Plan the weekend. It can be tempting to fly by the seat of your pants come Labor Day weekend, but it’s still best to book excursions and even dinner reservations in advance. The popularity
of Labor Day weekend and its status as the unofficial end of summer compels many people to get up and go over the three-day period, so theme parks, water parks, restaurants, and other attractions may be all booked in advance. Purchase tickets and make reservations months in advance to ensure you aren’t left with little to do and/or nothing to eat come Labor Day weekend.
• Create a backup plan. Ideally the weather will cooperate and Labor Day celebrants will be able to spend the entire weekend outdoors if they so desire. But weather is unpredictable, so it pays to create a backup plan in advance. If you’re traveling for the weekend, look around for indoor entertainment spaces to spend the weekend if the weather is uncooperative. If you’re planning a backyard barbecue at home, arrange for some indoor activities or pick a rain date and let guests know. If the party is scheduled for the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, a Sunday rain date might work.
• Go with a summer theme. Even if the kids are already back in school and your summer family vacation is a distant memory, that’s all the more reason to revive the spirit of summer one last time. If hosting at home, a Hawaiian luau theme complete with a pig roast or a final summer pool party is a great way to send summer off before welcoming fall into the fold. Encourage guests to don summer attire and revive your summer playlist to get guests in the mood. If you’re traveling for the weekend, pick a sunny, sandy destination so you can squeeze every last drop out of summer.
Labor Day weekend marks the perfect time to send summer off with a bang. Some preweekend planning can ensure everyone has a memorable final few days of summer.
Celebrate Responsibly
Enjoy a safe Labor Day
Labor Day provides an opportunity to enjoy one last long weekend with fun in the sun, barbecues, pool parties, and vacations. Although summer officially ends on Sunday, September 22, 2024, Labor Day typically marks the unofficial close of the summer entertaining and recreation season. As individuals and families prepare to fire up the grill or float in the pool one last time, they are reminded to heed key tips to stay safe and healthy.
• Fireworks may have been components of celebrations all summer long, but it is always best to leave fireworks displays to the professionals. Also, sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures (approximately 2,000 F) which is hot enough to melt some metals. They’re are not recommended for children to handle.
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be a recipe for injuries or fatalities. Remember, just because it may be legal in some areas to use recreational marijuana, doesn’t mean it is legal to drive under the influence of it. Individuals should leave the driving to a designated driver or a taxi or rideshare service if they plan to imbibe or use marijuana.
of water whenever children are present. When swimming publicly, swim only where lifeguards are on duty.
• Even though summer is winding down, the risk for skin cancer remains elevated. Continue to apply sunscreen when heading outdoors for Labor Day fun.
• No one wants to leave a Labor Day barbecue with food poisoning. All party hosts should remember to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold while entertaining and to remember to cook foods to the correct internal temperature. Even if a grilled steak looks charred on the outside, that does not necessarily mean it is well-done in the middle. Verify temperatures with a meat thermometer.
• Even the most well-behaved pets may become skittish on holidays like Labor Day, when there are many loud noises and unfamiliar sights and smells. It is best to have a pet microchipped in the event he or she gets out of the home or yard when fireworks, thunder or loud crowds scare them off. Shelters or veterinarians can scan the chip to identify the pet’s owner.
Labor Day closes out the summer season with a bang. It is important to continue to be safe while enjoying one last hurrah.
• Water-related injuries and deaths are highest among young children. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says drownings continue to be the leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1 to 4. Extreme caution should be used in and around pools and other bodies
By: Jean Gordon
Some years ago the marketing promotions for the North Carolina State Fair were these four words, “I love a fair.”
Who among us does not love a fair?
I grew up in Rutherford County during the days of the Rutherford County Fair and of course, the Colfax Free Fair in Ellenboro.
As a young kid heading out to the county fair located off Callahan Koon Road and Fairground Road in Spindale was one of the best days ever. Although there was an admission fee to the county fair, school students received fair passes on special school nights.
Our family of six ventured out to the county fair on school nights.
As with the county and state fairs going on this season, there will be plenty of political booths with plenty of paraphernalia.
Our family attended the Rutherford County Fair during the 1960 Presidential campaign.
Two candidates, Richard Nixon and John Kennedy were vying for President of the United States and the county political parties had booths in the exhibit hall.
I vividly remember getting a Kennedy hat shaped like the ones worn by the hot dog vendors.
So yes, I was quite a young fan of Kennedy at barely age 8.
Wearing my new hat that night at the fair, our family walked toward the midway through deep sawdust, with slivers of cotton candy on the ground. If one happened to step in the cotton candy, it was the worst time ever. Ever tried to peel cotton candy off a shoe with sawdust?
We eventually made our
LOCAL AND AREA FAIRS
way to a ride that resembled a squirrel cage high in the sky. My two younger sisters got inside one cage with Daddy and my older sister and I got in with Mama.
Once belted into the squirrel cages, the ride turned you every which way but loose. Screaming for dear life, the ride operator stopped the ride and asked Mama if we wanted off. She declined.
When we finally got off the ride, my Kennedy hat was gone. Of course, it had flown off my head and was forever lost somewhere across the fairgrounds. My heart was broken, but I rebounded and still had fun.
Sadly the county fair came to a close in Spindale but the Ellenboro fair is still going strong. This year’s Colfax Free Fair Ellenboro School Carnival is Sept. 17-21 with its theme, “Harvesting Wonderful Memories.”
And oh, the memories of the Ellenboro fair, visiting the exhibit halls was first priority for our parents, especially when our sister, Dianne, entered her prizewinning, home-grown gourds. That was a big deal. My sisters and I would look out over the midway at the bright lights of the rides wishing we were there instead of looking at every one of the oversized pumpkins and watermelons, reading names of ribbon winners, checking out the canned goods and making faces in front of silly, magic mirrors.
My older sister actually won some kind of ribbon one year for her prize winning gourds she grew outside our back door at our home. Trust me, that was a big deal.
At the Ellenboro fair/ school carnival, as it is today, there was no admission charge.
By the way, admission remains free in Ellenboro offering everyone an opportunity to attend.
My daddy went to Ellenboro School so the fair was especially meaningful to him. He often told us about A. B. Bushong, the organizer of the first fair in 1928, had a passion for the fair and community. Daddy said school students had the chore each morning
after the fair to clean up the grounds. Any money that fell from the pockets of fair goers and subsequently found by students could be kept by students. That was always an exciting time for young farm boys who didn’t have one cent of extra money.
These days are exciting ones for not only the students at Ellenboro school but for the entire community and county.
The fair opens on Tuesday, Sept. 17 for the exhibit hall, games and food; rides will be up and running Wednesday-Saturday along with live music, classic car and truck show.
See you at the fair for plenty of fun, reminiscing and “harvesting memories.”
Other fairs: Cleveland County Fair, Sept. 26-Oct. 6; Mountain State Fair opens Friday, Sept. 6 and closes Sunday, Sept. 15; NC State Fair Oct. 17-27.
Contact Jean: gordonjean211@gmail.com
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50 years on the job at RRHS
An employee at Rutherford Regional Health System, formerly Rutherford Hospital, recently reached a milestone, many others have not attained.
Linda Allen, a Rutherford County native and a 1969 graduate of R-S Central High School, celebrated her 50th anniversary working at the hospital.
She began working at the hospital in 1974 as a Radiology Transporter, making only $1.65 an hour. Over the years, she’s transitioned to her current role as the Radiology Office Coordinator. Obviously in half a century, Allen has seen many changes in the hospital. One of the most surprising to her is the major advancements in technology. In the past, she relied on rolodex and index cards for medical records before computers became prevalent.
When Allen started in the department as a radiology transporter, she earned
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$1.65 an hour for approximately five years. She then moved to nuclear medicine, where she worked for 25 years, before her current role. When she started her job, there wasn’t an ultrasound, CT, or MRI department. There was only nuclear medicine and radiology. Allen said it’s the people that have been her inspiration for 50 years. She said she takes pleasure in witnessing her impact on numerous patients throughout the years and the generations that follow.
Hospital staff said as Allen’s milestone is recognized, “we are reminded that the years of service are not just a measure of time but a legacy of dedication, compassion, and excellence in patient care.”
