Rutherford Weekly 5-29-25 by Community First Media

A member of Trail Life USA Troop 1213, based at Corinth Baptist Church in Ellenboro, received the organization’s most prestigious award recently. Brantley Winn, 18, of Boiling Springs was presented The Freedom Award. Brantley is the son of Jason and Julie Winn of Boiling Springs.

The Freedom Award is the pinnacle award earned in Trail Life USA. It signiﬁes the highest level of accomplishment a young man can achieve in a troop. The scriptural reference for the award is John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

While being a Christian is not a

requirement for membership as a trailman in a troop, a declaration of faith in Jesus for salvation and the ability to share you testimony is required to be considered for the award.

Troop 1213 meets at Corinth with TroopMaster Thomas Tisdale of Ellenboro and the blessings of pastor Rev. Mike Conner and the church. There are seven youth, including Brantley, and three adult leaders from Cleveland County in the troop. There are 32 youth from Rutherford and11 adult leaders.

The Trail Life Freedom Award is the culmination of everything in the Trail Life journey, explained Brantley. This includes all the base awards- Rope Work, Our Flag, Outdoor Cooking, Trail Skills, Citizenship, Personal Resources, Emergency Preparedness, and Family Man. This also includes 10 required elective badges. All of this was accomplished in order to attain the Horizon Award, one step before receiving Freedom.

a review board which was the examination of the trailman’s character. This included a recitation of the Trail Life Motto, Oath, his personal testimony and to answer questions from the panel.

To receive the Freedom Award a trailman also receive Worthy Life Award which is serving at a church and hosting youth Bible studies. In Brantley’s journey he also preached three Sundays on youth days at Beaver Dam. Trailmen are required to complete around 20-30 service hours, not including the Worthy Life, for Freedom Service Project.

Major and Minor Fields are other award steps, Brantley explained. For his Major, Christian Ministry, Brantley served two consecutive weeks at a mission camp and he earned his Minor receiving a Red Cross lifeguard certiﬁcation and working as a lifeguard for two summers at South Mountain Christian Camp.

“Once all of these were set in stone, I could then move forward with my Freedom Service Project,” Brantley said. For his project, he built a gaga ball pit at Beaver Dam Baptist Church, where he is a member. He was required to organize, fund raise, construct and oversee the project. He raised the funds sponsoring a car wash and some materials were donated by Ellis Lumber, and Henson Building Materials and others.

Brantley was required to go before

“Brantley is an impressive young man and is in every way a great example of Trail Life Freedom Range man,” said Tisdale.

“His Christian walk meets the motto of Trail Life Walk Worthy. He has a great attitude and a spirit of dedication to all groups he has been associated,” Tisdale said. “It has been an honor and joy to be his Troop master.”

Brantley was the only trainman to receive the Freedom Award this year.

Through Trail Life, Brantley believes he has become a strong leader, following in the footsteps of his fellow trailman and First Ofﬁcer Zach Connor.

“This led me to taking his role after he aged out of the troop and I stayed in that role for two years, conducting meetings, helping boys in trail badges, and even serving as camp First Ofﬁcer at Summer Adventure (which is equivalent to the BSA Jamboree),” Brantley said.

His experience as a First Ofﬁcer taught Brantley, the leading is about others, not about one’s self.

Brantley said he also gained a greater relationship with God through Trail Life.

“I have seen the leadership of others played out due to their love for Christ and I accepted Christ fully as the Lord of my life at a Summer Adventure. This has shown me how to be a good leader by following the example of Jesus, and listening to the words of Paul, applying them both as my moral code, and Walk of Life.”

Among his most memorable times was during the 2022 Summer Adventure, a three mile overnight hike that Brantley and approximately 30 others participated. He was placed as a patrol leader and he along

with two others were required to lead the group in silence up the mountain, keep a ﬁre going all night, and have everyone up by 4:30 the next day, Brantley said.

“We did all this, but also had a Bible study on Daniel and had a prayer circle that lasted hours. One kid accepted Christ and I have never felt God’s presence more than that moment, when I was joined by young men who craved God in the most vulnerable place, around people they’d never met, and in God’s creation. This is truly where I gave my life to Christ and it is the best memory I have.”

Brantley says he will miss the camaraderie among the troop as he sets off to college, but has already discovered troops around North Greenville.

“This gives me joy and I am glad that my Trail Life is not yet over,” he said.

Brantley encourages others to join the organization.

“There is nothing like getting out in the woods, getting your hands dirty, sharpening sticks, learning trail skills, building friendships, and growing closer to God with other young men,” he said.

Brantley will graduate from Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy on Friday, May 30 and will attend North Greenville University in the fall. He was a member of TJCA’s swim team and the Rutherford County Swim Team.

Celebration Saturday at Philadelphia Primitive in Ellenboro

A celebration of the history of Philadelphia Primitive Baptist Church will be held Saturday, May 31 from 10am to 12pm at the church, 201 Philadelphia Church Road in Ellenboro.

Special speakers, Civil War artifact display, original church documents dating to 1850, old-timey hymn presentation by the Foothills Community Choir are among the activities planned for the free public celebration.

Additional information any community members may have about this historic structure and its role in the history of Rutherford County is encouraged to attend and share the information.

Bring a yard chair and sit in the shade of stately hardwood trees and share memories of the past. Several descendants of the families who chartered the church will attend, answer questions and share info about primitive Baptist churches.

owns the Philadelphia Church and gave it the new name - The Philadelphia Meeting House in honor of terminology used by the Primitive Baptist where they refer to this structure as the meeting house or often just house. Church documents with the building and grounds report the church is 175 years old, as it was organized February 23, 1850.

Using the minutes, the ﬁrst building appears to be a log structure - as noted in the minutes on Saturday, September 21, 1850- “Church in conference... appointed Robert Green and James McKinney agents to receive and hold a title to the land on which our house now stands.”

house with new boards, except a few short ones.”

any aid whatsoever from Brother J. L. McDaniel.”

was discovered Captain John Edwards is buried in a family cemetery on Hollis Road just a few hundred from Philadelphia Church

(That is the land donated by John Edwards).

The next reference is

October 24, 1896 the church appointed a committee to determine if it was viable to sell the land and structure they were using and build a new structure. A decision was not made and continued to be discussed into 1897. November 20, 1897 the minutes state “In the spring of 1898, commence cutting and hauling timber for building a house. Brother S. J. McKinney rather leading in contracting for sawing and other articles to be used in building. The work is mostly volunteer labor.” They had determined they would build a new structure on the land they owned.

August 24 and 25 1898Brother Adams preached for us in our new house, which is nearly ﬁnished, and without

Structure built in 1898 is the current church building. One of the last three church members - Ruth Edwards Keeter - will be 97 this year and in good mind - and the only structure she ever attended was the current building. Certainly, sheetrock and overhead ceiling tiles were added, new windows and sometime in the 1960’s or 1970s the bathrooms were added. Some of the ceiling tiles have been recoveredand the lumber certainly looks over 100 years old.

In some of my research it

A signiﬁcant event happened at Philadelphia Primitive Baptist Church on September 2, 1861 when 95 men from Rutherford and Cleveland County met at the church to volunteer as soldiers in the Confederate Army. Jean Tisdale’s book ‘Dear Companion’ tells the story about a few of the volunteers including that of her great-great grandfather Ancil Dycus through his correspondence with his wife Mary.

This group known as the “Sandy Run Yellow Jackets” would become Company B of the 34th Regiment NC Troops. For most of the Civil War the 34th brigade was one of the best in General Lee’s Army and participated in all the major actions from the Seven Days battle in 1862 until the retreat to and surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. Retired Colonel John R. Greene who also had relatives in the in 34th Regiment noted that 20 members of the company died in or from battle, 35 of disease, and 10 of unknown causes for a total of 65 deaths. Eight members who volunteered at Philadelphia were with General Lee when they surrendered at Appomattox.

(Auction located S. of Boiling Springs w/Shelby Address)

According to Impact Health’s 2024 Impact Report, the Healthy Opportunities Pilot’s (HOP’s) innovative approach to addressing nonmedical drivers of health has improved the lives of more than 10,000 Western North Carolinians, while saving the state nearly $12 million annually. Impact Health is the regional network lead for the North Carolina HOP program, supporting the work of more than 60 human services organizations in the 18 westernmost counties.

“We know - through data, evaluation, and client feedback - that our work over the last three years has achieved proof of concept and a measurable return on investment for the state of North Carolina,” said Impact Health CEO Laurie Stradley. “By meeting Medicaid members’ critical social needs here in Western North Carolina, HOP is helping create healthier communities and reducing the need for costly medical interventions.”

partners across Western North Carolina, providing more than 330,300 transformative services to 12,295 HOP participants-35% of whom are kids. The program has created 312 full and parttime jobs for community-based nonproﬁt organizations in underserved areas of the region. These impacts have continued to grow in the ﬁrst few months of 2025.

HOP’s measurable ﬁscal returns to date are notable. The Sheps Center at the University of North Carolina estimates North Carolina saves $1,020 annually for each Medicaid member who

participates in HOP-a savings expected to grow over time. In Western North Carolina, this translates to $11.9 million in annual savings through participants’ improved health and reduced hospital and emergency room use-savings that are expected to grow over time.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved North Carolina’s second Medicaid 1115 waiver request in Dec. 2024, authorizing HOP for another ﬁve years. For more information visit impacthealth.org.

Article Provided By: Jennifer Caldwell, Impact Health surpasses 10,000 clients with 60 community partners in WNC

HOP’s groundbreaking program uses Medicaid funds to improve access to nutritious food, safe housing, reliable transportation, and services that support safe relationships. Research indicates that these factors inﬂuence up to 80% of a person’s wellbeing. Since its 2022 launch, Impact Health’s network of human service organizations has expanded to over 60

65+ Lots: Hand Bells Porcelain, Crystal, Led Glass, Ceramic, Brass, Metal, Cast Iron-Holiday, Animals, Statues, Hand Painted, etc.

10+ Lots: Porcelain Trinket Boxes, 15+ Lots Tea Sets & China: Miniature & Adult, 30+ Lots Decanters & Old Jugs & Bottles

15+ Lots: Clear & Lead Glass Serving Pcs., Luncheon Sets, & Glasses + Anchor Hocking Blue & Amber Glasses.

10+ Lots: Cast Iron Pots, Kettles, Book End, Figurines. Bells, Collections Tea Pots & Pitchers 100’s Cast Iron Pressing Irons: #5,6,7,8. Sad, Gas, Charcoal, Flat, Wood Handles, Bottoms. (Some Blocklock & Jake’s)

