Rutherford Weekly 7_2_26

Three Rutherford Vietnam Veterans

into Washington Memory Program

Article by Jean Gordon and In Memory Program Staff

More than 760 Vietnam veterans, including 25 from North Carolina —three from Rutherford County — were inducted into the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s (VVMF) In Memory Program in 2026. VVMF believes all those who served in the Vietnam War should be honored and remembered for their service. The In Memory program enables the families and friends of those who came home and later died, the opportunity to have them be forever memorialized.

On Saturday, June 20 VVMF hosted the 2026 In Memory ceremony on the East Knoll of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where each 2026 honoree’s names were read aloud.

“For many Vietnam veterans, coming home from Vietnam was just the beginning of a whole new fight. Many never fully recovered, either physically or emotionally, from their experiences. As these veterans pass, it is our duty and solemn promise to welcome them home to the place that our nation has set aside to remember our Vietnam veterans,” said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of VVMF. The plaque that honors these veterans was dedicated as a part of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial site in 2004. It reads: “In Memory of the men and women who served in the Vietnam War and later died as a result of their service. We honor and remember their sacrifice.”

Their son Michael Hegeman from Long Island, New York and granddaughter

Dakota Currier, a student at UNCC, attended the ceremony.

“I just felt completely humbled with such a sense of gratitude for what dad did at such a young age,” said Michael.

still surviving are still cared for and still honored,” he said.

both our loss and his legacy in a way I never have before. When he died in 2020 from glioblastoma caused by Agent Orange, it felt like his story had ended too quietly for a man who had given so much. To see him honored through the In Memory program, and to know his name lives on also at the Orange Heart Memorial Wall in Tennessee, was a powerful reminder that his sacrifice did not go unnoticed. As I placed a rose in his memory on Father’s Day, I wasn’t just mourning my dad; I was honoring the soldier, the husband, the father, and the gentle, steady presence who shaped my life. Being able to participate in the rose ceremony on Father’s Day wrapped my grief and my gratitude together. I was surrounded by others who understand this unique kind of loss and I felt less alone. It meant everything to know that my dad’s courage, his suffering from Agent Orange, and the love he poured into our family are now permanently recognized. In that moment, I felt immense pride, deep sorrow, and a quiet peace, knowing that his name, his

Rutherford County Vietnam veterans honored were Ronald L. Hardin of Rutherfordton; Daniel J. Hegeman from Rutherfordton and Arthur C. Littlejohn, Jr. from Forest City. Hardin died on Sept. 16, 2019; Hegeman died on Oct, 31, 2024 and Littlejohn passed away Jan. 24, 2025.

Lynn Hegeman of Rutherfordton and family members attended the ceremony and placed roses at The Vietnam Wall in honor of her late husband Dan Hegeman.

“Also it was very grounding to see how many people lost their lives fighting for this country not returning home. I am very grateful for his memory to be able to live on with all the other brave men and women. I feel such a level of appreciation.”

He said he is very grateful for what the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund does to honor the men and women who bravely fought for the country.

Lynn said when Dan became sick with Agent Orange, “We knew what we were dealing with. It is a different type of caregiving, showing those that are

Melissa Metcalf LeRoy of Forest City also attended the Veterans ceremony in Washington to remember her father, Oscar Metcalf. He was inducted into the In-Memory Program in 2020 but the ceremony on June 20 was her first opportunity to honor him publicly in Washington.

Melissa said, “This past Father’s Day weekend, attending the In Memory ceremony and reading my dad’s name aloud, I felt the weight of

Melissa LeRoy of Forest City places a card at the memorial plaque. Each card has a message from a friend or family member. These will be kept along with all the items left at the wall. Nothing is thrown away.

Dr. Wilkie joins Forest City Family Dentistry team

Dr. J. Allistair Wilkie has joined Forest City Family Dentistry team as an Associate Dentist. With Dr. Wilkie on board, they are expanding their care and offering more appointments to better fit patient schedules.

Dr. Wilkie is a proud native of Forest City and a lifelong member of the Rutherford County community. He graduated from the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine and brings two years of clinical experience.

Dr. Wilkie is skilled in General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Pediatric care, focusing on patient comfort. His is deeply honored to be

part of this community’s care and looks forward to building lasting relationships with his patients. He is dedicated to providing personalized, gentle care to patients of all ages.

Dr. Wilkie is accepting new and existing patients. Whether you need a routine checkup, restorative care, or have dental concerns, he is here to help.

You can view his full bio at www. fcfdentistry.com.

To make an appointment or to find out more about Forest City Family Dentistry, call 828-248-9100 or visit fcfdentistry.com.

2026-2027 Foothills Pilot Club Officers Initiated

Foothills Pilot Club of

NC met on June10 at Rock Steady Restaurant in Spindale.

Pictured are the officers who were initiated for 2026-2027:

Cheryl Rice, Director; Janet Jolly, Director; Linda Bailey, Treasurer; Elaine Stroud, Corresponding Secretary; Pam Carpenter, Recording Secretary; Joan Koone, President; Catherine Washburn, Director. Not pictured: Carol Herron, President Elect; Judy Toney, Director.

‘Operation

As Fourth of July celebrations get underway across North Carolina, drivers are encouraged to make safe choices behind the wheel.

The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) launched its annual “Operation Firecracker Booze It and Lose It” enforcement campaign to promote safe driving through the busy travel period. The campaign includes bolstered public outreach and law enforcement to encourage sober driving and remove impaired drivers from the roads. Law enforcement will

Firecracker

Booze

conduct checkpoints and an increased number of patrols through July 5.

“This time of year is one of the deadliest in terms of impaired driving crashes,” said GHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “In 2025, 464 people lost their lives in impaired driving crashes on North Carolina roads. This staggering number reminds us why this work is so critically important.”

According to traffic data from the N.C. Department of Transportation, there were 917 DWI arrests made during last year’s “Operation Firecracker”

It & Lose It’ Campaign

period, and 77 of those arrests were for drivers under the age of 21. The “Booze It and Lose It” campaign highlights that there are severe consequences for reckless behavior.

“This campaign highlights that if you drink and drive in North Carolina, you lose,” said Secretary of N.C. Department of Public Safety Jeffrey Smythe. “You risk losing your license, your freedom, your reputation, and possibly your life or someone else’s.”

This Fourth of July, plan to arrive safely. Designate a sober driver or call a taxi or

Make safe choices for a safer holiday for everyone.

As residents of the United States of America celebrate the nation’s two hundred and fiftieth anniversary, some might be curious where the “America” portion of the country’s name comes from. According to the Library of Congress, America is named after Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. The LOC contends that Vespucci was the first to suggest that the lands Christopher Columbus sailed to in 1492 were part of a separate continent. German mapmaker Martin Waldseemüller honored Vespucci’s assertion in 1507, when he created a notable map that was the first to depict the lands as a separate continent, naming the area “America,” which is a Latinized version of “Amerigo.” That map is now part of the cartographic collections at the LOC, and is sometimes referred to as “America’s Birth Certificate.”

ESTATE AUCTION

SATURDAY, July 11th, 9:00AM 1512 BURKE RD., SHELBY, NC –

VEHICLES, MOTORCYCLE & TRAILER: 1920 Ford

Model A Truck, 1950 Ford Sedan, 1997 Chevrolet Truck,2013 Cadillac CTS Luxury, 2008 Cadillac STS, 1980 Harley Davidson Shovel Head, Atlas Enclosed Trailer. GUNS: Browning Buck Mark 22 LR, (2) PSA PA-15 .223, Sig Sauer P320 9MM, Walther PPK/S .32 ACP, Mossberg 510 Bantham, Cimarron 1858 Red Army, Colt Navy, PSA AR-15 Pistol 556, Palmetto 10, Sig Sauer 229 9MM, Colt Black Powder Pistol. KNIVES: More knives from the Estate from Kings Mountain. New Knives. COINS: Silver Coins from Canada, Silver Dollars Inc. Carson City Gold. WATCHES & JEWELRY: Hamilton Railway Special, Hamilton Watch Co., Hampden Open Back w/Glass Casing, Hamilton Watch Co. Open Back w/Glass Casing, Hamilton Time King/Dial Only, Hamilton Base Metal Bezel Registered No. 0739, Am. Watch Co. Waltham, Hampdon Watch Co. Canton, Ohio, Jean Pierre of Switzerland-Mechanical Movement, Illinois, Elgin, Tissot 1853-T860405A, Seiko Precision 21 Jewels, Tissot 1853- Quartz, Gotham Sport Quartz WR30M, American Waltham Watch Co., Eagle Star Geneve 17 Jewel Incablic, Success Alba Stainless Steel Japan 612268, Seiko Solar 100M, Citizen WR50 Japan 062220274, Seiko Quartz Base Metal Stainless Steel 051167, Seiko Quartz Base Metal SS 404532, Costume Jewelry. TOOLS: Miller Welder, Ladder, Yard Tools. FURNITURE: Lawyer’s Bookcase, Tables (Wood & Metal), Chairs (Wood & Metal), Collection of miniature Chairs. MISC.: Electric Bicycle (NEW), Civil War Chess Set, Stetson Hats, Bear Bow w/Arrows, Coke Collection Items, Glass & China, Metal & Wood Bench, Folding Tables, Hess Trucks.

AUCTIONEER’S NOTE: The Model A Truck, Ford Sedan, Guns, Watches and a few other items come from a Columbia, SC Estate. These items were collected by an individual who collected wisely and really have some treasures. An Attorney has given us some vehicles and individuals have consigned the other items. We still have Hess trucks from the Shelby Estate and the Knives from the KM Estate.

Article Provided By: Forest City Family Dentistry

Article Provided By: Cheryl Rice

Article Provided By: NCDOT

With

• checking fire danger for your area

• checking the weather and wind conditions

• properly disposing of smoking materials such as cigarettes

• being extremely careful with machinery, mowers and farm equipment when working outdoors

• check for and fix fire hazards before operating farm equipment or machines

• remove any buildup of crop residue around

Continued from front page.

The Hegemans and Melissa LeRoy were among over 2,000 people attending the event, honoring their loved ones who served in Vietnam and came home only to continue fighting the effects of being exposed to Agent Orange.

Melissa and her husband, Chris LeRoy, relocated in Rutherford County six years ago when he was named Forest City Police Chief.

the engine, exhaust system, belts and chains

• repair damaged exhaust system components, worn or frayed drive belts, broken or exposed electrical wiring, worn or misaligned moving parts which can indicate a lack of lubricant, and signs of leaking fluids, oil and fuel

• for portable, gasolinepowered equipment, make sure you have a properly functioning spark arrester installed

When you’re unsure, contact your N.C. Forest Service county ranger’s office for guidance, visit www.ncagr.gov/divisions/ncforest-service/contacts.

Lynn Hegeman is serving on the Rutherford County Committee for “The Wall that Heals” coming to Rutherford County November 12-15 at the soccer fields off Piney Ridge Road in Spindale. Lynn also said VVMF has created a personal remembrance page for each honoree online in the In Memory Honor Roll at www.vvmf.org/honorroll. Their photos will also be displayed around the country in the VVMF’s mobile exhibit.

The In Memory program was created in 1993 and, after this year’s ceremony, more than 8,300 veterans will have been honored.

For more information on the In Memory program or to apply to have a loved one honored in 2027, visit www.vvmf.org/in memory.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) is the nonprofit organization that founded the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) in Washington, D.C. in 1982. VVMF continues to lead the way in paying tribute to our nation’s Vietnam Veterans and their families. VVMF’s mission is to honor and preserve the legacy of service in America and educate all generations about the impact of the Vietnam War and era.

a rose down at the wall. I spoke to him about his service in Vietnam. He said, ‘I came back. I’m the lucky one’,” said Lynn Hegeman. “He did this over and over again. It was heartbreaking to see and heart warming at the same time.”