When Allen is not working, she enjoys spending time with her three granddaughters, Carolina, Carley and Chloe.
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Article Provided By: Jean Gordon. Photo Contributed.
Linda Allen at work as the Radiology Office Coordinator.
Free box loads of merchandise from Amazon or other companies right on your doorstep! What could be bad about getting the Santa treatment all year long? Plenty! Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns consumers that this recent scam has a scary downside. You are not the one who hit the jackpot; a scammer is the real winner.
This scam is called brushing, and it has recently been popping up nationwide. Suddenly, boxes of unordered (by the recipient) merchandise from Amazon or other online sellers begin arriving. There is no return address, or sometimes it just appears to come from Amazon or another retailer, and the receiver has yet to learn who ordered the items. The items are varied. For example, in one case, a humidifier, a hand warmer, a flashlight, a Bluetooth speaker, and a computer vacuum cleaner arrived unordered. Often, the items received are lightweight and inexpensive to ship, such as ping pong balls, face masks, or seeds from China.
Why would such merchandise be sent to you if you didn’t request it? The companies, usually foreign, third-party sellers that are sending the items are simply using your address that they discovered online. They intend to make it appear that you wrote a glowing online review of their merchandise and that you are a verified buyer of that merchandise. They then post a fake, positive review to improve their products’ ratings, which means more sales.
The payoff is highly profitable from their perspective.
In a recent BBB Scam Tracker Report, one consumer shared, “A mysterious package was delivered to my home from a person I do not
know, without me ordering any such package. When I tried to look up the return address, the search returned “brushing scam” hits.”
numbers.
Why it’s bad news for you
The fact that someone could have the items sent to you as if you purchased them indicates that they have some of your personal information, such as your name, address, and, possibly, phone number. Once the information is online, it could be used for numerous crooked enterprises.
The fake online review angle is only one way they benefit. By using the brushing scam, they also are increasing their sales numbers. After all, they aren’t purchasing the items since the payment goes right back to them.
Increased sales numbers, even though padded with fake purchases, look good for the company and help lead to more sales.
Then there is the “porch pirate” angle. There are instances where thieves use other people’s mailing addresses and accounts, then watch for the delivery of the package so they can steal it from the door before the resident gets it.
What can you do?
• Notify the retailer. Brushing and fake reviews are against Amazon’s policies, so contact Amazon Customer Service if this happens to you and the product appears to come from Amazon. They will investigate and take action against the bad actor. Amazon also takes security seriously and encourages customers to report fraudulent purchases or other security issues. If the package appears to come through another established business, go directly to their website to get their contact information. If you prefer to contact the business by phone, be cautious about searching for support phone
BBB Scam Alert: “Brushing” scam indicates a serious problem for victims small town
• Attempt to identify the sender. If you can identify the sender of unordered packages, consider checking for potential false reviews in your name - and ask for the reviews to be removed.
• Check your account for recent orders. Some targets of brushing scams can be deluged with unordered packages, creating a serious problem. If this happens, consider whether to refuse package delivery at your home address and temporarily direct items that you did order to a package acceptance service.
Rutherford Regional Health System
Announces Appointment of New CEO
Rutherford Regional Health System, a Duke LifePoint facility, announces the appointment of Sue Shugart as chief executive officer (CEO), effective August 19. Shugart, who has served as interim CEO since June, brings over two decades of experience in healthcare leadership to her new role.
Shugart is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and a Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS), reflecting her commitment to excellence in healthcare management, patient safety and employee satisfaction and wellbeing.
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• Change your account passwords. This may be a sign that personal information has been compromised, and to improve account security, keep a close eye on credit reports and credit card bills.
• You are allowed to keep the merchandise. The Federal Trade Commission says you have a legal right to keep unordered merchandise.
• Protect your identity. BBB advises to take all necessary precautions to prevent identity theft. Be careful when entering personal information online, and ensure you use a secure site.
Article Provided By: Juliana O’Rork
Shugart’s extensive experience in healthcare is demonstrated through her leadership, operational management, and strategic planning capabilities, all focused on strengthening healthcare services in the communities she serves. Most recently, she served as CEO of MUSC Health Kershaw Medical Center in Camden, South Carolina, where she led key strategic initiatives, including improving patient care services and workplace culture, acquiring physician practices, and successfully transitioning to a new electronic health record system.
“Sue is an exceptional leader whose dedication and expertise have consistently driven positive outcomes,” said Elmer Polite, president of Lifepoint Health’s eastern division. “Her extensive experience, combined with her passion for community engagement, makes her a strong leader for Rutherford Regional Health System. I am confident that under her leadership, Rutherford Regional will continue to thrive and deliver outstanding healthcare services to our community”
“I am honored to take on this role and look forward to continuing to work with the incredible team at Rutherford Regional,” said Shugart. “Together, we will continue to strengthen the healthcare services we provide and ensure that our community continues to receive the highest quality of care.”
Shugart’s appointment follows Rutherford Regional’s achievement of an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group in May, a national recognition for excellence in patient safety. This distinction highlights the hospital’s ongoing efforts to protect patients from preventable harm and errors. Shugart looks forward to continuing this commitment to patient safety and quality care, ensuring that Rutherford Regional remains a trusted healthcare provider in the community.
About Rutherford Regional Health System: 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 or to connect with Rutherford Regional, visit MyRutherfordRegional.com, or find us on Facebook.
Article Provided By: Brianna Wilson
VA awards over $800 million in grants to help homeless and at-risk Veterans and their families
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced it will award $806.4 million in grants to help homeless and at-risk Veterans through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families and Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem programs. Supportive Services for Veteran Families: Through the SSVF program, VA is awarding 239 grants totaling approximately $797.5 million to community organizations that help rapidly rehouse Veterans and their families, prevent the imminent loss of Veterans’ homes, or identify more suitable housing situations.
Grant and Per Diem Program: Through the GPD program, VA will award 14 grants totaling approximately $8.9 million to community organizations that provide Veterans with transitional housing and case management — including connecting eligible Veterans to VA benefits, communitybased services, and permanent housing. These special need grants will fund approximately 105 transitional housing beds to support special populations of homeless Veterans including women, elderly, terminally ill, chronically mentally ill, or those who care for minor dependents.
Ending Veteran homelessness is a top priority of VA and the Biden-Harris Administration. The number of Veterans experiencing homelessness fell by 4.5% between 2020 to 2023 and has dropped 52% overall since 2010. These grants also build upon the significant progress to end Veteran homelessness, including progress towards VA’s fiscal year 2024 goal to house 41,000 more homeless Veterans. In 2023, VA placed more than 46,500 homeless Veterans into permanent housing, exceeding the goal set for 2023 by nearly 23%.
“We’re making real progress in reducing
Veteran homelessness, but there is much more work to do,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “These grants allow VA and the entire Biden-Harris Administration, alongside community partners, to provide more housing and wraparound services to more homeless and at-risk Veterans than ever before.”
These efforts are built upon the evidence-based “Housing First” approach, which prioritizes housing Veterans, followed by providing them the wraparound support to stay housed, including health care, job training, legal and education assistance, and more.
These new grant awards come just a week after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and VA announced policy changes that will help more Veterans receive housing assistance under the HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. The changes include requiring public housing agencies that administer HUD-VASH to set initial income eligibility at 80% of area median income, and excluding Veterans’ disability benefits when determining income eligibility — both of which are expected to increase the number of Veterans eligible for housing assistance.
For more information about VA’s comprehensive efforts to end Veteran homelessness, visit VA.gov/homeless. To learn more about the Grant and Per Diem program or view the full list of grantees, visit the Grant and Per Diem website. To learn more about the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program or view the full list of grantees, visit the Supportive Services for Veteran Families website at https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index. html
Article Provided By: US Department of Veterans Affairs
Visitor impact for Rutherford County
Domestic and international visitors to and within Rutherford County spent 289.83 million in 2023, an increase of 2.6 percent from 2022. The data comes from an annual study commissioned by VisitNC, a unit of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.
Rutherford County tourism continues to grow and create memorable experiences for our visitors. The memorable experiences create a better quality of life for our citizens that live here. Rutherford County and the great state of North Carolina provide an awesome place to visit.