Vases: Blue, Red, Green, Amber, Clear, Porcelain, Ceramic, Black Americana Cookie Jar & Aunt Jemima Teapot. Dolls/Toys: Porcelain, Hand Painted (Most in Boxes). Huge Doll House w/Furniture. Old Pencil Trimmer Collection, Wood Rolling Pins, Butter Mold, Food Scales, & Old Kitchen Utensils. Old Newspapers, Calendars,Old Book Matches & Dennis the Menaces Cartoon Book. Brass Home Accessories: Table, Candle Holders, Plaques, Plates, Etc. Old Clay Pots. Kitchen Accessories: Loads New in Box Small Appliances, Nut Cracker Collection. FURNITURE: 7 Lighted Curios & China Cabinets, Rockers, Misc. Side, Marble Top, & Brass Tables, Desk, Floor Model Stereo, Unique High Post Bed, Triple Dresser, 5 Drawer Chest, Upholstered Wing Back & Wicker Chairs, Benches, Glass Top Table w/Chairs, Antique Beds Trunk, Cedar Chest. Picnic Tables. HOME ACCESSORIES/OTHER: LAMPS: Oil, Hurricane, Floor & Table- Brass, Some w/Prims, Lead/Glass, Ceramic. Pictures: Gold Framed, Matted, & Other Home Accessories. Quilt Tops, Dollies, & Loads of New Bedding & Linens Metal & Wood Shelving & Cabinets. Christmas Decorations SHOP EQUIPMENT & TOOLS: All Size Wrenches (Open/Closed, Adj. Torque, (etc) Hammers, Pry Bars, Punches, Ratchet & Socket Sets, Files, Levels, Squares, Pulley’s Screw Drivers, Pliers, Chisel, Bits, Etc. Craftsman: Rethreading Set. Reciprocating Saw, Trolley Jack, Side Grinder, Bench Grinder, Chain Saw, 4 & 5 Drawer Chest, 125 PSI Compressor, Push Mowers, Chipper, Leaf Blower, Belt Sander. Electric Winch, Chain Hoist, Come a Long, Tow Straps, Tie Downs, Hammer Drill, Battery Charger, Air Tank, Portable Band Saw, Vice, 3-Bench Grinders, All Size Clamps, 10+ Lots Large Chains w/Hooks (Most New), U Bolts, Dolly’s, Caster, Chain Saws. Pulleys, Work Tables & Carts, Metal & Wood Shelving, File & Storage Cabinet, New & Used Wheel Barrows. Loads Bolts, Screws, Nuts, & Hardware In Plastic & Metal Bins, Small Fire Proof Safe. Saw Horses, Plumbing Supplies. Old 50’s-70’s Auto Parts, 15+ Lawn & Garden Tools, Cases: Oil, Antifreeze, Fuel Stabilizer, Small Anvil, Anvil from RR, Over Sized Saw Blade, Window Fans, Gun Racks, Wood Stove, Coal Stove, New GE Stacked Washer/Dryer, Dehumidiﬁer, Push Lawn Mowers, Push Edger, Garden Tiller, JD Riding Mower, JD Pull Rake, Pull Along Gas Saw, Extension Ladders, Lawn Mower Trailer w/Drop Ramp, Trash Cans, Wood Splitter, Lawn Trailer, Car Ramps, Drop Cords, Peg Board, Peg Board Hooks, & Shelving, Contents of Building, Piles Scrap Metal. ANTIQUE TOOLS: 10+ Mule Drawn Plows & Planters, 10+ Lots Sickle Blades, 20+ Lots All Size Sledge Hammers, 5+ Lots Coal Buckets w/Fire Tools, 25+ Saws: Lumber Jack, Hand, Cross Cut, 2 Man, Tree, 25+ Hammers (Claw, Dead Blow, Chipping, Ball & Cross Peen, Brick(, 50+ Wrenches: Combination, Off Set, Adj., Over Sized, 50+ Jacks (Cast Iron) Simplex/Timpleton Kenly – All sizes, Bumper, Scissor, Floor, & Bottle. Axes: Single & Double Edge, Log Rollers, Ice Tongs, Hay Hooks, Hand Auger, Old Wood Planers. Pitch Fork & Shovel – Reel Mowers, Bolt Cutters, Bracing Bits, Hand Pumps, Over Sized Clamps, Old Torches, Oilers, Drawing Knife, Horse Hames. 1950’s- 70’s Car Tags. 75+ 1900’s-1960’s Die Cast Cars & Trucks.

Purposes of the Rutherford County Food Council

Why a food council?

“Because everyone should have access to healthy food,” says Wilda Lee, Rutherford County Food Coordinator.

More than 10% of Americans experience a lack of regular access to affordable and nutritious food, and even more in rural areas. The highest food insecurity rates are in the southern states, and disproportionately affect Black and Latino neighbors. But food insecurity has farther reaching implications than just hunger. Chronic health issues, quality of life and longevity, and even an individual’s ability to ﬁnish schooling are indicated as problems resulting from the inability to regularly access healthful food.

The Rutherford County Food Council aims to:

• Understand the local food system and identify food inequities or barriers to accessing foods and engage in community led solutions for change.

• Support local farmers, food

producers and community partners (food pantries, soup kitchens, etc.) to grow and maintain a strong and thriving food system where everyone beneﬁts.

• Educate and preserve agrarian communities and increase the viability of food production to the community.

Rutherford County Food Council is made up of a diverse collaborative of individuals from every aspect of the food system: farmers, educators, extension agents, food system experts, food security advocates, community service and nonproﬁt leaders and more who are all focused on ensuring every community member has access to the foods they need to ﬂourish, Food for Life. Food for Life!

Rutherford County Food Insecurity Rates:

• Insecurity Rate: 16.0% Insecure

• Population: 10,340 people

• Cost per meal: $3.29

Source: Feeding America Data, 2021

VA makes it easier for Veterans to use community care

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced changes that will make it easier for VA-enrolled Veterans to access health care from non-VA providers at the department’s expense.

Since 2019, the MISSION Act has enabled VA-enrolled Veterans to access health care from non-VA providers at the department’s expense when it is in their best medical interest. These decisions have been made jointly by Veterans and their referring clinicians but were not considered ﬁnal until they were reviewed by a second VA doctor.

Effective immediately, VA will implement language in the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Beneﬁts Improvement Act that removes this extra review step. The change will give eligible Veterans faster access to community care. Since 2019, the MISSION Act has given eligible Veterans the option of seeking community care outside VA when they meet any one of six conditions:

• When it is in the best medical

interest of the Veteran.

• The care required is not available at a VA medical facility.

• The Veteran lives in a state or territory that does not have a full-service VA facility

• VA cannot meet wait time or distance standards: VA cannot offer an appointment within 20 days for primary care, mental health or noninstitutional extended care, or within 28 days for specialty care.

• It takes more than a 30-minute drive to reach primary or mental health care, or a 60-minute drive for specialty care.

• VA service does not meet certain quality standards.

• The Veteran meets the grandfathered distance and location provisions of the former Veterans Choice Program. The new, streamlined process for determining best medical interest will be backed by training for Veterans Health Administration employees to ensure compliance with the Elizabeth Dole Act.

Article Provided By: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

The Rutherford County Food Council is a subcommittee of the Rutherford County Health Council, and is speciﬁcally working for a thriving agricultural economy, nourished residents, and food security for all. Please visit www. rutherfordncfoodcouncil.org for more information.

For more info or other news stories from the Rutherford County Food Council, contact Food Coordinator & Council Secretary, Wilda Lee, at 360-931-7607 or email at rcfoodcouncil@gmail.com.

Article Provided By: Wilda Lee

Dana Choquette, Taylor Wilson, Tevyn East, Laura Ponder; second row-Wilda Lee, Stella Kinobe, Sarah Collins, Sheri Ledford, Lindy Abrams, Chele Mills, Toni Belhu, Cynthia Cooper. Not shown is Jill Miracle. (Contributed photo)

The Lake Lure Music Festival and the Lake Lure Community Education Foundation, along with Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure, are proud to present The Concert for Hickory Nut Gorge, Saturday, June 7, starting at 2pm at the Lake Lure Classical Academy’s Raptor Center.

The concert will feature IBMA nominated Appalachian Road Show, along with Western North Carolina based artists, Zoe & Cloyd and Anya Hinkle, featuring Billy Cardine.

Festival

Producing

Artistic Director Chris Dolman stated that, “With the many challenges that the Greater Hickory Nut Gorge and surrounding areas continue to face post Hurricane Helene, we wanted to kick off the coming summer with an event that brings the community together in an afternoon of joyful music. To encourage attendance for all of the community, the

The Concert for Hickory Nut Gorge June 7th!

Festival, along with several of our long time sponsors and individual donors, are underwriting our General Admission ticket so that the ticket will be priced at $10.

A special Supporters Ticket will include up front seating and an invitation to the Sponsor After Party.”

In 2024, the Festival from its summer concert was able to donate $20,000 to Lake Lure Classical Academy (LLCA) to help capitalize a new school food program that recently had its ribbon cutting and started serving food to students, along with a $7500 donation to Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach, which was earmarked to assist LLCA children and their families that experience food insecurity.

In March 2025, the Festival produced an intimate classical concert at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure with guitarist Alec Holcomb, that was sold out and helped the Festival recently make further

donations both to LLCA and to Outreach. Dolman added, “We are inspired by all the generosity, hard work and volunteerism that we have witnessed in our community. We’re focused on bringing stellar music and renowned musicians to the area, that we might not usually see here, while making our contribution to vital local organizations.”

Appalachian Road Show is a visionary acoustic ensemble, bringing newgeneration interpretations of traditional Americana, bluegrass and folk songs, as well as offering innovative original music, all presented with a common thread tied directly to the heart of the Appalachian regions of the United States. Grammynominated banjoist Barry Abernathy, joins forces with Grammy-winning ﬁddler Jim VanCleve, fresh off of his recent stint touring with multi-platinum country artist Josh Turner, as well

as esteemed vocalist and mandolinist Darrell Webb, who has recorded and toured with Dolly Parton and Rhonda Vincent, among many others. The group also includes 26-year-old “old soul” guitarist Zeb Snyder, whose ﬁerce and versatile playing recalls Doc Watson and Norman Blake as readily as it does Duane Allman and Stevie Ray

Watch out for Scams When Buying Puppies and Kittens

In honor of National Pet Month, Attorney General Jeff Jackson is warning North Carolinians to watch out for puppy and kitten scams when buying pets online or on social media, as well as from legitimate pet stores who may get their puppies and kittens from puppy mills and backyard breeders.

Attorney General Jackson is also encouraging North Carolinians to consider adopting animals from rescue

Rutherford Weekly Sudoku Answers

groups and shelters rather than buying from commercial pet stores.

“Pet scammers will prey on your emotions and trick you into buying a pet that doesn’t exist so they can steal your money,” said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “Be sure to visit your pet in person before you buy and consider adopting from trusted rescue groups, shelters, and breeders.”

North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ) has previously received complaints about pet scammers using fake photos of healthy-looking puppies and kittens online. They’ll try to make you pay for the animal using a thirdparty platform and may offer to deliver the pet to you, charging extra for services that don’t exist. Pet scammers also frequently operate using fake email addresses, phone numbers, and websites. Here are some common signs of pet scammers:

• The seller does not provide real contact information

(address, email, phone number) on their website.

• The seller offers to transport the animal across state lines, often for an outrageous fee.

• The breeder or seller does not offer to meet you in person before you buy.

• The seller asks you to pay the full cost up front using a third-party platform instead of by cash or check.

• The seller doesn’t provide adequate proof of vaccinations and vet care for the animal.

As you are looking for your new pet, remember to:

• Consider adopting a homeless animal from a shelter or rescue organization rather than a pet store. Pet stores often sell dogs from puppy mills or backyard breeders that may have been treated inhumanely.

• Check breed-speciﬁc rescue groups if you have your heart set on a particular breed such as a pug or golden retriever. Responsible dog breeders will only sell puppies to people they’ve met in person

ﬁrst and will encourage you to visit them before buying. They’ll also provide proper proof of health care, be transparent, and will ask you to sign a contract to return the dog if you’re unable to care for it.

Do your research on any puppy or kitten before you bring them home, and make sure to take them to a trusted veterinarian for proper health care.

More tips on how to purchase animals humanely can be found at Humane World for Animals, a 501©(3) nonproﬁt organization and accredited charity formerly called the Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society International.

If you think you may have been a victim of a scam, or if you have questions or concerns about a pet purchase, file a complaint with our office at ncdoj. gov/file-a-complaint/ or by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.

Vaughn. For tickets visit lakeluremusicfestival. com. General admission:

$10, supporter ticket/after party: $50. Parking: back parking lot at LLCA.

Article Provided By: Chris Dolman

Article Provided By: ncdoj

Carolina Domes - recipient of Small Business Grant - has visit from Governor

Gov. Josh Stein held a press conference recently at Carolina Domes, a small business located off Painter’s Gap Road in Union Mills. to address the needs in Hurricane Helene relief funding.

Stein spoke alongside North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, County Commissioner Bryan King, NC Forest Service representative and the campground owners.

Carolina Domes is among 2,000 small businesses in Western North Carolina to receive a small business grant to restore their business that was devastated by the storm eight months ago.

“Carolina Domes was hit hard by Hurricane Helene last September, They’ve been working really hard to recover ever since then,” Gov. Stein said in Union Mills. Working with the Dogwood Health Trust and the Duke Endowment, Stein said, “I’m proud the Carolina Domes is one of the recipients of that program,” he said.

Tessa Mayo, and her husband are the owners of Carolina Domes and opened in 2022 when their daughters left home for college.

“We bought the land and built the domes, and we quickly fell in love with the sense of community and the feeling of being outdoors,” Mayo said.

staying in these domes. We knew it would rain, but we didn’t think it would be much more than that. In truth, I look around me. And I can’t believe any of this survived the storm. More than 200 trees fell on the property, including one massive tree that hit one of the domes. My family and I were in survival mode without access to water or electricity for weeks, immobilized with a ﬂood damaged car,” she said.

In the eight months since, the couple has been working seven days a week to try and build their business back.

“Starting a new business is no easy feat, but we put in the work and we started to build traction. We never could have anticipated that 18 months in, Hurricane Helene would hit. When the hurricane swept through, we had guests

“We are so fortunate to have a business that we can rebuild in the wake of the storm, but it was crucial we had the support in the process. With the small business grant we received, we’ve been relieved of some of the ﬁnancial strain, allowing us to focus and remain on keeping operations growing,” Mayo added.

“We work hard and we weren’t looking for a handout, but we wouldn’t have done this alone,” Tessa said.

