Briskly walking through the dining area at Copper Penny in Forest City recently, Kendall Cudd turned toward a table of fans when she heard her name called and proceeded to add a wide smile and 'hello.' The Forest City woman was on her job after a few weeks of sheer excitement with American Idol.

A cafeteria style meal, served by Welcome Table 2 volunteers at the First United Methodist Church in Rutherfordton recently, was a blessing for community members and volunteers who ate the home cooked meal together inside the church's Family Life Center.

Gardner-Webb University (GWU) senior Connor Settlemyre, of Rutherfordton is back at school after being a percussionist in the National Small Band Programs Intercollegiate Band in Fort Worth, Texas. He is the first student from GWU to be selected for this honor. The concert, featured 124 musicians, and was held in conjunction with the 2025 National Conference of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA). Accompanying him on the trip to Texas was Dr. Sarah Fabian, director of bands and assistant professor of music at GWU.

Ruff'ton Roots Community Garden announces the return of the Plant Sale Saturday, April 26 from 10am-12pm, under the shade sails at 128 Hospital Drive, Rutherfordton. Parking is available in the lot off Edwards Street (turn in at the Ruff'ton Roots sign). This is a celebratory kick off of the fifth growing season for the Garden.