Tourism impact highlights for 2023:
• The travel and tourism industry directly employees more than 1,673 in Rutherford County.
• Total payroll generated by the tourism industry in Rutherford County was 69.8 million.
• State tax revenue generated in Rutherford County totaled 11.9 million through state sales and excise taxes, and taxes on personal and corporate income. About 9.4 million in local taxes were generated from occupancy, sales and property tax revenue from travelgenerated and travel- supported businesses.
These statistics come from the “Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties 2023,” which can be accessed at partners. visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies. The study was prepared for Visit North Carolina by Tourism Economics.
Statewide, visitor spending in 2023 rose 6.9 percent to reach a record $35.6 billion.
Direct tourism employment increased 4.8 percent to 227,224.
“The new study underscores the importance of tourism to every county in North Carolina,” said Wit Tuttell, executive director of Visit NC. “There’s a lot of competition for travelers’ time and money, and we owe our success to everything from the state’s scenic beauty and outdoor adventure to our mix of tradition and innovation and our welcoming spirit. Those qualities might be hard to measure, but we can follow the trail to a measurable impact
on our workforce, our businesses and our tax base. We look forward to continued success.” NC tourism facts:
• Total spending by domestic and international visitors in North Carolina reached $35.6 billion in 2023. That sum represents a 6.9 percent increase over 2022 expenditures.
• Domestic travelers spent a record $34.6 billion in 2023. Spending was up 6.8 percent from $32.4 billion in 2022.
• International travelers spent $997 million in 2023, up 9.5 percent from the previous year.
• Visitors to North Carolina generated nearly $4.5 billion in federal, state and local taxes in 2023. The total represents a 5.8 percent increase from 2022.
• State tax receipts from visitor spending rose 5.6 percent to $1.3 billion in 2023.
• Local tax receipts grew 5.4 percent to $1.2 billion.
• Direct tourism employment in North Carolina increased 4.8 percent to 227,224.
• Direct tourism payroll increased 6.6 percent to nearly $9.3 billion.
• Visitors spend more than $97 million per day in North Carolina. That spending adds $7.1 million per day to state and local tax revenues (about $3.7 million in state taxes and $3.4 million in local taxes).
• Each North Carolina household saved $518 on average in state and local taxes as a direct result of visitor spending in the state. Savings per capita averaged $239.
Credit Union employees discuss scams at Rutherford County Senior Center
imposter scams, bad and good news scams are some of the scams and frauds that require vigilance on the part of senior citizens. Kari Ledbetter and Chery Smith from the State Employees Credit Union Rutherfordton branch made participants at the Rutherford County Senior Center aware of these scams and ways to protect themselves. In some of the scams callers or people on social media work to gain a person’s trust then
Social Security or other agency saying the recipient of the call owes money. The best thing to do is hang up and call the agency to see if the situation is real. Good news scammers say the person answering the phone has won a sweepstakes or prize and must pay taxes or customs fees upfront to receive the winnings. Grandparents are called to tell them a grandchild is in jail and needs bail money and the parents are not to be called. With artificial intelligence the caller can actually duplicate the child’s voice on the phone. If a supposed charity calls ask for information to be sent in the mail. If someone
Rutherford Weekly Sudoku Answers
Rutherford Weekly Sudoku
make sense” and not to be afraid to hang up. There is never a reason to respond to a request for a gift card.
The SECU website has a security section and the Federal Trade Commission takes reports of scams and frauds.
Article & Photos Provided By: Pat Nanney
Sunflower fundraiser August 29 & September 5
Ruff’ton Roots Community Garden is hosting its U-Pick fundraiser at the Sunflower Field off Leroy Mull Drive, Rutherfordton, former Rutherfordton Golf Club. Flowers are $2 per stem, cash is preferred, however card payments for $20 and more are available.
U-PICK begins at 5:30pm to 7pm Thursday (today, Aug. 29) and will also be on Thursday, Sept. 5 from 5:30pm to 7pm.
Any later blooms will be for sale on Friday, Sept. 6 beginning at 6:30pm on Central Street in Rutherfordton at the FA&B Booth.
Free community photo-ops are expected from August 29-September 4. Park safely in the lot off Leroy Mull Drive and please, take only pictures. In case of storms, cancellations and rescheduling will be posted on Ruff’ton Roots Community Garden social media.
Article Provided By: Jean Gordon. Photo Contributed.
Kari Ledbetter
Chery Smith
Obituaries Obituaries
Faye Adair Godfrey
Faye Adair Godfrey, age 90, passed away Monday, August 19, 2024.
She was born September 11, 1933 in Rutherford County, NC to the late James Berton Adair and Edisto McDaniel Adair.
Faye grew up and attended school in Cliffside. In addition to being a homemaker, over the years she also worked at both Cone Mills of Cliffside and at Peeler Rug Company (Gaffney, SC). She was a member of Prospect Baptist Church.
She is survived by her daughter, Karen Greene Reid and son-in-law David Reid of Joliet, IL, by her sister Joyce Adair Blackmon of Charlotte, and by many beloved nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her daughter Wanda June Greene, her sisters Bertie Adair Randall and Edith Adair Tucker, and by her husband Tharo “Bud” Godfrey.
The funeral was held August 23 at Prospect Baptist Church and was officiated by Rev. Tim Elmore and Rev. Ernie Cole.
Online condolences may be made at www. eggersfuneralhome.com
Sammy Bridges
Sammy Mark “Coconut” Bridges, age 64, passed away Thursday, August 15, 2024.
He was born to the late Obie Bridges and Rebecca Russ Bridges in Cleveland County.
Left to cherish his memory are his brother, Steve Bridges (Myra); nephew, Travis Moore (Tiffany); great-nephews, Jackson Moore and Jordan Moore.
He worked at Womack Pest Control, Fast Food Industry and Ed’s Pallet
World.
Private Family Services will be held at a later date. Memorial tributes may be made at www.rsmorganfsl.com.
Robert Morgan Funeral and Cremation Service is serving the family.
Charlene White
Charlene White, age 62, of Forest City, passed away Friday, August 16, 2024.
Charlene was born April 6, 1962 in Erie, PA to the late James Mossburg and Charlotte Foy Mossburg.
She worked many years for Bojangles.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her husband of 27 years, Dean White; daughter, Shannan White; brothers, Frank and Robert Clugh; sisters, Susan Biggs and Carolyn Encinas.
Those left to cherish her memory include her four daughters, Jamie Sellers (Chris) of Inman, SC, LaDonna Maynor (Roger) of Forest City, April Sue Kargle (Dan) of Brunswick, Ohio and Kandy Riker (Tim) of Campobello, SC; brothers, Richard Clugh, Donald Clugh (Mary) and James Clugh (Claire) all of Ashtabula, Ohio. She is also survived by ten beloved grandchildren and a great-grandson.
A private family celebration will be held to honor Charlene’s life.
An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.
There was once a beautiful, feathered bird with plenty of plumage. Each day, he was able to soar freely throughout the giant expanse of the sky. One morning, while hunting for his daily nourishment, he came upon a wily snake. The snake inquired of the bird, “What are you doing out so early?” The bird replied, “I am looking for food for the day.” The snake then cunningly reasoned with the bird, “it must take much time and labor to search for food each day?” “Yes, sometimes it is a wearisome task,” said the bird. “Well,” said the snake, “I have an offer, give me one of your beautiful feathers in exchange for a day’s portion of food.” The bird thought, “I have many feathers and could spare one each day.” So, a deal was made. Each morning the bird would meet the snake and give him a feather in exchange for daily sustenance. “What an arrangement,” thought the bird, “I can spend each day soaring through the sky with no worries!”
After the passing of much time, the bird became more and more dependent on the snake. One day the bird came for his provision, but the snake did not have any food for him. The bird sternly questioned, “I thought we had an agreement,
daughters, Taryn Evanchuk of Ellenboro, Abby Parker of TN, and Danielle Parker (Danny) of TX; five sisters, Deborah Huggins, Denise Bridges, Cheryl Ayala, Lisa Blanton, and Bobbi Nalley, all of Ellenboro.
James Reid Wilkie
James Reid Wilkie, 43, passed away Sunday, August 11, 2024.
