Rutherford County's traditional public school students begin the 2025-26 school year on Monday, August 11. Already in session are students at Forest City Dunbar Elementary School, the county's only year-round school. Students attending Lake Lure Classical Academy also begin on August 11 and Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy students begin August 13. Private schools and homeschooled students have varying schedules, but everything is true for every student -- school supplies are needed for every grade beginning with kindergarten to the senior year of high school.

Maw-Maw's Cheer Ministries is all about providing for the needs of children in Rutherford County and Western North Carolina. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, back-to-school supplies, every day needs, and toys at the Christmas season are all facets of the ministry. But much more than giving a gift, clothes or food, this nonprofit organization is also about building confidence in the lives of children in Rutherford County and Western North Carolina from ages birth to 17.

Sitting comfortably in a lift chair at her modest wood frame home in Union Mills, Rachel Green smiled a lot as her eyes sparkled talking about some of her favorite things.

Mary Elizabeth Bennett, formerly of Forest City and a daughter of Dr. John Mark and June Bennett, has been named the new CEO for Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina.