Rutherford Weekly 2-12-26 by Community First Media

A Valentine’s Day wedding and A Valentine’s Day wedding and Disney World honeymoon for this couple Disney World for this couple

Wedding bells will be

Day, February 14, as family and friends gather to witness the marriage of a couple who met at the Rutherford County Senior Center just over a year ago.

For Nan Thompson, 73, of Forest City and Kenneth Burrell, 74, who lives in Green Creek, their love story has an interesting beginning.

Kenneth said he noticed Nan at the senior center and wanted to get to know her.

She was helping serve food in the center’s cafeteria and Kenneth was waiting in line for his food when he told her, “I want to talk to you.”

Finding the time and privacy to talk with Nan presented a few challenges for Kenneth. Nan was always busy at the center, talking with others and enjoying lunch.

Nan, who has never been married, said she had been praying for a long time to have someone to “go out with” and to be a good friend.

Kenneth had been praying the same prayer. Married for 51 years to Shirley McDade Burrell (she passed away in 2022) Kenneth was incredibly lonesome. His heart was broken.

Interestingly, Kenneth and Shirley met at Isothermal Community College where they were both students in 1970. Nan was a student there at the same time and she knew Shirley, but never met Kenneth.

“If I ever crossed paths with Nan, I don’t know it,” Kenneth said. Nan and Shirley were studying business and Kenneth was studying collision repair.

Kenneth and Shirley fell in love and were married in December 1971.

After graduating from Isothermal, Shirley and Nan actually worked together at Isothermal.

“I didn’t know who she was married to,” Nan said.

Kenneth returned to

Isothermal later and taught collision repair at night school while working a day job in South Carolina. At that time Shirley was also employed there.

Nan retired after a 30 year career at Isothermal and began visiting the senior center, subsequently becoming an active member.

Kenneth tried to move on with his life after his wife’s passing, but he was extremely lonesome. He had heard about the good programs at the Center and decided to check it out. A banjo picker, Kenneth was especially interested in the music programs offered there.

and Jerre Foster, having moved to their home after her mother passed away. Nan talked to Jerre and Jerre made a call or two and learned Kenneth was a nice man. Jerre was excited

different...It is a little more out in the country,” she said of Green Creek but quickly adding, “15 minutes away.”

During the past weeks leading up to her wedding day, Nan has been packing her belongings to move to Green Creek.

He began going to the senior center and attended a Halloween dance where he saw Nan at a table with several other ladies. “She caught my eye,” he said.

Kenneth said he wasn’t sure if Nan was married or in a relationship, but he was determined to ﬁnd out her situation. On February 21, 2025, they had their ﬁ lunch together at the center.

“I am so glad I met him… he’s the most wonderful man and I have always been shy and was never sure of myself. I just wanted someone to go out with and to have a good time,” Nan said.

After the death of his wife, Kenneth said at ﬁrst he felt guilty about wanting to date, but he kept praying daily that the Lord would send him a female Christian friend.

On Friday, March 22, 2025, Kenneth took another step in trying to get to know Nan. Since he couldn’t ﬁnd her alone at the Center to talk and ask her

wanted her to go to a dance, but said he didn’t feel comfortable asking her with others around, so he handed her the note with his telephone number.

“Back in the day, girls didn’t call guys,” he said.

On Saturday morning, March 23, 2025, Nan called Kenneth. When he asked her out, Nan said she wasn’t sure what to do and told Kenneth, “I’ve got to ask my sister.”

Nan lives with her sister and brother-in-law. Claude

Their ﬁrst real date was to Big Dave’s that Saturday night and then on to a dance at a nearby church. That was the beginning of weekend dates over the next months and spending time at the senior center during the day.

Although Nan wasn’t sure if she liked bluegrass music, she began accompanying him to Inman, SC where he played the banjo every Friday night. Nan surprisingly discovered she loved bluegrass music and especially liked the banjo picker.

The couple admitted they were both looking for something to do and were having a great time, but neither was thinking of marriage. However on October 11, 2025, while on a date, Ken asked Nan, “What do you think about getting married?”

“You want to marry me,” Nan asked him.

She said ‘yes’ and on November 1, 2025 Nan chose her diamond ring. She bought his wedding band and they were ready to set a date.

They decided on a Valentine’s Day wedding and the work began for Nan to get her traditional white wedding gown, making decisions and plans for the reception, the wedding party and moving from the only place she’s ever known, Forest City to Green Creek. “I don’t feel any

Nan is also gaining a family. Kenneth has two daughters, ﬁve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She met this family on May 24, 2025 and the family got together with Nan for Christmas, Thanksgiving and when there is a birthday for one of the grandchildren.

On February 14, with their family and friends at First Baptist Church in Forest City, the couple will pledge their love for each other. Nan’s twin brother, Van Thompson, will walk her down the aisle. When he found out about his sister’s upcoming marriage, he cried. Her cousin, Jane Revels is her matron of honor.

“We’re going to Disney World” Nan exclaimed of their honeymoon destination. She’s never been there but always wanted to go. Kenneth has been to Disney World with his children.

After Disney World, Nan will continue her love of playing the piano at First Baptist Church and will also go to Kenneth’s church in Green Creek.

“Maybe we’re both crazy to get married, but we believe God brought us together,” Nan says.

Kenneth wholeheartedly agrees.

Jerre and Claude will also have a big adjustment. At ages 80 and 84, “we’ll be empty nesters,” Jerre said. “I can’t believe it,” said Jerre, who is actually over the moon about her little sister’s marriage. Whether or not the couple will return to the senior center every day, is uncertain. Regardless, the place they met, had lunch every day and fell in love, will always hold a special place in their hearts. No doubt they’ll be there on special occasions, for sure.

Story and photos by Jean Gordon.

Kenneth and Nan share their love story.

Western NC Rail Corridor Would Deliver Major Economic Benefits

sustained jobs, $19.9 million in annual employee earnings, $59.8 million in annual economic output, and $1.8 million in recurring state and local tax revenue.

The project is not currently funded.

A new study released by the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Rail Division highlights the signiﬁcant economic and connectivity beneﬁts of restoring passenger rail service between Salisbury and Asheville, strengthening links between western North Carolina and the rest of the state.

“The Western NC rail corridor presents a unique opportunity to strengthen regional connectivity, support local economies, and create a more resilient and dynamic transportation system for North Carolina,” said Jason Orthner, NCDOT Rail Division director. “The interest this route is receiving underscores the opportunity to better connect western North Carolina to the state’s existing intercity passenger rail network.”

The Western North Carolina Rail Corridor Economic Impact Report shows how the corridor

would create a critical connection between the Charlotte metropolitan area, the Piedmont Triad, the Research Triangle, and the Blue Ridge region. This would improve access for visitors, workers, and residents while supporting long-term economic growth.

Capital investment in the corridor between Salisbury and Asheville would generate substantial economic activity during construction, supporting jobs and local businesses. Over the course of project implementation, the corridor is estimated to generate an economic impact of 5,280 jobs per year, $360.5 million in employee earnings, $1.05 billion in economic output, and $33.6 million in state and local tax revenue.

Beyond construction, the report projects lasting beneﬁts for western North Carolina that extend statewide. Service and operations on the route are

estimated to support 305

NCDOT encourages people to take advantage of the safe, comfortable and convenient transportation available on NC By Train with its large seats, charging outlets at each seat and free WiFi. NC By Train offers a variety of everyday discounts for kids, students, active military personnel, veterans, seniors and Share Fare, allows groups of up to eight people to save money with each additional ticket that is purchased. Visit ncbytrain.org for more information.

Rutherford County Weather...........13

Kid Page......................................16

Business & Services Directory.......6-7

Community Calendar.....................11

Obituaries................................18-19

Church News................................15

Outdoor Truths................................9 Classified Ads................... ......23-24

Article Provided By: ncdot

Mane Attraction Salon welcomes

Morgan Whisnant

My passion is all things beauty and I hope to see you in my chair.

FEBRUARY SPECIAL 20 % OFF ALL HAIR SERVICES

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I ASK FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT - EARLY VOTING STARTS FEBRUARY 12TH FOR THE MARCH 3RD PRIMARY.

SUPER BOWL CONTEST WINNER

Tonya Garrison was our $100 winner of this year’s Super Bowl Contest. Tonya correctly picked the Seattle Seahawks to win and entered the closest combined score of 41.

GRADUATE OF RS CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL AND ISOTHERMAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE. MY WIFE GINA AND I HAVE BEEN ACTIVE MEMBERS OF CORNERSTONE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH SINCE 1998.

I HAVE 27 YEARS OF CONTINUED SERVICE IN THE NC JUDICIAL SYSTEM AND AS YOUR ELECTED CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT SINCE 2014. ONE OF MY MANY DUTIES IS TO SERVE AS JUDGE OF PROBATE. I HAVE PRESIDED OVER 2500 HEARINGS AND NOT EVEN ONE CASE ON APPEAL HAS EVER BEEN OVERTURNED BY A HIGHER COURT.

I HAVE FULFILLED MY CAMPAIGN PROMISES TO RUN THE CLERK’S OFFICE AS A BUSINESS AND TO SAVE TAXPAYER DOLLARS.

WHEN I FIRST TOOK OVER, THE AUDIT SCORE WAS 72% WITH NUMEROUS VIOLATIONS. WE CONTINUED TO IMPROVE WITH EACH AUDIT. NOW WE ARE RANKED WITH THE TOP IN THE STATE. I WILL CONTINUE TO BE A CLERK YOU CAN TALK TO AND DEPEND ON. VOTE FOR WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND INTERGRITY IN THE COURTROOM.

H. Owens

WE WILL BUY YOUR CAR TODAY!

The RHI Legacy

KidSenses Children’s Museum is proud to announce that the RHI Legacy Foundation has awarded a $125,000 challenge grant in support of The FACTORY, the museum’s new education and creative learning center designed to serve local youth.

This challenge grant brings The FACTORY closer than ever to becoming a reality and invites the community to play a key role in its completion. The RHI Legacy Foundation’s gift challenges the community to raise matching funds by May 15, doubling the impact of every dollar given and helping close the remaining funding gap for the project.

KidSenses Executive Director, Willard Whitson said, “The RHI Legacy Foundation has been a champion and major supporter of The FACTORY since its inception. Legacy Foundation members were there at the groundbreaking, and we look forward to cutting the opening day ribbon with them. The RHI Legacy Foundation continues to demonstrate its passion and commitment to the health and wellbeing of our community. It is an invaluable partner in our mission to help children of all ages realize their full potential and live healthy, productive lives.”

“We visited Willard at The FACTORY in early January and quickly saw how close the project is to meeting its ﬁnancial goals,” said Jill Miracle, Executive Director of the RHI Legacy Foundation. “We have invested $725,000 in The FACTORY since the project began. After our visit, our board saw an opportunity to further support KidSenses and approved a challenge grant to help close the remaining funding gap.

forward to celebrating its opening once funding and construction are complete.”

Whitson continued, “The FACTORY is designed to primarily serve adolescents, many of whom are under-resourced, by providing meaningful out-of-school learning, enrichment, and creative opportunities. The importance of these experiences cannot be overstated. We want young people to feel invested in their future and conﬁdent in their potential. The 27,000-square-foot KidSenses/FACTORY complex will enrich the lives of children and families in our region for generations to come.”