DISTRIBUTION DRIVERS NEEDED

Grahamtown Center leaders look toward the future as summer moves along

Grahamtown Center in Forest City is extremely busy this summer with camps, college students helping with different programs, explained Kisha McDowell, executive director of the Grahamtown Center. She spent some time

that have lived here.

“We are working to fill the abandoned spaces, work with heirs to clean up lots and to rebuild,” McDowell continued. “We are working to provide affordable housing, create green spaces, provide economic development and truly change the stigma of ‘Dodge City’ and the Grahamtown area,” she said. There are also plans for Pocket Parks throughout town.

Bash to be held at the Park on Pavilion Square (POPS) from 10 am until 2 pm. The event open to the public will offer games, inflatables, free school supplies and community resources to the attendees.

Grahamtown and the following partners in their areas of strength and expertise.

• UNC Charlotte

• Silo Architectural Firm

Free hot dogs, chips and Icees will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.

• UNC Charlotte CHart (Center for Community Heritage & the Arts)

• APP State - Rural Planning

Summer camp concluded recently as 12 students participated. Campers were taken to the creamery and to Big Bottom Farm in Harris to see the cows and observe how the milk is processed.

“We have a 3D Printer so they made name tags using Tinker Cad and they made pudding, tacos, waffles and donuts,” McDowell said.

Students from APP State are at the Center two days a week and are also working with the Comprehensive Community Development (CCD)Team to help develop a plan that will cause Grahamtown to be a thriving community once again, McDowell explained.

“ They are working on projects such as Community Land trust, heir property and developing a database with the demographics of Grahamtown to help us better apply for grants,” McDowell said.

The CCD Planning Team consists of UNC Charlotte, UNC Chart (Center for Community Heritage and the arts), Carson Dean Consulting, Silo Architectural Firm, NC State University, Housing Assistance Council, App State Students, Objectechne Studios, and the Grahamtown community members.

The community leaders are also busy working on an ongoing plan to address the vacant and abandoned lots in town.

The CCD Team is working on effective to ways to acknowledge the culture, history and legacy of the community and the families

Funding has been received from Appalachian Regional Commission to develop the plan and McDowell is looking to others to help implement the plan.

“This will not be done quickly unless we have investors and developers, but we will keep chipping away at as many projects as we can each year,” she said.

McDowell’s goal is to have a plan to build four duplex affordable homes.

“We want to make a difference and to make homes affordable and we want to see the town ‘more walkable’,” McDowell said.

“We’ve gotten the people on board now and we want people to know we are a safe environment and that this area is not a high crime area as some might believe,” McDowell continued.

“Grahamtown is a safe community and we have not had any problems. Our neighbors appreciate and respect our programs and properties,” she said.

Her role as executive director of the Grahamtown Center is all about “community culture,” to bring it back to the Black community that culturally “is ours,” McDowell said.

McDowell simply loves what she does, she loves the community and she hopes “others will join us in the process,” she added.

Recently McDowell and other partners in the community hosted the Juneteenth Community Celebration & Grahamtown Team marking the 20th anniversary celebration. Games, food, music and special guests gathered throughout the day at Hardin Park.

Back 2 School Bash

Aug. 1

On August 1, McDowell and the Grahamtown Team are playing an important role in the Back 2 School

She is asking anyone interested in donating to the Back 2 School bash to call her at 262-989-8982 or information at 828-289-3380. Sponsors, donations and participants are all needed.

The Grahamtown Team has three programs:

Community Revitalization & Development

• Homeowner Assistance Program - helping with urgent minor repairs

• Streetscape Development

• Housing Developmentbuilding single & multi-family housing

• Dignity HousingRenovation of 9 homes for low-income families seeking to become homeowners

• Developing walkable paths

Health & Wellness

• Food Pantry

• Community Feedings

• Community Garden

• Community Resources

• Outreach Programs

(Black History, Juneteenth, Community Connections, Christmas Dinner)

Youth Programs

• STEAM Fun Day - Programs

• Youth Summer Camp

• Gardening Activities

Current Project

Comprehensive Community Development Plan -This is a partnership between

• App State - Student Interns - Comm Land Trust Projects / Heir Property

• NCSU - efficient housing development / population mapping

• Foothills Regional Commission

• Carson Dean Consulting

• Objectechne Studios

- Design Technological Youth Space Center

• Appalachian Regional Commission - Funder Housing Assistance Council

“Altogether we are working to develop a plan to revitalize the Grahamtown Community, to clean up abandoned lots, work with heirs to clean up their properties, clean up abandoned projects and so much more,” McDowell said.

Another Summer Camp in July

Chaz McDowell, founder of H&L Foundation, a Rutherford County-rooted nonprofit focused on youth leadership, mentorship, workforce readiness, and community empowerment, is hosting another summer camp, July 13- 17.

“This summer, we will be launching our “Stride for Greatness: Power & Purpose

Leadership Camp” for teens ages 14–17 at Grahamtown Community Center,” Chaz said. The program will expose youth to: Leadership & Mentorship, CPR Certification, Workforce

Readiness & Mock

Interviews, AI & Virtual Reality Technology, Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship, Culinary & Trade Skill

Experiences, Self-Mastery & Personal Development.

Chaz was raised in Forest City and graduated from East Rutherford High School in 1999. He attended Norfolk State University on a football scholarship.

“It has always been important to return home and invest into the next generation,” Chaz said.

Article & Photos Provided By: Jean Gordon

Kisha McDowell,executive director of the

Jasmin Harrison assists Wilford McDowell assemble a new basketball goal.

Impactful events in U.S. history

As the United States celebrates its two hundred and fiftieth anniversary, millions of Americans will reflect on the nation’s history. American history includes a great many impactful events that changed the country forever. The following are some events of note as the United States of America celebrates 250 years of nationhood.

1803

The Louisiana Purchase

Soaring prices have been the norm in the real estate market in recent years, but it was once possible to procure 530 million acres of North American territory for $15 million. That’s precisely what happened in 1803 when the U.S. and France completed the Louisiana Purchase. According to the Office of the Historian of the U.S. Department of State, President Thomas Jefferson sent James Monroe to France to work alongside U.S. Minister to France Robert Livingston in an effort to purchase New Orleans and West Florida for $10 million. But the emissaries were surprised when Napoleon Bonaparte offered the whole territory of Louisiana to the U.S. for $15 million. Native Americans still inhabited much of the area that was part of the sale, but the transaction included the entirety of what is now Louisiana, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, as well as portions of present-day Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Minnesota.

1823

President James Monroe addresses Congress

During his annual message to Congress in late 1823, President James Monroe included a warning to European powers that they should not interfere in affairs in the Americas. According to The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the powers that be in the United States were wary of European intervention in Florida, the Pacific Northwest and Latin America. The result was a statement from President Monroe, later referred to as the Monroe Doctrine, announcing that the western hemisphere was closed to further colonization by European nations. President Monroe also noted that the U.S. would not interfere in the internal affairs of nations in Europe.

1915

Sinking of the Lusitania

Though the Lusitania was a British-owned ship, the U.S. Library of Congress notes its passengers included more than 120 Americans on May 7, 1915, the day the luxury ocean liner was torpedoed by a German U-boat. History.com notes the Imperial German Embassy in Washington, D.C., placed ads in American newspapers reminding Americans that Germany and Britain were at war and that ships flying the flag of Great Britain were vulnerable to attack. Despite the warnings, Americans still boarded the Lusitania, and the sinking of the ship strained relations between the neutral United States and Germany. AntiGerman sentiments began to rise in the U.S. after the sinking of the ship, and such sentiments remained even as the U.S. maintained its neutral status into 1917. The final straw, and one that called to mind the sinking of the Lusitania nearly two years prior, was the interception of the Zimmerman telegram, which revealed German intentions to return to submarine warfare and target all ships, including those carrying American passengers.

1929

Wall Street crashes on Black Monday

The stock market crash that began in October 1929 marked an end to the financial boom of the 1920s that the Federal Reserve notes had begun in August 1921 and lasted until September 1929. On what’s become known to historians as Black Monday (October 28, 1929), the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by nearly 13 percent, a fall that preceded an almost 12 percent decline on the following day. By the summer of 1932, the Dow had fallen to its lowest value of the twentieth century and 89 percent below its peak. Black Monday marked the beginning of the Great Depression, and the Federal Reserve notes the Dow did not return to its pre-crash heights until 1954.

Tips to trace your own history while celebrating America’s

Millions

and it figures to be an especially celebratory time across the 50 states.

As Americans engage with their nation’s history, they might be compelled to learn more about their personal history as well. Genealogy has become a popular pastime, and the National Archives offers these tips to anyone looking to do some digging into their personal history as they celebrate 250 years of the U.S.

• Start with yourself. The National Archives recommends starting with the person you know best: yourself. Your own personal details can serve as a starting point as you work toward more unknown facets of your family history. After you note all of your own details, learn and document all you can about your parents and then do the same in relation to your grandparents.

• Emphasize four vital components. The National Archive notes that names, dates, places, and relationships are the tools of the family researcher. These

nuggets of information have long been used to identify people in public records.

• Peruse any existing family archives. Many families have kept their own archives over the years, even if that record-keeping was not widely known within a family. A relative might have kept various types of documents that help to paint a picture of your genealogy. Ask around in the family to see if anyone has kept records, which might include: Newspaper clippings, Birth and death certificates, Military certificates, Marriage licenses, Letters, Diaries, Photographs/photo books, Scrapbooks

• Let others know. Inform family members that you’re working on a genealogy project. A relative might have beaten you to it, and could have lots of information and documents to share. Others might be able to point you toward a relative who has become the unofficial family historian. Cousins and aunts and uncles might have records from their own immediate families, which can help as you conduct your research.

• Access government records. The U.S. federal census dates all the way back

to 1790, which makes it a potentially excellent source of information. State and county archives are also resources that keep records of births, deaths, marriages, and other notable events that can help people trace their family histories. Even local libraries might have records of your family, especially if your family has been settled in the same area for a significant amount of time.

American history might be the focal point in the U.S. this weekend but that renewed emphasis on history also makes it a great time to study your own family’s part in helping the nation make it to its 250th birthday.

Interesting facts about the United States

The United States celebrates its semiquincentennial in 2026. That means the nation has been around for 250 years. Since its inception, the country has grown to include 50 states. As Americans in all 50 of those states celebrate the country in 2026, it can be both educational and fun to learn some interesting facts about the United States.

Largest state: Alaska

Alaska spans more than 665,000 square miles, making it the largest state by land mass in the entire country. In fact, Alaska is so big that it’s larger in terms of square miles than the next three largest states (Texas, California and Montana) combined.

Smallest state:Rhode Island

Checking in at 1,545 square miles, Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States. To put that in perspective, it’s possible to squeeze 430 Rhode Islands into one Alaska.

Most densely populated state: New Jersey

According to July 2023 data from the United States Census Bureau, New Jersey is home to more than 9.2 million people across 7,354 square miles, making the Garden State the most densely populated in the U.S.

Least densely populated state:Alaska

Given its aforementioned size and vast amount of undeveloped land, Alaska’s status as the least densely populated state should come as no surprise. According to the World Atlas, Alaska is home to 1.3 persons per square mile, which is considerably less than New Jersey’s 1,298 people per square mile.

by Pat Jobe

If you saw him in the grocery store, you might pass him without a second thought. You may even be that way with most folks you pass, but some of us like to smile and say “hello.”

Herschel Beaver has two real good stories to tell, and you’ll read them both before you get to the end of this, but let me also put in a plug for Brian Willette and Kim and Livermust and Joey and Jacob down at Willette Automotive. They take mighty good care of my family and our cars.