“Despite working around the clock for months, we’ve had a hard time attracting visitors because so many of the businesses around us are still working to recover.

Food and community connections

May 19 hosted by Ruff’ton Roots Community Garden in Rutherfordton was truly local and fresh. The menu of Unstuffed Cabbage (local grass fed beef, Ruff’ton Roots Cabbage, tomatoes, rice, fresh herbs and spices) with garden salad, strawberries and cream, and homemade cornbread featuring harvests from the garden, supplemented by purchases from nine local farms was served to those coming inside for dinner from 5 to 6 pm. Farm purchases were supported by a generous grant from Resourceful Communities/ The Conservation Fund. Each Monday the First United Methodist Church, Rutherfordton’s Family Life Center is the location for a free community meal prepared by the supporting churches and the garden group. Also on each third Monday, First

Baptist Church in Forest City, prepares a free meal for the community from 5 to 6:30pm at the location off Main Street. Everyone is

Article & Photos Provided By: Jean

And even though we haven’t been able to consistently book out our domes, the rent and utilities still have to be paid. When it comes to an economy so dependent on tourism, every small business

recovery attracts outside commerce, beneﬁting the whole community. We need the Lake Lure area to recover more broadly so that people will even want to visit and stay in our domes, and we need the support letting people know that we’re open for business and they will have a great experience whether they stay here or anywhere in the area.”

Article

Provided By: NC Governor

Governor Stein talks with Tessa Mayo at Carolina Domes.

Tessa Mayo (front) owner of Carolina Domes is shown with Gov. Josh Stein (left to right) Greg Hicks, assistant commissioner of the NC Forest Service, Rep. Eric Ager. Shown behind are NC Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley, County Commission Chair Bryan King.

Gordon

As families across North Carolina prepare for summer camps and backto-school requirements, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is making it easier for those who are eligible to ﬁnd free childhood vaccines through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program by launching a new VFC provider map. The VFC program provides free vaccines for eligible children and teens, covering all those recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including those required for child care and school in North Carolina. Families could save hundreds of dollars per child compared to out-ofpocket vaccine costs.

To make accessing vaccines easier, NCDHHS launched an interactive map on VaccinesForKids.nc.gov (English) and VacunasParaNinos.nc.gov

(Spanish).

NCDHHS Launches New Vaccine Provider Map

The new interactive map makes it easier for families and community health workers to ﬁnd local VFC providers who offer free vaccines. Users can search by city or ZIP code and connect with nearby providers.

In addition to the map, families can also:

• Check eligibility for free vaccines

• Access clear, up-to-date info on required and recommended vaccines

• Find answers to questions about vaccine safety and more “Vaccines protect what matters most - your child’s health,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “We know parents want to make the best choices for their children and encourage them to talk to their child’s doctor if they have questions. As we continue to prioritize the health and well-being of our youngest North Carolinians, vaccines remain one of the most

powerful tools we have to protect children from serious, preventable diseases.”

NCDHHS understands that families may have questions and encourages everyone to have conversations with their health care providers. The Department will continue to provide clinics with new bilingual toolkits, training materials and resources to help guide families through their vaccine decisions.

Why It Matters:

The ongoing measles outbreak in the US reminds us that vaccinepreventable diseases still pose serious risks. Vaccines protect children from illnesses that can be severe or even life-threatening. Delaying or skipping vaccines leaves kids vulnerable.

Learn more or ﬁnd a provider near you at VaccinesForKids. nc.gov. Article Provided By: ncdhhs

Take me out to the ballgame...

The Forest City Owls opening night is Thursday, May 29 versus Macon and The Owls promise an entertaining season and winning season. Under the direction of new General manager Sabrina Vetter, the Owls are returning sixteen of last year’s players, including six local stars. Vetter, a 2024 Graduate of the University of Tennessee’s sports management program is in her fourth season in Forest City, having been an intern then the Director of Marketing.

Sabrina hails from Illinois, but loves Forest City. “I really feel at home in Forest City,” said Sabrina recently. “The Owls have been a big part of my life for the past four years, and I am so excited that Phil has given me this giant responsibility.”

Sabrina does not have long to wait as the Owls are home ﬁve times between May 29 opening night, Saturday June 1, ﬁreworks night and home Tuesday,

June 3 and 4 then Friday night, June 6- Bark in the Park, the night that allows you to bring your dog to the game. The Owls, coached again by DJ Russ, are ready to go. Last year’s team came within two innings of making the

CPL Championship and feel this year’s squad is even better.

“We have tried hard to shore up our pitching staff,” said Vetter, “We have speciﬁcally signed three players to help close games. Too many times are we giving up leads in late innings and we have made sire that doesn’t happen in 2025.”

The Owls are very excited about not only July 3, ﬁreworks night but they are partnering with Out of the Ashes for a Faith Night Christian based concert featuring Rare of Breed. The Owls are anticipating a huge crowd for this concert. Other exciting nights for the season include Wrestling Night, Cancer Night Fireworks four nights, Western Night including a Mechanical bull, and most importantly, baseball. Tickets are available on line at Forestcitybaseball. com and at the downtown Forest City ofﬁce. Article Provided By: Phil Dangel

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Community Action Grant recipients from Meta Data Center announced

By Gary Miller

You may think that sitting in the deer woods or on the river is boring. It’s anything but boring. When the sun comes up, the community of animals, ﬁsh, and insects go to work. The night shift is going home, and the day shift is making their way to the job at hand. It’s another day on the wilderness expressway. Every creature has a particular purpose.

It may be the “stay at home” doe whose daily task is raising and protecting that young fawn that can’t seem to keep his nose out of everything. It may be the chipmunk who sprints from one place to another, gathering up the materials to winterize his home. Or it may be the small spider who will patiently spin her web at the nearest food mart in order to provide the necessary sustenance. Sounds like us, doesn’t it? But, if you look closer, you will see a major difference. In the wild animal world, there are no signs of worry, stress or doubt. They are persistent, yes. But they make time every day for fun, fellowship and even naps. They know it is the God of the universe who will provide for them. He always has, so there is no need to worry or doubt or get stressed out. It seems they know the bible says, “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them.” And it seems they have read where the scripture says, “Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing.” I wonder, however, if we know the rest of that verse. It says, “And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.” You know, I have never seen an animal worry. And if an animal doesn’t need to worry about its provision and protection, how much more should we, who are made in His image and carry the very presence of God within us?

Join me Tuesday mornings, as we zoom the big idea from today’s Outdoor Truth.

Gary Miller gary@outdoortruths.org

Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 years. He has also written ﬁve books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Stay updated on Outdoor Truths each week by subscribing at Outdoortruths.org

Growth Lab that connects students in rural Western Carolina with mentors and local businesses, fostering STEAM skills, leadership development and a

local leaders,” said a Meta Data Center spokesperson.

Through the Data Center Community Action Grants program, Meta provides funding for nonproﬁts and schools — addressing critical community needs by putting the power of technology to use for community beneﬁt, giving people the power to build strong, sustainable communities, improving local STEAM education — to support the longterm vitality of Cleveland, Henderson, McDowell, Rutherford and Polk counties.

This year’s projects:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland County; To help kids build skills in collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and communication while using VR to simulate real-world scenarios.

• Community Math Academy; To provide opportunities for students to gain knowledge and proﬁciency in math and use it to create a STEAM project.

• The Earl Scruggs Center; To create

sustainability in their community.

• Explore Forest City; To further enhance the learning experience of computer programming and robotics for students involved in the library’s STEM club.

• Grahamtown Garden; To create a safe place in the Grahamtown community where youth have access to resources, educational classes, technology, and STEAM learning after school and on weekends.

• Henderson County Education Foundation; To support elementary teachers with coaching and hands-on science kits to integrate science and engineering practices into STEAM lessons.

• Historic Johnson Farm; To enable students and teachers in Henderson, Rutherford, McDowell, Cleveland, and Polk schools to work with experts to solve community problems by making creative products.

• Lynk; To establish a Mobile Robotics

on STEM learning and pathways to firefighting and EMT careers through the Emergency Services Academy and Inferno Firefighter Camp.

• Rutherford Early College High School (REaCH) Omegabytes Robotics; To create a STEAM career readiness program to assist students with a path for achieving their full potential by exposing them to exciting STEAM careers.

• Rutherford County Schools Education Foundation; To integrate artiﬁcial intelligence into classrooms and district operations, ensuring the district remains competitive and future-ready.

• Rutherford Outdoor Coalition; To further develop educational and stewardship opportunities in the Broad River watershed to empower a more resilient and sustainable Rutherford County.

Michael Benﬁeld from Rutherford County Board of Commissioners presented remarks during the grant presentation.

Tryon International announces the future installation of a custom-designed Mondo Super X 720 track, enabling the center to host full track meets this winter. The new track will be installed by GeoSurfaces, A TenCate Company, and will begin hosting meets starting in December 2025.

The Indoor Complex at Tryon International is designed with over 3,300 seats in close proximity to the competition areas and track, providing a dynamic experience for spectators. The new track will be multi-radius and will support a 12-degree banking, setting it up to be one of the fastest tracks in the country. This new 200m track replaces the one installed by GeoSurfaces in 2023.

“We’re dedicated to providing the most cutting-edge surfaces and innovative design facilities for record-breaking performance at all levels,” said Jim Stalford, President of Tracks for TenCate. “Partnering with Tryon International on this signiﬁcant addition to the region and their facility is a fantastic opportunity for us.”

A year-round events and entertainment center that has specialized in equestrian sports since 2014, Tryon International has expanded to host events and competitions for martial arts, wrestling, basketball, volleyball and pickleball, in addition to track, in recent years. The facility also offers ample onsite lodging, dining, and shopping options for

athletes and their families.

“It’s great to be working with GeoSurfaces on this project and expanding the track capabilities at our world-class facility,” said Doug Grondahl, Chief Operating Officer at Tryon International. “This track will attract high-profile events to Western North Carolina, significantly boosting the region’s prominence.”

Tryon International has also hired a full-time Indoor Track Meet Coordinator, Ben Paxton. Ben recently retired after a distinguished 36year coaching career, including 32 years as Head Men’s and Women’s Track & Field and Cross Country Coach at Division I Winthrop University. A former Division I athlete at Florida State, Paxton also coached at Old Dominion, Mississippi State, and FSU. He served on multiple NCAA committees, including as chair of national championships, and helped develop key policies still in use today. At Winthrop, he launched the indoor and outdoor programs, oversaw major facility projects, and hosted over 70 major meets. His legacy includes coaching four Olympians, ﬁve All-Americans, and more than 100 conference champions.

learn more about hosting sporting

GARY MILLER

Article & Photo Provided By: Meta Data Center

Not always what it says

A Rutherford County Lions Club member says bubble gum machines such as this one shown have not been placed anywhere in Rutherford County by a Lions Club member. Space for the machine has not been donated to a “Local Lions Club.”

Still taking it one day at a time

Recovery, rebuilding and renovation work continues on a daily basis in Chimney Rock Village, Chimney

Rock State Park and Lake Lure. Gov. Josh Stein, who visited Rutherford County on Monday says, “There’s so much work to do out west after Hurricane Helene. Investing in the economy, housing, infrastructure, farmers, forests and families now will help western recover and help the entire state in the years to come.”

Although Chimney Rock Village shops and businesses and Chimney Rock State Park hope to be open by summer, Lake Lure’s restaurants and some businesses are open. The beach area and the lake will not

open in 2025, but plans are for the reopening in 2026.

Sixteen students graduate from Basic Law Enforcement Training

MAY

May 29

May 31

American Red Cross sponsored blood drive

175 Year Celebration

ONGOING EVENTS

Saturdays

Symphony Rehearsal

When: Saturdays; 10am-12pm

Where: First Presbyterian Church, 438 W. Main St., Forest City

More Info: All ages & experience levels welcome.

Stitch by Stitch

When: 1st Sat. monthly, 12pm

Where: Rutherford County Library, Callahan Rd., Spindale

More Info: Ages 10 & up; crossstitch, needle point, slow stitching

Thursdays

Rutherfordton Kiwanis Club

Meeting

When: 6:30-7:30pm (except 5th Thurs.)

Where: Woodrow Jones Building, Rutherfordton

More Info: New members welcome, light dinner served. ruffkiwanis@gmail.com

Narcotics Anonymous meeting

When: Thursdays; 12:30-1:30pm Where: Community Healing Recovery & Thriving Center; 648 Withrow Rd., Forest City

What: American Legion member of Post 74 Forest City, Post 423 Henrietta or Post 437 Chimney Rock: pay membership dues at www.legion.org. Join the American Legion, contact Jimmy 704-8195862.