By meeting this challenge, community members help honor the leadership of the RHI Legacy Foundation and ensure The FACTORY becomes a shared investment in our children’s future.

KidSenses is very grateful to the numerous foundations, businesses, government agencies, and individuals who have contributed to this project. It takes an entire community to create something as vital and unique as The FACTORY.

We need your help now! Join the challenge and help complete The FACTORY by making a matching gift by May 15.

Matching donations can be made online at the KidSenses Children’s Museum website: www.kidsenses.org, or by mailing a check to the museum’s address: PO Box 150, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.

KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum is located at 172 North Main Street in Rutherfordton.

For information about the museum and the FACTORY expansion, visit www.

Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) penned a letter calling on the U.S. Postal Service to immediately reopen the Chimney Rock Village Post Ofﬁce, which has remained closed since Hurricane Helene devastated the region. Although repairs have been completed and a USPS assessment in October 2025 deemed the facility suitable for operation, the post ofﬁce has not resumed service.

“Reopening the Chimney Rock Village Post Ofﬁce would provide muchneeded stability and represent meaningful progress in the community’s

recovery. I strongly urge the Postal Service to act promptly to restore operations and ensure residents have access to the essential services they rely on,” Congressman Moore wrote in the letter.

The extended closure has placed a signiﬁcant

Congressman Tim Moore Urges USPS to Reopen Chimney Rock Post Office

burden on residents and small businesses, many of whom now travel outside the community for basic mail services — including prescription deliveries, bill payments, and other essential correspondence.

Article Provided By: Congressman Tim Moore

Rutherford County Community Choir hosting Talent Show Fundraiser

Cultural Resources Grants totaling $40,000 Awarded

The Rutherford County Community Choir (RCCC) is hosting a Talent Show Fundraiser. They need 20 musical acts to take the stage.

This is a family-friendly community event celebrating local talent while raising funds for RCCC and one outstanding student performer.

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place performers!

Scholarship Opportunity: High school and college students planning to or currently studying music may be

considered for the Hometown Music Project Scholarship, awarded to one outstanding student performer and funded by 10% of the event’s proceeds.

• Auditions available in person or by video

• Auditions: March 14 & March 23 at 201 South Broadway St., Forest City

• Talent Show: April 25, 2026

Come share your talent, support local music, and be part of something special in our community!

To sign up visit Rutherford County Community Choir on Facebook.

Article By: Rutherford County Community Choir

Dental Health & Literacy programs in libraries this month

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC) recently approved $40,000 in Cultural Resources focus area grants for general operations to eight history organizations or places of cultural signiﬁcance across WNC. CFWNC awards discretionary funding in Education, Cultural Resources, Human Services, and Natural Resources.

Cultural Resources grants are awarded through competitive and proactive processes. Competitive general operating grants are distributed according to a rotating schedule and through an expedited application. Proactive applications may be invited for unique projects or programs that address the Cultural Resources focus area goals.

Unrestricted gifts of $5,000 were awarded to:

• Altapass Foundation serving Avery, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, and Yancey counties.

• Avery Riverwalk Quilt Guild serving Avery County.

• Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center serving Buncombe and McDowell counties.

• Historic Gilboa Foundation serving Burke County.

• Martin Luther King Jr. Committee of the New Hope Community serving Rutherford County.

• Smoky Mountain

Community Theatre serving Graham, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties.

• Stecoah Valley Arts Crafts and Educational Center serving Graham County.

• Swannanoa Valley Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Corporation serving Buncombe County.

CFWNC works with families, businesses and nonproﬁts to strengthen communities through the creation of charitable funds and strategic grantmaking. A permanent charitable resource, the Foundation manages over 1,300 funds and facilitated $69 million in grants last year bringing total distributions to more than $456 million since its founding in 1978. Learn more at www.cfwnc.org.

This February, the Partnership for Children of the Foothills is partnering with libraries, bookmobiles, food banks, childcare providers and other community organizations to bring Children’s Dental Health Month directly to families across Polk, McDowell and Rutherford counties. Through free toothbrush kits, educational materials and interactive outreach opportunities, the Partnership is helping parents and caregivers support healthy smiles for children from birth to age ﬁve.

At library and daycare storytime visits, families will enjoy read-alouds that promote healthy routines, along with practical tips parents and caregivers can use at home to build strong dental habits early. The outreach connects oral health with early literacy and bedtime routines through the Partnership’s Brush, Book, Bed approach — a simple framework that encourages brushing teeth, reading together, and maintaining a consistent bedtime.

“Healthy habits are built through everyday moments,” said Vanessa Parton, executive director of The Partnership for Children of the Foothills. “By meeting families where they already gather — like library story times — we can share tools that support children’s health, development, and readiness to learn.”

Children’s Dental Health Month,

observed nationally each February, highlights the importance of early oral health and prevention. Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic conditions in young children, yet it is largely preventable with consistent routines and caregiver support.

Families attending participating storytimes will receive helpful take-home resources and be invited to explore additional guidance available through the Partnership’s child health initiatives.

The library storytime dates are on February 16 at Mooneyham Public Library in Forest City and on February 18 at the Rutherford County Library.

For more information about Brush, Book, Bed and early childhood health resources, visit www.PFCFoothills.org/ BrushBookBed.

About Partnership for Children of the Foothills: With support from NC Smart Start Initiative, Partnership for Children of the Foothills provides programs for children ages 0-5 and their families in the areas of Childcare/Education and Family Support. The Partnership builds and sustains relationships with community agencies and service providers, offering creative and unique programs for preschool children and their families, licensed childcare centers and family childcare. For more information, visit: PFCFoothills.org.

Article Provided By: Partnership for Children of the Foothills

Sometimes, it helps to step away from the workplace to get the creativity ﬂowing.

That’s what happened to

Kenny McCourt, an North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) resident engineer overseeing a set of bridge replacement projects on Interstate 40 in Haywood County.

McCourt sought ways to address a delicate situation: Roosting boxes that accommodated endangered bats underneath an old

Kitchen Table Idea Takes Flight in Pigeon River Gorge

new bridge design due to maintenance access needs.

With a little help from his daughter at home, he found a solution that may be replicated across the state and maybe even the nation.

“Me and my little girl, Harper, were sitting around the kitchen table actually watching Animal Planet,”

McCourt said. “And I was sitting with the notebook drawing up some ideas on how to take it off the bridge — and it hit me.”

NCDOT already planned to incorporate into the side wall that supports the bridge approach could be the answer.

“We took a piece of paper and started drawing these bat habitats right into the Boulderscape wall to give them more of a natural habitat,” he said.

crossing the Pigeon River, and the new bridge isn’t going to have suitable roosting habitat like the old one,” said Holland Youngman, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist. “So, we’re putting bat roosts in this retaining wall to give the bats somewhere else to go. I think it’s very new and innovative and creative.”

and build the small habitats before a Boulderscape crew added a layer of shotcrete to the outside. It’s now a space these bats can call home.

migrated for the winter to locations in Tennessee and will return in the spring. Before then, NCDOT will add a half-acre ﬂower bed near the bridge, full of native ﬂowers that bloom at night and attract insects — bat food.

The idea gained traction at McCourt’s ofﬁce and beyond. Engineers and wildlife experts soon started collaborating to design these roosting spaces for different species — including the endangered gray bat — all built into the new bridge wall for what locals call the High Bridge.

“Bats have been observed roosting in the bridge here

This project brought together NCDOT, contractors, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, prime contractor Kiewit Construction, sub-contractor Boulderscape and others. Everybody added their expertise to think and build outside the box.

Crews from Kiewit used excess materials to shape

“This has been a phenomenal collaboration just to make sure we’re all on the same page,” said Katherine Etchison, wildlife diversity biologist with the N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission. “We can all brainstorm and give our ideas about how this should go together.”

Within days of installing the roosting holes, several bats ﬂew in to explore the new space, including an endangered gray bat. Harper, McCourt’s daughter, named the ﬁrst one to visit, “Smokey.”

Most species have

“A project as successful as this — for the bats, for our bridge maintenance teams, for our construction team and wildlife partners — is something that I can see growing in western North Carolina, across the state and when word gets out, across the country,” McCourt said. “It’s pretty cool that so many folks are supportive of thinking outside the box.”

Article Provided By: ncdot

Hobbies that encourage adults to be creative

Parents of young children have undoubtedly read or learned about the beneﬁts of giving children time to engage in creative pursuits. Such activities can help foster cognitive development in youngsters, but the beneﬁts of being creative don’t end in adolescence. In fact, adults also have much to gain from being creative as well.

A 2021 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health noted a positive relationship between creativity and subjective well-being in adults. Such findings are a feather in the cap of creative pursuits, and enough to compel some adults to wonder which hobbies they can pursue in an effort to ignite their creative fire. Creativity can be defined in a number of ways, particularly with respect to recreational pursuits, but various activities might be just what adults need to reap the rewards of being more creative.

• Painting: Many adults who paint characterize this recreational activity as a great way to unwind and ease stress. Painting requires creativity, and even avid painters may not recognize that painting is a mental exercise that encourages problemsolving. That can have a profound impact on mental health, as a 2015 study in the journal Neurology found that adults who engaged in

creative pursuits like painting were 73 percent less likely to develop cognitive issues that can lead to dementia.

• Writing: Writing is another creative pursuit that can make for a great hobby. Writing in a journal, even if it’s a recap of the day’s events and not writing ﬁction, can clear up mental clutter, which in turn can open a pathway to more creative thinking. Adults also can utilize a journal to do some creative writing.

• Knitting: Knitting is another hobby that allows adults to indulge their creative side. Adults must design patterns, choose colors and even create items wholly from

scratch when knitting, which makes this a great way to be more creative with personal time.

• Playing an instrument: Learning to play a musical instrument affords adults an opportunity to express themselves. Playing a musical instrument also has been linked to a range of cognitive beneﬁts, including sharpened decision-making, improved memory and focus and enhanced mental ﬂexibility.

Various activities encourage adults to be creative and foster a greater sense of creativity in men and women. Such pursuits make invaluable hobbies and pay both short- and long-term dividends.

do cherries align with a Valentine’s Day color scheme, they even resemble little hearts when hanging from their stems. Celebrating Valentine’s Day involves many different traditions, and enjoying decadent desserts is among them. Purchasing ready-made

treats from a local bakery is one way to indulge in a sugary confection, but crafting a recipe at home is another way to show that special someone how much you care.

“Cherry Pie Bars” are not exactly a pie, but a pound cake with a cherry pie ﬁlling swirl. They can be made for many different occasions, but make for something sweet on Valentine’s Day. Whip up this recipe from “Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy” (Sourcebooks) by Danielle Kartes.

Cherry Pie Bars

Yield: One 9x13-inch pan

2 cups sugar

1 cup butter, softened

4 eggs

2 cups all-purpose ﬂour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

1 21-ounce can cherry pie ﬁlling

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a 9-by-13-inch pan with parchment paper. In a stand mixer, or with a hand mixer, cream sugar and butter on low.

