A free meal will be served to the community beginning Monday, January 20, at First Baptist Church in Forest City and is an extension of the Welcome Table begun a decade ago in Rutherfordton. At that time, First Baptist in Forest City participated in the Welcome Table ministry joining First Baptist, Rutherfordton, United Methodist Church Rutherfordton and the St. Francis Episcopal Church, also in Rutherfordton, serving meals to the community each Monday night.

Shortly after the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Carolina Panthers 30-14 at the Panthers Stadium in Charlotte, Rutherford County Sports Writer Jacob Conley was invited into the NFL locker room to talk with players. As Conley stood among the boisterous crowd of Cowboys in the mood of festive celebrations, Conley said he looked over to the side at a familiar face.