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RutherfordWeekly7_30_26

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RUTHERFORD COUNTY’S ONLY WEEKLY NEWSPAPER!

WEEKLY NEWSPAPER Our 34th Year

HELPING BUSINESSES INVEST IN OUR COMMUNITY!

• Over 18,000 Weekly Readers

ISSUE NO. 30 • July 30, 2026 • RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408

Webber named County Manager Article by Scott Carpenter Scott Webber has been named the new Rutherford County Manager. Previous County Manager Steve Garrison resigned the position February 3, to begin a new job with the State of North Carolina as a regional recovery coordinator related to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. Since then, County Commission Chairman Bryan King has served as interim county manager. Webber’s appointment was announced Thursday, July 24. He will begin as county manager on September 14. Webber has 27 years of local government and public administration experience, most recently 12 years as Spindale

Scott Webber

Town Manager. “After a thorough search process, the Board of Commissioners is pleased to welcome Mr. G. Scott Webber as our next county manager,” King stated. “We were looking for a leader with integrity, vision, and a proven commitment to public service, and we found those qualities in Mr. Webber. We are confident that he will provide strong leadership for our organization, collaborate with our staff and community partners, and help guide Rutherford County as we continue to build on our successes and meet the opportunities ahead.” King added “Scott loves our community, our people, and our

county. He has the experience and expertise to serve us well in this new role.” Webber is grateful. “I want to thank the County Commissioners for the trust they have placed in me and for this opportunity to serve the citizens of Rutherford County alongside a dedicated team of public servants. I look forward to leading with transparency, integrity and an unwavering commitment to our residents,” Webber said. “I am also deeply grateful to the Town of Spindale and our incredible team for the unwavering support, partnership, and trust they have shown me over the past 12 years. I am immensely proud

of what we have accomplished together and the lasting impact those efforts have had on our community.” Webber also expressed hope for Rutherford County’s future. “I am incredibly optimistic, and I believe we are well positioned to capitalize on opportunities created by business investment, population growth, and our continued recovery from Hurricane Helene,” Webber continued. “Combined with strategic investments in public infrastructure and quality-oflife initiatives, these factors will strengthen our economy, create new opportunities, and enhance the quality of life for our citizens, who remain at the heart of everything we do.”

Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office moves to old school property Article & photos by Scott Carpenter Rutherford County Sheriff Aaron Ellenburg and his team of officers and other staff have made great progress in settling into their new headquarters, but there are still a few more boxes to unpack and furnishings and equipment to rearrange. Overall, they are happy to have moved to a more spacious law enforcement center that facilitates greater efficiency and collaboration. The Sheriff’s office officially made the move from its old location the first week of May and was previously located within the detention center complex, at 198 North Washington Street in Rutherfordton. The move also allows the jail to use the entire space, and is now undergoing some much-needed renovations. The new sheriff’s office is at 198 Day Break Drive, on the former school campus that was once the original R-S Central High School, and later R-S Middle School. The main office is in the repurposed “sixth grade building,” which was one of the newer buildings on the site. The former school cafeteria has been repurposed and is now a large,

Thursday, August 13

2026

modern evidence storage center. said. Using the old school property The new sheriff’s office also for law enforcement, is an idea comes with a training space, that has been considered by with appropriate technology, county leaders since at least 2024. where large numbers of officers The new sheriff’s office allows can take various classes at one the majority of sheriff’s officers time. and investigators to be based in the same location. Previously, Continued on page 4. they were scattered among the main office alongside the jail, and other offices located across Rutherfordton and Spindale. Ellenburg is pleased with the new headquarters. “We do have a lot more space, and it is nicer, more modern. Having nearly all the officers here is helpful. It helps with morale,” Ellenburg said. “It enables our officers to communicate more easily, and it’s more convenient for the public.” Chief Deputy Randy Greenway said county law enforcement officers work hard, take their work seriously, and take pride in their work. “Being in the new facility adds to that sense of camaraderie. Being here The Rutherford County Sheriff’s helps build cohesion among Office is located at 289 Day Break the entire team,” Greenway Drive in Rutherfordton.

Friday, August 14

Rutherford County Sheriff Aaron Ellenburg.

Saturday, August 15

Sunday, August 16

Monday, August 17

Cleveland County Water

Gardner-Webb University

USAA

Shelby Parks & Recreation

CaroMont Health

Senior Citizens Day Senio

Salute to Academic Achievement Day

Military Appreciation Day

Youth Athletic Day

Healthcare Appreciation Day

FREE admission FR over 55. for Seniors S

Non-perishable food items collected in partnership with Food Lion Feeds & Gardner-Webb University

alws.us

Golden Knights Performance Stones River Brigade Exhibition

FREE admission for Veterans & Active Military

FREE admission for Youth through College age fans wearing a team jersey

August 13-18, 2026

Tuesday, August 18

All Veterans Group Performance Operation Helo Delivers Game Ball

#ALWS26


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