Six Valentine’s Day Traditions

Add the eggs one at a time. Beat until just combined. Add the ﬂour, baking powder and salt. Spread a little over half the cake batter into the pan. Evenly spread the pie ﬁlling over the top, and spoon the

rest of the cake batter over the pie ﬁlling. It’s ﬁne if the cherries show through. Bake 35 minutes or until the top has turned slightly golden. Do not overbake. Allow to cool and slice into squares. Enjoy!

favor or adopted entirely.

Handwritten cards

Valentine’s Day is a day of love nestled in the middle of February. Sweethearts use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to show the people they care about just how deep those feelings run. A 2023 survey from the National Retail Federation found consumers expected to spend $25.9 billion on Valentine’s Day, up from $23.9 billion in 2022. Forecasters suspect spending is likely to increase this year as well.

Valentine’s Day is awash in many different customs. Here’s a deep look at some of those enduring traditions and others that some may feel should be brought back into

It’s a common scene each year in card retailers and pharmacies: people threedeep in the aisle trying to pick out Valentine’s Day cards in the eleventh hour. People can save themselves the hassle of ﬁghting the crowds if they make their own handmade cards. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, sweethearts created unique cards from scratch, according to Country Living. And prior to products produced by Hallmark and other greeting card companies, people used to send one another cards customized with personalized messages.

Pampering gentlemen

It is common in North America for Valentine’s Day celebrations to lean signiﬁcantly toward favoring women, who are often on the receiving end of ﬂowers and chocolates. However, in

South Korea and Japan, it is the men who are pampered with such gifts. Women purchase chocolates for their male partners, family members and coworkers as tokens of appreciation and affection. Never fear, a month later on White Day (March 14) men reciprocate with candy, cake and ﬂowers.

Bouquets

intended to be so beautiful they would be kept to hold trinkets or love letters. Ornate chocolate boxes are not quite as common today, although the gifting of chocolate for the holiday is still strong.

Celebrating in June?

Many Brazilians skip Valentine’s Day in February and choose to celebrate Saint Anthony, the patron saint of marriage and matchmaking, on June 12. Celebrating both is ﬁne for those who prefer to shower affection on loved ones multiple times a year.

Valentine’s Day traditions are still strong and can add a little something extra to celebrations this February.

These days a dozen longstemmed red roses might be the norm for Valentine’s Day gifting. However, roses weren’t always the preferred flower for the holiday. History. com reports that, in the nineteenth century, bouquets might contain all sorts of flowers, each chosen to convey certain messages. Individuals can research the meanings behind certain flowers and put together a Valentine’s Day gift this year that expresses exactly what they are feeling.

Puzzle purses

Sweethearts in Victorian England created “puzzle purses,” which were a series of love letters that could be read separately, but also ﬁt together to create a design and message. These intricately folded sheets of paper had parts of messages or verses written on different corners and were meant to be read in a speciﬁc order.

Heart-shaped

chocolate boxes

British chocolatier Richard Cadbury is credited with creating the ﬁrst heartshaped box for Valentine’s Day. The boxes were

Claudia Vaughn Alyssa Glenn-Campbell

Snowy Maternity Shoot

Get ready to freeze for a reason

Special Olympics Rutherford County is hosting the 2026 Polar Plunge at Forest City–Dunbar Elementary on Saturday, March 7. Registration begins at 10:30am with the opening ceremony set to begin at 11:30am. The plunge starts at 12pm. Funds raised go to support Special Olympics of Rutherford County with some funds going to support Steven Camp’s trip to the USA Special Olympics. Sign up at https://give. specialolympicsnc.com/2026RutherfordPlunge

Article Provided By: Special Olympics Rutherford County

As one gets older our physiology changes. While anatomy is what something is made of, physiology is what it does and how it does it. It is how it runs. For instance, my truck may have the same parts as it did several years ago when I bought it, but it doesn’t run the same as it did when it was new. And as it gets older, those changes will be magniﬁed. And what goes for trucks, goes for humans. While we may have the same parts, as we get older, we begin to run differently. Those changes come from a host of things including our environment, experiences, health issues, our DNA, and probably a few other things in addition to these. I have noticed I “run” differently than I once did. What once bothered me no longer does. And what once caused me to panic no longer does as well. But that’s not to say I have arrived at some special place. It’s to say that different things now cause my angst and panic. My physiology has changed. I have the same parts, but they run differently. One of the things I have noticed in my own life is how a crowded store makes me uneasy. I don’t know why, but it is noticeable. When things get too crowded, I just want to leave and come

Aiming Outdoorsmen Toward Christ

By Gar y Miller Gary Miller

back at 3:00 am. I laugh as I think about my new phobia. What I’m not sure of yet, is if it is “selective crowd phobia” or not. I mean I can’t imagine feeling a sense of panic as I push my way into the Bass Pro Shops Spring Fishing Classic or during

Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 years. He speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches & associations. gary@outdoortruths.org

the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Convention and Sports Show. No, I’m pretty sure I could overcome any trepidation if a new turkey vest was involved. Now that I think about it, it probably is “selective crowd phobia.” I guess I’ll have to

suck it up, dodge the crowd, overlook the impolite people to get my Japanese Cherry Blossom soap at Bath and Body, and my Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso at Starbucks. This truck just ain’t runnin’ right.

GARY MILLER

By: Jean Gordon

Recent snow that occurred in all 100 counties in North Carolina was close to historic. The last time every county in the great Tar Heel State got snow on the same day was in 2010. According to the North Carolina State Climate

Ofﬁce, a White Christmas occurred in every county 15 years ago. Some counties had as much as a foot of accumulation while others had much less. Some of the mountain areas, northern areas and the Coastal Plains recorded the most snow that day, similar to last weekend.

While snow amounts differed in all parts of the state, the North Carolina Outer Banks was hit with a “bomb cyclone” and signiﬁcant amounts of snow, causing blizzard like conditions. A beach house fell into the Atlantic Ocean, after the nor’easter slammed the coast. The scene was almost unbelievable. The state climate’s ofﬁce reported there were 12 to 15 inches

along the Outer Banks. At one point Friday, the news we might receive up to 9 inches of snow in Rutherford almost made me panic and when it didn’t happen, I was thankful. Snow is great, but too much snow can cause problems especially with the low temperatures and threats of power outages and the chances of people being cold.

The beauty of the ﬂuffy snow as it fell continuously throughout most of Saturday was stunning and safe. I was also pleasantly surprised at how delicious the snow tasted when mixed with milk and vanilla ﬂavoring for a hearty bowl of snow cream.

It had been a long time since I made snow cream and it was the tastiest I remember.

Many of my friends posted on social media their bowls of snow cream and talked about how tasty it was and how the snow cream brought back childhood memories.

We didn’t buy ice cream at our house, ever, unless it was a special occasion, so having snow cream was an absolute treat for the Gordons. As I was mixing my snow cream, I could see our Mama standing at the kitchen table before a very large container of snow and mixing it with milk, vanilla ﬂavoring and dabs of sugar. With a family of six we had

to gather lots of “clean” snow. Some may not relate to such joys of snow cream, but I have an idea many of you can.

When I saw another post on Facebook of a little boy playing in the snow, more memories ﬂowed. Christopher, two, was playing outside in the snow and I noticed immediately on his little feet were plastic bags securely tied around his little shoe boots. That scene brought back memories of the days my sisters and I tied plastic bread bags around our regular shoes. We certainly couldn’t afford snow boots, but with our regular shoes covered with plastic bread bags, we were ready to trek over the pasture hills in search of the best hill to slide. Thick socks kept our hands warm.

Sleds were unheard, but we had cardboard boxes. After breaking the cardboard down, we’d literally ﬂy down the pasture terraces on a ﬂat piece of a box, wondering how we would be able to stop. Sometimes, it wasn’t pretty. Also on social media, I loved seeing the photos of little children, the middlesize, the big kids and yes, even adults, tackling hills at the golf course and some in pastures having the times of their lives.

We published a photo last week of three adult men in a “jon boat” headed

down a hill after getting a shove from a fourth friend at the back of the boat.

For the second consecutive week, churches were closed as roads were unsafe to travel. Sunday, for me, became such a quiet day of gratitude with the beauty of the snow and the return of so many vivid childhood memories.

Even without the snow boots, sleds and insulated snow coats, gloves and hats, we had the best of times on a ﬂat piece of cardboard with our shoes warmly wrapped in grocery bags. After our outdoor fun, awaiting us inside was the warmth of a ﬁre and the best bowl of homemade snow cream in the world.

Looking back, we were among the most blessed. We didn’t know at the time just how rich we really were.

Contact Jean Gordon at: gordonjean211@gmail.com

Harriett Memorial Free Will Baptist Church is excited to announce the opening of Harriett Memorial Christian School this coming August! Classes will start as K-4 this school year and will grow each year toward a full K-12 program!

We invite families in our community to join us for an Open House on Saturday, February 28, from 12:00 to 2:00pm. Come meet our staff, learn about our vision, and discover the opportunities available for your child in a Christ-centered learning environment.

If you are interested in enrolling your child, please contact us by email at hmchristianschool@gmail.com or by phone at 828-657-9446.

The deadline to apply for the available scholarship to cover tuition expenses is March 2, so we encourage families to reach out during the month of February. Our team will be happy to walk you through the application and scholarship process.

We look forward to serving our community and partnering with families as we prepare to open Harriett Memorial Christian School this August. Join us on February 28—we would love to meet you!

Article By: Harriett

New Christian School opening in August Ads Work!

Memorial Free Will Baptist Church

FEBRUARY

February 12

Red Cross Blood Drive

February 15

Black History program

February 26

MARCH & BEYOND

March 7

Special Olympics Rutherford County 2026 Polar Plunge

When: March 7; registration10:30am,opening ceremony11:30am, plunge starts at 12pm

Where: Forest City–Dunbar Elementary; 286 Learning Parkway, Forest City

More Info: Funds raised go to support Special Olympics of Rutherford County with some funds going to support Steven Camp’s trip to the USA Special Olympics. Sign up at https://give.specialolympicsnc. com/2026RutherfordPlunge

Grand Opening Celebration of Norris Park

When: March 7; 10am Where: Norris Park; 156 Leroy Mull Dr., Rutherfordton, More Info: Ribbon Cutting & Dedication, Live Demos & Disc Golf, Giveaways, Coffee & Ice Cream Trucks

March 10

Red Cross Blood Drive

When: March 10; 1:30-6pm Where: Gilkev School Community Center Cafeteria; 217 Gilkey School Rd., Rutherfordton

More Info: For appointment call 1 -800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter Sponsor Code “Gilkey”. Bring your Red Cross Donor Card or Photo lD. Walk-lns welcome, appointments honored ﬁrst! Give in March for a $15 Gift Card by email.

March 16-21

Sustain Me Living & Wellness Fair

When: March 16-21; 8am-7pm

Where: Tryon Equestrian Center; 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring

More Info: A six-day gathering focused on practical natural health, nutrition, and sustainable living. 6 full days of learning, community, and hands-on natural wellness. Barbara O’Neill, keynote speaker. Daily sessions on natural healing, lifestyle, and prevention. shalomtemplejourney.org

March 28

Our Night for Their Fight Prom Fundraiser for families of burned children

When: March 28; doors open 6pm, prom 7-10pm

Where: One 13; 113 West Court St., Rutherfordton

More Info: $20 per person. Sponsored by Rutherford County Fire Rescue Association. Open to public. RSVP to: Jimmy 828429-0705, Austin 828-460-2122, Benny 828-755-6893, Tracie 828289-3795.