He was born to Virginia Smith Wilkie and the late James Chelsey Wilkie in Cleveland County.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Lisa Wilkie; sons, Carl Dean Brady (Tabitha) and Lincoln James B Wilkie; daughter, Dakota F. Wilkie; brother, Jessie Wilkie.
He enjoyed Truck Driving, riding his motorcycle, working on CB Radios, working on cars and lawnmowers.
Private Family Services to be held at a later date.
Memorial tributes may be made at www.rsmorganfsl.com.
Robert Morgan Funeral and Cremation Service is serving the family.
Nona Jean Parker
Nona Jean Parker, 53, of Sunshine, died Sunday, August 18, 2024.
She was the daughter of the late CSM Melivin “Gene” Huggins (Retired Army) and Joyce Sailors Huggins. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Linda Popham.
Nona is survived by her husband, Calvin Tate; her
where is my food?” The snake drew closer to the bird and deviously whispered, “today you will be my daily portion.” The bird frantically thought, “I will fly away to safety.” But as he tried to leave for a high place, he could not for lack of feathers. The result that day was a good meal for the snake.
The moral of the story is that there is no such thing as a free lunch. As we become more dependent upon the government, the more of our personal freedoms we surrender. Under the guise of democracy and opportunity, we are offered free money, free food, free healthcare, and free subsidies but there will be a day that we will pay the price for our dependency. We will have lost our ability to sustain and defend ourselves and will be under the rule of a totalitarian government.
“Beware of false prophets, which come in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.“ Matthew 7:15
“Quality Service with Compassionate Care” Harrelson Funeral & Cremation Services
1251 U.S. Hwy 221-A, Forest City, NC 828-657-6383 www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com
A family directed Memorial Service was held August 23 at Mountain View Baptist Church, Bostic.
John Fay Padgett
John Fay Padgett, 92, of Forest City, NC passed away Sunday, August 18, 2024.
Born in Cliffside, he was the son of the late John Wilson Padgett and Florence Reynolds Padgett. John was a real estate developer, a past member of the Rutherford County Board of Education, the NC State Board of Education, and the first City Manager for the Town of Forest City. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Forest City. John served his country in the United States Navy.
Survivors include his wife, Bernice Raines Padgett, son, Greg Padgett (Lisa) of Forest City; daughters, Janice Nicholson (Chuck) of Forest City and Page Crater (Mark) of Lexington, grandchildren, Clair Calin (Cody), John Padgett, Allison Edgerton (Travis), Kathleen Nicholson, Jack Crater (Grace), and Thomas Crater.
Funeral services were held August 21 at First
Baptist Church, Forest City with Rev. Dr. Garin Hill officiating. Interment followed in the Cliffside Cemetery with honors rendered by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www. padgettking.com. Padgett~King Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.
Russell Foote
Russell Foote, age 66, of Rutherfordton, passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
Russell was born June 11, 1958 in Flint, MI to the late Lyle Martin Foote and Marilyn Sue Wright Foote. He worked as a machinist for General Electric for 18 years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Adam Foote. Those left to treasure his memory include his wife of 42 years, Denice Yelton Foote; daughters, Melissa Edwards (Christopher) of Ellenboro and Heather Bennett (Steven) of Rutherfordton; son, William Hardin of Ellenboro; brothers, Mark Foote of MT, Doug Foote (Barbara) of MT and Matt Foote of MI, grandchildren, Jacob Foote, Taylor Hardin, Alexis Crowder (Steven), Mackenzie Edwards, Morgan Hardin, Madison Bennett, Willow
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
Hardin, C.J. Edwards, Parker Foote, Russell Bennett, Kenlee Edwards and Makaela Foote.
A gathering of family and friends was held August 26 at Harrelson Funeral Home.
Memorial donations requested to Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org
An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Servaices is serving the family.
Charles Zachary Norville Charles Zachary Norville “Zach”, passed away Saturday, August 17, 2024.
Born April 2, 1996, in Rutherfordton, NC. Zach was one of a kind. He was so open, loving, and so full of encouragement for anyone who he knew that needed uplifting words. He enjoyed all sports, but baseball was his first love. From T-ball to High School baseball, he made lifetime friends. Zach is survived by his parents, Chuck and Lori Norville of Rutherfordton, his sister, Kara Norville Leggett (Matthew Leggett and children Tucker, Lewis, Shepard, and James) of Raleigh, his brother Chad Ray Norville of FL, his daughter Ember Jean Schoenfeldt of Forest City, his maternal grandmother, Shirley Childers Ramsey, his paternal grandmother Joanne Parton Windham and many Aunts and Uncles. He was predeceased in death by his maternal grandfather, Sheldon Ray Ramsey, and paternal grandfather Charles Ray Norville Sr.
A funeral service was held August 24 at First Baptist Church of Rutherfordton with Rev. Ben Parton officiating. Online condolences may be made at www. crowemortuary.om.
Obituaries Obituaries
James Matthew Hill
James Matthew Hill, age 45, of Rutherford County, passed away Sunday, August 18, 2024.
Born November 11, 1978, in Rutherford County to Linda Street – Hill and the late James Manuel Hill, James received several associate degrees in Nursing and Engineering. James worked in various nursing positions, rising from a Registered Nurse to Hilltop Health and Rehabilitation Nursing Home’s Director of Nursing.
James was preceded in death by brother-in-law Michael Brandon Holden, father James Manuel Hill, and sister Sherry Lou Holden.
Left honor to his memory include his son, Jonah Hill; mother, Linda Street – Hill; sister, Ann Keever; three nieces, three nephews.
There will be a receiving of friends August 30 at 6PM at Pleasant View Community Church for friends, with a private service for family following.
Sammy Joe McCurry
Sammy Joe McCurry, 81, passed away Wednesday Aug, 21, 2024.
He was born to the late Willard Lee McCurry and Jeanette Philbeck McCurry. He is also predeceased by his wife, Ginny McCurry, brother, Howard McCurry (Yoko McCurry), sisters, Barbara Roberts, Helen Kirby, and Janice Horne (Dennis Horne).
Left to cherish his memory is a son Mark McCurry (Tonia) brother, Dale McCurry (Sheila), grandchildren, Emily McCurry, Samantha McCurry Hollifield (Jesse).
He coached numerous teams at church and the Shelby City Park in baseball, softball, basketball, and first tee. Joe showed his love and devotion to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by faithfully serving Him in teaching Sunday school, choir membership, tithing, Deacon, witnessing, visitation, the Gideon’s, church planting, Jail Ministry.
Celebration of Life was held August 28 at Crestview Baptist Church with Rev. Artie Hubbard officiating. Memorial tributes may be made at www.rsmorganfsl.com.
Robert Morgan Funeral and Cremation Service is serving the family.
Rev. Billy Thompson
Rev. Billy Thompson, age 84, of Rutherfordton, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Saturday, August 24, 2024.
Billy was born January 19, 1940 in Rutherford County to the late W.V. Thompson and Elizabeth Ridings Blaylock Thompson.
He pastored several churches for over 50 years, which included New Hope Baptist Church in Gaffney, Riverside Baptist Church in Harris and the Village Chapel in Forest City.
Billy formerly owned and operated Thompson Timber for many years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Christine “Chris” Thompson; siblings, Lillian Hines, Sulena Dickert, Zula Greene, Duran Thompson, Hayward Thompson, R.A. Thompson, Lanier Thompson, Charles Thompson, Donald Thompson; granddaughter-in-law, Monica Gossett and great-great granddaughter, Mills Williams.
Those left to his treasure his memory include his daughter, Anne Thompson Gossett (Jerry); son, Wayne Thompson all of Rutherfordton; brother, Max D. Foy Thompson of Piedmont, SC; sister, Betty Cobb of Rutherfordton; grandchildren, Jeremy Gossett, Tina Gossett Williams (Michael), Travis Thompson (Paula), Troyia Thompson (Joni), Daniel Thompson and Christopher Thompson; eight great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren.
The funeral was held August 27 at Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Rev. Clay Collins and Rev. Buddy Robbins officiating.
Memorial donations requested to Thompson Family Cemetery Fund, 1910 W.V. Thompson Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139.
An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com
Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Servaices is serving the family.
J. C. Wilson
J. C. Wilson, 81, of Spindale, passed away Sunday, August 25, 2024.
Born April 14, 1943, the son of the late Osborne Franklin and Myrtle Gibbs Wilson.