What: Learn more about the Civil War/Confederacy third Friday monthly at annex in Rutherfordton. 6:30pm refreshments. 7pm meeting. William Corbitt SCV camp welcomes you.

More Info: teddybear93_890@ yahoo.com

Volunteer Opportunities

More Info: Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity’s affordable homes are making a positive impact on many families in need. Come volunteer today and lay the foundation for a brighter tomorrow. Volunteers needed for construction, ReStore, Clothing Center, and more. 828-245-0716, www. rutherfordhfh.org, habitat.org

Volunteer Opportunities

More Info: NC Guardian ad Litem Program trains & supervises child advocate volunteers to represent best interests of kids in court system. www.volunteerforgal.org, 828-2886121.

More Info: CarePartners Hospice & Palliative Care is seeking volunteers. Variety of opportunities, including specialized respite support, socializationcompanionship, assistance with errands, Veterans program & more. Volunteer roles are designed to support staff. 828-274-9567.

Tuesdays Cancer Support Group

When: 1st Tues. monthly 5-6:30pm Where: Rutherford County Senior Center

More Info: For cancer patients & survivors; informative topics, friendship and refreshments. RSVP 828-245-4956, option 1.

Rutherford County Woodworkers Club

When: Every Fourth Tuesday Where: Rutherford County Annex, Rutherfordton More Info: 919-696-6064

Open Arms Substance Abuse

When: Tuesdays 6-7pm Where: Highland Apartments Activity Center; 171 Butler Rd., Forest City

More Info: For those with substance abuse, parents or guardians of kids with substance abuse addictions. 828-305-1280.

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday!

Free clothes closet

When: 10am-4pm Where: 18-30 US74 Bus., Ellenboro

More Info: Weather permitting. Self service! Only take what you need, so we can keep the free clothes closet open. We also take donations! Clothes, toys, books.

When: May 29; 2-6:30pm

Where: Element Church; 1071 S Broadway St., Forest City

More Info: Hosted by Girl Scouts of Rutherford County.

May 30

Free Movie Friday

When: May 30; 8pm

Where: POPS; 153 Park Square, Forest City

More Info: Featuring Despicable Me 4

Rutherford Chamber Consort Spring Chamber Music

When: May 30; 7pm

Where: First Baptist Church; 211 W. Main St., Forest City

More Info: Professional musicians playing great masterworks. Concert is free and open to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted.

JUNE & BEYOND

June 1

Show ‘n Shine Car Show

When: June 1; 10am-3pm

Where: Lure Market & Grill; 2654 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure

More Info: Coffee, donuts, lunch. Proceeds from donations support disaster relief programs in the Lake Lure area. Mike 908-723-4596.

June 2-August 2

FREE Tutoring in Reading Grades 1-7

When: June 2-August 2, Mon./ Wed. or Tues./Thurs., 1 hour sessions. 1-2pm/2:15-3:15pm, 3:30-4:30pm/4:45-5:45pm, 6-7pm

Where: McBrayer Ofﬁce Building; 132 E. Main St., Forest City.

More Info: 5 students per Tutor. All Tutors have NC Teaching Certiﬁcate. Limited slots. 828-202-5593, info@ teamnctutoring.org.

June 6 & 7

Cherry Bounce Festival

When: June 6 & 7; Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 10am-6pm

Where: Forest City Pavilion on Park Square (POPS); 153 Park Square, Forest City

More Info: Scythian, Wiregrass, The Local Boys & more. Moonshine & whiskey tasting, art vendors, food trucks & more! townofforestcity.com/ cherry-bounce-festival.

June 7

Community Yard Sale

When: June 7; 7am-12pm

Where: NC Cooperative Extension Building Extension Building; 193 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale

More Info: Sponsored by Rutherford County and Extension Club. Proceeds: to ECA project to help foster kids in our county. Also sausage biscuits & baked goods for sale.

Headstrong; breaking the stigma, building strength

When: June 7; 10am-3pm

Where: ICC Foundation; 286 ICC Loop Rd., Spindale

More Info: Mental health resilience matters! Teen-focused event. Games, crafts, snacks, lunch!

When: May 31; 10am-noon

Where: Philadelphia Primitive Baptist Church; 201 Philadelphia Church Rd., Ellenboro

More Info: Philadelphia Primitive Baptist Church organized February 23, 1850. Church minutes from 1850 to present will be available for viewing. Presentations by historians, former church members and Foothills Community Choir. Free event. Church donated facility to Ellenboro Community Restoration Association in 2024. 828-447-6442.

June 7

Marion’s 17th Annual Livermush Festival

When: June 7; 5-9pm

Where: Downtown Marion

More Info: Pig squealin’ & hog callin’ contest, food trucks. Music, featuring Slow Burn. 828-652-2215.

Concert for Hickory Nut Gorge

When: June 7; 2-5:30pmn

Where: Lake Lure Classical Academy’s Raptor Center; 1058 Island Creek Rd., Lake Lure

More Info: Presented by Lake Lure Music Festival. Featuring Appalachian Road Show. Also playing: Anya Hinkle, featuring Billy Cardine, Zoe & Cloyd. lakeluremusicfestival.com

June 13 & 14

Rutherford Stage presents “Night of 1,000 Stars

When: June 13-14; 7pm Fri.; 3pm Sat.

Where: Foundation Performing Arts Center; 286 ICC Loop Rd., Spindale

More Info: Musical revue directed by Tyler Graeper will showcase Rutherford County’s brightest stars. Tickets: http://foundationshows.org/ night-of-stars/index.html

June 19

2nd annual Jueteenth Celebration

When: June 19; 11am-6pm Where: Kiwanis Park; 128 Green St., Rutherfordton

More Info: Community gathering, history, games, entertainment, gospel singing & more. Looking for vendors: Doris: 828-447-2674.

June 19

Free She Build Camp

When: June 19; 9am-3pm

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

More Info: In partnership with Women Roofers and Rutherford Housing Partnership; call Tricia 828-248343, ext. 105 for more info. Register: www.cognitoforms.com/ rutherfordhousingpa.../shebuild

June 21

Rutherfordton Kiwanis Club

Annual Charity Auction

When: June 21; 9am

Where: Rutherfordton Public Works building; 230 N. Cleghorn St., Rutherfordton

June 29

Purple Madness, the ultimate Prince tribute band, 803 Fresh and Rocky Yelton & the Hired Guns When: June 29; 63pm

Where: Forest City Pavilion On Park Square (POPS); 153 Park Square Circle Forest City

Dawne Akuneme, FNP-BC, Joins

Rutherford Regional Health System

Family nurse practitioner expands primary care access in Rutherford County

Rutherford Regional Health System announced Dawne Akuneme, FNP-BC, a certiﬁed family nurse practitioner, has joined its growing team of healthcare providers and is now seeing patients at Forest City Family Care. Akuneme’s addition strengthens our commitment to expanding accessible, high-quality primary care services for families throughout the region.

“We are excited to welcome Dawne Akuneme to our team,” said Ashley Crawley, Physician Services Director at Rutherford Regional Health System.

“Dawne brings a compassionate, patientcentered approach to care, along with clinical experience in managing both acute and chronic conditions across all age groups. Her presence will help us better meet the growing demand for family care in Rutherford County.”

Practitioner by both the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). She is well-prepared to handle a wide range of healthcare needs and specializes in general family medicine. Akuneme provides care for patients of all ages and treats a variety of conditions, including chronic and acute illnesses. Her services include routine checkups and screenings, immunizations and vaccines, as well as management of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

Akuneme earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing, and later completed a second master’s degree with a specialization in Family Nurse Practice from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. She is certiﬁed as a Family Nurse

“I am honored to serve the community and excited to build meaningful relationships with my patients,” said Akuneme. “My goal is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that supports the health and well-being of every individual and family I

Dawne Akuneme is accepting new patients at Forest City Family Care. To schedule an appointment, visit RutherfordPhysicianPractices.com or call 828-245-7626.

Article Provided By: Brianna Wilson

On a cool and somewhat cloudy Monday morning, approximately 130 people attended the Memorial Day Ceremony at POPS in Forest City, paying tribute to the fallen military personnel who died in ﬁghting for freedoms.

The annual Memorial Day Ceremony was hosted by the Christopher Ebert Marine Corps League in Forest City. Ebert died in 2004 while ﬁghting in the Iraq War just two weeks before he was supposed to be reassigned to another duty. Ebert’s twin brother Brian, who is a member of the Marine Corps League, and his Aunt Elizabeth, attended the ceremony. Brian said “It’s always gonna be hard.”

Brigadier General (Retired) Kenneth Beard was guest speaker. He was commissioned as an Army National Guard Ofﬁcer in 1983 through the Simultaneous Membership program at N.C. State University’s Army ROTC program. He retired from his civilian career in 2022. During his career he received numerous state and federal medals.

Beard told those attending, “Nobody does these days of recognition any better than small town America - here in Forest City for almost all of the last 12 years or so.”

“You should be proud to be a part of a

more than 800 ﬂags on the graves of veterans earlier in the week.

Beard shared the history of Memorial Day.

“Finally, Memorial Day now recognizes the signiﬁcance of lives lost during and as a result of the many facets of military service.”

“Unfortunately, I have been too closely associated with losses across the full spectrum...to each of them and their family members we owe a deep debt of gratitude and the promises to never forget their services and sacriﬁces.”

As Beard completed the speech he challenged everyone to “be the kind of American that warrants the tremendous sacriﬁces experienced by our fallen service members and their families. On this Memorial Day, may we all strive to live lives worthy of their sacriﬁce.”

Award winning country music vocalist Lee Newton sang The National Anthem and God Bless America.

The Rutherford County Military Honor Guard - Donald Russ, Douglas Hayes, Larry Young, Larry Lawing and Beard presented the laying of the wreath; taps was played and the ﬂag was raised at the closing of the Doug Jackson presented poems and Rev. Doug Logan also participated in the program.

Women for Women Giving Circle Announces $258,974 in Grants Supporting

WNC Women and Girls

The Women for Women (WFW) giving circle awarded eleven grants totaling $258,974 at a recent awards celebration. Women for Women’s mission is to improve the lives of women and girls through collective giving. Since 2006 and with additional support from the Women’s Fund, WFW has invested more than $5.4 million in grants in WNC.

housing insecurity.

For this grant cycle, WFW invested in programs that increase economic stability for women and girls in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. The grants supported organizations addressing nutrition, housing and childcare.

“These organizations represent the resiliency of our mountain communities following the storm. We are pleased to support them as they support recovery for women and their families throughout Western North Carolina,” said Grants Committee Cochairs Meg Bradley and Jane Haynes.

• Thrive received $25,000 to empower individuals with mental health and housing needs to thrive in a supportive community. Thrive’s Housing Case Management Program provides individualized support to ﬁnd, secure and maintain housing. Assistance may include negotiation with landlords, payment of rental and moving costs, help with utilities, application for beneﬁts, provision of household goods and connection to other resources in the community. The project serves people in Henderson, Polk, Rutherford and Transylvania counties.

Article Provided By: Jean Gordon. Pat Nanney Photos.

Some of the area 2025 grants are:

Nutrition

• Equal Plates Project received $25,000 to provide nourishing meals for single parent families with ingredients sourced from women run farms. Equal Plates will provide 25,000 meals shared with women, children, and families in after school programs, Latinx families in mobile home communities, and meals for women and children in HelpMate’s domestic safety support group in Buncombe, Madison, McDowell and Henderson counties.

• Food Connection Inc. Mobile Meals Program received $25,000 to provide nutritious meals through direct service, partnerships, and community driven initiatives in Buncombe, Henderson and McDowell counties. Mobile Meals rescues surplus chef-prepared food from restaurants, hospitals, and event venues, repackaging it into heat and serve meals provided to women, girls, the elderly and those affected by Hurricane Helene who face ongoing food insecurity.

Housing

• Pisgah Legal Services received $16,987 to help low income women in Western North Carolina keep decent, safe and affordable housing services. PLS’s Homelessness Prevention Program will provide legal representation and consultation to avoid homelessness by preventing or delaying unnecessary evictions or foreclosures; stabilizing housing for families by obtaining or protecting affordable housing, such as Federally subsidized housing or rent reductions due to unﬁt conditions; and preserving or improving the quality of housing conditions.

Childcare

• Children First/Communities In Schools received $25,000 to provide region wide support for childcare programs post Helene through the Western North Carolina Early Childhood Coalition. The Network is a central hub for ensuring that the childcare sector has the information, multi-level coordination and personal relationships necessary for recovery.