When: February 12; 8am-1pm

Where: Chase High School, Auxiliary Gym; 1603 Chase High Rd., Forest City

More Info: RedCrossBlood.org or 1-800733-2767. All who give through February 28 will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.

February 13

Night To Shine; Tim Tebow Foundation Enchanted Evening

When: February 13

Where: Spencer Baptist Church; 187 N. Oak St., Spindale

More Info: Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. The Foundation has a great passion for people with special needs, and in 2014 the Foundation launched Night to Shine with a simple vision…work with churches around the world to provide an incredible prom experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs ages 14 and above. Guests will be welcomed into the event on a red carpet and will be treated like royalty for the entire evening. Registration required: https://www.spencerbaptist.com/a-night-toshine

Community Soup Dinner

When: February 13; 6pm

Where: Cliffside Baptist Church Fellowship Hall; 220 Old Main St., Cliffside

More Info: All donations will go directly toward Cliffside community projects.

February 14

Valentine’s Day Spaghetti Dinner

When: February 14; 4-7pm

Where: Hopewell Hollis Ruritan Club; 2500 Hollis Rd., Ellenboro

More Info: $10 per person, under 7 free. Everyone welcome.

The Science of Fireﬁghting

When: February 14; 10am-11am

Where: Kidsenses; 146 N. Main St., Rutherfordton

More Info: Includes Safety Demos by SFD! Hands-On Activities! Ages 6-12. Program is free of charge, but spaces are limited... registration required. Call 828-286-2120 or email kidsenses.org/scienceofﬁre.

When: February 15; 2:30pm

Where: Piney Ridge CME Church; 4421 Hudlow Rd., Union Mills

Grief Support Group

When: February 15; 3-4pm

Where: Bill’s Creek Community Center; 198 Club House Rd., Lake Lure

More Info: Free. RSVP to 828-351-4427 or ChelseaEtheridgeLPC@gmail.com.

Types of loss we support: loss of a loved one, loss of a pet, loss of a job, role or major life transition.

February 17

Kinderpalooza

When: February 17; 4-6:30pm

Where: Isothermal Community College Foundation; 286 ICC Loop Rd., Spindale

More Info: A fun-ﬁlled event designed to help our youngest learners (and their families!) get excited and prepared for school. Meet kindergarten teachers, Learn about programs and opportunities, Ride a real school bus & more. Families interested in RCS preschool programs are welcome to attend and learn more about early learning opportunities as well!

Fat Tuesday Donation Pancake Supper

When: February 17; 5pm

Where: Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall; 250 Hudlow Rd., Forest City

More Info: All proceeds will be donated to Mosaic Hope, who does a wonderful ministry with Foster Children and Families in our community.

February 19

The Grahamtown Team Celebration of Black Leaders

When: February 19; 11am-1pm

Where: Grahamtown Community Center; 129 First St., Forest City

More Info: RSVP if you would like to join us. Space limited! 828-229-3380

February 20

Red Cross Blood Drive

When: February 20; 12-5:30pm

Where: First Baptist Church Forest City, Fellowship Hall; 211 West Main St., Forest City

More Info: RedCrossBlood.org or 1-800733-2767. All who give through February 28 will receive a $20 e-gift card. See RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.

February 21

Goin’ Across the Mountain Live

When: February 21; 7:30pm

Where: The Foundation Performing Arts Center on the campus of Isothermal Community College; 286 ICC Loop Rd., Spindale

More Info: www.foundationshows.org. Featuring Balsam Range with the Jacktown Ramblers.

February 22

Black History Celebration

When: February 22; 2:30pm

Where: New Bethel A.M.E. Zion Church; 263 Forest St., Forest City

More Info: Rev. Keith Lipsey, pastor.

Drive-Thru Food Giveaway

When: February 22; 12-3pm

Where: Grahamtown Community Center; 129 First St., Forest City

More Info: Register online or in person.

Free dental health information & kit for children

When: February 26; 12-3pm

Where: Grahamtown Community Center; 129 First St., Forest City

More Info: February is Dental Health Month.

Computer & Device Scam Prevention Class

When: February 26; 12-2pm

Where: Grahamtown Community Center; 129 1st St., Forest City

More Info: Call or register online 828229-3380 or www.grahamtownteam.org.

February 27

Edgar Allen Poe Themed Dinner

When: February 27; 7pm

Where: Mountains Branch Library; 150 Bills Creek Rd., Lake Lure

More Info: Adults 18 & over. Preregister at 828-287-6392 by Feb. 25. $10 per person to cover dinner cost.

Red Cross Blood Drive

When: February 27; 9:30am-2pm

Where: 2nd Baptist Church, Family Life Center; 191 Green St., Rutherfordton More Info: RedCrossBlood.org or 1-800733-2767. All who come to give through February 28 will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood. org/Heart for details.

February 28

Red Cross Blood Drive When: February 28; 9am-1:30pm

Where: Cliffside Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall; 220 Old Main St., Cliffside

More Info: RedCrossBlood.org or 1-800733-2767. All who come to give through February 28 will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood. org/Heart for details.

Through February 14

Rutherfordton Little League Sign-Ups More Info: Online Sign-ups through February 14 (rutherfordtonlittleleague. org).

Through February28

Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Commemorative Brick campaign

More Info: Buy a brick to commemorate a special person, milestone or anniversary, or a beloved pet for a special price of $175 each. Choose either a Garden Path brick with a ﬂower icon, or a Rainbow Bridge path brick with a paw print icon. Visit https://lakelureﬂoweringbridge.org/say-itwith-a-brick/

Please Spend Valentine’s Day With Us, At The Bookstore

by Pat Jobe

It will be a great time at 3:30 on Valentine’s Day at Next Door Used Books on Thomas Street in Forest City.

However, it will be much more fun if you and David Giles and Tony Blackwell are there. Please help me get those two guys there.

And Charlotte Ware Epley has committed to not only be there but is bringing friends.

The book is Welcome To Death Faire, which will mean a lot more to you if you show up than if you don’t. It is a

collection of poems, essays, stories and fabulous, beautiful photographs. It celebrates the tenth anniversary of Death Faire in Pittsboro. Both the faire and the book are amazing tributes to a community spirit that afﬁrms death is part of life. It grew out of an extraordinary death in the community around Pittsboro that brought together great love, great tenderness, great shared humanity, as Jim King likes to call it. Please come and check it out.

Gary Phillips will be there, and my instructions are clear to get David Giles and Tony Blackwell there, along with Jim King. But please, if you are a regular reader of these columns, like Lee Harrill, come on by. The book is worth celebrating and ﬁve of the writers from the book will be on hand.

Our time together, regardless of the size of the crowd, will be about what Tami Schwerin calls “Taking

death out of the closet.” It is good work because the fear of death is among the worst people list when asked. But death is coming whether we fear it or not, and the Death Faire folks want us to know that it deserves dignity, music, song and great love, especially those closest to the dearly departing.

Tami Schwerin calls herself the curator of the book, and she did a bang up job. She found writers from different cultures, different beliefs, different skin colors and did the same with the amazing photographs. It will be a big deal to have her in Forest City and among the rest of us.

Longfellow wrote “Tell me not, in mournful numbers, life is but an empty dream! For the soul is dead that slumbers, and things are not what they seem. Life is real! Life is earnest. And the grave is not its goal; Dust thou art, to dust returnest, was not spoken of the soul.”

Daddy Allen Jobe loved that poem and we often heard it at our breakfast table when all my brother and I wanted was to let our souls slumber just a little bit longer. Our daddy cheerleader was to hear nothing of it. He wanted us to be certain to live lives worthy of that land beyond the river that they call the sweet forever.

Death Faire is like that and the book is like that. Sound the trumpets. Unfurl the banners. A love of life is basic and will be celebrated Saturday, Valentine’s Day at Next Door Used Books on Thomas Street in Forest City at 3:30. Bring your heart and the rest of you will follow. Can any of you get the word to David Giles and Tony Blackwell? Contact Pat Jobe at patjobe13@gmail.com.

Bridge, road improvements

“Growing Together” Community Garden Grants Available

The Community Health Council of Rutherford County is offering grants to non-proﬁt organizations who plan to start or expand a community garden during 2026. The Council’s hope is to help organizations throughout the county begin or expand a garden where neighbors will work together to construct the garden and grow and harvest food for their own consumption and share extra produce with those in need. Applications are welcomed from non-proﬁt or municipal organizations, clubs, schools, or churches. Each group will be expected to commit at least three years to the project.

Jill Miracle, Executive Director of the Community Health Council, explains the Growing Together project, which began in 2018. “We support community gardeners because the consumption of fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables leads to improved health in people of all ages. Providing grant funding for communities to experiment with growing and preparing different kinds of fresh foods is one strategy toward healthier eating.”

The Rutherford County Food Council will review applications and choose up to two Growing Together Awards representing different areas in the county. Each winner will receive $1,500 for items such as supplies, plants, seeds, water sources, fencing, or tools needed to start the garden. Expansion grants of $1,000 are available for existing community gardens. Typical progress reports will be required by the grantees.

Education about all aspects of gardening is available through the local extension ofﬁce. As desired, the Rutherford County Food Council will connect gardeners to local food pantries who welcome donated fresh produce.

In a recent community health assessment, less than 7% of Rutherford County respondents reported that they consume the recommended daily servings of fresh foods. Unhealthy eating leads to poor health, including obesity, cancer, and chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Many of the county’s rural communities are cited as food deserts, meaning that affordable, healthy food is limited or nonexistent because grocery stores are too far away. Over 29% of residents in Rutherford County live more than 10 miles away from a full-service grocery store. Growing food close to home is a healthy, economical way to help local families improve their nutritional intake and to save money during times of high food prices.

The grant application can be found in the NEWS section on the Community Health Council of Rutherford County website, http:// www.healthcouncilrc.com. The deadline for grant applications is 5pm March 20, 2026. Contestants will be notiﬁed about awards by April 1. For more information about the opportunity or to request a printed copy of the grant application, call 828-202-4630 or email HealthCouncilRC@gmail.com.

The Community Health Council of Rutherford County is grateful to RHI Legacy Foundation for providing funding for the Growing Together project and to Rutherford County Food Council for their support in the grants process.

Article By: Community Health Council of Rutherford County

Bridge construction is continuing on Piney Mountain Church Road in Bostic, although ice remained at the work site on the bitter cold morning recently. The improvements to the bridge and road are part of the Rutherford County Comprehensive Transportation Plan. Article & Photo Provided By: Jean Gordon

& Color Copies

Many

Soup supper to benefit upcoming Cliffside programs

Following the successful return of Remember Cliffside Day, there has been a strong desire for more community activity in the southern end of the county-Cliffside, said Eva Humphries of Cliffside.

Dakota Mathis and Humphries, both Cliffside natives, felt called to help restore the strong sense of community the area once enjoyed. With the help of many dedicated local volunteers, the clock tower was lighted for the 2025 Christmas season - a project that meant a great deal too many residents. Volunteers, led by Mathis and Humphries, are planning additional cleanup and improvement efforts around the park, the Cliffside sign, and the clock tower area, along with continued community events such as Remember Cliffside Day. One of the central goals is

partnerships as momentum continues,” she added.