J.C. was a fork lift operator for the manufacturing industry.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Ricky Wilson and wife Michele, Jay Wilson and wife Dovie, Ona Lea Webb and husband Jeff; four grandchildren, two great grandchildren, sister Louise Kirk and husband David and a number of nieces and nephews.
Memorial services were held August 27 at Crowe’s Funeral Chapel with Ethan Gardner officiating.
Kathleen Bradley
Kathleen Williams
Bradley, age 74, of Rutherford County passed away August 22, 2024.
Kathleen was the daughter of the late David Williams, and Argie Ashley Williams Skillman; and the step-daughter to the late Alton Skillman Sr.
Left to cherish her memory are her children Krystal Splawn (Ray), Katherine Talley (Eric), and Dawn Buff (Mitch); 8 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; brother Alton Skillman Jr. and Paul Williams.
In addition to her parents she was proceeded by her sister Sandra Laliberte, and brother David Williams.
All services are private.
Online condolences may be made www. crowemortuary.com.
Dottie Wegman
Dorothy “Dottie” McCann Wegman, 84, of Bostic, passed away Saturday, August 24, 2024.
A native of New Jersey, she was daughter of the late John Frank McCann, Sr. and Dorothy B. Ertle McCann and widow of the late Jack Henry Wegman.
She was a member of Salem United Methodist Church, and a homemaker.
Survivors include her sons, Daniel Boone Wegman (Mary Beth) of Bostic, and Jack Wegman (Patricia) of Union Beach, NJ; a brother, Peter McCann of Ellenboro; sisters, Elizabeth Kotowski and Violet Dosantos; 11 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held at 6:30pm Sat., August 31 in the Padgett & King chapel with Rev. Chris Glawson officiating. The family will receive friends 5-6:30pm at the mortuary. Online condolences may be made at www. padgettking.com. Padgett~King Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.
Phil Price
Phil Price, 65, of the Green Hill Township in Rutherford County passed away August 15, 2024.
Phil was born August 5, 1959, in Gastonia to Marilyn and Keith Price of Spindale and Forest City.
Forever interested in the outdoors, he connected to that in about every way possible, from attaining his Eagle Scout rank, and subsequent Wildlife Management degree, to hiking, biking, boating, shooting, skiing, skating, skydiving, and innumerable others.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and will be sorely missed by his daughter Mariel, brother Brian, sister Marilyn.
Services will be private.
An online guest registry is available at www. padgettking.com
Padgett~King Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.
Hugh Max Crook
Hugh Max Crook, age 84 of Forest City died Sunday, August 25, 2024.
Max was born November 26, 1938, in Polk County and was one of eight children born to the late Ralph Lee Crook and Myra Greene Crook.
Sunday, August 25, 2024.
Born in Cleveland County, NC, he was the son of the late Robert Samuel Moore, Jr., and Annie Doris Dycus Moore. He was a graduate of Cool Springs High School.
Terry retired from management at Bi-Lo Grocery after 27 years. He was a member of Florence Baptist Church.
Terry was drafted into the US Army in 1966, where he served until being honorably discharged in 1968.
During his time on active duty, he spent one year in Vietnam. He received the National Defense Medal with two bronze stars, Vietnam Campaign medal with device 1960. He also received a sharpshooter award for the M-14 rifle.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Terry Kevin Moore.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dale
Ramsey Moore, his daughter, Holly Moore of Forest City, and his sister, Deborah Moore of Pittsboro, two grandsons, Craig Kallay of Gaffney, S C and Zachary Hamrick of Forest City and two great-grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held at 2pm Thursday, August 29 at Florence Baptist Church with Rev. Daniel Selman and Rev. Tonya Garrison officiating. Interment will follow in the Bostic Baptist Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30-1:45 prior to the service. Memorials may be made to the Building Fund of Florence Baptist Church, 201 S. Broadway St., Forest City, NC 28043. An online guest registry is available at www. padgettking.com Padgett~King Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.
Pat Nanney recently captured these photos of a woodpecker and
He spent his career working as a diesel mechanic in the trucking industry and he honorably served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Saratoga.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Hildra Byers Crook, his brother, Norman John Crook and wife Brenda of Forest City as well as his extended family.
The funeral was held August 28 in The Padgett and King Chapel with Rev. Kenneth Schultz officiating.
An online guest registry is available at www. padgettking.com
Padgett~King Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.
Terry Moore
Samuel Terry Moore, age 81, of Forest City, went home to be with the Lord
5 notable games on the 2024 college football schedule
College football fans spend a good portion, if not all, of the summer anticipating the return of their favorite sport. Each college football season is full of excitement, and the coming campaign is sure to provide its share of thrills. As summer winds down, fans anxious for the return of their favorite sport can look ahead to these five notable games on the 2024 college football schedule.
1. Western Kentucky at Alabama, Saturday, August 31: Though this game may not rival other opening week contests in terms of competitiveness, it marks the dawn of a new era for the Crimson Tide. All eyes will be on the Tide’s new head coach, Kalen DeBoer, who replaces
recently retired legend Nick Saban. Saban coached at Alabama from 2007 to 2023, winning six national championships during his run in Tuscaloosa. Those are big shoes to fill, and DeBoer will undoubtedly be looking to make a statement in his debut.
2. Notre Dame at Texas A&M, Saturday, August 31: For those who want something juicier during college football’s first full weekend, this matchup between the Fighting Irish and the Aggies is sure to please. Mike Elko makes his debut as head coach of the Aggies, who are looking to turn the page after the underwhelming Jimbo Fisher era. Elko comes from Duke, where last season he and Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman locked
horns in a memorable contest that saw the Fighting Irish score the gamewinning touchdown with just 31 seconds remaining.
3. Texas vs. Oklahoma (in Dallas), Saturday, October 12: College football is steeped in tradition, and the Red River Rivalry between these two programs that share a border is loaded with history. This particular installment of the rivalry is historic even before the opening kickoff, as it marks the first clash between the two schools in the newly expanded Southeastern Conference. Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian is looking to build off his team’s run to the College Football Playoff a year ago, while his counterpart Brent Venables is hoping to build upon his successful first year in Norman, during which the Sooners finished 10-3 in the program’s final year in the Big 12 Conference.
4. Michigan at Ohio State, Saturday, November 30: Rivalries have fueled the popularity of college football, and perhaps no such feud is more heated than this annual clash between the Wolverines and the Buckeyes. Ohio State has lost three straight to the Wolverines, but the architect of two of those victories, Jim Harbaugh, is now back coaching in the National Football League. Sherrone Moore, who coached the Wolverines to a memorable 30-24 victory over Ohio State in the suspended Harbaugh’s place a season ago, takes over the program
this season on the heels of the school’s first national championship since 1997.
5. Ohio State at Oregon, Saturday, October 12: Longtime college football fans will need some time to
adjust to the sport’s wildly different landscape in 2024, and perhaps no matchup underscores the new lay of the land better than this Big Ten clash between the Ducks and the Buckeyes.
The Pac 12 is officially a thing of the past, and the Ducks will host their new conference rival Ohio State in Eugene in early October in what promises to be an exciting, contentious clash.
These are just five games on a 2024 college football slate that’s sure to entertain diehard fans who can’t wait for the season to kick off in late August.
5 notable games on the 2024 National Football League schedule
The National Football League is wildly popular. That popularity is evident not only during the season, but also throughout professional football’s offseason, when events like the start of free agency, the NFL Draft and even the annual release of team schedules garner significant interest.
As the NFL season draws closer, here are five notable games on the 2024 schedule.
1. Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs, Thursday, September 5:
All eyes will be on GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium come the first Thursday in September, when the reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs begin their quest to win a third straight championship. Reigning NFL
Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, who fell to the Chiefs 17-10 in the AFC Championship Game a season ago, will be looking for revenge in this season-opening clash.
2. New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers, Monday, September 9: The season
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
ended in euphoria for the Chiefs a year ago, and it began in agony for the Jets, who lost their newly signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a ruptured Achilles tendon just four snaps into his first game for Gang Green. Week 1 comes to a close on Monday Night Football with this battle that Jets fans hope will mark the return of Rodgers and Niners fans see as an opportunity to put the memories of a Super Bowl defeat behind them.