Herschel Beaver was in the Navy for 20 years and as he put it, “Went all over the world three times.” After four tours in Vietnam, he probably has a bunch of funny stories, but he likes this one a lot.

A sailor on one of the little river boats claimed he was hit. The doctor and one of the medical corpsmen were waiting for him when he came back to one of the larger ships. He limped onto the deck and they brought

He’s One Of Those People You Would Pass

him down to sick bay. He said he was hit in the rear, and the doc told him to drop his pants.

“The doctor took a little old tweezer and pulled and held up the source of the sailor’s injury. It was a big old Japanese beetle,” Herschel said and followed the story with a laugh.

He recently passed his 93rd birthday and when he was asked how he made it so long, he pointed up, and said, “The Lord, a good wife and a good family.”

Then he told the second of his good stories. “In May of 1962 we were down in the Caribbean. I had ordered a vodka and 7Up, and I took about two sips of it and was paralyzed. I had given my life to God when I was 14, but when I got a car, I went a little wild. I told my buddy I was paralyzed and could not move. He told me to quit clowning around, but I told him I couldn’t move. He had to take the cigarette out of my mouth. Somehow they got me back on the ship and into sick bay. The doctor put me to bed and said if I wasn’t better in the morning, they’d get me into the hospital. All night long I talked to the Lord, and about five in the morning I was able to stretch out my legs. In just a few minutes, I was able to get out of bed and headed up to the mess to get something to eat.

“The doctor was up there

Stitching Fox anniversary

Rutherfordton resident Kathryn McMahon, owner and creator of Stitching Fox Needlepoint, is hosting a 6th anniversary celebration July 16 from 4-6pm. Her shop is located in Landrum, SC and is a full-service needlepoint shop. Stitching Fox carries one of the largest selection of canvases and threads in the region and hosts year-round retreats and classes. Needlepoint as an art form has enjoyed several surges in popularity in recent years, as the popularity of analog activities and “grandma hobbies” continues to rise due to its relaxing nature and creative, welcoming community.

The public is invited to the Stitching Fox Needlepoint birthday party and the shop will be celebrating with six weeks of promotions and client perks online and in-store.

and he asked me why I wasn’t in bed. I told him the Lord had cured me. I made a promise to the Lord that I would never again touch alcohol and except for some that might have been in medicine, I have not touched it since.”

He also quit cigarettes and hasn’t smoked one since.

That was 64 years ago.

He likes Concord Baptist Church.

“Big churches are fine, nothing wrong with them.

Crestview is fine and Florence over there in Forest City, but I love a small church.

You can get a lot of work done with a small church,” he said.

When somebody said those were amazing stories, he said, “It ain’t me. It’s the Good Lord.”

Brian Willette, an Army veteran himself, listened attentively and nodded. It was a beautiful moment. Herschel blessed us as he left. For those of you who know him, he is not someone to pass in the grocery store without saying “Hello.” Contact Pat Jobe at patjobe13@gmail.com.

Herschel Beaver telling good stories.

Aiming Outdoorsmen Toward Christ

NC Baby Barn Owls Received Worldwide Attention

By Gary Miller

July is the month when the fruit of sowing begins to show. Gardens begin to produce their harvest, and trees begin to reveal what has been hiding behind their leaves. For deer hunters, behind those oak leaves should be tiny acorns beginning to take shape. And since acorns are a deer’s favorite food, these signs tell us where to hang a tree stand. It’s not unusual for me this time of year, to just ride around on my side-byside looking for the trees that will be dropping acorns during the upcoming deer season. And there’s really no rhyme or reason to know which trees these will be. Sometimes I will see a large tree, thick with leaves, and think this tree will be full of acorns, only to do a deeper look and find no fruit whatsoever. It looked “fruity,” but nothing was there.

Springtime is birthing season for many wildlife species. This spring, over 62,000 people watched and listened remotely as the first of six barn owl eggs hatched in realtime via an N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s (NCWRC) live web camera, affectionally called the “Owl Cam.”

“We have folks who have watched from almost every state, as well as Canada, Switzerland, Germany, UK, France, Netherlands, Portugal, New Zealand, Italy, Estonia, Ireland, Argentina, Sweden, Spain and more,” said Wildlife Conservation Engagement Coordinator Austin Hill.

It’s the first time NCWRC has offered a live wildlife camera viewing opportunity to the public, and staff say it has exceeded expectations.

There’s a story in the Bible where Jesus saw a fig tree that looked fruity, but when He arrived at the tree, the figs were absent. He cursed the tree and it withered. He understood that while leaves do most of the work that makes fruit possible, leaves are not the fruit.

For years, when it came to the Christian life, I got the fruit wrong. I thought the fruit of a follower of Christ was church attendance, prayer, giving, Bible study, and some other disciplines. Somehow, I overlooked one of the simplest verses in the Bible. The Apostle Paul put it on the lower shelf for people like me. He said, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Gal 5:22-23 NLT) For some reason, I always thought these verses read this way. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: Bible reading, church attendance, prayer, and giving.” I’m not sure how I missed something so plain. Maybe I couldn’t see the fruit for the leaves. More likely however, I thought the leaves were the fruit. Let me break this down quickly. (And you can join me on Zoom on Tuesday mornings as I talk about this.) The true test of spiritual growth is not found in the leaves but in the fruit. And what the Holy Spirit is trying to produce in you and me, is not church attendance, prayer, Bible study, or giving. These are only the leaves. And while they do most of the work toward producing fruit, they are not the fruit. Let me break it down a little more. If you and I are a follower of Christ and we are not more loving, joyful, peace-filled, have more patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, than we were a few years ago, then we have mistaken the leaves for the fruit. And while others may be initially drawn to our fruity look, they will ultimately leave disappointed because our life produced nothing that satisfied.

Gary Miller gary@outdoortruths.org

Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 23 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wildgame dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Stay updated on Outdoor Truths each week by subscribing at Outdoortruths.org

“Viewership hit its high point around April 15, when the owlets began hatching; truly the most exciting moment of the season,” said Education Division’s Development and Evaluation Supervisor Sydney Brown.

NCWRC staff say viewers saw the owlets losing the last of their baby down, start exploring and leaving the barn, and learning to hunt. As the owls fledge (learn to fly), viewers saw their clumsy failure attempts too.

Feeding the owlets was a fan favorite. Since hatching, viewers watched both parents bring food to the nest with delectables such as rodents and rabbits to feed multiple hungry owlet mouths.

There were three cameras inside and outside the nesting box.

“Cameras became more active as the owls fledge and left the box to explore the barn and surroundings,” said Hill.

Barn owls disperse singly in random directions in short moves, staying for a period before moving again in search of a territory. They could ultimately disperse hundreds of miles.

The female laid six eggs. One of the eggs never hatched, and on May 27 the youngest owlet died from what Commission staff believe was due to a combination of factors such as malnutrition, failure to thrive, competition from older siblings, drought-related prey shortages, and additional pressure from a nearby nest competing for the same food resources.

“The drought reduces prey availability for the owls. Plant life and vegetation die off which causes the rodent population to decrease,” said Hill. “A decreased rodent population means less food for the owls and more work to find the rodents that remain.”

There was no editing to the live camera, therefore when one of

the owlets died, NCWRC posted information on the Owl Cam webpage about this being a natural part of life.

Staff learned more about barn owls through this experience, too.

“We’ve never done anything like this before, so this has been our first real step into the live wildlife cam world, and we’ve been blown away by the public’s response. We’ve loved watching along with everyone else and have been gathering our own data on how barn owls’ nest grow and interact here in Western North Carolina. It’s been a wonderful journey, and we’re excited to do it again next year,” said Brown.

The project has garnered public interest in supporting this bird species.

“A lot of folks have emailed asking how they can help protect barn owls and how they can attract them to their property,” said Hill.

This owl nest box was installed in 2011 at an undisclosed, remote location in Western North Carolina and used for agency monitoring. The idea of hosting a live webcam was created during an Education Division meeting while discussing opportunities to engage constituents.

The barn owl was chosen for this project because it is listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) Priority and a Knowledge Gap Research Priority by the agency’s 2025 Wildlife Action Plan.

“It allows us to see what happens in the nest of an elusive raptor and behaviors we wouldn’t be able to observe on the outside of the box,” said Hill. “We’re building out some

K-12 Curriculum to go along with the camera so it can extend into the classroom.”

Viewers could identify each of the four owlets by their banded legs.

Once the owls left the nest, staff took the camera down, clean the nest box, make any needed repairs and check all the cameras and wiring. NCWRC will run the Owl Cam again next season and hope the same pair return next season.

If interested in helping the agency learn how barn owls are doing across the state, please consider donating to the Wildlife Diversity Endowment Fund, which supports all species of greatest conservation need in North Carolina. In addition, the public can participate in data collection for this species by downloading the iNaturalist app and reporting barn out sightings.

The Barn Own Trust is another great resource to learn more about this species or how to find out if they have barn owl activity on their property.

“If people start seeing whitewash on the floor of their barn or silo, they probably have a barn owl roosting there – which is a good thing,” said Conservation Biologist Joe Tomcho. “Barn owls provide excellent natural rodent control, and the Trust also houses the blueprint for our own nest box design, which helps encourage a safe nesting site for these beneficial birds.”

To report an injured wild animal or to speak with a biologist, contact NCWRC’s Wildlife Helpline at 866318-2401.

Rutherfordton Little League 10U

GARY MILLER

The Rutherfordton Little League 10U AllStar Baseball Team won an incredible District 1 Championship victory! Their hard work, determination, teamwork, and dedication have paid off. This team has represented Rutherfordton with heart and sportsmanship every step of the way, and now they have earned the opportunity to compete at the next level.

Pictured left to right, first row: Jakob Faulkner, Aiden Tate, Channing Nanney, Jeremiah Davis, Bennett Pienkos. Second row: Holden Braddy, Wyatt Shamblin, Tucker Lane, Easton Lynch, Carter Grier, DazYrion Dato. Not Pictured: Elijah Hardin. Coaches: Jonathan Faulkner, Nic Grier, AJ Lynch.

Rutherfordton Little League -D1, NC

Every player and coach played a huge part in this amazing accomplishment. Bryant Petty, Kirk Pittman. Bat boy: Cason Padgett.

Rutherfordton Little League -D1, NC

VA launches Partial Claim Program to help Veterans avoid home foreclosure

The Department of Veterans Affairs formally launched the VA Partial Claim Program, a new effort to help Veterans facing financial struggles avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes.

The VA Partial Claim Program is authorized by the VA Home Loan Reform Act, which President Trump signed into law July 30, 2025.

Here’s how it works:

• Mortgage servicers identify Veterans who are in default and might be able to qualify for the Partial Claim Program.

• Servicers place qualified Veterans on a three-month trial payment plan to assess their ability to stay current on their loan.

• When a Veteran successfully completes this trial period, the mortgage servicer will pay the overdue amount on the mortgage to make the Veteran current again.

• VA will then pay that same amount to the mortgage servicer.

• Servicers must repay VA when the loan is paid in full, refinanced, or the property is sold

“We are grateful to Congress and President Trump for creating VA’s Partial Claim Program, which will help keep thousands of Veterans in their homes,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins.

VA’s Partial Claim Program is one of several

options designed to help Veterans keep their homes and avoid foreclosure – something the department worked with mortgage servicers to do for 173,000 Veterans in fiscal year 2025 alone.

Other home retention options include:

• Repayment Plans

• VA Traditional Loan Modifications

• 30-Year Loan Modifications

• 40-Year Loan Modifications

• VA Disaster Modifications

• Disaster Extend Modifications

Veterans having difficulty reaching a resolution with their mortgage servicer can contact VA at 877-827-3702, option 6.