To help raise money for the upcoming programs and events, a donation-based Community Soup Dinner will be held Friday, February 13, beginning at 6pm at the Cliffside Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. A variety of homemade soups, cornbread and rolls, desserts, and beverages will be served. All donations will go directly toward Cliffside community projects.

There is also a community calendar that has been published of upcoming meetings and events for the year. These efforts are being carried out in partnership with the Cliffside Historical Society.

For information email cliffsideday@gmail.com.

Article Provided By: Jean Gordon

continues through February 28. Voting locations are the Board of Elections

Ofﬁce at 145 College Ave., Suite C, in Rutherfordton, and Isothermal Community College at 286 I.C.C. Loop Road in Spindale. Voters are encouraged to review details on the county’s website at rutherfordcountync.gov.

Primary Election Day is March 3. If a second primary is required, it will be held on May 12. The general election is set for November 3.

For more information on any other election information visit the Rutherford County website at www.rutherfordcountync. gov and visit Board of Elections to see the complete list of statewide

ofﬁces.

and

Article Provided By: Jean Gordon

small town friendly BIG time results

LASAGNA ROLLUPS

8 lasagna noodles

1 pound hamburger meat

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

15 ounces ricotta cheese

1 teaspoon rosemary (optional)

1 jar marinara sauce

2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided

In pot, boil noodles according to package instructions. Drain under cold water and set aside.

In same pot, brown hamburger meat then add garlic powder and onion powder. Mix in ricotta cheese; rosemary, if desired; marinara sauce; and 1 cup mozzarella cheese.

Heat oven to 350 F.

Line baking dish with layer of hamburger sauce. Line cooled noodles on cutting board or parchment paper. Add hamburger sauce to each noodle and roll. Place lasagna rollups, seam sides down, in dish. Cover with remaining hamburger sauce and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.

Bake 20 minutes.

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar

1 12-ounce jar raspberry jam

Heat oven to 350 F. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and toast, tossing occasionally, until fragrant, 6 to 8 minutes; let cool. In a food processor, finely grind the almonds with 1⁄4 cup of the brown sugar. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon; set aside.

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and the remaining 1⁄4 cup of brown sugar on medium-high speed until fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Reduce speed to low and gradually add the almond mixture, then the flour mixture, mixing until just combined (do not over-mix). Shape the dough into two disks, tightly wrap, and refrigerate until firm, at least 3 hours.

Heat oven to 350 F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment. On a lightly floured surface, roll each disk of dough to a 1⁄8-inch thickness. Using a 2- to 21⁄2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out rounds and place 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Using a 3⁄4- to 1-inch round cookie cutter, cut the centers out of half the cookies. Reroll and cut the scraps as necessary. Bake the cookies, rotating the baking sheets halfway through, until the edges are golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool slightly on the baking sheets, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Sprinkle the confectioners’ sugar on the cookies with the holes. Spread 1 teaspoon of the jam on each of the remaining cookies; top with the sugared cookies. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Helping A Friend Win $20,000

Would you help a friend win $20,000 and get his picture on the cover of a national magazine? Many of you already know that Mike Greene is in the running to do just that, but this story might swell the crowd. Help if you can.

Spindale’s ﬁtness guru, champion of both spiritual and physical health, father and grandfather, husband and all-round good guy would appreciate your vote through either his business or personal Facebook page, which is Changing Lives Fitness Clinic. Help if you can.

If Greene beats out 19 other contestants during daily voting through February and March and into the ﬁrst few days of April, he wins a trip to Los Angeles, getting his picture on the cover of Muscle and Fitness Magazine and 20,000 buckaroos.

And why, oh why, should you help him if you can?

Because Greene has done for his corner of Spindale what Babe Ruth did for baseball. He has touched hundreds, and by association, thousands of lives through his Changing Lives Fitness Clinic.

He has a special supporter in retired Rutherford County personnel director and all-

around-town good person, Judy Toney.

When she was asked what her cut was of the 20K, the recovering stroke victim said, “I get to walk upright for the balance of my life. I’m convinced Michael is the only reason.” As she now walks with a cane, the word “balance” was very important to that statement.

Toney, who uses that cane, said Greene had shown her how not to fall when she feels herself about to stumble.

“He told me to put my right foot behind my left foot and lean on my cane. It works every time,” she said. That alone ought to be worth $20k.

You know there have to be hundreds of stories like that. Changing Lives Fitness Clinic is a gym, but it is a private gym. Greene works with private clients primarily, people like Toney who credit him with taking over her physical recovery after she ﬁnished physical therapy.

“Not to blow my own horn, but I have the conﬁdence of the medical community,” he said. While that might sound like personal horn blowing there are many others who will toot for the impact he has made on their lives.

The $20,000, trip to LA and the magazine cover

currently leading the voting. He gives all credit to God and believes his work is a ministry to both body and spirit. “One of the most

and Heather graduated from East Rutherford High School, home of the ﬁghting Cavaliers.

Article

$7.6 million in grants to NC value-added processors

North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced $7.6 million in grants focused on atmospheric controls for agricultural products to beneﬁt farmers and growers in counties affected by Hurricane Helene.

The purpose of the N.C. Agriculture Manufacturing and Processing Initiative (NCAMPI) is to fund and promote the establishment of value-added agricultural manufacturing and food processing facilities in North Carolina.

Ten projects totaling $7.6 million in grants were approved. Six of those projects are related to apple production and account for $6.7 million of the grant total. Four

additional projects focused on pharmaceutical-grade botanicals, Christmas tree production improvements and post-harvest and cooling capacity.

“This grant will help modernize local processing facilities, strengthen supply chains and improve opportunities for our farmers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This initiative is all about keeping valueadded agriculture right here in North Carolina. By expanding manufacturing and food processing capacity, we are helping our famers and local communities who are still recovering from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene.”

NCDA&CS administers

the program with funding provided by the N.C. General Assembly.

For the latest information on NCAMPI, go to https:// www.ncagr.gov/divisions/ marketing/ncampign.

Article Provided By: ncagr.gov

Encompass Farm of Rutherford County was a January 2026 grant recipients for its postharvest space and cooling capacity.

Answers to Word Search

Provided By: Pat Jobe

February 13 & 27

What: Free hot dog meal

When: February 13 & 27; meal distribution begins at 12 noon

Where: Spindale United Methodist Church; 185 Mill St., Spindale

February 15

What: Black History program

When: February 15; 2:30pm

Where: Piney Ridge CME Church; 4421 Hudlow Rd., Union Mills

February 17

What: Fat Tuesday Donation Pancake

Supper

When: February 17; 5pm

Where: Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall; 250 Hudlow Rd., Forest City

More Info: All proceeds will be donated to Mosaic Hope, a ministry for Foster Children and Families in our community.

February 18

What: Ash Wednesday service

When: February 18; 6pm

Where: Spindale United Methodist Church; 185 Mill St., Spindale

What: Drive Thru Community Meal

When: February 18; 5pm

Where: Spindale United Methodist Church; 185 Mill St., Spindale

February 21

What: Gospel Singing

When: February 21; 6pm

Where: Cedar Grove Fellowship Church; 160 Toney Rd., Bostic

More Info: Golden Valley Crusaders rescheduled from the ice storm. Everyone welcome!

February 21

What: Food Give Away When: February 21; 8-10am

Where: Caroleen Congregational Holiness

Church; 112 Walker Store Rd., Ellenboro

More Info: Come to the second parking lot and we will bring a box out to your car.

February 22

What: Black History Celebration

When: February 22; 2:30pm

Where: New Bethel A.M.E. Zion Church; 263 Forest St., Forest City

More Info: Rev. Keith Lipsey, pastor.

February 28

What: Saturday Night aLive

When: February 28; 6:30pm

Where: Spindale United Methodist Church; 185 Mill St., Spindale

More Info: Food and trivia!

Every Tuesday

What: Bible Study

When: Every Tuesday; 6pm Where: Three Angels Seventh-day Adventist Church; 2158 Hudlow Rd., Forest City

More Info: 828-448-1856, Pastor Sheridan.

Every Wednesday

What: Bible Study & Free Dinner

When: Wednesdays. Refreshments/Dinner 5pm, Bible study 6pm

Where: New Bethel AME Zion Church; 263 Forest St., Forest City

More Info: 828-429-3497.

1st Tuesday Monthly

What: Redbird Food Pantry

When: First Tuesday Every Month 3-5pm

Where: Mountain Creek Baptist Church; 710 Mountain Creek Rd., Rutherfordton

1st Saturday Monthly

What: Free Community Meal

When: First Saturday monthly; 11am-12:30pm

Where: The Well – Landrum; 395 Hwy 14 W., Landrum, SC

More Info: Food for the body, prayer for the soul (if requested). While supply lasts.

Every Monday

What: Community Bible Study group When: Every Monday; 7pm Where: First Baptist Church, Rutherfordton

More Info: We will study Job, Daniel, Christian Leadership. In-person classes and online classes. https://rutherfordtoneve. cbsclass.org/

What: Recovery at The Well

When: Every Monday; 6-9pm

Where: The Well – Landrum; 395 Hwy 14 W., Landrum, SC

More Info: Help for Hurts, Habits & Hardships, Fellowship Meal, Worship, Teaching, Testimonies, Growth through Small Groups. All welcome.

Ongoing Church Programs

Golden Valley Church

Sun: Worship 10am, Wed: Bible Study 6pm. 1269 Golden Valley Church Rd., Bostic.

Crestview Baptist Church

Sun: 9:30am Sunday School, 10:30am & 6pm Worship. Wed: 6:30pm AWANA, Youth Bible Study, Adult Bible Study. 630 S. Church St, Forest City.

Hicks Grove Baptist Church Sun: 10am Sunday School, 11am & 6pm worship. Wed: 6pm Bible study & prayer meeting. 574 Hicks Grove Rd., Mooresboro. 828-447-6422.

Burger Bowls

Recipe courtesy of Casa de Crews

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

Burger Bowls:

2 cups French fries, homemade or frozen

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small yellow onion, diced

1 pound ground beef or ground turkey

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper Dandy Iceberg Lettuce, shredded

2-3 Roma tomatoes, diced pickle chips or spears, chopped cheddar cheese, shredded

Burger Sauce: 1/3 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard

1 tablespoon pickle juice

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

To make burger bowls: Cook French fries according to package directions. In medium skillet over mediumhigh heat, heat olive oil. Add onion

and saute until translucent, 5-7 minutes. Add ground beef to skillet, breaking up meat with spatula. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper; brown until cooked through. Drain and discard excess liquid and grease.

To make burger sauce: In jar, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder and paprika well to combine.

Assemble bowls with layer of shredded lettuce, 3-4 ounces ground beef, diced tomatoes, pickles, cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup fries.

Drizzle with burger sauce and mix well.

Tip: Burger sauce can be made in advance and stored in refrigerator in jar with airtight lid.

What’s the Relationship Between Chocolate and Valentine’s Day?