3. Chicago Bears at Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 27: The top two picks in this year’s NFL Draft, quarterback Caleb Williams of the Bears and his signalcalling counterpart Jayden Daniels of the Commanders, square off in this lateOctober matchup. Adding
to the intrigue of this battle at Commanders Field in Landover, Maryland, is it marks a clash between the two most recent Heisman Trophy winners. Williams took home his statue as college football’s best player two seasons ago, while Daniels earned his during his final season at Louisiana State University in 2023.
4. Detroit Lions at Houston Texans, Sunday, November 10: Perhaps no teams did more in 2023 to renew confidence among their fans than the Lions and the Texans. Led by their beloved head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions had their most successful campaign in decades, finishing 12-5 to win the NFC North before advancing all the way to the conference title game, where they lost
CLUES ACROSS
1. Unequaled
5. __- (slang)
8. Synthetic resin
11. Chadic language Bura-
13. In uential come Election Day
14. Bucket
15. European river
16. Earn a perfect score
17. Horizontal passage
18. Barely suf cient
20. Dekaliter
21. Goo Goo Dolls hit
22. Australian city
25. Female servants
30. Plumbing xtures
31. Tooth caregiver
32. Book of Esther antagonist
33. Say aloud
38. Thyrotrophic hormone
41. Absolute
43. Untimely
45. Area or neighborhood
47. Juicy fruit
49. Expresses distaste, disapproval
50. S. American rodents
55. Swedish rock group
56. In uential American president
57. Volume 59. Begged
60. Resinlike substance secreted by certain lac insects
61. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation
62. Good friend
63. Body part
64. Tableland
CLUES DOWN
1. Barrels per day (abbr.)
2. Body parts
3. Invests in little enterprises
4. Rock legend Turner
5. Dug into 6. Laughed
7. Northern European nation
8. San Diego ballplayer
9. Eight
10. Substitutes (abbr.)
12. Moved swiftly on foot
14. Compensated
19. Volcano in the Philippines
23. Speak ill of 24. One who publishes
25. Expression of baf ement
26. Macaws
27. Matchstick game
28. We all have our own
29. Divinatory
34. Explosive
35. Follows sigma
36. Sea eagle
37. Type of bread
39. Bit used with a set of reins
40. Time away from work
41. Parts per thousand (abbr.)
42. Lots on your plate (abbr.)
44. Actor Brosnan
45. It’s part of packaging
46. Towards the oral region
47. Public Theater creator Joseph
48. Ancient Syrian city
51. Swiss river
52. Mollusk
53. A French abbot
54. Hoagies
58. Not present (slang)
The NFL will return before fans know it, and these are just five of the many memorable matchups in the coming season.
a 34-31 heartbreaker to the Niners. The Texans also won their division a year ago, thanks in no small part to rookie sensation C.J. Stroud, who won Offensive Rookie
of the Year after throwing 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions before leading his team to a blowout win over the Cleveland Browns in the opening round of the playoffs.
5. Miami Dolphins at Green Bay Packers, Thursday, November 28: Once the turkey’s been devoured and the pumpkin pie has become a distant memory, fans can find the nearest couch and settle in for this Thanksgiving night thriller. The Dolphins feature a high-powered offense centered around speedster Tyreek Hill. Across the field is Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who established himself as a legitimate star during his first full season under center, throwing for 32 touchdowns in the regular season before playing a near perfect playoff game in his postseason debut, a 48-32 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
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CONTENTS. Auction sale at 7799 Hwy 10 W, Vale, on Sept. 12th at 1 pm. Registration 10:30 am -12(noon). Must pay cash. Must remove contents that day.
CAR & TRUCK DETAILING by Ronnie Henderson. Call for Pricing. Reasonable Rates! (704) 691-5030
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DREAM! We Buy, Sell & Trade. Gold, Silver, Rare & Unique Items, Knives, Antiques, Coins, Gold Eagles, Collectibles and Much More. We Offer Appraisals on Coins•Knives•Jewelry. You’ve Gotta Come Check Us Out! Jake’s Knives & Coins located at 1008 S. Lafayette St., Shelby. Call 704-600-6996 or (980) 295-5568
EMPLOYMENT
PIANO/ORGAN PLAYER. New Salem Church of Shelby needs piano/organ player 9:30am to 10:30am Sunday mornings for non-denominational church. Play 3 hymns and opening and closing music (chosen by church). For info call James at 704-482-6319 (704) 482-6319 jamesejohnson10@yahoo.com
NEEDING CLASS A CDL DRIVER. Apply in person. Paid by the load. Auto Parts U Pull & Scrap Metal of Shelby. 1025 County Home Road, Shelby, NC 28152.
BUSINESS SERVICES
MCNEILLY TREE SERVICE & LAND MANAGEMENT. Tree Removal, Trimming, Demolition, Land Clearing, Firewood, Hauling Services, Debris Removal. Free Estimates. (704) 472-3766
PAINTING, ROOFING, TILE FLOORS, wood decks, fences & carpentry work. Free estimates. Ask for Harold or Jim 828-429-7511.
ERIC MOBILE MECHANIC. I will come to you to repair any car, full service on lawnmowers or tractor. Honest & Reliable! (704) 300-2332
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. 704472-9367.
SCREEN MAKING & REPAIR. See our experts when you have Screen Issues. (704) 487-5263
HYDRAULIC CYLINDER REPAIR. Skid Steer, Wreckers, Rollbacks, Splitters, Tractors, etc. 30 years experience. Shelby, NC. (Joe) (704) 692-1097
PRESSURE WASHING, MULCHING, LANDSCAPING, BUSHES TRIMMED, DECKS RESTORED & MUCH MORE! 30 Years Experience. Free Estimates! Call (704) 692-4449
RUMMY BROTHERS TREE SERVICE. Rummy Brothers LLC is family owned and operated. We take pride in our work and would love to work for you. Fully insured with years of experience. Helping people and trees get along. Our tree specialist at Rummy Brothers provide many services ranging from tree trimming and pruning, stump grinding, clean up services, hazardous tree and limb removal, land clearing and much more! We provide 24/7 emergency tree services and offer a military discount. Give us a call today 828-748-5785 or check us out online rummybrothersllc.com (828) 748-5785 rummybrothers@gmail.com
KARLENA RADFORD-4 SEASONS HOMES and Land. Looking to buy or sell your property in Rutherford, Polk, or Cleveland counties? Call Karlena at 4 Seasons Homes and Land! (828) 716-0296 karlena@4seasonshomesand land.com
BUSINESS SERVICES
BRANDON’S HOME IMPROVEMENT & REPAIRS. All phases of carpentry work, painting & bath remodeling. 828-388-0195.
20 PLUS YEARS EXPERIENCE IN Caring for the elderly. I do light housekeeping and transportation to and from medical appointments. Please contact Cathy at 704-297-1827 and leave a message. I will get back with you ASAP.
HANDYMAN SERVICES. No job too small. Have references. Construction, landscaping, etc. Jack of all trades! 40 plus years of experience. 828-375-5773.
WILL CLEAN HOUSES. Reasonable rates. Call or text me at (704) 419-9016
PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICE. RESIDENTIAL CLEANING SERVICES - EXCEPTIONAL HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES. SERVICIO PROFESIONAL DE LIMPIEZA PARA CASAS Y APARTAMENTOS. (239) 222-4707 CLUNAMANTILLA@GMAIL.COM
D&S LAWN CARE & HAULING Complete lawn care services. Deliver gravel, dirt, mulch, sand, debris removal. Residential and commercial. Serving Rutherford & Polk County for 20+ years. Free estimates. 828-582-0314.