For more information about the VA Partial Claim Program and VA home loans, visit the Loan Guaranty Service website (https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans).

VA is proud to help Veterans get access to — and retain — their homes by guaranteeing home loans with zero-down payment requirements and competitively low interest rates. Since its home loan guaranty program began, VA has helped Veterans, Service members, and survivors purchase more than 29 million homes, including more than 500,000 new home loans guaranteed in fiscal year 2025.

Article Provided By: US Department of Veterans Affairs

JULY

July 4

The Big Day in Ellenboro

July 13-17

We Build! Summer Camp

July 17

When: July 4; 9am-1pm

Where: Depot Street, Ellenboro

More Info: Car Show, Vendors, Kid’s Activities, Bouncy-house, Face painting. Patriotic Opening event: 9am. Free hot dogs, chips and bottle water: 10:30am-until. Entertainment by the Golden Valley Crusaders. 828447-6442 for more info.

When: July 13-17; 8am-noon daily

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

More Info: Presented by Rutherford Housing Partnership. Rising 4th-7th grade girls. info@rhpwnc.org

Blood Drive

July 14

Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday

Forest City Vip Lions Club

When: Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday; 6:30pm

Where: Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church; 397 Mt. Pleasant Church Rd., Forest City

More Info: Seeking volunteers or new members. We serve our community.

Every 2nd Tuesday

Lake Lure Lions Club

When: 2nd Tuesdays 6pm

Where: La Strada Restaurant; 2693 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure

More Info: If you’re interested & would like to attend a meeting, contact club president John Kobland at jkobland@gmail.com.

First Tuesday

Rutherford Dementia Support Group

When: 1st Tues. monthly 5-6pm

Where: First United Methodist Church Forest City Fellowship Hall; 341 E. Main St., Forest City

More Info: Discuss topics related to Dementia. 828-395-0083.

First Tuesday Cancer Support Group

When: 1st Tues. monthly 5-6:30pm

Where: Rutherford County Senior Center

More Info: For cancer patients & survivors; informative topics, friendship & refreshments. RSVP 828-245-4596, option 1.

Third Tuesday Amateur Radio Club

When: 3rd Tuesday; 7pm

Where: Rutherford County Administration Building; 289 N. Main St., Rutherfordton (Use the door on the left to enter the building.)

More Info: Isothermal Amateur Radio Club Amateur Radio Operators (Hams), GMRS, or any radio hobby enthusiast feel free to join us & explore the aspects of the radio hobby.

Fourth Tuesday Rutherford County Woodworkers Club

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

Second Thursday Coffee for Veterans

When: 2nd Thurs. monthly 10am Where: Fairfield Mountains Chapel; 1384 Buffalo Creek Rd., Lake Lure

More Info: All veterans welcome for free coffee, refreshments, and camaraderie.

Third Tuesday

Rutherford Beekeepers Monthly Club Meeting

When: Third Tuesday; 6pm Where: Cooperative Extension; 193 Callahan-Koon Rd., Spindale

More Info: Rutherford County Beekeepers’ monthly meeting is for any beekeeper or anyone else wanting to connect, learn, and share about beekeeping. We serve the county as ambassadors for beekeeping.

Third Thursday Coffee & Conversations for Veterans When: Third Thursday monthly; 9:30-10:30am Where: Rutherford County Veteran Services; 145 College Ave. Suite B, Rutherfordton More Info: 828-287-6185.

Thursdays

BINGO – Disabled American

Veterans Chapter 25

When: Thursdays 7-10pm Where: Old Green Hill School; 2501 US 64/74A Hwy., Rutherfordton

More Info: Doors open 5:30pm. Early bird 7pm; regular program 7:30pm

Narcotics Anonymous meeting

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

Rutherfordton Kiwanis Club Meeting

When: 6:30pm (except 5th Thursdays)

Where: Woodrow Jones Building, Main St., Rutherfordton

More Info: Join us to work for the benefit of the kids of Rutherford County

Learn more about the history of the Confederacy

Contact teddybear93_890@ yahoo.com. We need new members interested in the history & will help preserve this history. Contact me about joining the LT William Corbitt SCV camp. Meetings 2nd Thursday night at the Annex in Rutherfordton

Saturdays

Community Flea Market

When: First Saturday monthly

Where: Gilkey Community Center; 217 Gilkey School Rd., Rutherfordton

More Info: Fundraiser for Gilkey Community Center building improvements. Joey 828-2898828.

America 250 Rutherford County One County. One Celebration. 250

Years

When: July 4; noon

Where: Isothermal Community College – Lake Imogene Campus Grounds; 286 ICC Loop Rd., Spindale

More Info: Rutherford County’s official celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary — a once in a generation event bringing our communities together for one unforgettable night of patriotism, pride, and celebration. Massive countywide fireworks show with public viewing areas at Legacy Soccer Park and AJSA Jet Ski Races at the Lake Imogene Campus

August 1

Movement Fest & Back 2 School Bash

When: August 1; 10am-2pm

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

More Info: This FREE community event is all about helping students get ready for a successful school year while having fun and connecting with local resources. School Supplies, Family Resources, Fitness & Movement Activities, Activities & Games, Free Food!

When: July 14; 1:30-6pm

Where: Gilkey School Community Center Cafeteria; 217 Gilkey School Rd., Rutherfordton

More Info: For appointment call 1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter Sponsor Code “Gilkey”. Bring Red Cross Donor Card or Photo lD. Walk-lns welcome, appointments honored first! Give blood July 13 to 31 for a Fandango Movie Reward by email to see a movie on us! rcblood.org/July

Finally Fridays featuring The Tams When: July 17; 7-10pm

Where: Forest City Pavilion On Park Square - POPS; 153 Park Square, Forest City

More Info: Free and open to the public. forestcitypops.com.

July 24

Free Movie Friday

When: July 24; 8pm

Where: Forest City Pavilion On Park Square - POPS; 153 Park Square, Forest City

More Info: Grab your lawn chairs and join us for Goat! It’s the perfect way to enjoy an evening with friends and family. Free and open to the public. forestcitypops.com.

Thru July 25

Art Show

When: Thru July 25; Wed., Thurs., Sat. 11am-3pm, Fri. 11am-7pm

Where: Rutherford County Visual Artists Guild; 160 N. Main St., Rutherfordton More Info: “Textures”, a collaborative art show by Bobby Pitts (ceramicist) and Tom Phelps (photographer). “Textures” exhibits pairings of photographs and pottery tied together by a dialogue that begins in color and finds an echo in texture: what is suggested on a flat surface becomes tangible in clay.

August 1

Open House at Old Hollis School

When: August 1; 1-5pm

Where: Old Hollis School; 4522 Hollis Rd., Ellenboro

More Info: Includes a walking tour of the Old Hollis School grounds, historical exhibits, & rededication of J.P.D. Withrow monument. Also recognizes the centennial year of Withrow’s death, the school’s role in Rutherford County public education, & will introduce plans for the future of the site.

September 30-October 3

Celebration of the Arts When: September 30-October 3

Where: The Guild; 160 North Main St., Ruthefordton

More Info: Includes: People’s Choice Voting, Artists Reception (Oct. 2, 5-7pm), Awards (Oct. 3, 4-5pm). info@rcartguild. com

9.8

The nicknames of all 50 states

State

square kilometers (roughly 3.8 million square miles), and the country’s terrain is as diverse as the people who call the nation home. There may be no better way to gain a feel for America and its inhabitants than getting behind the wheel and taking a road trip, but there’s many other ways to gain insight into what makes each state unique. Each state in the United States has at least one nickname, and those monikers can be a fun way to spark discussions and learn more about each of the 50 states that make up the country.

• Maine: Pine Tree State

• Maryland: Free State, Old Line State

• Massachusetts: Bay State, Old Colony State

• Alabama: Cotton State, Yellowhammer State

• Alaska: The Last Frontier

• Arizona: Grand Canyon State

• Arkansas: Natural State

• California: Golden State

• Colorado: Centennial State

• Connecticut: Nutmeg State, Constitution State

• Delaware: The First State, Diamond State

• Florida: Sunshine State

• Hawaii: Aloha State

• Idaho: Gem State

• Illinois: Prairie State, Land of Lincoln

• Indiana: Hoosier State

• Iowa: Hawkeye State, Corn State

• Kansas: Sunflower State

• Kentucky: Bluegrass State

• Louisiana: Pelican State, Creole State, Sugar

• Georgia: Peach State, Empire State of the South

• S • L W

• Michigan: Wolverine State, Great Lake State

• Minnesota: North Star State, Gopher State, Land of 10,000 Lakes, Land of Sky-Blue Waters

• Mississippi: Magnolia State

• • M

• Missouri: Show Me State

• Montana: Treasure State, Big Sky Country

• Nebraska: Cornhusker State, Beef State

• New Hampshire: Granite State

• New Jersey: Garden State

• New Mexico: Land of Enchantment

• Nevada: Silver State, Sagebrush State, Battle Born State

• New York: Empire State

• Ohio: Buckeye State

• North Dakota: Flickertail State, Sioux State, Peace Garden State

• Oklahoma: Sooner State

• Oregon: Beaver State

• Pennsylvania: Keystone State

• South Carolina: Palmetto State

• Rhode Island: Ocean State, Little Rhody

• South Dakota: The Mount Rushmore State

• Tennessee: Volunteer State

• Texas: Lone Star State

• Utah: Beehive State

• Vermont: Green Mountain State

• North Carolina: Tar Heel State, Old North State

• Virginia: The Old Dominion, Mother of Presidents

• Washington: Evergreen State, Chinook State

• West Virginia: Mountain State

• Wisconsin: Badger State, America’s Dairyland

• Wyoming: Equality State

Bostic Freedom Fest; Thursday, July 2 • 6PM

Where: Concord Baptist Church; 720 Old US 74 Hwy., Bostic

More Info: Presented by Concord Baptist Church. Activities for all ages:

• Live Music • Food & Italian Ices

• Sheriff’s Office K9 Demonstration

• Mega Water Balloon Fight

• Kids Activities, Games & More

• Historical Reenactors, Displays, Artifacts

Owls Fireworks Friday, July 3

After Owls vs. Bigfoots Game

Where: McNair Field; 214 McNair Field Drive, Forest City

More Info: First, we’ll take on the Boone Bigfoots, but following the conclusion of the game, will be our biggest firework show of the season! Tickets: www. forestcitybaseball.com or call 828-2450000.

• FIREWORK SHOW! Questions 828-447-5124.

Shelby City Park Fireworks Extravaganza Friday, July 3, • 1PM-10PM

Where: Shelby City Park; 850 W. Sumter St., Shelby

• Food truck starting late afternoon until fireworks

• Patriotic music and games starting at 7pm

• Face painting, balloon artist, bubble lady 7-9pm

• Carousel & train rides 1-6pm

• Shelby Aquatic Center 1-6pm

SHELBY

CITY PARK

• Aaron Morrison 7-7:45pm

FRIDAY, JULY 3RD • 10:00PM

• Travis Powell 8-9:30pm

• Bring lawn chairs &

Marion Independence Day Celebration July 4 • 6pm

Where: Marion, NC

• Parade 6pm

• Tanya & the Roadrunnerz Band 6:30pm

blankets Info: 704-484-6821 cityofshelby.com/parks

“Red, White, and “The King”

• PATRIOTIC MUSIC AND GAMES STARTING 7:00PM

• Food trucks & restaurants open

• Free inflatables for the kids!

• Fireworks 9:30pm

• Bring a lawn chair

• PATRIOTIC COSTUME CONTEST 7:45 PM

More Info: 828-652-2215 or Marion Business Association on Facebook.

Capitol 250: North Carolina Freedom Fest Saturday, July 4, • 10AM-4PM

Where: North Carolina

State Capitol, Raleigh

Free celebration of the arts, history, nature, and culture that define North Carolina’s role in the nation’s story.

