The Daily Courier

12/31/2025

District Attorney Ted Bell's response to Matthew Fenner's motion to have him removed from office. A hearing on the motion has been set for Jan. 26, 2026 in Rutherford County Superior Court.

District Attorney Ted Bell's response to Matthew Fenner's petition to have him removed from office in its entirety.

12/17/2025

Rutherford County manager Steve Garrison is retiring.

Garrison, 62, said that while he was considering retirement regardless, his new job with the state will start in February.

In an email dated Wednesday, Dec. 17, Garrison says his last day will be Feb. 3, 2026.

Garrison also said, " I am deeply grateful for the dedication you all bring to serve the citizens of Rutherford County each and every day. Your dedication to your profession, your resilience to provide quality core services to our citizens, and your commitment to your departments and teams have made my almost eleven years here some of the most meaningful of my career. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together – from the numerous challenges we overcame to the improvements we have made that will benefit the county and our citizens for years to come. I recognize that our accomplishments and victories are not mine alone but were the results of your hard work, dedication and willingness to go the extra mile."

Garrison highlighted a list of accomplishments, including construction of new libraries and EMS centers, construction projects for economic development, the use of opioid settlement funds and collaborations with town governments, the tourism development authority and nonprofits.

Garrison was hired in Feb. 2015 and was previously the Madison County manager and worked in various departments in Buncombe and Polk counties.

11/20/2025

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy wins state 1A soccer championship, 4-3, in OT Congratulations Gryphons!!!!

11/20/2025

Spindale police arrest shooting suspect

On Thursday, Spindale police officers were dispatched to 279 New Hampshire Street, Apartment 18. Spindale in reference to a male subject who had been shot multiple times.

Due to the nature of the incident, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and the Rutherfordton Police Department also immediately responded to provide assistance. Once on scene, officers found a male victim lying on the kitchen floor suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the chest, abdomen, and arm.

Officers on scene also located the initial caller and Dylan Brent Stroupe inside the apartment. Stroupe was identified as the person who had shot the victim and was detained by law enforcement. Life saving measures were immediately started by law enforcement while the scene was still being secured for EMS to arrive safely. The Tri-City Violent Crimes Task Force was contacted to assist, along with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Forensics unit.

Interviews were conducted with the subjects on scene and with surrounding residents, which indicated that there was no ongoing physical altercation and that this was an isolated incident. A search warrant was applied for and granted for the apartment. A search of the apartment was completed, and several fi****ms were secured, including the weapon that was stated to have been used, an “ARP” style 5.56mm rifle. After interviews with Stroupe, statements by the initial caller, and evidence collection from the search warrant, the Rutherford County District Attorney’s Office was consulted. Dylan Brent Stroupe was formally charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury. Stroupe is currently in custody at the Rutherford County Detention Center, being held without bond until seen by a District Court Judge.

As of the time of this press release, the victim is currently in stable but critical condition.

11/18/2025

TJ wins 3-1, on to state championship game Thursday!

11/18/2025

TJ soccer tied 0-0 at halftime

11/15/2025

Shelby 65, East Rutherford 34. Final

11/14/2025

TJCA advances in state soccer playoffs Go Gryphons soccer!!!

10/25/2025

R-S Central 36, West Caldwell 22 Final

10/24/2025

UPDATE: Home invasion victim dies

On Friday, October 24, 2025 at around 9:50 A.M. officers with the Forest City Police Department responded to reported home invasion in the area of 114 Harris Lee Drive.

Following officers arrival and upon entering the home, officers located the victim, Tyler D. Weaver, 25 years of age, lying on the floor. Once the scene was secured, Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services personnel entered and determined that Mr. Weaver had succumbed to his injuries.

Law enforcement personnel conducted an extensive search of the wooded area surrounding the home and canvassed the neighborhood in an effort to locate any suspects and ensure the safety of nearby residents. Based on these efforts, investigators believe the suspect or suspects fled the area prior to law enforcement’s arrival.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Detectives, with assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), are processing the crime scene for forensic evidence and following up on all investigative leads as they develop.

At this time, there is no known ongoing threat to the public. The Forest City Police Department is working diligently to identify and apprehend those responsible for this crime. Anyone with information is asked to contact the department at 828-245-5555 or by utilizing the departments mobile app.

Forest City Police, along with Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, secured the area and began an investigation.

The investigation is underway, and there is no indication that there is a ongoing danger to the public. Further information will be released as the investigation progresses.

10/22/2025

Oct 22

Dylan Wade Willis, 21, 180 East Spruce St. Forest City, assault by pointing a gun, resisting arrest, injury to property

Todd O'Brian Wilkins, 36, DWI, no liability insurance, failure to maintain lane

Oct. 21

Melanie Nicole Jarosz, 159 Aqua Dr., Forest City, possession of ma*****na

Casey Victoria Allen, 33, 198 Vine St. Forest City, possession of drugs on jail premises

Dameon Christopher McCall, 32, probation violation

Jeremy Blake Morgan, 30, 2249 S. Main St. Ellenboro, reckless driving, no insurance, failure to wear seat belt

Gregory Todd Packett, 57, 368 Shady Lane, Marion, expired registration, DWI

Dameion Travis Atkins, 30, 133 Main St. Henrietta, probation violation, larceny

Oct. 20

Gary Michael Gamble, 69, larceny, trespassing

10/17/2025

The district attorney's office will not charge a Rutherfordton police officer who hit a pedestrian with his patrol car.