The Women’s Fund, a CFWNC endowment addressing the unmet needs of women and girls, contributed $73,510 to the grants. Women for Women is an initiative of The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC). New members are always welcome; information is at www. cfwnc.org.

• Rutherford Housing Partnership (RHP) received $25,000 to assure safe, affordable housing for low income, women-led households in Rutherford County. RHP will provide critical home repairs to homes and rental units damaged by Hurricane Helene. This grant prioritizes single mothers, elderly women, and women with disabilities, addressing current needs and offering education to reduce future ﬁnancial risk and

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 has facilitated more than $387 million in philanthropy since its founding in 1978. Learn more at www.cfwnc. org.

Brig. General Kenneth Beard delivers the Memorial Day speech.

Rutherford County Military Honor Guard (left to right) Donald Russ, Douglas Hayes, Larry Young, Larry Lawing.

The Rutherford County Military Honor Guard presented the wreath.

Country music’s Lee Newton presented special music.

The raising of the ﬂag concluded the annual program.

Article Provided By: Lindsay Hearn

In One Of My Books It Reads, “I Am An Idiot”

by Pat Jobe

One of the stories in a book called “The Return of Radio Free Bubba,” reads, “I am an idiot.” I wrote it about myself, my inability to ﬁnd the cable company when I went to pay the bill and my inability to ﬁnd other geographic

features of the town where I lived. The book is on sale at Next Door Used Books. It’s a little bit embarrassing. It’s even more embarrassing when I have to admit the story is 15 or 20 years old. I was a much younger man when I wrote that story.

My dear friend, Dr. Jack Garrison Grifﬁth Jr., was reading the manuscript prior to publication as he had offered to write a testimonial.

He kept talking about how brilliant and wise and funny my co-author Meg Barnshouse is. She really is quite brilliant and wise and funny. After a good

amount of time had passed during which Dr. Grifﬁth went on and on about Meg Barnhouse, his wife Debbie said, “Garry, Pat wrote some of those stories in that book, too.”

Dr. Grifﬁth said, “Oh yes he did. In fact I really like one called ‘I am an idiot.’” Okay.

It happened again the other day.

I couldn’t unlock my car to get out of it. When I tried, the car’s alarm went off which I’m sure was a great joy to my neighbors.

I tried tuning the car back on. Nothing. The alarm screamed on and on. Feeling like the idiot I had admitted to being so many years before, I reached over to the owner’s manual. The word “alarm” does not appear in the index.

Eventually the alarm stopped, but I was still locked in the car with no way to get out. At least, it felt that way to me. I started pushing buttons and turning the car on and off.

The alarm came back on. I have admitted at least

twice in this column that there are things about which I am an idiot, but let me turn up the volume on that admission. When the car alarm is blaring loud enough to wake the dead, my ability to think goes out the window. I was fumbling around all the buttons on the dash, the door, under the dash and nothing was working. Finally the alarm stopped a second time.

I called Norma Finger at Forest City Honda, a wonderful dealership that has served well for many

years. Norma Finger may be one of the reasons why. I told her I was trapped in my car and for some reason everything I did made the alarm go off.

She laughed and asked, “Have you tried the key?” You may now laugh at me, maybe not as hard as Norma did, but it’s okay to laugh.

Just for future reference, if you can’t unlock your car, try the key.

I love every one of you. Contact Pat Jobe at patjobe13@gmail.com.

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When: May 31; 4pm

Where: Pilgrims Way Baptist Church; 485 Hamilton Rd., Rutherfordton

More Info: Preaching by Pastor Phillip Youngblood and Bro. Daniel Bailey. Combined youth choir. All ages welcome! Meal provided following service. Pastor Wayne Stafford 828-429-7616

What: Church Yard Sale

When: May 31; 7am

Where: The Barn Christian Fellowship; 590 US Hwy 74 Business. Bostic

What: 175 Year Celebration

When: May 31; 10am-noon

Where: Philadelphia Primitive Baptist Church; 201 Philadelphia Church Rd., Ellenboro

What: Community Yard Sale

When: May 31; 7:30am-until

Where: Salem United Methodist Church; 184 Salem Church Rd., Bostic

More Info: Bring items to sale. $10/space.

June 1

What: Youth Choir Concert

When: June 1; 6pm

Where: Corinth Baptist Church; 767 Pinehurst Rd., Ellenboro

More Info: Everyone is welcome to attend and hear uplifting gospel music.

When: June 1; 7pm

Where: Riverside Baptist Church; 1178

Hogan Rd., Forest City

More Info: Featuring “Living by Faith”

What: Memorial Day Service

When: June 1; 11am

Where: Sunshine Church; 367 Depriest Rd., Bostic

More Info: Covered dish lunch to follow.

What: 19th Year Anniversary Homecoming

When: June 1; 11am

Where: Pilgrims Way Baptist Church; 485 Hamilton Rd., Rutherfordton

More Info: Singing. Preaching: Bro. Jeff Ledbetter. Covered dish meal to follow. Pastor Wayne Stafford 828-429-7616.

June 1-5

What: Vacation Bible School

When: June 1-5; 6-8:30pm Where: Concord Baptist Church; 720 Old US Hwy 74, Bostic

More Info: Kingdom Keepers. Age 3 years to rising 6th graders.

June 7

What: Upscale Yard Sale

When: June 7; 8am-2pm

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

More Info: Proceeds benefit Twilight Wish.

June 7

What: Bible School

When: June 7; 10am-3pm

Where: Fellowship Baptist Church; 210 Silvers Lake Rd., Rutherfordton

More Info: Lunch provided. Ages up to 14.

Adults must stay with kids under 4.

Mount Vernon Baptist Church

2676 Hudlow Road, Forest City, NC

June 14

Yard Sale & Bake Sale

When: June 14; 7am-3pm

Where: Immaculate Conception Church; 1024 W. Main St., Forest City

More Info: Bar-B-Q Ribs, Pulled Pork, Brisket, Tacos, Pupusas, Quesadillas. Also Spanish Dancing Show.

June 21

What: Church Wide Yard Sale When: June 21; 8am-2pm

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

More Info: Proceeds to Building Fund.

June 23-27

What: Vacation Bible School

When: June 23-27; 5:30-8:30pm

Where: Mount Vernon Baptist Church; 2676 Hudlow Rd., Forest City

More Info: Embark on an unforgettable Alaskan adventure at True North VBS!

Ongoing Church Programs

Prospect Baptist Church Sun: 9:45AM Sunday School, Worship: 11AM & 6PM. 2610 Prospect Church Rd,, Mooresboro.

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Sunday School 10-11am, Worship 11am-12pm, Wed: 7-8pm.

Grays Chapel Church Sun: 9:30am, 2nd Sat: monthly free brunch 10am, Wed: Bible Study 6pm (food & fellowship included). 500 Grays Chapel Church Rd., Rutherfordton.

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.

1⁄4 teaspoon salt

1⁄3 cup (1.3 oz.) crumbled feta cheese with basil and sun-dried tomatoes

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse under cold water. Drain well. While pasta cooks, prepare Cucumber-Thyme Relish.

Combine tomato and chickpeas, tossing gently; stir in pasta, salt, and Cucumber-Thyme Relish. Add feta cheese; toss gently.

CUCUMBERTHYME RELISH

1 1⁄2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1⁄2 cup chopped English cucumber

2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

1⁄4 teaspoon salt

1⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Combine lemon juice and olive oil, stirring with a whisk. Stir in cucumber and remaining ingredients.

1st Round of Summer 2025 Sun Bucks Benefits More Than One Million Kids

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the ﬁrst round of SUN Bucks beneﬁts for summer 2025 has successfully reached more than one million children, with $121 million distributed to eligible families across the state.

The funds, which come in the form of debit-like cards that provide a onetime payment of $120 per eligible child, can be used to purchase nutritious food at retailers and farmers markets that accept Electronic Beneﬁt Transfer (EBT), including most major grocery stores in North Carolina. The SUN Bucks program is one of three NC Summer Nutrition (SUN) Programs for Kids, ensuring children have access to healthy meals during the summer months when school is out. This is a critical beneﬁt for families as 1 in 6 North Carolina children live in households without consistent access to food.

“We are excited to have supported more than one

million children and their families through the ﬁrst round of SUN Bucks in 2025,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “Healthy food is essential to overall health and well-being. This program helps bridge the gap during the summer months, so children can continue to thrive.”

The ﬁrst round of funds was distributed from May 9 to May 11. Eligible families who have received their SUN Bucks eligibility notice can expect their cards to be mailed separately. Card delivery may take up to eight weeks and cards may arrive before funds are loaded, which will begin on May 22.

SUN Bucks supports the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids, which offer free meals to children and teens up to age 18. Through SUN Meals, young people can enjoy meals and snacks while participating in fun ﬁtness and educational activities during the summer at schools, parks and other local venues. In rural

areas where access to SUN Meals may be limited, SUN Meals To-Go might be available for pickup or delivery. Families can ﬁnd nearby summer meal locations and more details at SummerMeals4NCKids. org.

Eligible families who have not yet registered or applied for SUN Bucks

beneﬁts can still do so by visiting www.ncdhhs. gov/sunbucksapplication. Families with questions should visit www.ncdhhs. gov/sunbucks or call the NC SUN Bucks Call Center at 1-866-719-0141, select a language, then select option 2 to speak with a SUN Bucks representative. Article Provided By: ncdhhs

GRANDMA’S

COLLARD GREENS

1⁄2 pound uncooked bacon, diced

2 1⁄2 pounds collard greens, stems removed

3 cups chicken stock

4 tablespoons white vinegar

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1⁄4 teaspoon creole seasoning

1⁄4 teaspoon ground white pepper

Heat a saucepan on high heat, render bacon until crisp.

Add collard greens, sauté until they begin to wilt. Add remaining ingredients, lower heat to a simmer. Simmer greens until tender, about 30 minutes.

QUICK CHICKEN AND DUMPLIN’S

1 rotisserie chicken

1) 32-oz. box chicken broth

2 cans cream of chicken soup

1⁄2 cup butter

1⁄2 teaspoon ground white pepper

Dumplin’s

2 1⁄2 cups biscuit mix

4 tablespoons, butter, melted

1⁄3 cup whole milk

1⁄3 cup chicken broth

Chopped fresh parsley

Pull chicken off bone and cut into cubes.

In a large Dutch oven, add chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and butter. Turn to medium heat, bring to a slow boil, add pepper and chicken. Bring to a full boil.

In a mixing bowl, stir dumplin’s ingredients until combined; dough should be texture of drop biscuits. When broth is boiling, drop dough into broth using a teaspoon. Make sure to use all dough; you may have to push dough around to find spots.

Once dough is in, put on lid, reduce heat to low. Cook 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer chicken and dumplin’s to a serving dish, sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Hartsoe Shaw, age 42, of Marion, passed away on May 16, 2025.

death by her father, Michael Eugene Hartsoe and a brother Michael Keith Hartsoe.

cated medical assistant. Those left to cherish her memory include her husband Richard Shaw, mother and stepfather, Donna and Salvatore Garitta Jr.; her sisters, Michelle Tischofer (Keven), Taylor Hartsoe; and her brother, Michael Hartsoe (Hayley), her nieces, Tori Howard (Alex), Kamryn Tischofer (Frank), Kalina Tischofer, and Kayden Tischofer, great niece Madilyn Jean Howard

Lillian Poole Toney

Lillian Poole Toney, age 95, of Ellenboro, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Thursday, May 22, 2025.

Lillian was born February 14, 1930, in Cleveland County, to the late Jimmie Poole and Lima Beaver Poole. She was the oldest member of Drury Dobbins Baptist Church. Lillian graduated from

Liese Balkcom (Tanner), Daniel Sny (Melissa), David Sny (Maggie), and Austin Goodrich (Brooke); 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Sonny Poole (Lois), of Ellenboro; sister, Janet Honeycutt (Keith), of Mooresboro; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral was held May 25 at Drury Dobbins Baptist Church with Rev. Ronald Roberts and Rev. George Whitmire officiating.

Points To Ponder

LANNY FUNCHESS

The tradition of celebrating Memorial Day began with the ending of the Civil War. It was called Decoration Day back then. Communities across America would come together and honor those who died in the war by decorating their graves with flags and flowers. In 1971 it became a national holiday and would officially be called Memorial Day. A day set aside to honor all our nation’s fallen heroes.