Music by: Tift Merritt & Rissi Palmer, along with Nest of Singing Birds, 82nd Airborne AllAmerican Brass Quintet,

Wake & District Raleigh Pipe Band, NC Governor’s School Choir & more Family fun, including:

• KidZone

• Trolley tours of Raleigh

• Living history exhibits

• Historic Fashion Show

• Vendors & food trucks

• Independence Day Ceremony Info: RaleighNC.gov

America 250 Rutherford County One County. One Celebration. 250 Years. Saturday, July 4

Where: Isothermal Community College – Lake Imogene Campus Grounds

Rutherford County’s official celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary — a once in a generation event bringing our communities together for one unforgettable night of patriotism, pride, and celebration.

For the first time ever, the towns of Bostic, Forest City, Lake Lure, Spindale, Chimney Rock, Ellenboro, and Rutherfordton are uniting alongside Rutherford County Government and the Rutherford County TDA to host one countywide Independence Day celebration for all to enjoy.

Saturday, July 4 activities begin in Rutherfordton at 10am with the official unveiling of the Overmountain Men Memorial Statue, honoring the historic militia whose role in the American Revolution remains a defining part of the region’s heritage.

Throughout the day, Isothermal Community College’s Lake Imogene will host a free-admission American Jet Sport Association racing and entertainment event, bringing high-energy water sport competition, family-friendly activities, and visitors from across the Southeast to the center of the county’s signature celebration site.

Experience a professionally designed fireworks spectacular featuring 1,578 precision shells ranging from 3” to 8” for a breathtaking aerial display unlike anything Rutherford County has seen before.

Event Highlights:

• Massive countywide fireworks show

• Public viewing areas at Legacy Soccer Park

• AJSA Jet Ski Races at the Lake Imogene Campus

• Family friendly atmosphere

• Community celebration honoring 250 years of America

This celebration is about more than fireworks. It is about community, unity, and honoring the history and spirit of America together as one Rutherford County. Bring your family, friends, lawn chairs, and patriotic spirit and celebrate this historic milestone with us!

Big Day Ellenboro; Saturday, July 4 • 9AM-1PM

Where: Depot Street, Ellenboro

More Info: Join us for a day of family fun including:

• Craft & Food Vendors

• Car Show

• Kid’s Fun Area!

• Bouncy-house

• Face painting

10:30am-until.

• Patriotic Opening event: 9am.

• Free hot dogs, chips and bottled water

• Entertainment by the Golden Valley Crusaders. 828-447-6442 for more information.

Lebanon Methodist Church 2330 Big Level Rd., Mill Spring, NC

July 2

What: Bostic Freedom Fest

When: July 2; 6pm

Where: Concord Baptist Church; 720 Old US 74 Hwy., Bostic

More Info: Live music, food, K9 demo, water balloon fight, kids activities, historical artifacts and more. The evening will end with a fireworks show. Please call with any questions 828-447-5124.

July 5

What: First Sunday Night Singing

When: July 5; 7pm

Where: Riverside Baptist Church; 1178 Hogan Rd., Forest City

More Info: Featuring “Faith Walkers 4”

July 5-10

What: Vacation Bible School

When: July 5-10; 5:30-8pm

Where: Golden Valley Community Church; 6800 Bostic Sunshine Hwy., Bostic More Info: Kids of all ages welcome. 828755-5207

July 11

What: Vacation Bible School

When: July 11; 9am-1pm

Where: East End Baptist Church; 330 US 74 Business Hwy., Bostic

More Info: “The Armor of God” Bible lessons, games, crafts, music & snacks!

July 18

What: Food Give Away

When: July 18; 8-10am

Where: Caroleen Congregational Holiness Church; 112 Walker Store Rd., Ellenboro

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

July 20-24

What: Vacation Bible School

When: July 20-24; 5:30-8:30pm Where: First Wesleyan Church; 700 South Church St., Forest City

August 1

What: Shoes of Hope

When: August 1; 8am-1pm

Where: Second Baptist Church Family Life Center, off Green Street in Rutherfordton

More Info: Volunteers needed, call 828286-9662 Second Baptist partners with Least of These Carolinas to host a special event for children in foster care and kinship care. Children are able to pick out a brandnew backpack, socks, underwear and a new pair of shoes.

August 30

What: Chimney Rock Baptist Church 100th Anniversary

When: August 30; 10am

Where: Chimney Rock Baptist Church; 270 Boys Camp Rd., Lake Lure

More Info: Refreshments will follow and all are invited to join this special event.

Ongoing

Church Programs

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church

Sunday school 10am; Worship 11am. Free meal 10am-12pm; last Sat. monthly. Mt. Olivet Church Rd., Ellenboro.

Avondale United Methodist Church Sun: 9:45am. 2596 US Hwy. 221-A, Avondale. PO Box 266, Henrietta.

Mount Lebanon Baptist Church 801 Mount Lebanon Church Rd., Bostic.

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church

Sunday School 10-11am, Worship 11am-12pm, Wed: 7-8pm.

East End Baptist Church

Sunday School 9:45am, Sun: 11am & 5:30pm, Wed: 5:30pm. 330 US 74 Bus. Hwy., Bostic. Pastor Wayne Toney, Assoc. Pastor Richard Toney.

Piedmont Baptist Church 1050 Maple Creek Rd., Rutherfordton. Friendly atmosphere, no dress code, no politics. 828-447-9594.

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

Spindale First Baptist Church Showers of Blessing Shower Ministry Mon: 10am-2pm. Towels, Wash Cloths, Shampoo, Soap, Refreshments, Fellowship. Free Rutherford Transit Available. Heavenly Sundsine free laundry: Washer, Dryer, Detergent, Hot Water, Refreshments, Fellowship. Free Rutherford Transit Available. 871 Thunder Rd., Spindale.

Lebanon Methodist Church 11am Service. A Global Methodist Congregation. 2330 Big Level Rd., Mill Spring. 828-625-2656.

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.

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

1⁄4 teaspoon salt

1⁄2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

3⁄4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Red, white and blue sprinkles, for topping

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

1⁄2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar

1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream or milk

By: Jean Gordon

We all know America’s 250th birthday is Saturday, July 4 and celebrations will be held across the nation, state and of course, here at home in Rutherford County.

The Big Day in Ellenboro kicks off at 9am on Depot Street in Ellenboro and concludes about 1pm. The 250 years of America will be celebrated with craft vendors, food vendors, car show, a childrens’ fun area, free hotdogs and live music by the Golden Valley Crusaders.

Also on Saturday at 10am, there will be a dedication of

A 250TH BIRTHDAY AND MEMORIES OF CAMPING

the new Overmountain Men Memorial Statue in downtown Rutherfordton on Court Street. The event includes live Appalachian music, a ceremonial black powder salute, family activities, storytelling, and more. There is also “one county, one celebration” for America’s 250 years on Saturday, July 4 at Isothermal Community College, Lake Imogene grounds. The event will be Rutherford County’s official celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary — a once in a generation event bringing all communities together for one unforgettable night of patriotism, pride, and celebration.

For the first time ever, the towns of Bostic, Forest City, Lake Lure, Spindale, Chimney Rock, Ellenboro, and Rutherfordton are uniting alongside Rutherford County Government and the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) to host one countywide

Independence Day celebration for all to enjoy.

Public viewing areas include the Legacy Soccer Park off Piney Ridge Road, Spindale.

There will be several displays of public fireworks in the areas of Lake Lure, including those hosted by Rumbling Bald, the Lake Lure Inn and a fireworks display near the Tryon Bay.

Years ago our family celebrated July 4 vacationing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or at Myrtle Beach. Camping was also our way of vacationing and I recommend that way of relaxing. I looked forward to that week all my young life.

Our parents both worked at separate textile plants in Rutherford County and back in the day the textile mills across Rutherford County were closed for vacation during the week of the Fourth.

For most of our camping lives we were in the mountains of North Carolina

and Tennessee where it was nice and cool and sleeping was fabulous, curled up in a sleeping bag in a canvas tent. The beach vacations in a tent weren’t as pleasant. In fact, there was no way to get cool lying in a sleeping bag in a canvas tent, but once morning came, the days were filled with plenty of fun excursions walking the beach, catching sand crabs and collecting shells. Evening meals were celebrated at the best seafood restaurants in the area. The best part of evenings was telling stories around the campfire and toasting marshmallows.

Our July 4 day was spent attending various programs and fireworks displays at the campgrounds. Cherished memories.

If you’re in town, check out the fireworks displays and wish yourself a happy 250th birthday.

Contact Jean Gordon at: gordonjean211@gmail.com

City of Kings Mountain 2026 “Live at Patriots Park” Concert September 10

Live entertainment is back at Patriots Park! The City of Kings Mountain is thrilled to bring live music back to Downtown Kings Mountain with the 2026 “Live at Patriots Park” Concert, presented by the Albemarle Corporation.

The concert features talented entertainers at the Liberty Falls Amphitheatre. The concert will begin at 7PM on September 10. with Travis Powell as Elvis and special guests Carolina Quartet and Travis’ All-Star Band.

Get your taste buds ready! Food trucks and an adult beverage garden will be on hand.

Great food, beverages, and live music in Downtown Kings Mountain will be epic. Patriots Park is located at 220 South Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain. For more information call 704-730-2101 or visit www. kingsmountainevents. com.

How America got its name

As residents of the United States of America celebrate the nation’s two hundred and fiftieth anniversary, some might be curious where the “America” portion of the country’s name comes from. According to the Library of Congress, America is named after Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. The LOC contends that Vespucci was the first to suggest that the lands Christopher Columbus sailed to in 1492 were part of a separate continent. German mapmaker Martin Waldseemüller honored Vespucci’s assertion in 1507, when he created a notable map that was the first to depict the lands as a separate continent, naming the area “America,” which is a Latinized version of “Amerigo.” That map is now part of the cartographic collections at the LOC, and is sometimes referred to as “America’s Birth Certificate.”

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For cookie cups: preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 24-count mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Beat butter and granulated sugar for 1 to 2 minutes, or until well combined. Mix in egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Mix in dry ingredients until just combined.

Evenly distribute cookie dough among 24 cups in the mini muffin pan. Press each ball of cookie dough into the cups and smooth it out.

Bake 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges of the cookie cups are lightly browned and the tops are set.

Remove from oven, and make an indentation in each cookie using the back of a measuring spoon. Allow to cool in the muffin pan, then remove from the pan and set aside. For frosting: Beat butter for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth. Add powdered sugar, 1⁄2 cup at a time, mixing in each addition until well combined.

Add heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until fully combined. Pipe frosting into the cooled cookie cups and top with the sprinkles.

Store cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

MEYER LEMONBUTTERMILK ICE CREAM

Makes 1 quart

3⁄4 cup (6 oz.) heavy whipping cream

2⁄3 cup granulated cane sugar, divided into halves 2 Meyer lemons,

Answers to Word Search

tablespoons fresh lemon juice)

1⁄2 Tahitian vanilla bean, split horizontally

6 extra-large egg yolks

1 1⁄4 cups (10 ounces) buttermilk, chilled Stir cream and 1⁄3 cup of sugar together in a small saucepan. Finely grate the zest from the lemon into the pan. Scrape vanilla seeds from the bean into the pan and then add the bean. Bring cream to a boil over medium heat. Turn off heat, cover the top of the pan with plastic wrap, let cool to room temperature. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, strain the cream through a fine-mesh sieve and return to the saucepan. Add milk. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

While the cream mixture is heating, combine egg yolks and remaining 1⁄3 cup sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until mixture is pale and thick, 3 to 5 minutes.

Switch mixer to low speed. Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the bowl and beat just until combined. Do not beat to a froth.