It's hard to imagine Valentine's Day without chocolate, and that association can be traced to a name that is very familiar to people who enjoy sweets on February 14. According to History.com, Richard Cadbury utilized advancements at his family’s chocolate factory in England to produce new varieties of what was then known as “eating chocolate.” Cadbury then began marketing eating chocolates in decorative boxes, and while History.com notes he never patented the heart-shaped box, it's widely believed Cadbury was the ﬁrst to create one.

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Darla Jean Moore Sheets

Sheets, 69, passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2026.

of late Ardith Jean Huffman and Dale E Moore. She is also predeceased by one infant son, Frank Guzek.

Survivors include her daughter, Julie Cruz Mendoza of Cherryville; son Danny Guzek (Jennifer) of Moundsville, WV; grandchildren include Richard Barber (Heather), Ethan Cruz Mendoza of Cherryville, Hunter, Matthew, Alexis Guzek of Moundsville, WV; great-grandchildren Kelsey Barber of Valdese, Victoria, Madeline, and Wyatt of Moundsville, WV; step-great-grandchildren Chandler and Marissa Dunbar and Kaden Whitworth; sister, Chrissy Suitor (Brian) of Lenoir, brother, Curtis Moore of Lenoir.

She was one of the first women to work in the coal mines of West Virginia. She

Wanda Marie Taylor

Wanda Marie Taylor, age 75, of Shelby, earned her wings February 2, 2026, leaving this world and stepping into the arms of her Savior. Born in Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Augustus Washington White and Gussie Mae Short. She was preceded in death by her husband, Grover Hicks Taylor; her daughter, Christina Marie Pearson; and her grandson, Nathaniel Sizemore. She was formerly associated with Grays Creek Baptist Church and found great joy in her faith, her family, and serving others.

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

Ten years from now, the question will be, “Where were you during the snowstorm of 2026?” One of my answers will be, “stuck in my driveway with no way to get out.” I won’t go into a lengthy narrative, but I had taken a trip that day to Charlotte with my family, which was a promised Christmas present for my oldest grandson. Though slow and tedious the trip was memorable and God kept us safe on the roadway. Upon arriving back home that evening, I needed to return the rental so that no further charges were incurred. Well, that was when the “fun” began. After dropping everyone off, I realized that the lightness of the vehicle prohibited any traction. For lack of better words, I was stuck! My son-in-law and his friend worked feverishly to clear the deep accumulation of snow, and we did everything we knew to get the vehicle out of the driveway. It was at that exhausted moment that a man in a truck with four-wheel drive stopped and asked if we needed help. Without hesitancy, we afﬁrmed that we needed all the help we

is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.

Brandon Atkins

Brandon Atkins, age 55, passed away Saturday, January 31, 2026. Brandon was born August 16, 1970 in Rutherford County to Arlene Putman Atkins who resides in Henrietta and the late Roger Atkins. He worked at Cone Mill-Haynes plant for 17 years and most recently as a vendor for Canteen Vending for many years. Brandon was a member of High Shoal Baptist Church where he served as a deacon.

He is survived by his wife, Sheila White Atkins; son, Zachary Atkins (Victoria) of Bostic; daughter, Megan Atkins Turner (Austin) of Forest City; stepdaughter, Danelle Jolley (Jason)

WORDS COUNT

Shane Adkins and Rev. Josh Ledbetter officiating.

Memorial donations requested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org or to the charity of choice.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.

Rutherford County Honor Guard.

An online guest registry is available at www. padgettkingcom Padgett~King Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.

commercial loan officer for most of his life before retiring. He was of the Catholic Faith.

could get. He left and in just a few minutes returned with who I believe was his son. After attaching a strap to the vehicle, they were able to pull it out of the driveway, and I was on my way. We offered to pay them, but they refused. The point of this article is to thank Billy and Jesse who were true angels sent from God. They both are proof that when difﬁcult times come, there are still good people that are willing to help others. They sacriﬁced their time and gas to be out in the snowy and cold conditions looking for people in need of help. I pray that God will bless them for their goodness toward a wayfaring neighbor. Thanks, Billy and Jesse for what you did for me!

Linda Darlene Saraf

Linda Darlene Saraf of Rutherfordton died Thursday February 5, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 52 years, Marsha Grapes Paul and a twin brother, Greg Paul.

Those left to honor his memory include his son, Christopher Paul of Brunswick, MD and daughter, Beth Weber (Ron) of Crested Butte, CO; brother, Kenny Paul and his grandchildren, Denali Weber and Coral Weber.

The family is planning a celebration of Gary’s life on a future date.

Joe William Bright

Joe William Bright, age 83 of Forest City died Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Joe was born September 28, 1942, in Rutherford County and was the son of the late James Crawford Bright and Ruby Harris Bright. He was the owner and operator of his family business, Bright’s Moving Company. He was a member of Bethany Baptist Church where he was a member of the church Mission Team. He also served honorably in the United States Army.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jim Bright, and his sister, Kaye Bright Champion.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Margaret Gamble Bright, his daughters, Susie Bright Melton and husband Marc, and Julie

She was a native of Rutherford County, born June 4, 1949, to the late Grady Lee and Artence Dalton. She was the widow of Martin Luther Saraf and was also preceded in death by a brother Christopher Trevor Dalton.

She was a member of the New Testament Assembly in Spindale. She worked in the food industry until her retirement.

She is survived by a son Michael Saraf of Charlotte (Owain), brother Michael Dalton (Kay), and sister Melissa Dalton of Rutherfordton, several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Heart of the Foothills animal rescue.

No formal services are planned at this time.

Online condolences may be made at www. crowemortuary.com.

In honor of Gary’s love for animals and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue, 380 US Hwy. 221, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.

Red Cross blood supply drops 35%

Donors urged to make an appointment to give blood amid growing ﬂu, winter weather impact.

The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as requests from hospitals exceed the available supply of blood, leading to about a 35% drawdown of blood products in the past month. Individuals are urged to give now so patients don’t face delays in lifesaving care. The shortage is especially serious for platelets and types O, A negative and B negative blood.

in the coming weeks, more blood drives could potentially be delayed or canceled at a time when every unit of blood could be the difference for doctors facing difﬁcult choices about which patients receive blood transfusions and who will need to wait.

was a member of Spindale Fellowship Holiness Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Jody Parker, Ray Parker, Lee Parker and sisters, Virginia Doty, Martha Green, Hattie Green and Mary Conner.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Paul Waters of Rutherfordton; sister, Jesse Smith of Gilkey; brothers, Raymond Parker of Polk County and Charles Parker of Spindale and her granddaughter, Abbigail Waters.

Doris Hubbard

Doris Hubbard, age 84, passed away February 4, 2026. She was born August 24, 1941, in Shelby, NC, and was a longtime resident of Douglasville, GA.

Doris was the daughter of Grady Cartee and Alma Scruggs, both of whom preceded her in death. Doris was a devoted homemaker, and Christian by faith. She is survived by her daughter, Wanda Hubbard (Julie Triplett); her son, Randall Hubbard; and her

There’s no time to wait — book an appointment to give blood now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767.

“Winter always puts pressure on the blood supply, and this year widespread ﬂu and rough weather are making it even tougher,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of Red Cross donor services.

Consider donating blood at any of the following locations:

Douglas “Steve” Radford

Douglas “Steve” Radford, 86, of Forest City, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, February 8, 2026. He is survived by his wife, Hattie Roberts Radford; daughter, Stephanie Edwards; stepdaughter,

A funeral service is planned for Thursday, February 12 at 1pm at Main Street Baptist Church, Spindale with Dr. Jack Green officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Eternal Hills Memorial Park. Online condolences may be made at www. crowemortuary.com. Crowe’s Mortuary is assisting the family of Steve Radford.

All who come to give through February 28 will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.

About 400 blood drives were impacted due to extreme winter weather last month alone — more than three times the number of blood drives impacted during the same time the previous year. As a result, thousands of blood donations have gone uncollected. With intense winter weather and freezing temperatures expected across much of the country

• Thurs., February 12, 8AM1PM Chase High School, Auxiliary Gym; 1603 Chase High Rd., Forest City • Fri., February 20, 12-5:30PM First Baptist Church Forest City, Fellowship Hall; 211 W. Main St., Forest City • Fri., February 27, 9:30AM2PM 2nd Baptist Church, Family Life Center; 191 Green St., Rutherfordton • Sat., February 28, 9AM1:30PM Cliffside Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall; 220 Old Main St., Cliffside.

Article Provided By: Gail Barksdale

Just for Laughs

What did the octopus say to their valentine? I want to hold your hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand!

Why are roses so popular on Valentine’s Day? They’re scent-imental!

What did the magnet say to the refrigerator?

I’m very attracted to you!

Why did the monkeys get married? They were bananas about each other!

North Carolina Career and Technical Education (CTE) students earned a record 382,964 industry-recognized credentials during the 2024-2025 academic year, the highest total in state history, according to a report released by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).

The state ranks second nationwide for the percentage of K-12 students participating in CTE, with 36.1% of all students enrolled in a CTE course. Only Nebraska ranks higher. The credential achievement represents a 59% attainment rate, meaning students earned nearly six out of every 10 credentials available to them through their CTE coursework.

“The record amount of credentials represents real opportunities for our students,” said State Superintendent Maurice Green. “When a student earns an industry-recognized credential, they’re not just completing a course, they are gaining a competitive advantage in the job market and building a foundation for long-term career success.”

Since the 2020-2021 academic year, North Carolina has seen consistent growth in credential attainment, driven in part by increased funding from the NC General Assembly. In 2022-2023, funding reached $15.8 million, enabling public school units (PSUs) to offer credentialing opportunities to virtually all CTE students.

Key ﬁndings from the 2024-2025 report include:

• 80.61% of CTE concentrator (students who take 2-3 courses in a career pathway) graduates earned an industry-recognized credential in their pathway

• Over 98% of CTE concentrators graduate on time

• Students earned credentials across 292 unique industry certiﬁcations aligned to highdemand occupations

• Statewide CTE Credential attainment increased 6.9% over the previous year

• 70,182 credentials earned by NC CTE students are recognized by the NC Workforce Credentials list as priority credentials valued by employers

• The Northwest Region achieved the highest attainment rate at 73%

• The Wake County Public School System led the state with 32,630 credentials earned

• Top-performing districts by attainment rate included Transylvania County Schools (89%), Pender County Schools (88%) and Mitchell County Schools (87%)

Credentials are organized into three tiers based on academic rigor, employment value and industry demand. Tier 3 credentials— advanced certiﬁcations often required for employment—saw continued growth, with students earning credentials in ﬁelds ranging from welding and electrical trades to health sciences and information technology.

“Industry-recognized credentials give students a head start on their careers,” said Trey Michael, NCDPI’s senior director for CTE. “Whether a student is pursuing nursing, cybersecurity, construction or culinary arts, these credentials validate their skills and open doors to good-paying jobs.”

The report also highlights the connection between CTE credentials and workforce needs. NC CTE offers 56 of the approximately 182 credentials identiﬁed by the NC Workforce Credentials initiative as priority credentials that put earners on a path to sustainable-wage careers.

Career readiness credentials, which measure durable skills applicable across all careers, also showed growth. Students earned 6,390 career readiness credentials in 2024-2025, up from 5,932 the previous year.

Article Provided By: North Carolina Public Schools

Smart Gaming How Parents Can Keep Kids Safe Online

such as ESRB before buying or downloading to understand the maturity level of read reviews from other parents or watch gameplay videos to see if you deem not only the content but also the social interaction acceptable. Use Facial Age Estimation

appropriate communication and limiting conversations between adults and using Facial Age Estimation technology directly within the app. “Our commitment to safety is rooted in delivering the highest level

to create and connect in ways that are both safe and appropriate.” turned

schedules and limit playtime, restrict access to certain content or social features, require a password for purchases or set a spending limit.

Avoid Clicking Unfamiliar Links

including those promising rewards or cheat codes.

Because they can be used to gain access to personal information, remind

gaming so they can be

Employ Privacy and Security Tools

While system or allow parents to set content restrictions, approve downloads, manage friends lists and more, additional layers of security are sometimes necessary.

100 Years Ago This Month: Historical events from February 1926

The month of February has been home to many historical events over the years. Here’s a look at some that helped to shape the world in February 1926.

• The ﬁrst theater production of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel The Great Gatsby premieres at the Ambassador Theater on Broadway on February 2. Veteran stage actor James Rennie stars as the titular character.

• The National League holds a banquet at the Hotel

Astor in New York City on February 2 to celebrate the baseball league’s ﬁftieth anniversary.

• An explosion at a mine operated by the Pittsburgh Terminal Coal Company kills 20 miners in Horning, Pennsylvania, on February 3.

• Colonel Francisco Franco is promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in the Spanish Army on February

3. Just 33 years old, General Franco, the future dictator of Spain, becomes the youngest general in Europe upon being promoted.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on February 8.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

eight years before Turkish women are granted the right to vote.

• On February 18, the French auto manufacturer Citroën opens a factory in Britain that would eventually prove capable of manufacturing 200 cars per day.

States President Calvin Coolidge expresses his opposition to former general Billy Mitchell’s assertion that the country needs a large air force. President Coolidge disagrees with the suggestion on the grounds it would make the country militaristic and contribute to an arms race.

CLUES ACROSS

1. Breezed through 5. Consumer protection agency

8. Criminal syndicate

11. Moves back from

Satisfaction

14. Feel concern or interest

15. Monetary units 16. Congressman (abbr.) 17. Israeli city

18. Restaurants

20. 2,000 lbs. 21. Grandmother

22. North, South and Central

25. In an early way

Foes 31. Social networking platform

32. Early term for basketball player 33. Another name for sesame plant 38. Disallow

Provide greater detail

Inaccessible

Evoke emotions

47. Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea

49. Celtic punk rockers 50. A fencing sword 55. Actor Idris 56. Afﬁrmative (slang) 57. Afﬂicted in mind or body 59. One point north of northeast

60. Born of

Social media hand

62. Hong Kong food stall __

dong

Opposite of beginning

Email function CLUES DOWN 1. Sign language

Borough in Helsinki

Inability to hear

More quickly

An idea accepted as a

truth

Shrewdly

Rooney and Kate are

9. Mediterranean port

10. Benedictine monk

12. Midway between south and southeast

14. Town in Galilee

19. Satisfy

23. Mice genus

24. Brass instrument

25. Chest muscle (slang)

26. Transmits genetic information from DNA

27. Records electric currents generated by the brain

28. Woman (French)

29. Short route aircraft 34. Pitching statistic

35. Pointed end of a pen 36. Popular sports league 37. Body part 39. Inoffensive

40. Yellowish cotton cloth 41. Feline

42. Does not tell the truth

44. Seduced

45. Spiritual leader

46. Abba __, Israeli politician

47. Repair

48. Olive genus

51. Swiss river

52. Prejudice

53. C. European river

54. Keep under control

58. Father

• Terrorists attack a train traveling from Moscow to Riga, Latvia, on February 5. The attackers were attempting to steal a diplomatic pouch, and courier Theodor Nette loses his life after being shot in the head.

• The grave of Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa is raided on February 6. Villa’s skull is stolen during the raid and its present location remains a mystery.

• Historian Carter G. Woodson initiates “Negro History Week” on February 7. The event serves as a precursor to Black History Month.

• The Plough and the Stars, Irish writer Seán O’Casey’s four-act play about the 1916 Easter Rising, opens at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin on February 8. The play upsets some audience members and ultimately leads to angry protests in the theatre and riots outside of it.

• A ﬁling with the League of Nations ofﬁcially recognizes the border between the Republic of Ireland and the

• President Plutarco Elías Calles nationalizes all property of the Roman Catholic Church in Mexico on February 11. Just two days later, President Calles’s adminstration orders all Catholic schools in Mexico to close.

• On February 12, Irish Minister for Justice Kevin O’Higgins appoints members to the Committee on Evil Literature. The committee is tasked with looking into censorship of printed matter in response to growing public pressure insisting that materials considered obscene are corrupting public morals or liable to do so.

• The National Socialist German Workers’ Party approves a motion to recognize Adolf Hitler as the sole and absolute authority within the party on February 14.

• The Grand National Assembly of Turkey approves the Turkish Civil Code on February 17. The code acknowledges women are entitled to the same rights as men, though it would be another

• A pastoral letter read in all Catholic churches in Austria on February 21 denounces mixed bathing, rhythmic dancing and immodest sports attire as “un-Christian.”

• On February 23, United

• Leon Collet is killed when the French pilot attempts to ﬂy under the arch of the Eiffel Towel on February 24.

• Black boxer Tiger Flowers defeats his white opponent, Harry Greb, to win the World Middleweight Title at Madison Square Garden in New York City on February 26.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MASSAGE. Mainly lower back (828) 577-0672 rthroger@ gmail.com

WE CRACK & SHELL PECANS! Come See Us at the PECAN SHOP. We’re Open Every Saturday through March 28, 2026 from 9am til 2pm. Crack & Shell Service for Pecans 50¢ Lb. Located at 304 N. Post Rd., Shelby, N.C. (Facebook: PecanShopNC) Call or Text (704) 476-6992

UNIQUE CHURCH IN SHELBY. The Chapel of Christ. Visit our website at www. chapelofchristshelby.com (704) 538-7888 tware5@carolina.rr.com

HAVE YOU SUBSCRIBED YET? Visit thepixelunderground.com. The Pixel People Pod is our 80s-themed podcast. We discuss 80s things as Generation X kids, such as the toys, music, movies and people we grew up with. Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, www.youtube. com/@Thepixelunderground & iHeartRadio!

GOLDEN DOMERS TOY AND HOBBY. Visit our NEW LOCATION .....Model Cars, Die-cast Cars & Trucks, Tractors, Hot Wheels, Construction Toys, Sports Memorabilia, Autographed Items, Hard to Find Items! See Mike & Brandon Willis. We’re located at 104 Oliver Ave. (behind El Acapulco Mexican Restaurant in Boiling Springs), Shelby 704-297-0102 or 704-297-0103

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEED YARD WORK DONE. Leaf removal and small brush removal. (828) 748-3026

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS with Scratch Pads! PRESS ROOM PRINTING. Call 704482-2243.

INDOOR YARD SALE. Saturday, February 21st, 2026, at Mooresboro Gym, 308 Main Street, Mooresboro, NC 28114. $15.00 per table (bring your own tables). 8:00 am til 2:00 pm. For any questions call: Keith: 828-351-8822 or Mickey: 828-447-7231

EMPLOYMENT

NOW HIRING LANDSCAPERS FOR FULL TIME YEAR ROUND EMPLOYMENT. Must have valid driver’s license and transportation. Over time available. (704) 473-0341

HIRING... PERSON 1ST LLC is hiring for Direct Support Professional/Community Living and Support in Cleveland (Casar, Lawndale, Polkville), Rutherford, Gaston, and Lincolnton County Areas.. If you are a positive person and enjoy making a difference in the lives of persons with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges, come and join our team. As a one-on-one support staff, you will be providing services in the home and community to help persons served reach beyond their limits! Must have a valid NC Driver’s License, High School Diploma or GED and reliable transportation to and from work. Please contact Eddie Scruggs, Executive Director for further details. (704) 692-6974

BUSINESS SERVICES

SHIPMAN’S MASONRY. Small jobs: underpens, outside ﬁreplace, patios, retaining wallsbrick, block and stone. 40 years experience. Call/text (863) 5321587

CUSTOM CABINETS & WOODWORK. Over 25 years Experience. Michael Mckinstry. Custom Woodwork, Cabinets, Light Plumbing, Sheetrock, Landscaping. Veteran Owned. (203) 512-5503

OFFERING QUALITY HANDYMAN SERVICES! All types of Handyman Services. Trim Bushes, Mulching, Pine Needles, Planting, Hauling and Much More! We also install Mini Blinds, Ceiling fans, Deck repair and Staining, Pressure washing! (704) 692-4449

BUSINESS SERVICES

YEARS EXPERIENCE IN CARE GIVING. Grooming, Bathing, Light Housework and Cooking. (704) 297-1827

BALLEW’S HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING Local heating and air conditioning company with competitive pricing, quick response times, high quality services by knowledgeable technicians. We offer free estimates on new installations with options for ﬁnancing if approved. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment. www.ballewsheatingandairllc.com (980) 745-4536 ballewshvac@ gmail.com

HANDYMAN SERVICES. No job too small. Have references. Construction, landscaping, etc. Jack of all trades! 40 plus years of experience. 828-375-5773.

HANDYMAN SERVICES. SPECIALIZING IN SMALL & MINOR HOME REPAIRS in the Kings Mountain, Shelby, Gastonia area. Minor plumbing repair, furniture assembly, paint touchups, minor sheetrock repair, light ﬁxture repair, building / installing shelves, door replacement / repairs, screen repairs, picture hanging, clutter removal & pressure washing. Call or text to see if we can help and get a free estimate. (910) 474-2374

HELP WITH POD CAST SETUP. I’m trying to start a pod cast. I have the equipment I need for a podcast but I am not sure how to set it all up. I need tech help! (909) 202-9202 rimteach!@gmail.com

CAREGIVER. A 58 year old honest, trustworthy caregiver is looking for a client. Willing to do cooking, light housework, bathing, shopping and Dr. appointments. Have references and own transportation. Have over 10 years experience. 828716-0203.

YOUR TRUSTED HANDYMAN SERVICES. NEED A HELPING HAND AROUND THE HOUSE? LOOK NO FURTHER! WE ARE HERE TO HELP TACKLE YOUR NEEDS. DON’T LET THOSE HOME REPAIRS PILE UP—CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE! (704) 466-2333 CLEVELAND COUNTY GARAGE DOORS. Summer Tuneup Special, $69.95. We will check all your equipment lube, make sure it’s working correctly. We repair broken doors. Also offering new installations. (704) 472-9367

BUSINESS SERVICES

DUNLAP CLEANING & SERVICES. Dunlap Cleaning & Services. Sparkling Clean –Guaranteed! Based in Marshville, NC and Serving the entire surrounding county area. We Clean: Houses • Condos • Ofﬁces; Deep & Regular Cleaning; Weekly • Bi-Weekly • Monthly; Move-In/Out; Post-Construction; Reliable • Thorough • Affordable; Contact Elisa Dunlap: Email: elisadunlap@gmail. com; Text/Call: (980) 257-5562 elisadunlap@gmail.com

FOR SALE

WE HAVE PROM AND WEDDING jewelry for sale at Gifts & Talents located at 136 West Main Street, Forest City.

