The McDowell News

Folks can show up for the lineup starting at 3 p.m. Saturday, which will be in the parking lot of Old Fort Elementary School. The parade will travel the usual route, starting at the school and continuing up Catawba Avenue. The parade makes a right turn onto Main Street and continues down the street through downtown Old Fort. It will come to an end at Samir's Quick Stop No. 1. Full Story »

Authorities need the public's help locating a man wanted in McDowell and Burke counties. Full Story »

At a packed City Hall, Steve Little took the oath of office to become mayor of Marion while outgoing Mayor A. Everette Clark took the oath as a member of the Marion City Council. Juanita Doggett was sworn in as the first female member of the City Council. Lloyd Cuthbertson also took the oath to begin another term on council. Full Story »

The rain wreaked havoc for motorists Wednesday, sending a tractor-trailer barreling into the Interstate 40 guardrail and tying up eastbound traffic; sending a vehicle careening head-on into an empty school bus; and sending power lines toppling to the ground after a pickup hit a guy wire, authorities say. Full Story »

The N.C. Department of Commerce is now ranking McDowell as among the 40 most economically distressed counties in the state. The new ranking will qualify McDowell for a variety of state funding opportunities that can help it develop the local economy and create new jobs. Full Story »

Christmas far from home doesn't seem much like Christmas. For some young men and women from McDowell County, swept away to Iraq or Afghanistan for military duty, Christmas will be a bit more sweet, thanks to the efforts of a group of eighth-graders from East McDowell Junior High School. Full Story »

McDowell County's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) paramedics are reaching out to certain folks in the community. Full Story »

Authorities arrested a Marion man they say molested a distant relative. Full Story »

On Thursday, young and old can enjoy the Christmas season in downtown Marion with the annual Melodies on Main celebration. Full Story »

After nearly a quarter of a century as a councilman, Steve Little is ready to become the next mayor of Marion. Full Story »

A Catawba County man who skipped the state with a 15-year-old girl and had inappropriate sexual relations with her will spend more than a year in prison. Full Story »

"Very few children walk or ride the bus at Marion," one of the girls stated. The majority of Marion elementary students ride in a car to and from school. "Of 420 students at Marion Elementary, 250 are picked up by car." Full Story »