AUCTIONS
ESTATE AUCTION. Living
Estate of Robert Thomas Jr. ONSITE & ONLINE. Saturday, Sept. 7th, 2024 - 10 am, Location: 473 Ashe Loop Rd., Sylva, NC 28779. Partial Listing: Tractors, Tools, Implements, Mowers, Salvage Vehicles, Scrap and more! Edward Johnson Auctioneers, Inc. NC8134 NC8496 (828) 593-9649
YARD SALES
CLEVELAND COUNTY
MULTI FAMILY YARD SALE. Saturday, August 31st, 2024 from 7:00 AM - ?. Multi Family Yard Sale. Everything must go. 625 Old Charles Road, Shelby, NC 28152
MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE. Fri., Aug. 30th, 7:00AM3:00PM; Sat. Aug 31st, 7:00AM - 2:00PM. We have tools, furniture, cast iron, clothes, toys, decorations and much more! 2222 Hoey Church Road Shelby, NC 28152
YARD SALE!!!! EVERYTHING MUST GO!!!! Sat., 8/31/24. 8:00am-12:00pm. Lots of baby girl and boy clothes, along with baby necessities, and toys galore! We have men’s and women’s clothing, household items, and a few crafting supplies. DON’T MISS IT!!! It’s CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP!!! 1408 Briarcliff Rd., Shelby, NC 28152
MOVING SALE. Thur., Aug. 29th, 30th, 31st, Sept 1st, 9am until. Everything must go. Beds, dressers, tv, dishes, tons of crafts, washer and dryer, fish aquarium, tools, too much to name. 704-738-4205. Everything is inside. 107 Church View Dr, Lawndale, NC 28090
YARD SALES
CLEVELAND COUNTY
YARD SALE. Sat., Aug. 31st, 7 am-2 pm. Name brand clothes and shoes, 2 nice floor rugs, jewelry, pocketbooks. A little bit of everything. 135 Mullinax Drive, Grover, NC 28073
RUTHERFORD COUNTY
NEIGHBORS & FAMILIES
YARD SALE. 3 Days: Fri., Aug. 30th; Sat., Aug. 31st; 7:30am-5:00pm & Mon. Sept. 2nd, 7:30am-5:30pm. Huge selection: Household items, plumbing, car parts, toys, Christmas, art supplies, rugs, and much more. 502 N. Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139
MOVING/GARAGE SALE FRIDAY & SATURDAY, August 30 & 31, 8am-1pm. Antiques, collectibles, furniture, household items, clothes, Husqvarna lawnmower. Everything must go! 1063 Hines Rd., Mooresboro, NC 28114
RAIN OR SHINE. SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 8AM-noon. Furniture, misc. items, biscuits, antique bikes. Spindale Covenant Brethren Church Fellowship Hall; 128 Sterling Street, Spindale, NC 28160
ESTATE SALE SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 7:30AM-1:30PM. Name brand women’s shoes, handbags, jewelry & cosmetics, household items, toys & more. 231 Hunter’s Trace, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
FOR SALE
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. 704-434-6389, (704) 473-0867
PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS with Scratch Pads! Press Room Printing. 704-482-2243. (704) 538-5788
TWO COMPOUND BOWS and other miscellaneous archery equipment. 828-375-4521.
HORSE QUALITY HAY FOR SALE. Call (704) 487-6855
STEEL BUILDINGS. “Large On Site Display”. Concrete Pads, Grading, Plumbing, Electrical. “One Stop Shop For All !” J. Johnson Sales, inc. Forest City, 2690 Hwy. 221 South. (828) 245-5895
CARPORTS, GARAGES, BOAT, RV COVER HAY
BARNS, Etc. “Check Out Our Price Before You Buy... There Is Difference!” J. Johnson Sales, inc. 2690 Hwy. 221 South, Forest City. (828) 245-5895
STORAGE BUILDINGS
WOOD OR METAL. New, Used, Repo. New Buildings from $3756.00. Inventory changes weekly! J. Johnson Sales, inc. 2690 Hwy. 221 South, Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895
TRAILERS NEW5X10 WITH GATE $1395. Areas Largest Trailer Inventory, Equipment, Dumps, Landscape, Enclosed, Gooseneck “New & Used”. Best Cash Deals Around, Credit Cards, Financing, Rent to Own, No Credit Check Available. J. Johnson Sales, inc. Forest City. (828) 245-5895
FOR SALE
04’ TOYOTA 4-RUNNER
FRONT BUMPER, still in wrap, $125; 2-seat deer stand, 18’ high, $150; swingset tube slide, $50. 704-434-0815
CRATES FOR PLANTER
BOXES, or Many Other Uses. Various Sizes. Some with Lids. $25 to $35 each. Call (704) 300-1818
NEW ITEMS FOR SALE Never Used. Wooden Twin Bed Frame, $100, Diamondback Mountain Bike, $250, Craftsman Leaf Blower, 4 cycle, $125. Call 704-308-1081.
2 BURIAL PLOTS ROSE HILL. 2 burial plots. Rose Hill Memorial Park, Lawndale, NC. Seller pays deed transfer fee. (704) 915-1972 nogglelw@gmail.com
14 FT. TRAMPOLINE $70. Basketball goal $35. Total gym $25. Or trade for tree trimming work. 828-755-4199.
OAK DINING ROOM SET with 6 chairs. Pennsylvania House furniture. 704-734-3462.
METAL ROOFING FOR SALE INSTOCK! Deliveries Twice A Week. One Piece or the Whole Roof. J. Johnson Sales, inc. 2690 Hwy. 221 South, Forest City. (828) 245-5895
NEW-USED TRAILERS PARTS & ACCESSORIES FOR ALL TYPES OF TRAILERS. 1500 Square Feet of Parts, Axles, Tires, Lights, Gates, Ramps, etc. J. Johnson Sales, inc. Forest City, (828) 245-5895
TINY HOUSE / OFFICE UNIT. 12’ X 28’. Small Kitchen, 1/2 Bath, TV on Wall, Heat & Air. $35,900. Deliver & Blocked. “Financing Available”. J. Johnson Sales, inc. Forest City. (828) 245-5895
TRUMP VANCE MAGNETS AND BUTTONS. Visit www. NC4Ever.com to see pics of TRUMP VANCE Magnets and Buttons for sale. NC4Ever@ USA.com
RAISED INFLATABLE QUEEN AIR MATTRESS. 120VAC Built-in Pump. Easy to adjust and deflate. Carry Bag. Used in Quest Room. ndnorma15@ gmail.com
E_Z GO GOLF CART. Black, battery powered. $3700 good condition. Contact Tommy or Janet. 704-418-6912.
WANTED: OLD AND NEW AMMO. Reloading supplies. Call 828-245-6756 or cell # 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 CASH FOR YOUR CAR. Running or not, title or no title. Call Charles Dellinger at Red Road Towing. 704-692-6767, (704) 487-0228
I PAY CASH FOR DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. Up to $10 per 100ct. Must be Unused, Unexpired. I’m local and pay fast. (828) 577-4197
FARM & GARDEN
GRASSHOPPER MOWER FOR SALE. 725D Diesel, 61” deck front mount with grass pickup & hopper. Many extra parts/supplies. $3,850. 704472-6226.
HAY BALES FOR SALE. Good fresh cut this week! 4x5 large hay bales. $40 each. 828-4294900.
SPEECO 3 POINT QUICK HITCH. (NO BUSHINGS REQUIRED) $165.00 OBO. Sells for over $250.00 Like New! (704) 718-9122
HOWSE 5’ DISC HARROW. 16 disc total, 3 pt. hitch, ONLY $475!!!!! 828-447-7331.
PETS & LIVESTOCK
CUTE 6WK HUSKY PUPPIES SOLD. I have two male and two female Husky puppies. They have had a shot and a deworming. Asking for a 600 dollar rehoming fee. Call 828-716-0581 (828) 716-0581 laura197536@ gmail.com
AKC MINI SCHNAUZER FOR SALE. 12 weeks old, calm & loving. $400. 704-915-0004. BLUE TICK BEAGLES FOR SALE. 1st shots and dewormed. $350 ea. 704-6926787.
FREE KITTENS TO A GOOD HOME. All colors. Very loving. Call 704-434-6788.
DOG KENNELS. 5X10X6, 10x10x4, 10x10x6, 10x20x6. Single Kennel, Double Kennel or Triple Kennel. Dog Houses. Rain Tops Available. “Pickup or Delivery Available.” J. Johnson Sales, Forest City (828) 2455895
GERMAN SHEPHERD FOR SALE. 4 years old, male, full blooded, all shots, needs to be rehomed. Rehome for $150. 828-755-1038.