CLEVELAND MEMORIAL PARK CEMETARY. Two plots located in the desirable fountain section. Two graves per plot. One plot located in section 3 and one in section 6. (910) 523-1462

FIREWOOD FOR SALE. Seasoned Hardwood-1/4 cord- 32 cft.-$70. 1/8 cord-16 cft.-$35. +$15.00 delivery. Bundle packs-ours-$3 each. Stores $7 to $8 +. Burn wood not money. 704-435-3970.

HORSE BARNS OR LIVESTOCK RUN IN SHEDS. Barns - Grading, Concrete & Electrical Work If Needed, OR Just Install in Your Pasture. “Large Onsite Display!” J Johnson Sales 2690 Hwy 221 S. Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895

TRAILERS, LAWNMOWER TRAILERS, FLATBED TRAILERS, Enclosed Trailers, Horse and Cattle Trailers, Saddlery. Check our prices and quality before you buy. Bridges Riding Equipment. Boiling Springs, NC. 704434-6389, (704) 473-0867

HORSE QUALITY HAY FOR SALE. Call (704) 487-6855

JAKE’S SILVER COINS & BARS. & GOLD COINS & BARS. “WE BUY & SELL SILVER and GOLD! JAKE’S KNIVES & COINS located at 1008 S. Lafayette St., Shelby 704-600-6996 or (980) 2955568

STEEL BUILT BUILDINGS, CARPORTS, GARAGES, BARNS or WAREHOUSES. Engineered Drawings. “If You Have Vacant Land.... This Can Be The Perfect Source For Rental Income!” One of North Carolina’s Largest Site Displays. We do grading, concrete, plumbing, etc. J Johnson Sales 2690 Hwy 221 S. Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895

NEW, USED, BANK REPO’S BUILDINGS, TRAILERS & CARPORTS. (828) 245-5895

J. JOHNSON TRAILER

SALES. New, Used, Bank Repo’s, Parts, Service, Sales, Finance or Rent to Own. 2690 Hwy. 221, Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895

TRAILERS • TRAILERS • TRAILERS. Utility, Enclosed, Dump, Gooseneck, Equipment, Aluminum. Car or Tractor Haulers. “All In Stock!” Parts Department, Service Department “One Stop Shop!” J Johnson Sales. 2690 Hwy. 221, Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895

FOR SALE

CLEVELAND MEMORIAL

SPACES FOR SALE. Christus Garden 9 Lot 32. Graves 1,2,3,4. Price $9000. Call Anthony (704) 224-0355

GALVALUME ROOF METAL, $1.99 LF. 45 year warranty, Only $1.99 a linear foot. 704482-7880, www.getabuilding. com (704) 482-7880 info@getabuilding.com

STORAGE BUILDINGS !!! Buy One Off The Lot OR Have One Custom Built With Your Colors & Options! Cash • Finance • Rent to Own. “No Credit Check” J Johnson Sales. 2690 Hwy. 221, Forest City, NC. (828) 2455895

CARPORTS & GARAGES. RV, Boat or Camper Covers. One of North Carolina’s Oldest Dealers! J Johnson Sales. 2690 Hwy. 221, Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895

METAL ROOFING ! Metal Rooﬁng - 1 Piece or the Whole Rooftop. “We Also Can Deliver” Deliveries Every Monday & Thursdays. J Johnson Sales. 2690 Hwy. 221, Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895

TWO NEW MEN’S CRUISING BICYCLES. $50 each. 3 DVD players $30. (828) 782-7221

BURIAL PLOTS $2500 for two burial plots in Cleveland Memorial Park. Worth $5198. Call or text 828-553-5767 (828) 5535767

WANT TO BUY

WANTED 100 JUNK CARS AND TRUCKS WEEKLY. We pay top dollar! 2003 Chevy S-10 ext cab. $3599! (864) 347-2080

WANTED: OLD AND NEW AMMO. Reloading supplies. Call 828-245-6756 or cell # 828-289-1488.

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

WE BUY, SELL, TRADE TRAILERS. “Must Have Title”. (828) 245-5895

WANT TO BUY CARS & TRUCKS. Trailers, Tractors, Farm Equipment. Must have ID and proof of ownership. Callahan’s Towing. (704) 692-1006

FARM & GARDEN

HAY: SQUARE BALES, $4-

$8. Round bales, $30; 40 round bales (under tarp) $1,200. 704-418-1744. 919 Bethlehem Church Road, Grover, NC. 2014 CS2410 KIOTI TRACTOR. With Loader, 60” Belly Mower, 3pt Hitch, 4WD, New Front Tires. 717 hours. Asking $14,000 OBO. 704-692-2463.

HORSE QUALITY HAY FOR SALE. 4x5 Round Bales in barn, $45 per bale. 5 bales or more $40 per bale. Fescue and Orchard grass. Rutherford County. 828-429-3100. (828) 429-3100

PETS & LIVESTOCK

POODLE PUPPIES. 1st shots & wormed. $400. (704) 4776762

AKC CANE CORSO PUPPIES. 3 Males and 3 Females. Contact Ronnie for more information. (704) 974-2716

FREE STANDARD FEMALE POODLE AND 10 week old male puppy. Must go together. Text 704-600-5258 for info.

FREE FEMALE GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES. Beautiful German Shepherd puppies. 6 weeks old. FREE to a good home. Very sweet. 704-6855060.

MINI HORSE. Very nice, red and white mini mare. About 1012 years old. Slightly under 34” at the withers. Comes with her companion goat, Clyde. Halter and accessories. $1,000. We want a good home for her, so you would need to see it before sale. 828-476-6058.

CHIWEENIE PUPPY Great Valentine’s Present! Two sets of shots and dewormed. $300. 704-466-6983. (704) 466-6983 FREE MIXED PUPPIES. Pit Bull/Border Collie, 3 Males, 2 Females. 2 months old. Free to good homes. 704-852-7397.

DOG KENNELS “ALL SIZES” IN STOCK! 7x7x4; 5x10x6; 10x10x4; 10x10x6; 10x10x6 Split Kennels for 2 Dogs, 10x20x6, ETC. Rain Tops & Dog Houses. “We Can Also Deliver and Install If Needed!” J Johnson Sales. 2690 Hwy. 221, Forest City, NC. (828) 2455895 AKC KOREAN MALTESE Beautiful Korean male Maltese with a silky, Snow White, coat. Pee pad trained, 16 weeks old, vet checked, UTD shots and deworming, health guarantee, AKC registration,

record, puppy

Serious inquiries

$1,800. Call or text. Please no inquires after 8pm. (704) 689-4163

REAL ESTATE

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

HOME INSPECTION REPAIRS PUNCH LIST? Don’t let inspection repairs delay closing. We ﬁx punch list items fast. Licensed. Insured. Trusted. Same-week service. Photos. (828) 351-9191

FOR RENT

CLEVELAND COUNTY

178,000 miles. Auto., White, Two ladder racks. $6995.00 obo (704) 300-1818 kim_hopper@bellsouth.net

2009 RED HONDA SHAD-

OW MOTORCYCLE For Sale. Mileage 27,283 miles. Garage kept. Speakers, New Tires, Saddle Bags. Good condition. $2500.00 (980) 421-2523 kelmore12@charter.net

1986 HONDA 250R DIRT BIKE. No motor/transmission. Good parts-bike. $300 cash. Write to: Jonah Pearson, P.O. Box 142, Casar, NC 28020. Serious inquiries only.

REAL ESTATE CLEVELAND COUNTY

3BEDROOM 2BATH 2STORY HOME FOR SALE. $249,900. FOR SALE -IT’S LIKE YOU ARE LIVING IN

335-B GOLD STREET, SHELBY, NC. Duplex 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom. Rent $975, Deposit $975. Application Fee $25. 704-214-4180.

813 THIRD STREET, KINGS MTN. NC. Newly renovated house 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom. Rent $1995, Deposit $1995. Application fee $25. 704-2144180.

2&3 BEDROOM MOBILE HOMES. Nice and clean, water furnished. Oak Grove Community, Kings Mtn. Call or text, (704) 739-0259

LIONS SENIOR VILLAGE. Has 1 bedroom HUD subsidized apartments for low income seniors. Taking applications now. Age 62 or older. Equal Housing Opportunity. 211 North Morgan Street, Shelby, NC (704) 482-7723 (704) 482-7723 Lions@RPMMANAGED.COM

2 LEVEL UPSCALE SHELBY HOUSE. 3 BR/2 BA, Gourmet Kitchen, Executive Master Bath, Hardwood Floors, many extras! $1850/Mo. Vic Kelley-704-600-5306.

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

ASHLEY HILLS ACRES MHP. 2BR/1BA $850; 3BR/2BA $950. Apps ($25 app fee) at 1442 Arlee Dr., Shelby, NC. (843) 957-9299

FOR RENT

CLEVELAND COUNTY

LOCK TITE STORAGE. Units available for rent at 209 South Main Street, Boiling Springs, NC. (704) 434-7800

1008 E. MARION ST., Shelby, NC. House. 3 Bedroom, 1 1/2 Bathroom. Rent $1695, Deposit $1,695. Application Fee $25 per adult. 704-214-4180.

127-1 WIGGINS LANE, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC. Apartment. 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom. Rent $995, Deposit $995. Application Fee $25. 704-214-4180.

LOT SPACES FOR RENT for Camper. 1624-13 S. Post Road, Shelby, NC. Monthly $500 includes up to $125 of utilities and deposit is $375. Application Fee $25. 704-214-4180.

135-22 WIGGINS LANE, KINGS MTN. New Single Wide. 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom. Rent $1375, Deposit $1375, Application fee $25. 704-2144180.

1122 COUNTY HOME ROAD, SHELBY, NC. 2 bedroom, could be 3. 1 bathroom. Rent $1075, Deposit $1075. Application Fee $25. 704-214-4180.

LINCOLN COUNTY

FOR RENT

LINCOLN COUNTY

2437-9 SUN VALLEY TRAIL. Lincolnton, NC. Single Wide. 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom. Rent $975, Deposit $975. Application fee $25. 704-214-4180.

FOR RENT

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

TWO BEDROOM, TWO BATH. Just remodeled. Quiet, wooded park. First and last. Background check, No pets. (828) 429-9276

POWERCLEVELAND CO. WATERSELLERS WILL PAY UP TO $5000 OF BUYERS CLOSING COSTS. NEW HVACNEW DISHWASHER- NEW PAINT, FLOORING- NEW BUTCHER BLOCK COUNT-

28152 (704) 472-6298 BMORGAN0328@ICLOUD.COM

SMALL, QUIET COUNTRY HOME. Large yard, carport, porch for rocking. 2 bedrooms, 1-1/2 bath, ch&a, great ﬁrst home or work from home. Deposit. Rent. Background check required. (704) 473-4654

2 BEDROOMS & 2 BATHS. Updated Mobile Home in Kings Mountain. Privacy fence with Utility Building. No PETS & No SMOKING! $1600 mo. (Utilities included-6mos) Dep. $1600 on appr application (704) 4602256

135-3 WIGGINS LANE, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC., Newer Single Wide. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Rent $1375, Deposit $1375. Application Fee $25. 704-214-4180.