Return mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard coats a spoon and registers 160F on an instant-read thermometer, about 5 minutes.

Pour through the fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the custard overnight.

The next day, add the buttermilk and lemon juice to the custard and stir to mix. Churn the custard in an ice-cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Travis Powell as Elvis will perform on September 12.

NC Labor Commissioner Farley invites North Carolinians

North Carolina Labor Commissioner Luke Farley invites North Carolinians from every corner of the state to gather in Raleigh for the First in Freedom Parade, a oncein-a-generation celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary on July 4 at 9:30am in Downtown Raleigh, beginning on Salisbury Street and proceeding toward the North Carolina State Capitol.

As the nation

commemorates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, North Carolina is proud to recognize its historic role in America’s founding. The parade will bring together veterans, first responders, community organizations, businesses, performers, public agencies, and citizens from across the state in a shared celebration of freedom and civic spirit.

“As the First in Freedom

VA Community Care contributed more than $36B to local economies in FY 2025

Congress with widespread bipartisan support. The law created a benefit that lets eligible Veterans choose care from authorized local, nonVA healthcare providers at VA expense. VA pays for that care under the Veterans Community Care Program, which is the fourth largest healthcare payer program in America and provides healthcare services supporting more than 8.62 million enrolled Veterans.

With the enactment of the bipartisan Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act in 2025, Congress reaffirmed its commitment to Veterans’ healthcare choice by requiring VA to ensure that Veterans and their referring clinicians can choose community care without any additional review when it’s in the Veteran’s best medical interest. Under current law, Veterans can also choose community care in other circumstances, including if their average driving time or wait time exceeds certain thresholds or when they need a service that is not provided by VA.

While community care is an important option for many Veterans, VA is also spending record amounts of funding on direct care — a record high $101 billion was spent on direct care in FY 2025,

State, North Carolina has a special place in America’s story,” said Farley. “I hope you will join us in Raleigh as we celebrate 250 years of freedom and honor those who continue to uphold that legacy.”

The North Carolina Department of Labor is proud to partner with the North Carolina General Assembly and Celebrate America Foundation to support this event and encourages all who are able to

attend and participate. The parade will step off from Salisbury Street, travel through downtown Raleigh, pass the historic State Capitol, and conclude on Lenoir Street. A parade route map is attached below.

Spectators are encouraged to line the route and join fellow North Carolinians in this historic celebration.

Article By: North Carolina Department of Labor

when VA completed a record high 82,083,918 direct care appointments, up 4.1% from Federal healthcare payer programs — like the Veterans Community Care Program, Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE — are critical to the operation of every healthcare system in the country and help ensure patients get the care they need. That is especially true in rural areas, where millions of America’s Veterans live. Rural healthcare providers sometimes operate on margins of less than 1%, which means VA community care payments help ensure these providers remain open and able to care for Veterans, their families and others in the community.

Providing Veterans the ability to receive care from non-VA healthcare providers at VA expense has widespread bipartisan support. A March 2026 survey from Rasmussen Reports found that 90% of likely military voters support the policy.

In FY 2025, the top ten states that benefited from VA community care were: Texas, $3.3 billion Florida, $2.8 billion California, $2.1 billion North Carolina, $1.5 billion Ohio, $1.3 billion Tennessee, $1.2 billion Pennsylvania, $1.1 billion Michigan, $1.0 billion

Georgia, $1.0 billion Arizona, $1.0 billion

VA continues to make major improvements in the way care and benefits are being delivered to Veterans:

• VA opened 36 new health care clinics since January of

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Phone 828-248-1408

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2025, expanding access for Veterans around the country.

• The backlog of Veterans waiting for VA benefits is down 72% since Jan. 20, 2025, after it increased 24% during the Biden Administration. In February, this backlog fell to less than 100,000 claims for the first time since 2020.

• VA will spend nearly $5 billion in FY2026 to modernize, repair and improve health care facilities, the largest non-recurring maintenance investment in VA’s history.

• As of June, VA has enrolled

more than 180,000 new Veterans in VA health care in 2026.

• Since Jan. 20, 2025, VA has offered Veterans more than 2.8 million appointments outside of normal operating hours. These early-morning, evening, and weekend appointments are giving Veterans more timely and convenient options for care.

• VA permanently housed 51,936 homeless Veterans across the country in FY25, the highest total in seven years.

Article By: US Dept. of Veterans Affairs

Nary, age 88 of Bostic died Sunday, June 21, 2026.

to his family and friends, was born May 18, 1938, in the Town of Adams, Massachusetts and was a son of the late William Thomas Nary, Sr., and Isabel Hardgrove Smith Nary.

ployed machinist, and he honorably served his country in the United States Army.

wife, Marianne Senesac Nary, and his brother, Robert Nary of Wilmington, NC.

Services were private for the family.

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

Padgett~King Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.

Brenda Kay Martin McFarland

Brenda Kay Martin McFarland, age 76 of Ellenboro died Friday, June 19, 2026.

Brenda was born October 30, 1949, in Rutherford County and was the daughter of the late Hubert and Florence Lewis Martin. She worked for Street’s Insurance Agency in the office where she retired.

She was a graduate of East Rutherford High School and was a member of M&T Ministries. She

great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral service was held June 26 in The Padgett and King Chapel with Rev. Scott Smith officiating.

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

Padgett~King Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.

Shirley McKinney Glover

Shirley McKinney Glover, age 85, of Forest City NC, passed away June 23, 2026.

Shirley lived her life as a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, and sister, as well as a friend to many.

Her faith in God was unwavering and carried her through every season of life. Most of her life she was a member of Hopewell United Methodist Church and in the last years she was a member of Salem

Corbin Hardin, and Cragan Newton (Shane); her great-grandson, Cooper; and her sister, Barbara Epley (Don).

A Memorial service was held June 27 at Salem United Methodist Church with Rev. Kathy Earley officiating.

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

Christopher Eric Toney

It is with great sadness we announce that beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Christopher Eric Toney, 53, passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2026. He was born in Rutherford County, NC to Nancy Hudson Toney and the late Ronnie Toney.

He is survived by sons, Braxton Toney, wife

WORDS COUNT

Memorial tributes may be made at rsmorganfsl. com.

Robert Morgan Funeral and Cremation Service, LLC is serving the family.

James Franklin Barker

James Franklin Barker, age 87 of Forest City died Wednesday, June 24, 2026. James was born September 10, 1938, in Gaston County, NC but was raised in Hickory. He was a son of the late Reginald Clifford Barker and Eubulus Clark Barker.

He worked as a Heavy Equipment and Crane Operator for Duke Power Company where he retired. He also served his country in the United States Navy. James was the oldest member of Goodes Creek Baptist Church. He was a Little League Umpire for more than 50 years and a former member of the Rutherford County Rescue Squad. He volunteered with children at Forrest Hunt Elementary.

Sally Ann Duncan

Sally Ann Duncan, age 74 of Forest City died Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Sally was born June 20, 1951, in Mentor, Ohio and was a daughter of the late John and Marion Clooney Ozinga. She was a Registered Nurse working in both hospital and clinical work.

Survivors include her husband of 14 years, Charles Duncan, her daughter, Kim Dellinger of Morganton, and stepson, Brandon Duncan of Asheville, her brothers, John Ozinga of Ohio and Donald Ozinga of Tennessee, and 4 grandchildren.

Services were private. An online guest registry is available at www. padgettking.com

Padgett~King Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.

proudly on active duty four years as a Navy Corpsman (Medic). He remained in the Navy Reserves for many years following his active service.

Bill graduated from Gardner Webb University. Bill worked as a Pharmaceutical Representative before becoming manager of Bio-Med Laboratories in Columbia, SC. Bill retired in 1980 and he and wife Ann moved to Florida. They began a successful national fabric distribution business. Bill moved back to Spindale in 1988 and managed their own Courier Service, a company which serviced the needs of the local textile industry.

Bill spent many years coaching Spindale area American Legion teams.

Bill is greatly missed by his daughter Debbie, son Michael, and wife Suzanne, four grandchildren, Jennifer, Carrie, Patrick, and Katie, and two great grandchildren Amelia and Paxton.

A memorial service will be held at 2PM Sun., July 5 at First United Methodist Church; 264 N. Main St., Rutherfordton with Rev. Eric Marshburn officiating. In lieu of flowers consider a donation to Empath Suncoast Hospice; 164 W. Lake Rd., Palm Harbor, FL 34684.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Peggy Waters Barker.

Billy Osborne “Bill” Howard

As we prepare to celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation, we must never let ourselves forget what makes this nation the greatest nation in the world. Even with all of its faults and imperfections, our nation continues to be the envy of the world. If you call yourself an American, then you have been truly blessed. It is nothing you have earned, but a great gift and opportunity given to you by the Sovereign Creator God. There is no doubt that the framers of our Declaration of Independence were led by God’s providence. Their dream of a unique nation would become a reality as they each placed their signatures on the monumental document. Many of these men would pay the ultimate price, while others would lose everything they owned to the oppressive British government. They were pledging their lives and earthly goods in the hope of securing God given freedoms. Since then, countless others have sacrificed life and limb on battlefields to perpetuate this great American experiment. Since its inception, America has led

the world in spreading the message of democracy and individual rights. Not only has our nation been the bastion of freedom but it has also been the primary tool in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the far corners of the world. Again and again, America has stood up against tyrants and authoritarians who seek to abolish life and liberty. May we once again pledge our allegiance to a nation whose foundation was built on the belief , “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” We pray that our nation will be worthy of God’s blessings and that He will continue to protect us from evil.

Survivors include his son, Kenneth Arthur Barker and wife Denise of Forest City, daughter, Teresa Barker Dalton and husband Kevin of Forest City, her brother, Regionald Barker and wife Pat of Lexington, SC, grandchildren, Ashley Jones and husband, Justin,

Billy Osborne “Bill” Howard passed away May 3, 2026 at the age of 96. Bill resided in Tarpon Springs, FL. Bill was born in Mooresville, NC in 1930 and moved to Spindale in 1935 with his parents, Ollie and Ray Howard and sister Doris Howard Cole (all

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

Online condolences may be made at www. crowemortuary.com. Crowe’s Mortuary is assisting the family.

Savvy Ways to Ensure Grilling Success T

This Summer

There’s just something timeless about a summer cookout with friends, family or neighbors. Whether it’s the sound of burgers sizzling on the grill or the smell of your favorite seasonal sides, the event invokes nostalgia and camaraderie.

While the spotlight may land on the burgers and barbecued fare, seasoned grill masters know the supporting cast matters, too. Makers of summer gatherings for more than 100 years, the bun experts at Wonder suggest a few ways to ensure your entertaining ventures are successful throughout the season.

Do What You Can Ahead of Time

Stick to a mix of easy favorites and make-ahead sides to keep prep manageable while offering something for everyone to enjoy. When possible, prep ahead of time so you can keep your focus on the fun and your attention on the hot grill. Chop vegetables, wash lettuce for burgers, make sure you have picked out the perfect buns, form and season beef patties and mix marinades the day before the big bash to avoid last-minute rushes around the kitchen.

Prep the Grill

Patience is key when it comes to grilling, as a properly heated grill is the foundation for good cooking. Give gas grills enough time to come to temperature, around 10-15 minutes, and allow charcoal to ash over completely. When grilling different types of food, it’s especially helpful to set up cooking zones – direct and indirect – so you can cook meat, veggies

Additionally, to help prevent sticking, lightly oil the clean grill grates before cooking. Using tongs and a paper towel dipped in oil is often more effective than coating foods with oil.