From the Revolutionary War to the War in Afghanistan there have been close to two million men and women who have paid the ultimate price for the privilege of living freely. The majority were young people who had their whole lives in front of them. They were willing to set aside their futures to enter the battleﬁeld and stand against atrocities. These were true patriots who believed

in a higher cause. There are those who wish to destroy the fabric of our great nation. Many are trying to rewrite history and redeﬁne democracy. They are attempting to change the principles that our country was built upon. By honoring those who paid the ultimate price, we are placing value on that which they died for. Notwithstanding, we must continue our commitment to highly esteem our fallen heroes and never let their sacriﬁce be in vain. We owe a great debt to the 1.8 million servicemen and women who believed in a free nation and were willing to die for it. We must never forget the high price of freedom.

Edward Calton “Eddy” Thompson, II Edward Calton “Eddy” Thompson, II, age 79 of Ellenboro died Friday, May 16, 2025.

Eddy was born August 10, 1945, and was a life-

Survivors include his fiancée, Megan O’Brien, his daughter, Anna Thompson of Forest City, his grandson, Calton Thompson and wife Madison of Forest City, his step-son, Jarred Kern (Marla) of Ellenboro as well as many cousins and friends.

A service from the graveside was held May 23

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

tion to her parents Fannie was preceded in death by her husband Alton Edgerton, and many siblings.

Fannie was a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church.

She retired from Doncaster/Tanner after many years of being a supervisor.

Fannie is survived by her son, Randy Edgerton, two granddaughters, Maria Edgerton, and Marsha Walker (Scott), three great-grandchildren, Bailey, Blake, and Ethan, two great-great-grandchildren, Hendrix, and Hadleigh, along with beloved nieces and nephews.

The funeral was held May 28 at Mount Vernon Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. David Gentry officiating. McMahan’s Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.

Staying Connected and Cared For in Challenging Times: Why Caring for Our Mental Health is Just as Critical as Tending to Our Physical

It’s a well-known fact now that our overall health is impacted as much by our mental health as well as our physical health. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and focusing on the ways that we can support the mental health of children, teens, and adults is vitally important. Since our mental and physically health are closely intertwined, it makes sense to care for ourselves completely, and that means seeking treatment if a mental health issue is disrupting our lives, just like we would see our doctor if we needed treatment for a virus.

Our mental state inﬂuences how we feel and behave. In turn, family dynamics, work performance and relationships, how we sleep, how we eat, our energy levels, and many other aspects of our lives are affected by how we feel.

Living with a mental health disorder can make a person feel like they’re different from others, but these conditions don’t discriminate. They affect men and women of all ages, races, and socioeconomic levels. In fact, 1 out of 5 American teens and adults is living with a behavioral health disorder.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that our community has faced one of the most challenging — if not the most serious — natural disasters our region has ever seen, and the impact on our neighbors has been immense. That, coupled with coming off the heels of a multi-year, worldwide pandemic, made for uniquely trying times. For our community members living with one or more diagnosed mental health conditions — some of the most frequently diagnosed are anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder — Hurricane Helene could have intensiﬁed their symptoms. Additionally, those who didn’t live with a mental health condition prior to the storm could be dealing with one now.

The critical thing to understand if you’re struggling with your mental health is that help is available. It’s pivotal, though, not to feel any shame about reaching out and asking for help. Unfortunately, a long-entrenched stigma

stubbornly persists around seeking care for depression, anxiety, and other conditions — that unless we “bootstrap it” and try to deal with our problems ourselves, we’re somehow weak.

On the contrary, seeking help by accessing behavioral health treatments like counseling and medication can help you build your resilience and equip yourself with a toolbox of strategies you can use to address your emotional health challenges. Help is out there when people are experiencing major life transitions like becoming a parent or losing a loved one. Assistance is also available if a person is experiencing a serious mental health crisis, such as thoughts of self-harm or suicide. I urge anyone in crisis to call 800-849-6127 — this is the number for Vaya Health, and they can connect you to a crisis center or send mobile crisis services that come to you.

Like other medical specialties, our country has a shortage of mental health providers, but there are multiple professionals who can provide care, including social workers, therapists, counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Mission Health offers outpatient care, telemedicine and psychiatric care, pediatric care, outpatient care, a partial hospitalization program, and a program speciﬁcally designed for older adults. These services can all be accessed through a referral from any healthcare professional, and self-referrals are accepted frequently as well.

Our 120-bed Sweeten Creek Mental Health and Wellness Center in Asheville provides inpatient and outpatient services, including psychotherapy, music therapy, patient and family education, group therapy, medication therapy, and more. The facility is also equipped with amenities such as a gymnasium and a horticulture area.

I encourage any community member who is struggling with a mental health issue not to suffer in silence, but to seek help. Our own Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, has declared chronic loneliness a public health crisis, so rather than isolating, reach out to

get assistance and foster connection — this is how we build true strength and resilience.

As I end this column, I want to praise our incredible team at Mission Hospital McDowell and our dedicated nurses as

we recognize them during National Hospital Week (May 11-17) and National Nurses Week (May 6-12). It is an absolute honor to care for our patients and their families.

Lee Higginbotham is Chief Executive Ofﬁcer of Mission

Hospital McDowell in Marion. He is an accomplished healthcare leader with nearly three decades of diverse experience in healthcare. A native of Charlottesville, Virginia, Higginbotham earned his Master of Health Care Administration (MHA) from The

If you’re looking at this space, so are your clients.

Readership of free community papers is now higher than paid daily papers and continues to grow. And more than 70 percent of readers make their buying decisions from free paper advertising and editorial.

Your free community paper, promoting connections at a local level—right under your nose.

Medical College of Virginia and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He resides in Marion. Lee is most proud to be a husband to his best friend and father of three children.

Article Provided By: Nancy Lindell

By: Jean Gordon

Dr. Harry (Tiger) VanderWal, who grew up in Rutherfordton, and his wife Echo VanderWal, a physician’s assistant, knew at an early age they would go to Africa to practice medicine. Perhaps never in their wildest dreams or prayers could they have imagined what their work would be today.

The couple has been sharing their story of their journey to Eswatini, a country of 1.3 million in Southern Africa with the highest prevalence of HIV globally at 27%.

The couple has seven children (including triplets) and one grandchild. Allof them reside fulltime in Eswatini. They were all together in the United States last fall - their ﬁrst visit back to their homes in a decade.

Echo, who grew up in Idaho, said she never dreamed their grown children would remain with them serving in Africa.

In 2005, the couple founded The Luke Commission (TLC) named after the doctor who authored the Gospel of Luke in the Bible. TLC is a NonGovernment Organization (NGO) that focuses on health and development in response to the HIV epidemic in Eswatini.

Harry is TLC’s Chief Medical Director and Echo is a physician’s assistant and executive director of TLC.

On May 19, 2025, the Washington Post told their story.

I support The Luke Commission and the work.

I have written stories about their work since they ﬁrst began the ministry and have interviewed them time and time again. We must continue to pray and support this work.

Please Pray.

Echo talked about the article in an email to supporters and friends. She says:

Yesterday, The Luke Commission was on the front page of the The Washington Post.

Someone asked me what I thought about the article.

I realized my answer might give some insight into the mental, spiritual, and emotional process of having your story told to the world.

So here it is.

Our kids and staff know-this is far from our comfort zone.

Harry and I have always preferred to serve with a brown paper bag over our heads.

But when a Washington Post correspondent called our patient hotline two months ago-asking about solar panels, of all things-and then uncovered a much bigger story, I had the sense that God was opening a door.

We’ve never been great at telling our story; we’ve always focused on the patient in front of us. But this time felt different. We felt peace about sharing.

“For such a time as this...”

Behind the scenes, I would be lying if I said the local press attacks haven’t been hard on me. Waking up each morning not knowing what vitriol the maﬁa might serve as our daily bread has been… difﬁcult-to put it gently.

When the Washington Post article was published, I told my family and closest friends: I can’t read it ﬁrst.

I asked them to read it and let me know if there was anything I needed to be prepared for.

So while they read, I sat outside-on the deck, in the chair where my Mom used to sit every morning to pray and read the Bible with my Dad when they lived here.

I waited there in peace.

It took about 20 minutes. One by one, they came back with the same message:

“It’s balanced. It’s objective. They told TLC’s story well.”

I’m too close to be fully objective, but I agree.

As Sam, our Senior Systems Engineer, who has been faithfully with us in the ﬁeld for several years, put it, “There were a thousand needles to thread”-and somehow, they were.

The journalist stayed neutral and professional throughouteven paying for his own meals at the campus. He never took advantage of access. He just listened carefully and reported what he saw and heard.

He only dropped the veil a bit when he messaged me from the plane as the piece went live:

“Hi Echo, the story has published. I hope you ﬁnd

that it faithfully portrays this moment for you, Harry, TLC, and the country - with all its complexities and nuances. I’m just taking a 2-hour ﬂight but we can talk when I land.”

This was my response:

“Thank you for letting me know - and for the thoughtful care and tenderness you brought to this story. This has been such a fulﬁlling and complex journey, and recent experiences with the press locally have made moments like this difﬁcult. But your efforts and writing have brought back a sense of hopein objectivity, in thoughtfulness - and that means a great deal.

Many of our team, family, and friends have read the article and shared how balanced, insightful, and fair it is. They felt it offered a clear-eyed presentation of both the successes and the challenges, and helped shine a light on the complexities and joy that have deﬁned our journey thus far.

I’m deeply grateful for you - and for the integrity with which you approached this assignment. After the past ﬁve years, which have held some of our greatest victories alongside extraordinarily deep pain, this feels like a moment of relief. I know you put great effort into honoring the nuance and weight of this season - not just for us, but for many who are suffering and watching with both heartbreak and hope.”

I still feel peace. And I still believe it was God who released us to speak.

For that, I’m deeply grateful. And speaking of the kids-they had a lot to say about our very serious (the photographer’s word was “reﬂective”) faces in the photo. Please don’t laugh (actually, go ahead and laugh)... but the photographer asked to take a picture of Harry and me, and we thought it would take two minutes. It took four hours the ﬁrst day. Then he came back the next day and said he wasn’t happy-so he took us out for another two hours.

And he didn’t want us to smile.

So yes, the kids had a great time teasing us about those straight faces-even mimicking them, which was hilarious.

Anyway, for those of you who have journeyed with us-some forever-I wanted to share this deeply private, yet public, moment. Thank you to everyone for your prayers and love. — Echo

Contact Jean Gordon via email for more information or to see this story. Contact Jean: gordonjean211@gmail.com

USDA Approves Emergency Conservation & Emergency

Forest Restoration Assistance for area counties

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania Counties are accepting applications for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) to address damages from Hurricane Helene that occurred September 27, 2024.

ECP provides cost-share reimbursement to producers to restore farmland to predisaster conditions and EFRP is a cost-share program that provides ﬁnancial and technical assistance to restore nonindustrial private forestland (NIPF) damaged by a qualifying natural disaster. ECP and EFRP signup ends on June 1, 2025.

“The Farm Service Agency can help producers and landowners recover from natural disasters that impacted their operation,” said Kelly Springs, FSA County Executive Director for Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania Counties. “If you have an immediate need to clean up and restore your operation, please call our ofﬁce before beginning any restoration activities.”

Emergency Conservation Program

• Approved ECP practices include EC-1 debris removal, EC-2 grading/shaping, EC-3 fencing, and EC-4 conservation structures.

• Approved ECP applicants can receive up to 75% of the cost of the approved restoration activity with a maximum cost share of $500,000 per natural disaster event.

• FSA can provide advance cost-share payments, up to 25% of the cost, for all ECP practices before the restoration is carried out, an option that was previously only available for fence repair or replacement. The costshare payment must be spent within 60 days.

Additionally, producers who lease federally owned or managed lands, including tribal trust land, as well as state land, can participate in ECP.

Conservation concerns present on the land prior to the qualifying natural disaster event are not eligible for ECP assistance.

Emergency Forest Restoration Program

• Approved EFRP practices include tree removal, access road repair, replanting, and

ﬁrebreaks.

• Financial assistance for EFRP is not provided upfront. Cost-share is reimbursed at no more than 75% of the actual costs incurred or allowable cost after a restoration activity is complete, whichever is less. Approved EFRP applicants are expected to perform restoration and conservation practices based on the FSA-848A Cost-Share Agreement and a provided restoration plan. EFRP has a maximum cost share of $500,000 per natural disaster event.

To participate in EFRP, eligible applicants must:

• Complete restoration to meet the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and/or state forestry agency technical standards, and

• Document and keep records of all costs incurred to complete the restoration activities, including costs associated with personal labor.

To meet eligibility requirements, NIPF land must have existing tree cover or had tree cover immediately before the natural disaster occurred and be sustainable for growing trees. The land must also be owned or leased by a nonindustrial private individual, group, association, corporation or other private legal entity that has deﬁnitive decision-making authority over the land.