REGISTERED MINIATURE POODLE PUPPIES. Chocolate-3 males, Chocolate & White, Parti-Male, $700. Ready Labor Day. 704-692-1185. Continued To Page 23
PETS & LIVESTOCK
BELGIUM MALINOIS PUPPIES. 6 week old Belgium
Malinois puppies need forever homes. Text me for more information 252 259 2490. (252) 259-2490 charorrin@gmail. com
FULL BLOODED MINI
SCHNAUZER PUPPIES. Beau-
tiful full blooded Mini Schnazuers. UTD on shots, tails docked, well socialized ready to go to their forever home. Text or call 704-616-6273. More pictures can be seen on FB Lisa’s Mini Schnauzers. (704) 616-6273 lpastore3@yahoo.com
BLUE HEELER / LABRADOO-
DLE PUPPIES. Buy one for $100 or two for $75 each. Four and half months old. No Sunday calls. 828-829-3476.
GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES. Big & beautiful, were born to AKC registered Magnus vom Walls (100lbs) & Mishka (88lbs). Magnus is 5th in the US Seiger show and is the off spring of Negus de Marka IGP3. 4 males & 2 females available July 19. Puppies come with shots, Vet health screening, packet to include registration. 828-292-3001, 828-455-9988 rsutak26@hotmail.com (828) 292-3001 rsutak26@hotmail. com
CARS & TRUCKS
1992 HONDA ACCORD EX. Runs great, lots of recent work, call for details. $1400 OBO. (704) 291-2948
2002 CHEVROLET CC7H042 44,700 miles, $30000, 2nd Owner. Barn kept, low mileage. Up to date federal inspection. Alcoa Wheels. 20 ft bed. Used as nursery delivery truck only and sold nursery and no longer need truck. No CDL required (828) 713-3531 brad@greenriverbotanicals.com
CARS & TRUCKS
2011 RAM 1500 I have owned this truck for 9 years. It is a 2X4 with a 4.7L V8 and has 225,000 miles on it. I have taken excellent care of it completing regular maintenance and repairs. It is easy on gas, no oil leaks, cold air, very good tires, nice interior and exterior and bright headlights. $6500 Firm, cash only! (704) 477-6409 rmyfishon@outlook.com
2003 FORD SUPER DUTY F-250 Automatic, 7.3 Lite V-8 Engine. Tan Leather Interior. Upgrade Maintenance that included New Turbo and Injectors. Have Service Documents. Pioneer Radio. Only 138,800 miles. $28500.00 call (704) 300-1818
2007 HONDA ODYSSEY Touring Mini Van. 223,000 miles, Power windows & doorlocks, keyless entry, cruise control, entertainment system. $4,000. 704-473-5445.
2006 FORD ECONOLINE CARGO VAN E-250 Utility Van. Has ladder rack and tool & supply racks with Buckhead gate behind driver seat. 222,000 miles. Cold A/C. Automatic. New Battery & Wiper Blades. $5950.00 OBO. Call (704) 300-1818
2000 CADILLAC DEVILLE DHS. Low mileage good condition, excellent interior, fair paint. $1600. I just bought a new car. (980) 291-2605
2009 HONDA ACCORD SDN. 170,000 miles, $5800, sunroof, very good condition. Just spent $2000 on new alternator, rear brakes & sensors, etc. Tires almost new. $5800. (828) 3948277
2023 HONDA CMX REBEL 500. Blue on Black, gold rims, 6 year extended warranty, helmet with sound system included. 2000 miles. $6500. (704) 4665880
MOTORCYCLES & ATVS
250 HONDA FOUR WHEELER. 2018 like new condition! Runs great. Need to sale it was Granddaughter’s, she going to college and not needed! Great deal at $2100! (704) 472-5444 billyrgreene@gmail.com
REAL ESTATE
MECKLEBURG COUNTY
PRIVATE MONEY FINANCING! We offer Agricultural Loans, Land, Large Farm Loans, Warehouses, Investment Properties, Nationwide Commercial Properties, and Buy/Flip Loans. Over 30 years of experience. STRUCTURED FINANCING, LLC (833) 8363827 structuredfinancingnancy@gmail.com
RUTHERFORD COUNTY
LAND FOR SALE, CAMP GROUND on land. Price lowered $160 to $150. 828-4530828. 3795-3925 Hollis Road, Ellenboro, NC 28040
REAL ESTATE
RUTHERFORD COUNTY
MOBILE HOME PARK FOR SALE. $399K Mobile Home Park for Sale in Rutherfordton, NC. 10 acres with water and sewer for 10 lots, with potential for more. Right off Hwy 221, five minutes from 74 Bypass and fifteen minutes from the Tryon Equestrian Center. Located halfway between Asheville and Charlotte NC. $399K Call or text (828) 375-1576
FOR SALE: 4BR, 2BA, basement, garage, also big shop building. 2.39 acres. 828-8173227, leave message. 198 Rock Corner Road, Forest City, NC 28043
FOR RENT
CATAWBA COUNTY
FURNISHED CABOOSE for rent in Vale. $1650 includes utilities & internet. Private parking, patio, fire pit, in house laundry. 500 sq. ft, Tiny house, 2BR, 1BA, full size tub & refrigerator, fenced yard for dog. Contact 828-2284016 for more information.
CLEVELAND COUNTY
2&3 BEDROOM MOBILE HOMES. Nice and clean, water furnished. Oak Grove Community, Kings Mtn. Call or text, (704) 739-0259
HICKORY CREEK APARTMENTS FOR SENIORS. (62 and older), disabled (50 and older). Shelby. Now taking applications for waiting list. 418 East Warren Street, Shelby. (704) 487-6354
LAUREL HILL APARTMENTS 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
MOVE IN SPECIAL. 2 & 3 Bedroom, deposit required. Weekly rates. Includes power and water. NO PETS. NO TEXTING. (704) 473-4299
COUNTRY SETTING IN KINGS MTN. 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom doublewide mobile home on 2 acre private lot. $1200 deposit, $300 week. Background & credit check required. No Pets! (704) 4669984
is
FOR RENT
CLEVELAND COUNTY
COUNTRY LIVING IN KINGS MTN. 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom single wide mobile home on private lot. $1000 deposit $250 week. Background & credit check required. No pets. (704) 466-9984
3 BEDROOM, 1 BATH HOUSE. Big back deck, central heat & air. $1100 month, $1100 deposit. Polkville area. 704-240-0342.
107-2 OAK DRIVE, LAWNDALE, NC. DUPLEX, 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom. Rent $975, Deposit $975, App Fee, $25 per adult. 704-214-4180.
GASTON COUNTY
3 BEDROOM HOUSE FOR RENT. 3 bedroom house for rent. $900 per month, $900 deposit. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, no pets, no smoking. Cherryville area. Country setting. 704-435-2542 or 704-8985208. awb311@aol.com
RUTHERFORD COUNTY 2 & 3 BEDROOM MOBILE HOMES. Small private park between Spindale and Forest City. Starting at $700 per month. 828-382-0475. HOUSE FOR RENT IN SPINDALE. 3BR, 2BA, new paint, newer floors, one car detached garage. $1200/month. Call or text 828-443-2861.
2024 NFL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
SUNDAY • 9/8/24 • 1:00 pm CAROLINA PANTHERS at NEW ORLEANS
SUNDAY • 9/15/24 • 1:00 pm
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS at CAROLINA PANTHERS
SUNDAY • 9/22/24 • 4:05 pm
CAROLINA PANTHERS at LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
SUNDAY • 9/29/24 • 1:00 pm
CINCINNATI BENGALS at CAROLINA PANTHERS
SUNDAY • 10/6/24 • 1:00 pm CAROLINA PANTHERS at CHICAGO BEARS
SUNDAY • 10/13/24 • 4:25 pm
ATLANTA FALCONS at CAROLINA PANTHER
SUNDAY • 10/20/24 • 4:05 pm
CAROLINA PANTHERS at WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
SUNDAY • 10/27/24 • 4:25 pm
CAROLINA PANTHERS at DENVER BRONCOS
THURSDAY • 11/3/24 • 1:00 pm NEW ORLEAN SAINTS at CAROLINA PANTHERS
SUNDAY • 11/10/24 • 9:30 am NEW YORK GIANTS at CAROLINA PANTHERS
