In a few weeks Cecilia Higgins, 18, is boarding an airplane for Carrick-on-Suir near Waterford, Ireland, for a 12 week internship. She will not be interning in an office complex, a newsroom or a medical facility.

(Writer's note: There are several one year anniversary ceremonies planned this week to commemorate the resilience of Chimney Rock, Lake Lure and Western North Carolina. Check details inside.)

When a 30 foot wall of water came rushing down the Rocky Broad River in Chimney Rock Village on September 27, 2024, the Village and Lake Lure were devastated as Hurricane Helene destroyed the infrastructure, homes were lost, lives were forever changed and it would be the costliest flood in history for the area.

Jeff Hodge has checked another item off his bucket list after entering and completing The Great Race and describes the race as one of his most unique experiences of his life.

On Friday, September 26, Forest City and the POPS Pavilion Concert Series welcomes home one of its own: home grown and highly accomplished musician Christopher "Chris" Cole, who will perform with the highly acclaimed band Continental Divide. Chris and Continental Divide have long anticipated this special opportunity to perform in Chris's hometown for friends, family, and a Rutherford County audience which has waited patiently for this opportunity to see Chris perform with Continental Divide and hear this band's unique sound.