Use a Meat Thermometer

You may be a seasoned grill master, but guesswork can lead to mistakes, especially when cooking for a crowd. Avoid overcooked (or worse, undercooked) chicken and burgers by using an instant-read thermometer to help ensure meat is cooked safely

1. Brush cut sides of buns with softened butter, mayo or both to help the bun brown evenly.

2. Lightly salt the buttered side before grilling.

3. During the last 2 minutes of cooking burgers or dogs, place buns cutside down over medium-low heat for 30-60 seconds. Look for a light golden toast, crisp enough to hold up.

Let Food Rest Before Serving After grilling, give meat a few minutes to rest before serving or slicing. This

Grill Buns Correctly Burgers and hot dogs are classics for a reason, but avoiding soggy buns and mid-bite fallout requires the right bun for the job. Striking the perfect balance of pillowy softness with the structure to hold their shape through every loaded topping, condiment and bite is key when choosing the right bun for the job. More than just a vehicle for grilled favorites, Wonder Classic Hamburger and Hot Dog Buns are a familiar taste that makes cookouts delicious and have held it together, a century. In continuing its longstanding partnership with the USO through the annual Deploy the Joy campaign, you can keep an eye out through Sept. 12 for special packaging on select products with scannable QR codes for a chance to win a $10,000 Birthday Bash. For great grilled buns, follow a few easy steps:

allows juices to redistribute throughout

Layer Burgers, Condiments and Toppings

After toasting buns, add a thin layer of sauce to coat the bun then lettuce that’s been patted dry to remove moisture. Add cheese to the opposite bun and be sure to place the burger and other toppings in the center to keep moisture away from the bread, preventing sogginess. Follow this simple order for sturdy buns:

Toasted top bun

Condiment or sauce Cheese Burger Tomato and onion

Lettuce

Condiment or sauce

Toasted bottom bun From simple, practical menus to crave-worthy twists on classics, successful summer barbecue by visiting WonderBread.com/recipes.

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Highland Games returns to Grandfather Mountain’s MacRae Meadows

The long and storied tradition that is the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games returns to MacRae Meadows on Thursday, July 9, continuing through Sunday, July 12.

This marks the 70th year for the beloved and historic celebration of Scottish ancestry and heritage, with the popular festival once again bringing a “wee bit o’ Scotland” to the High Country of North Carolina.

“Considering five of the past seven years have seen record attendance, we are anticipating a

large, enthusiastic crowd at this year’s games,” said Stephen Quillin, president of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. “It is always a special gathering packed full of cultural events and excitement, and we can’t wait to see what fun awaits.”

Throughout the weekend of events, guests can take in the awe-inspiring spectacle of traditional Scottish athletic competitions, which includes Scottish heavy athletics, track and field competitions, Highland wrestling and more. Additionally, guests can enjoy signature Scottish

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

cuisine, cultural enrichments, traditional and contemporary Scottish music, dancing competitions, the Parade of Tartans and the everpopular sheep dog herding demonstration. The Highland Games offers a unique experience for the whole family that guests will enjoy regardless of their lineage.

Grandfather Mountain provides a distinct backdrop to these games that is not so different from the original Braemar Gathering that inspired the founders of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games decades ago.

Operated and organized by Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, Inc., the festivities begin Thursday, July 9, with Celtic entertainment and border collie sheepherding demonstrations. New this year, sheep shearing will be offered for the first time in the history of the games.

Shortly thereafter, the games officially get underway with the Torch Light Ceremony on Thursday evening, where representatives from all clans — many of whom travel from across the country and world to attend the games each year — announce their families’ participation in the gathering. Truly a sight to behold, the “raising of the clans” proclaims that they have convened to celebrate their heritage.

CLUES ACROSS

1. __ chat

5. Statue near the Pyramids

11. A process to change the look

14. Herb

15. Think about excessively

18. Bass vocal part

19. Supreme Allied Cmdr. of NATO

21. A major division of geological time

23. New Zealand parrot

24. Cognitive contents

28. Lump of yarn

29. Atomic #109

30. Let go of

32. Indian title of respect

33. Whereabouts unknown

35. Electronic data processing

36. Drivers’ licenses count

39. Snakelike fishes

41. They precede C

42. Popular personal computers

44. Intermediate community stage in ecological succession

46. Wings 47. Indicates position

49. Pleasantly smooth or soft

52. Jeweled headdress

56. In slow tempo

58. __ Falls

60. Reassertions

62. Eras

63. Hyphen

CLUES DOWN

1. Corporate executive

2. A plant used for flavoring food

3. Opinion or belief

4. Sheep in their second year

5. Intensities of sound

6. Indicates support for

7. Expression of laughter

8. OJ trial judge

9. Pointed ends of pens

10. True bugs genus

12. Lawyers argue theirs

13. Body parts

16. Closes tightly

17. World Heritage site in Nigeria

20. Islamic calendar month

22. Commercial

25. “Westworld” actor Harris

26. They __

27. Religious guilds

29. Woman (French)

31. Parts per billion (abbr.)

34. Brew

36. Spiritual leader

37. Indigo bush

38. Burn with a hot liquid

40. Older citizen

43. Scad fish genus

45. Morning

48. Line passing through the center (abbr.)

50. Double S-shaped curve

51. Small, thin person

53. Older

54. Mars crater

55. Humanities

57. Word element meaning ear

58. To the __ degree

59. Residue

61. It cools your home

This year, 108 clans will be represented on the field, as well as 14 educational and cultural societies. This includes Clan Gunn as “Honored Clan.” John Gunn, their Chieftain, will be serving as the Chieftain of the Games. The “Distinguished Clan” is Clan Lamont, and their chieftain is Scott Turner. Friday offers a full day

MacRae Meadows on Thursday, July 9, continuing through Sunday, July 12. This marks the 70th year for the beloved and historic celebration of Scottish ancestry and heritage, with the popular festival once again bringing a “wee bit o’ Scotland” to the High Country of North Carolina.

of activities with Highland dance competitions, Celtic Grove music performances, a children’s caber toss clinic, amateur heavy athletics and the Celtic Rock Concert that night.

Saturday sees the start of both the “Elite” Women Heavy Athletics Qualifying and the “Professional” Class Heavy Athletics, including such feats of strength as the caber toss, the sheaf toss, the hammer throw and others. During the day, piping and harp competitions will take place, as well as additional musical entertainment, culminating in the much-anticipated nighttime Celtic Jam Concert.

Among this year’s musical talent is Seven Nations as

the lead Celtic rock band and the Seán Heely Band as the lead traditional Celtic band — along with plenty of other performers.

Cultural experiences will be offered in the awardwinning Scottish Cultural Village Tent over the course of the weekend, which is celebrating its 11th year. The 2026 Village programming includes topics such as the history of the Hebrides, Scotch and American whiskies, Scotland’s dark trials and executions, costuming for the show Outlander and more.

Athletic events are repeated on Sunday for amateurs and athletes 40 and older, in addition to the

Parade of Tartans, kilted running events, children’s events and the Clan Tug of War. The weekend’s programming concludes Sunday afternoon with the closing ceremonies. To learn more about admission to the 2026 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, including parking and shuttle bus information, call 828-7331333 or visit www.gmhg. org. For lodging and travel information, contact the N.C. High Country Host Regional Visitor Center at 800-438-7500 or visit www. highcountryhost.com.

Article Provided By: Landis Taylor

(Photo Courtesy of Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation / Skip Sickler)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

YOU’VE GOTTA TRY CLECO SPICES! Available at Oliver’s Hardware (3712 Fallston Road) Hwy.18 N., Shelby; Hometown Hardware (110 S Railroad Ave.) Kings Mountain; Nature’s Generosity (1074 College Ave.) Shelby and Whimsical Workshop (104 Gidney Street) Shelby. Or visit www.clecospice. com SHEILA’S DECOR & COLLECTABLES OPENING SOON!

9am-3pm. Friday 7/10 & Saturday 7/11. Southside Market in Shelby. 1316 S Lafayette St. Decor of all kinds. nice used furniture, antiques & lots more. Something for everyone.

WE WANT YOUR OLD GOLD, SILVER, COINS & CASE POCKET KNIVES. Top $$$$ Paid!!! JAKE’S KNIVES & COINS located at 1008 S. Lafayette St., Shelby 704-6006996 or (704) 300-6236

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANCHOR DOWN RESELL... BOX DEALS! Grand Opening July 6-10. 4th of July Special! Boxes starting at only $5. Open Monday through Friday 10am4pm. Look for exciting sales to come! Follow us on Facebook: AnchorDown Resell. 155 West Main St., Forest City.

WE BUY VINTAGE BALL CARDS. Baseball, Football, Basketball, Hockey & More! Come See Us for A Fair Price!

JAKE’S KNIVES & COINS located at 1008 S. Lafayette St., Shelby 704-600-6996 or (704) 300-6236

CARPORTS

1705 S. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC 704-482-7880

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

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS with Scratch Pads! PRESS ROOM PRINTING. Call (704) 482-2243

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BARNDOMINIUM-MODULAR-DOUBLE WIDES set up on your land with no money down! HEATH’S HOME ZONE 703-5 King Street, Kings Mountain, NC. (754) 663-9663

EMPLOYMENT

LATTIMORE BAPTIST

CHURCH SEEKING Children’s/Youth Director. Send resume to lbcsecretary2016@ gmail.com

NOW HIRING LANDSCAPERS FOR FULL TIME YEAR

ROUND EMPLOYMENT. Must have valid driver’s license and transportation. Over time available. (704) 473-0341

WILLING TO PAY. Need someone who can build plastic model planes or cars & paint them nice. Please text. (704) 5386807

PART-TIME CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR. Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Forest City, NC is seeking a part-time Children’s Ministry Director. Send resume to ejw9738@ gmail.com or mail it to 2676 Hudlow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043. ejw9738@gmail.com

BUSINESS SERVICES

CUSTOM CABINETS & WOODWORK. Over 25 years Experience. Michael McKinstry. Custom Woodwork, Cabinets, Light Plumbing, Sheetrock, Landscaping. “Cleveland County_ Veteran Owned.” (203) 5125503

BROTHERS N ARMS Before you call another...Call Brothers! Need your yard cleaned or home looking right again? We got you covered! Lawn care, Tree cutting & removal, Leaf blowing, Pressure washing or Home maintenance. Call “Z” today for a free estimate! 704648-6058.

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

OFFERING QUALITY HANDYMAN SERVICES! Over 30 Years Exp.Offering Pressure Washing, Deck Staining, Deck Repairs, Rebuilds, Concrete Sealing, Concrete Repairs, Home Repairs, Asphalt Sealing, Install New Gutters and much more! No job Too big or Small, Give us a call we will show up. 704-692-4449 (704) 692-4449 stevenmarlow952@ gmail.com

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

BUSINESS SERVICES

HANDYMAN SERVICES. SPECIALIZING IN MINOR HOME REPAIRS in the Kings Mountain, Shelby & Gastonia areas. Plumbing repair, install light fixtures & ceiling fans, mailbox installation, furniture assembly, picture hanging, replace smoke detectors & batteries, change door locks, kitchen cabinets refinishing and much much more. Call or text to see if we can help. Honest & reasonable prices. (910) 4742374

CLEVELAND COUNTY GARAGE DOORS. Summer Tuneup Special, $69.95. We will check all your equipment lube, make sure it’s working correctly. We repair broken doors. Also offering new installations. (704) 472-9367

DO YOU NEED HELP??? Offering painting, debris removal, cleaning, pressure washing, garage clean-ups and more. Specials for landlords. Also offering parking lot striping. Reasonable rates. Rutherford & Cleveland County areas. Call Thomas (828) 429-9276

NEED HANDICAP PARKING? Free Exam/Evaluation. Your favorite Chiropractor, Dr. Jim King. By Appointment only. 401 N. Logan St, Gaffney, SC. (770) 846-5400

FOR SALE

SAMSUNG WASHER & DRY-

ER. Less than 2 years old and used very little. $400 for the matching set. (704) 284-0248

J. JOHNSON TRAILER

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

TWO STEEL TABLES. $100 each OBO. Nice heavy duty steel tables. One has wood top, one has a formica top. 48x30x29 the other one 24x48x33. Can send pictures. (704) 300-1818 kim_hopper@ bellsouth.net

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

ULINE ROLLING TOOL CART

$75. Perfect Size! Also have a larger one for $100. (704) 3001818 kim_hopper@bellsouth. net

CARPORTS & GARAGES.