To learn more about ECP and EFRP, producers can contact the HendersonPolk-Transylvania County FSA Ofﬁce at 828-693-1406, the Rutherford County FSA Ofﬁce at 828-287-4220, or visit farmers. gov/protection-recovery.

FSA helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners invest in, improve, protect and expand their agricultural operations through the delivery of agricultural programs for all Americans. FSA implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster recovery and marketing programs through a national network of state and county ofﬁces and locally elected county committees. For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov.

Article Provided By: Janice Nicholson

Calling all Birders: Help WNC Spring Back this Migration Season

As migratory birds return to the slopes and valleys of western North Carolina this spring and summer, conservation leaders are encouraging birders to return with them.

Across the region, communities are eager to spring back in the wake of Hurricane Helene. By returning to enjoy migration hotspots, birders can help bolster local economies while also gathering data on the storm’s impact for birds.

“Birders can do their

part by doing what we do best, getting outside and enjoying birds,” said Curtis Smalling, executive director of Audubon North Carolina.

“Many of the most popular birding destinations remain open and accessible.”

Communities have seen sharp drops in visitors since last fall. As an example, attendance at Grandfather Mountain was down by nearly half in the ﬁrst quarter of 2025, according to Jesse Pope, president and CEO of the Grandfather Mountain

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Stewardship Foundation. Visitation is starting to tick up this spring, and Pope and others are encouraging more people to return.

“Quite honestly, our community needs people to come back,” Pope said. “Eat in the restaurants, stay in the hotels and the bed and breakfasts. That’s how we bounce back, having that economic support.”

Many of the places most beloved by birdwatchers are still accessible, from Valle Crucis Community Park outside of Boone to Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary in Asheville. Birders can help by getting outside and tallying the birds they see during migration and nesting season.

“Figuring out exactly how the storm has impacted bird populations will be an ongoing effort, and everyone can help chip in by recording bird sightings at eBird.org, starting right now,” Smalling said.

Hurricane Helene dramatically altered the landscape for broad swaths of the mountains. The changes will have immediate and long-lasting impacts for birds, both good and bad.

outcomes.

Status of popular birding sites:

High Country

• Middle Fork Greenway and Valle Crucis Community Park are open.

• The town of Blowing Rock sustained very little damage and areas around it are open and accessible, including Bass Lake.

• Boone Greenway is open.

• Julian Price Memorial Park and Price Lake trial is open. Campground is closed.

• Grandfather Mountain is open except for the Proﬁle Trail.

• Green Valley Park is open.

• New River State Park is partially open.

The Blue Ridge Parkway sustained damage throughout parts of western NC. Some areas are open, others remain closed. For the latest information, visit https://www.nps.gov/blri/ planyourvisit/roadclosures. htm.

CLUES ACROSS

1. McCarthy acolyte Roy

5. Ancient Korean chiefdoms

10. Not soft

14. Jai __, sport

15. Philosophy

16. Do what you’re told 17. Gaffe

18. Widely known and esteemed

19. Amusement park attraction

20. Popular comic strip Viking

22. Usually has a lid

23. American sportscaster

24. Lung brosis

27. General’s assistant (abbr.)

30. Pouch

31. Upset

32. Partner to hem

35. Astronomy unit of distance

37. Witch

38. Gradually disappear

39. Regions

40. Possesses

41. Body parts

42. A way to comprehend

43. Defraud

44. Sandwich type

45. Expression of disappointment

46. Popular Dodge truck

model

47. The 17th letter of the Greek alphabet

48. Soviet Socialist Republic

49. Songs to a beloved

52. Custom

55. Partner to cheese

56. West Indies trees

60. Member of a Semitic people

61. Plant that originated vegetatively

63. Squandered one’s money

64. Ethiopian river

65. Excessive uid accumulation in tissues

66. Acquire by one’s efforts

67. Irish goddess

68. Hungarian village

69. Cereal grasses

CLUES DOWN

1. Currency 2. Ceramic jar

3. Reagan’s Secretary of State

4. God worshipped in Kanesh

5. One thousand cubic feet (abbr.)

6. Semitic

7. About blood

8. Benign tumors

9. Move one’s head

10. Hours (Spanish)

11. Hebrew calendar month

12. Advise someone

13. Colors clothes

21. The sun does it

23. Concealed

25. City of Angels hoops team (abbr.)

26. Droop

27. Away from one another

28. Challenges

29. A harsh scraping sound

32. Attaches to a wall

33. Capital of Ethiopia: __ Ababa

34. German river

36. Disappointed

37. Star Wars character Solo

38. Supervises ying

40. Not mass-produced

41. Nonsense

43. Automobile

44. Hogshead (abbr.)

46. Soak in water

47. Flower cluster

49. Romanian city

50. A parent is often one

51. Fencing sword

52. Body part

53. Region

54. Farm building

57. Ali’s surname at birth

58. Waxy bird beak covering

59. Stiff bristles

61. VCR button

62. Small amount

For species that depend on scrubby, re-growing forest habitat—including Goldenwinged Warblers and a variety of sparrow species, to name a few—new habitat will bring opportunities in time to breed and nest. But birds that thrive in interior forest and old growth trees may face more difﬁculties. Birders can help provide the data to sort through the

• The Beacon Heights overlook is accessible but the parkway is mostly closed southward to Mount Mitchell.

• Near Asheville, the parkway is closed from the Folk Art Center northward to Tanbark Ridge, Craggy Gardens and Mount Mitchell areas. The Tanbark Ridge Area (Rattlesnake Lodge Trail and sections of the Mountains-to-Sea trail) can be accessed from a trailhead on Ox Creek Road.

Asheville area

• Owen Park in Swannanoa and Warren Wilson College farm ﬁelds remain closed due to ﬂood damage.

• Mount Mitchell State Park

Graveyard Fields Loop

For local bird outings, check out the websites of High Country

get-outdoors-2/bird-walks/), Blue Ridge Audubon

Baptist Church to Fishtop Access is open.

• The area around Lake Lure including US64 and US74 around Bat Cave are still closed.

• Curtis Creek Road from Old Fort up to the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed.

• In general, most everything is open north and west of Asheville unless they were along a river or stream.

Transylvania County and areas south and west: The following area are open to birding and hiking: Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Falls, Pink Beds Loop Trail, Looking Glass Rock Trail,

calendar), and Transylvania County Bird Club (https:// transylvaniacountybirdclub. com).

About Audubon North Carolina: Audubon North Carolina, a state program of the National Audubon Society, has ofﬁces in Durham, Boone, Corolla, and Wilmington. Learn more at nc.audubon. org and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. A nonproﬁt conservation organization since 1905, Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and onthe-ground conservation. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Article Provided By: Ben Graham

Carolina CLASSIFIEDS.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WE BUY & SELL SILVER AND GOLD COINS, JEWELRY, Etc.

Jake’s Knives & Collectibles

(Hours: Thur & Fri 8:30am4:00pm; Sat. 8:00am-1:00pm) located at 1008 S. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC. Call 704-600-6996 or (980) 295-5568

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

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENTS! Steel Buildings & Covers. Hay Barns, Boat Storage Sheds, Pavilions, Tractor & Implement Storage. J Johnson Sales in Forest City. (828) 2455895

NEWS - WWW.HOMETOWNSHELBY.COM. Read the latest news from reliable sources - FREE - No subscription required - Updated Often - Click on www.HometownShelby.com NC4ever@usa.com

FOREST CITY GIFTS FOR SALE. Visit www.ForestCityGifts.com NC4ever@usa.com

REUNIONS

POOLE REUNION. June 8th, Belwood Community Center. Please join us for family, fun, food and fellowship. Lunch Approx. 1pm.

EMPLOYMENT

PART-TIME MINISTER OF MUSIC. Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Forest City, NC is seeking a part-time Music Director. Send resume to mountvernonforestcity@ gmail.com or mail to 2676 Hudlow Road, Forest City, NC 28043 (828) 286-9294 mountvernonforestcity@ gmail.com

EMPLOYMENT

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

ZOAR BAPTIST CHURCH SHELBY. Now Hiring PartTime Children/Youth Leader (20 hrs/week). Seeking a passionate leader to oversee children and youth ministries. Responsibilities include planning Bible-based programs, coordinating events, and guiding spiritual growth. Must be committed to serving and supporting young people in their faith journey.To apply or learn more, contact Zoar Baptist Church or send your resume to CYsearch@zoarchurch.com

BUSINESS SERVICES

KENS LAWN CARE. Complete Lawn Care. Mowing, Shurbbery Care, Weed Control, and Mulch. Call Ken. 704419-9083.

CLEVELAND COUNTY GARAGE DOORS. Summer Tune-up 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.

FOUR SEASONS WELL AND PUMP. Well pump installation and repair since 1985. Licensed well contractor. Insured. (828) 692-4909 fourseasonswellandpump@gmail. com

ERIC MOBILE MECHANIC. I will come to you. Full Lawnmower Service, Cars & Tractors. Honest & Reliable. (704) 300-2332

HANDYMAN SERVICES. No job too small. Have references. Construction, landscaping, etc. Jack of all trades! 40 plus years of experience. 828-3755773.

JIM’S PAINTING SERVICE. Painting, tile ﬂoors, decks, all carpentry work, staining. Free estimates. Now is the time to paint outside! Ask for Jim 828429-7511.

CRAFTY CLEANING House cleaning, garage clean out, haul off unwanted items, light yard work. Free estimates. Christina 828-5560580.

WILL CLEAN HOUSES. Also will wash double hung windows at reasonable rates. Call or text me at (704) 4199016

HYDRAULIC CYLINDER REPAIR. Skid Steer, Wreckers, Rollbacks, Splitters, Tractors, etc. 30 years experience. Shelby, NC. (Joe) (704) 692-1097

SHIPMAN’S MASONRY. Foundations, Fireplaces, Outside Fireplaces, Brick, Block & Stone. Specialty in small jobs. 50 years experience. (863) 532-1587

BUSINESS SERVICES

DECK REPAIR | DECK REPLACEMENT. FREE ESTIMATES! (828) 351-9191 handymanbookonline@gmail.com

D&D LANDSCAPING. We offer complete Lawn Care. Based in Cherryville serving surrounding areas as well. Offer great pricing, ﬂower beds big and small, mulch, also pressure washing. Please give us a call for a quote! (704) 530-1237 smithdamien47@yahoo.com

YARD SALES

CATAWBA COUNTY

HOUSE AND YARD SALE. Everything must go. 3/1.5/6 brick ranch. $274,500. YARD SALE: clothes, shop tools, school supplies, housewares, collections, carpenter and mechanical tools and crafts! Fri., May 30th, from 8:00 AM 2:00 pm & Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Possible owner ﬁnancing. 7527 Old Shelby Road, Vale, NC 28168 (828) 2284016

CLEVELAND COUNTY

ESTATE SALE Fri., May 30th and Sat., May 31st, 2025 from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Antique Furniture, Outdoor Items and Household Items. 6340 Sugar Loaf Rd., Connelly Springs, NC 28612

COMMUNITY YARD SALE. Sat., May 31st, 7:30am until. Lots of things. Something for everyone. 119 Stone Crest Road, Shelby, NC 28152

10 FAMILY YARD SALE. Sat,May 31st, 8 am-12 pm. 110 Churchhill Dr. & 115 Westover Church Dr, Kings Mountain, NC 28086

BIG GARAGE SALE. Sat, May 31st, 7 am-Until. Another Big Sale. Lots of good stuff. New and used items. 5037 Harmon Rd, Kings Mountain, NC 28086

INDOOR/OUTDOOR YARD

SALE Sat., June 7th, 2025 from 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 1133 Poplar Springs Ch. Rd., Shelby. Indoor/Outdoor Sale. Antique furniture, couch, electric love seat couch, tools, wood working equipment, kitchenware, bath towels, washcloths, full size sheets, a few homemade quilts, etc.

YARD SALES

CLEVELAND COUNTY

HUGE YARD SALE Sat., May 31st, 7 am-Until. 1270 Second St, Kings Mountain, NC 28086

YARD SALE. Sat., May 31st, 8:30AM-until. No early birds! Men’s and Children’s clothing, Women’s Summer Dresses, Shoes, Pocketbooks, Wall Pictures. 4501 E Dixon Blvd, Shelby, NC 28152

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE. Multi-Family Yard Sale on Sat., Jun 14th, 2025 from 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Parker Hanniﬁn, 203 Pine Street, Forest City, NC 28043

FOR SALE

WATER HYCINTHS, $5 EACH.

704-600-5817

DISCOUNT APPLIANCES. Refrigerators, washers, dryers and stoves. 1205 Earl Road, Shelby, NC. (704) 477-4766

WHEELS AND TIRES Nitto Terra Grappler g2, 4-Tires 265/65/17”. American Racing Chrome Rims For Tacoma. 4-Wheels 17x8.5” Lug pattern 6x139.7 or 6x5.5 Photos available. Price Negotiable! (704) 418-5779

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

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS with Scratch Pads! Press Room Printing. 704-482-2243. (704) 538-5788

TWO BURIAL SPOTS at Eternal Hills Memorial Park in Forest City. Lot 216, spot 3 & 4. $2,000 for both. 828-429-9862.

STEEL BUILDINGS, CARPORTS, GARAGES, WORKSHOPS. Car, Truck, Boat, Storage. Grading & Concrete “Turn Key Job”! Large On-site Displays. J Johnson Sales. 2690 Hwy. 221, Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895

STORAGE BUILDINGS 8’X8’ up to 16’x40’. Built On Site IN ONE DAY! Financing OR Rent to Own Available. You Choose Your Colors and Placement of Your Doors & Windows. Delivery and Set Up is Included! J Johnson Sales 2690 Hwy 211 S. Forest City, NC. (828) 2455895

STORAGE BUILDINGS (WOOD•STEEL•VINYL). New Buildings from Approx. $100 month *wac (Includes Delivery & Set Up on Concrete Blocks). J Johnson Sales 2690 Hwy. 221 South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895

METAL ROOFING. Carport Metal “One Piece OR The Whole Roof” We get deliveries twice a week! J Johnson Sales 2690 Hwy. 221 South, Forest City, NC 28043. (828) 2455895

FOR SALE

TRAILERS, NEW, USED, REPO. In stock Dumps, Enclosed, Concession Trailers and Equipment. Inventory changes weekly! Call or Come By! Financing or Rent to Own Available. J Johnson Sales, 2690 Hwy. 221 S., Forest City, NC 28043 (828) 245-5895

J JOHNSON SALES. Steel Buildings, Carports, Garages. Large On-site Display. J Johnson Sales in Forest City. (828) 245-5895

DUMP TRAILERS & EQUIPMENT TRAILERS. Aluminum Trailers. “Large Selection!”. Financing and Rent to Own Available. No Credit Check! J Johnson Sales, 2690 Hwy. 221 S., Forest City, NC. (828) 2455895

ITEMS FOR SALE. Screen Printing Equipment, Kitchen table with 4 chairs, 1,000 boxes of envelopes. 704-284-1641.

WOOD COOK STOVE W/ WARMER. 3 tool boxes, 3 kerosene heaters, 2 folding tables, large cast iron bell w/hanger. 864-612-9204.

BAPTIST PREACHER’S LIBRARY. LOCKYER, WIERSBY, OLIVER GREEN, STRONGS, PINK, JOHN R. RICE, CHARLES H. SPURGEON and Hundreds of other authors. Bible dictionaries, topical studies, Ryrie, Tower, and Keller. Hardbacks/ Paperbacks. Need a Church library? The quicker you come, the more choices you have. I have a booth inside the building, at the rear of the Southside Market at 1316 S. Lafayette St, Shelby, NC 28152. There is a ﬂea market outside, but I am inside. Beginning April 26th and continuing every Saturday until I sell the books. Priced from $1 to $5 each. Hours for my booth is 8am till 3:30 pm. 1 Timothy 4:13 “Till I come, give attendance to reading to exhortation, to doctrine.” Volume discounts are available too. (704) 915-0594

7 TON EQUIPMENT TRAILER “LOADED”. $0 DOWN ! Approx. $200 Month *wac; 5 TON DUMP TRAILER “LOADED” $0 DOWN ! Approx. $240 Month *wac; 6’x10’ & 6’x12’ Utility Trailers $0 DOWN ! Approx. $90-$100 Month *wac. J Johnson Sales 2690 Hwy. 221 South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895

WINDOWS 24x27 black frame

windows Still in box. $250. 4 windows (704) 460-5965

PLANTS FOR SALE. 20 different Hosta plants, Iris-different colors, Daylilies, Dogwood and Cherry trees. 206 Woodburn Drive, Forest City. Call 828245-0245.

DOLLS FOR SALE. Variety of Barbie, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and many more. If interested call. Collectors welcome. (828) 817-9037

FOR SALE

LANDSCAPING PLANTS AT GIGI’S POND. Plants, both too many to name, cheaper than wholesale. 704-473-0584. Call before coming! 106 Oak St., Lawndale, NC 28090.

LIKE NEW TIRES/WHEELS. $1200. Bridgestone Dueller A/T LT275/65R20 tires mounted on 20” black rims. Set of 4. Approximately 500 miles. Off a new 2024 Ford F-250. (704) 4737092 cdamwm@yahoo.com

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

LAWN & GARDEN EQUIPMENT. Zero Turn Mower Ferris 15700Z 61” deck, 26HP Briggs Vanguard, Pressure Washer Troybilt, 2800 PSL, 2.3 GPM w/Briggs engine, Pro Lift HD Mower Lift, Craftsman Weed Eater, McLane Edger 3.5HP, Greenworks Electric Cultivater, Troybilt Horse Tiller (New Motor). 704-473-6587.

FIREWOOD, BUNDLE PACKS

$3 EA. Don’t pay $8 to middle man. Buy direct & save BIG. Can Deliver. (704) 435-3970

SODA KEGS $15 soda kegs. Have several, come and pick one out. (704) 300-1818 kim_ hopper@bellsouth.net

LOST & FOUND

2 RINGS FOUND at McAlister Deli in Shelby. To claim please call 704-477-3460 and provide a description.

WANT TO BUY

WANTED BAMBOO CANES FOR GARDEN use. Call 704538-8741 or call or text 828429-4794

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

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

TURN YOUR HOUSE INTO CASH? I PURCHASE UNWANTED RENTAL PROPERTY AND HOMES. MUST BE PRICED TO SELL! “QUICK CLOSINGS”! Call (704) 4720006

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

LOOKING FOR X-LARGE JAZZY. For a man. (704) 2840194

GUERNSEY HEIFNER CALF WANTED. Full blooded or registered. Reasonable price. 828675-4968.

LOOKING FOR 2BR HOUSE. $700-$800. Have 3 chihuahua puppies. Call Vickie. (704) 3133352

WANT TO BUY JUNK CARS! Paying Good Prices! Call (828) 744-1213

FARM & GARDEN

1976 FORD 2600 TRACTOR. 36HP with draft control, power steering, new battery, fresh tune-up and oil change, excellent condition, ready to work. $6,250. Text or call 828-447-3627.

4X5 ROUND BALES. $40$45. 704-813-1751.

6FT BUSH HOG. 6 foot bush hog, needs PTO shaft. (704) 300-1818 kim_hopper@bellsouth.net

CAMPERS

24 FT FOREST RIVER SURVEYOR. GENTLY USED & LIGHTWEIGHT. DESIGNED FOR COMFORT & FUNCTIONALITY. SLIDE OUT, OUTSIDE KITCHEN, 2 TVS, 7 FT CEILING, STORAGE GALORE, FULLY STOCKED & READY TO CAMP. $16,500. CALL TO SEE IT. (828) 245-8159

2016 SUNSEEKER MOTOR HOME. 2016 Ford E450 30 FT. SunSeeker Motor Home with 2 slides. Only 6,334 miles. Fully self contained. Brand new tires all around. New refrigerator. Roof just re-sealed. $56,840. (828) 245-8067

PETS & LIVESTOCK

10’X10’X6’ DOG KENNELS. Dog Houses and Dog Buildings. Delivery & Set Up Available. J Johnson Sales in Forest City. (828) 245-5895

MALTIPOO PUPPY. Black male with a little white. Ready for her new home. Make wonderful companion & friend. Negotiable. 828-675-4968.

WANTED GREAT PYRENEES

FEMALE. 5-7 years old, house trained, good with small dogs, spayed. Sharon 828-748-0682.

CARS & TRUCKS

1993 FORD RANGER XLT. A/C & Heat. Good to go. Good tires. Black. $2,500. 704-419-9201.

TREMENDOUS AUTO SALE! Buy here-pay here! Over 20 vehicles! Try our 777 plan- hit the JACK-POT. $777/down! Payments $77/week! $77/referral discount! Call Top Dog Auto Sales 828-744-9191.

1999 PONTIAC FIREBIRD V6, 149,000 miles, automatic, power windows & locks, good condition. $5,995. 3 ton lever action chain hoist, like new. $370. Plate temp $200. 828-289-1817.

2005 FORD F-150 4x4, Red, Auto., Shortbed, 170,000 miles, $6000 ; 1985 Corvette, White, Auto., 140,000 miles. $4000. Call 704-487-7981 leave message.

2002 FORD EXPLORER Eddie Bauer, V6, auto., 1 owner, 110K miles, good condition. $4500 ﬁrm. Call for details. 864-316-2348.

CARS & TRUCKS

1973 CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY. 350ci 4spd, t-tops. Numbers matching. 50,000 miles, $22000, (704) 460-9160

1995 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Convertible. Automatic, Black, Needs paint. 72,000 miles, $3,800. 980-925-4000.

2001 NISSAN MAXIMA 180K miles. Runs good, Will need tires soon, Needs minor repair, Idle control valve, 1 AC valve, Asking $2,500. 704-538-9190.

MOTORCYCLES & ATVS

2000 YAMAHA ROAD STAR SILVERADO. 1600CC, approximately 120,000 miles. Well taken are of. $3500 cash. Available after 5pm. (704) 750-3383

VACATIONS

SCENIC RIDGE COUNTRY CAMPGROUND. Seasonal, weekend & short/long term rental campers & 30/50amp sites. Cabin, cottage & semi/primitive tent sites. Call/text & leave message Cherryville, NC 28021 (704) 284-4721

REAL ESTATE

POLK COUNTY

POLK COUNTY, SUNNYVIEW, NC. For sale by owner. Convenient location. 3.62 acre, wooded residential lot. $50,680. No text or email. Call (828) 429-3287

FOR RENT

CLEVELAND COUNTY

335B GOLD ST, SHELBY, NC Duplex. 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom. Rent $975 Deposit $975 App Fee $25. 704-214-4180.

716 PARK AVE., SHELBY, NC. Duplex 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom. Rent $925 Deposit $925. App fee $25. 704-214-4180.

1003-B MARK DRIVE, SHELBY, NC. Apartment, top ﬂoor, 2 bathroom, 2 bedroom. Rent $975, Deposit $975, App Fee $25. 704-214-4180.

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

HICKORY CREEK APARTMENTS FOR SENIORS. (62 and older), disabled (50 and older). Shelby. Now taking applications for waiting list. 418 East Warren Street, Shelby. (704) 487-6354

FOR RENT

CLEVELAND COUNTY

ASHLEY HILL ACRES Now Accepting Applications. Location: 1442 Arlee Drive, Phone: (843) 957-9299. Ashley Hills Acres currently has 2-bedroom, 1-bath and 2-bedroom, 1.5 units available. Rent: $750$850/Month, Application Fee: $25, Applications: Available at the ofﬁce. Stop by the ofﬁce to pick up an application and apply today!

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

LAUREL HILL APART-

MENTS LOCATED IN SHELBY NC. Is currently accepting applications for our 2 and 3 bedroom Townhomes. Rent is based on income (and even some expenses are deducted). Call or visit today! 1526 Eaves Road, Shelby, NC or call for more information. Equal Housing Opportunity. (704) 487-1114

MOVE IN SPECIAL. 2 & 3 Bedroom, deposit required. Weekly rates. Includes power and water. NO PETS. NO TEXTING. (704) 473-4299

MOBILE HOME FOR RENT. 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, $925 month. In Shelby. (828) 234-8147

135-20 WIGGINS LANE, Kings Mountain, NC. New Single Wide. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Rent $1375 Deposit $1375 No pets, App Fee $25 per adult. 704-214-4180.

FOR RENT

LINCOLN COUNTY

CAMPERS/SITES. Weekend & short/long term rental campers, cottage & 30/50amp sites. Call/ text. Leave message. (704) 284-4721

2418-4 SUN VALLEY TRAIL. Lincolnton, NC. Single Wide. 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom.Rent $875 Deposit $875. App Fee $25. 704-214-4180.

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

HOUSE FOR RENT. House for rent Gilkey area, ideal location. 3 bdrms, 2 baths. Stove and refrigerator, heat /air. Room to roam with all kinds of possibilities. No inside pets. Call (828) 437-6754 FOR RENT 3 BEDROOM, 1BATH AT 228 TRYON RD., RUTHERFORDTON, NC. $1200.00/MONTH; DEPOSIT: $2000.00. CALL (828) 2228128