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Josh McKinney promoted to Managing Editor of The Paper

The Paper, promoted Josh McKinney to managing editor, a newsroom leadership role designed to strengthen daily operations, story planning and communication across the newspaper’s editorial operations.

Rutherford College

Rutherford College holds property tax and water rates steady

Rutherford Colleges adopts its budget for the upcoming fiscal year and the news is good for town residents.

Community News

DOWNTOWN DISTINGUISHED BUSINESSES

Morganton businesses recognized in annual banquet

Thornwell Books, Toner's Irish Pub, and Thistle & Twig Flowers were honored, along with Lifetime Achievement Award winner Lawson Callahan.

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Burke County navigates a budget with $3.9 million more in expenses in 2026-27

With expenses about $3.9 million higher this year, Burke County staff proposed a $120.7 mill…

New Dimensions Charter replaces director and 14 others

New Dimensions Charter School abruptly replaced its director last week and is filling 14 oth…

Dogwood Health Trust releases Hurricane Helene disaster response playbook

Dogwood Health Trust has shared a new disaster response playbook that captures lessons learn…

A pair of Buddhists 'Walk for Peace' through Burke

Buddhist monks "Walk for Peace" through Burke on their way to Washington, D.C.

Empty chairs, growing need: Burke's Meals on Wheels waitlist climbs to more than 500 names

With more and more Burke County seniors want home-delivered meals, Meals on Wheels waitlist …

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The capacity for astonishment: Why worship still matters to me

The Paper’s Columnists

The capacity for astonishment: Why worship still matters to me

The summer we found Whirligig Wilson in Kentucky

The Paper’s Columnists

The summer we found Whirligig Wilson in Kentucky

The Paper’s Columnists

Poetry by day, bull riding by night

When seniors struggle, Burke County suffers

The Paper’s Columnists

When seniors struggle, Burke County suffers

Burke County Election

Burke Elections

The Paper’s coverage of the Megasite

Great Meadows Megasite

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The Paper coverage Fentanyl

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Byrd to compete for 2nd time at NCAA track and field outdoor nationals

KJ Byrd did it the easy way, or the hard way, depending on how you look at it.

Bonkowske, Cosovan named Liberty's athletes of the year

Three-sport athletes Jacoby Bonkowske and Emilie Cosovan — both of whom were eighth graders …

Byrd to compete for 2nd time at NCAA track and field outdoor nationals

KJ Byrd did it the easy way, or the hard way, depending on how you look at it.

SPLIT STARTS: Post 21 senior, junior squads both alternate Ws, Ls spanning first three doubleheaders

The Burke County Post 21 American Legion Lady softball team on Tuesday evening opened the se…

NCSSM-Morganton’s Xu wins top CRC soccer award

Most of the remaining 2026 Burke County high school spring sports all-conference teams were …

Iron Pour

The WNC Sculpture Center hosted its sixth annual Iron Light Iron Pour on Saturday, June 6, o…

Morganton filmmaker brings hometown stories to the big screen with local premiere

Morganton filmmaker Carlos Batz will premiere four locally made films at Marquee Cinemas on June 8.

CoMMA adds family series, teen theater workshops

CoMMA Performing Arts Center is adding a new series aimed at young audiences and families.

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8 Burke restaurants post perfect scores in April

Round up of sanitation scores at Burke County restaurants, schools, and other establishments.

Valdese's new Saloon on Bobo Avenue will offer a little bit of everything

Owner Brandon Boykin said the goal is to have a space where there is something for everyone, and everyone feels welcome.

The Hedge opens, bringing elevated comfort food to Morganton's Queen Street

The Hedge, located at 203 Queen St., transforms a historic 1950s Savings and Loan building into an upscale, casual diner experience, with counter service, an open kitchen, and a large outdoor …