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

MEN’S CRUISER BICYCLE

$40. New Men’s Sunset Cruiser

$25. Three DVD players, new, $30. for all. (828) 782-7221

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

SEVERAL MOWING DECKS. For John Deere Garden Tractors. 100, 200, 300, 400, Series Tractors. Call Randy for sizes and prices. (704) 472-7800

YARD SALES

CLEVELAND COUNTY

MULTI-FAMILY YARD

SALE. Saturday, July 4th, 2026 from 8:00AM-1:00PM. Furniture, kitchenware, household decor, cottage core decor, clothing, shoes, vintage items. A little bit of everything. 2119 South Lafayette Street, Shelby, NC 28152

BIG YARD SALE. Friday, July 3rd & Saturday, July 4th, 7am2pm (Both Days). Furniture, Home Decor, Plus size women’s clothes, electrical light for outside, camera for outside, car camera, lawnmower, cedar chest, WWE Mania. 120 Dixie Dr., Shelby, NC 28152

CHECK OUT OUR YARD

SALE!!! Saturday, July 4th, 2026 from 7:00AM-12:00PM; 913 Wright St., Shelby, NC 28150. Children’s Clothes Girls size 6 sm. & Boys size 10 Lg. Women’s clothing size Lg. & Med. Shoes, T-Shirts, Kid’s Toys, Summer & Pool Toys, Household items, Golf Bag, Honda CRV Place Mats, Scope. Many more items too many to list.

SMALL FLATBED PUSH

CART $50. I have several of them some with fold down handles for easy storage. (704) 300-1818 kim_hopper@bellsouth.net

BRAND NEW STILL IN BOX. Drive Silver Sport 2. Manual Wheel Chair. $90. (828) 4479755

1705 S. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC 704-482-7880

HEAVY DUTY PLASTIC BARRELS $20 Each. (704) 3001818

FIREWOOD FOR SALE. Fire pit wood packs-$3 each. That’s more than half price. $7 store price. Delivery available. 704435-3970.

TIRES AND RIMS FOR SALE. 4-235/40/18-Goodyear with 200 miles-$350, 5-245/75/17Jeep Rims & low miles-$400, 1 Full set Factory Jeep Floor Mats-4 doors-$70. 1 Full set Factory with rear mats for Ford Edge-$80. Call Eddie Kee 704472-1000 or 704-472-0057.

14 BOURBON RED TURKEYS 4 weeks old, $10 each, Call 864-838-9193, Do Not Text.

STORAGE BUILDINGS !!! Buy One Off The Lot OR Have One Custom Built With Your Colors &

“No

to

Check” J Johnson Sales. 2690 Hwy. 221, Forest City, NC. (828) 2455895 METAL ROOFING ! Metal Roofing - 1 Piece or the Whole Rooftop. “We Also Can Deliver” Deliveries Every Monday & Thursdays. J Johnson Sales. 2690 Hwy. 221, Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895

TRAILERS • TRAILERS • TRAILERS. Utility, Enclosed, Dump, Gooseneck, Equipment, Aluminum. Car or Tractor Haulers. “All In Stock!” Parts Department, Service Department “One Stop Shop!” J Johnson Sales. 2690 Hwy. 221, Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895 CRYPTS FOR SALE Spaces at Cleveland Memorial Park. Lawn crypt for 2. Preinstalled vaults for 2 plus bronze plates for 2. $10,000 value, Selling for $3,000. 704-692-4894.

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

FARM & GARDEN

HAY, SQUARE BALES. $4 to

FOR SALE

STEEL BUILT BUILDINGS, CARPORTS, GARAGES, BARNS or WAREHOUSES.

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

METAL ROOFING

1705 S. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC 704-482-7880

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

FITQUEST EXERCISE BIKE

$100. PRICE REDUCED!

$75.00 Compact exercise bike with adjustable seat and digital display. Plenty of time to get in shape BEFORE the holiday season! Hot, humid, or rainy day? No excuses! Hop on this comfortable bike in the comfort of your home and pedal away while you watch a movie on TV or read a book! Give a gift for better health for the whole family. Local pickup only. (770) 6874616 debbie.hinnant@gmail. com

LOST & FOUND

AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER LOST Male, Named Damien. Red with White Spot on Chest. 6 yrs old, Reward: $500. 704-915-1948 or 704820-2865. Email: future7773@ gmail.com.

WANT TO BUY

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

MILITARY COLLECTOR SPECIALIZING IN War Items.

WTB- US, German, Japanese & Military Guns, S&W & Colt. War Souvenirs, Flags, Blades, Bayonets, Helmets Legally Licensed (828) 980-3329

WANTED: OLD AND NEW AMMO. Reloading supplies. Call 828-289-1488.

NEED TO BUY SMALL CAR. Under 100,000 miles. Also need HOUSEKEEPER once a month. Reasonable Rate. (980) 880-7324 (980) 880-7324

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

$7. Also 200+ Bales Horse Hay, $8. Cut in Spring before rain came. Under Shelter. 704-4181744.

4600 FORD TRACTOR, GOOD CONDITION. With new paint. $13,500. (828) 748-3366

BOATS

14FT. ALUMINUM BOAT & TRAILER. Electric trolling motor, fish finder & more. Tilt trailer, new wheels, tires & lights. $1300. Leave message, (828) 287-2988

PETS & LIVESTOCK

MALSHI PUPPIES FOR SALE. Come’s with Health Guarantee, Health Records, Sample of food. Very Playful and well socialized. Beautiful. Located in Sylva, NC. Website at www. toosweetkennels.com (828) 586-1842 toosweetkennels@ aol.com

CHIWEENIE PUPPIES. 2 males. Ready for new home. First set of shots and dewormed every two weeks. $400. each. (704) 466-6983

PUPPIES: SHIH TZU TERRIER. Small, cute and cuddly puppies ready after July 4th! Dam is white and gray, about 10lbs. Brown terrier dad. 4 females and 1 male all brown or gray with white markings. 828292-3001 shots and dewormed $100 each. (828) 292-3001 rsutak26@hotmail.com

SEVEN MALE GERMAN

SHEPHERD PUPPIES. $500 ea. Wormed & 1st shots. Parents on site. 704-214-0693.

MALSHI MALE PUPPIES FOR SALE. All Males Born 4/28/26. $1500. See pictures at Website www.toosweetkennels.com; (828) 586-1842 toosweetkennels@aol.com

MORKIE PUPPIES FOR SALE. Sweet, adorable little girls. Wonderful friends and companions. Born April 24,2026. $550. 828-208-9086.

PETS & LIVESTOCK

2 CUTE SMALL KITTENS. Looking for forever home. Free to loving inside home. (704) 473-5744

CHIHUAHUA PUPPIES. 3 males, 2 females. 8 weeks old. $400 each. 1 Chiweenie puppy, male. 20 weeks old. $100 OBO. (828) 755-8042

BEAUTIFUL YORKIEPOO

PUPS FOR SALE!! I have 2 male and 2 female Yorkiepoo pups. Mom is black toy poodle and Dad is chocolate Yorkie. Pups were born May 23. Will be ready to go home with you on July 18th. Tails are docked, dewclaws removed. $800. There is a $200 deposit, the remaining $600 due at pickup. (864) 425-8910 angel1226a@gmail.com

DOG KENNELS “ALL SIZES” IN STOCK! 7x7x4; 5x10x6; 10x10x4; 10x10x6; 10x10x6 Split Kennels for 2 Dogs, 10x20x6, ETC. Rain Tops & Dog Houses. “We Can Also Deliver and Install If Needed!” J Johnson Sales. 2690 Hwy. 221, Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895

POLYDACTYL MALE KITTENS. ERNEST HEMINGWAY KITTENS FOR SALE TO GOOD HOMES. THEY HAVE HAD THEIR SHOTS AND WORMED. THEY ARE POLYDACTYL MEANING THEY HAVE THUMBS AND LOOK LIKE THEY ARE WEARING MITTENS. 2 STRIPED AND 2 BLACKS AND ONE WHITE, ALL MALES. $250. TEXT 530–520-5135 (530) 520-5135

CARS & TRUCKS

2005 HYUNDAI TUCSON SPORT V6. Excellent condition. $3,000. Check engine light is on. 704-477-3460.

2002 BUICK CENTURY 107,000 miles. Very clean, well maintained, everything works, no leaks. $5,500. (704) 4663135

2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA Black. low mileage. $8,800. 770-712-0377.

1992 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Convertible. 119,000 miles, 6 speed transmission. Excellent Condition. Ready to drive. $10,000. (207) 573-8786

2013 CHEVROLET CAMA-

RO V6. 174K miles, new paint, NC title, completely checkedready to go! $14,900 OBO. 1999 Chevy S-10 Ext Cab, ice cold air, 77K miles, $3500 firm. ALSO...WANTED 150 JUNK CARS & TRUCKS WEEKLY. Paying top dollar! (864) 2513967

1993 FORD CLUB WAGON Passenger Van. 77,000 Miles. “Selling As-Is”. Accepting Sealed Bids until Friday Aug., 14, 2026. SEND TO: Crestview Baptist Church, Attention Transportation Committee 1090 Old Boiling Springs Rd., Shelby NC 28152. Highest Bidder Will Be Contacted Monday, August 17, 2026. For More information OR to Set Up A Time to View CALL 704-472-1245

CARS & TRUCKS

2020 FORD FUSION SE Eco

Boost. 74K miles, $7500. WANT TO BUY: 2010 or 2011 Ford Ranger Reg. Cab. No motor or transmission. (828) 2873820

REAL ESTATE

CLEVELAND COUNTY

WE OFFER LAND HOME PACKAGES in Cleveland, Rutherford, and surrounding counties... with little to no money down with approved financing! HEATH’S HOME ZONE

703-5 King Street, Kings Mountain, NC (754) 663-9663

FOR RENT

CLEVELAND COUNTY

2&3 BEDROOM MOBILE

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

FOR RENT IN GROVER, NC.

3 bedroom, 2 full bathroom, Mobile Home. All appliances included plus great room. Safe, Quiet Neighborhood. No drinking, Partying or Loud Music and No Pets. $1300 month plus $1300 deposit. $50 applicationtion fee. Available July 1, 2026. (704) 466-5189

APARTMENT FOR RENT. 5 RM/2 BR Apartment. Stove/ refrig. Adults only. No pets. 515 W. Sumter, Shelby. $660. per month. Call (704) 487-9622

716 PARK AVE, SHELBY. Duplex, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom. Rent $925, Deposit $925. Application Fee $25. 704-2144180.

813 THIRD STREET, KINGS MTN. 4 Bedrom, 2 Bath. House. Rent 1895, Deposit $1895. Application Fee $25. 704-2144180.

FOR RENT

CLEVELAND COUNTY

335-B GOLD STREET. Shelby, NC. Duplex, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom. Rent $975, Deposit $975. Application Fee $25. 704-214-4180.

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

103 NEW BETHEL CHURCH ROAD. Lawndale, NC. House. Rent $1595, Deposit $1595. Application Fee $25. 704-2144180.

1424 FREDERICK STREET. Shelby, NC. House, 3 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom. Rent $1295, Deposit $1295. Application Fee $25. 704-214-4180.