The Floor is YOURS-Andrew Labreche

Joshua Millwood is running for Rutherford County Board of Education, and he got there by doing something unusual: when the commissioners and the school board produced two irreconcilable numbers for the same budget two years ago, he read the audits instead of picking a side.

In this episode, Josh walks through what he found. The $6.1 million deficit that drove the closure of Mt. Vernon-Ruth Elementary and the Rutherford Opportunity Center — and why, after digging through meeting minutes, ACFRs, and an unqualified audit opinion, he won't call it fraud. He explains the proposed "two-feeder system" from zero: consolidating three high schools into two means redrawing district lines, not absorbing one school into another; nothing has been voted on; a feasibility study is underway; and a realistic timeline is years, not months. He lays out the $65 million state capital grant the county could use to renovate East or Chase, and why Iredell County's $130 million new build — now $40 million short — is a cautionary tale.

The second half turns to money the county isn't collecting. Rutherford County's exceptional-children population is about 19 percent; the state funds 13. Senate Bill 960 would raise that cap to 16 percent, worth an estimated $900,000 to $1.2 million a year locally. It's a Democrat-sponsored bill that no Republican has signed onto — and Josh, a registered Republican, says he'll work across the aisle to move it. Andrew makes the case for a county grant writer, and both discuss repairing the relationship between the Board of Education and the incoming county commission.

Also: Josh's family's path from Cone Mills to the school system, 13 years as a foster parent in a county with 200-plus kids in care and roughly 15 foster families, and why his platform is transparency without accusations.

Election Day is November 3, 2026. Early voting is open. Questions and story ideas: [email protected].

Scams in Rutherford County — and How to Stop Them

A Rutherfordton woman gets a call from the Sheriff's Office's real number. The man on the line uses a real captain's name, knows her address, says she missed jury duty, and tells her she'll go to jail unless she pays $6,000 in cash at a "bond kiosk" inside a gas station. She was one keystroke away when a store clerk said four words: "It's a scam. Call."

Michelle tells us exactly how it happened. Then Cindy Grondahl returns to share a story she kept quiet for four years: a "customer service" call about her account, a download, and $47,000 gone while she was still on the phone.

We walk through the fake federal court documents, the five things every scam call has in common, why Bitcoin ATMs are the scammer's tool of choice, and the short list that stops all of them. We also hear why victims stay silent — and why that silence is what keeps these scams alive.

If you've been called, lost money, or have one of these fake documents in your inbox, report it to the Sheriff's Office and send it to [email protected].

Originally aired Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, on Eagle Country 100.9 FM.

We walk the entire ballot from the U.S. Senate race to the back page — the statewide judicial contests, the county races where nine of twelve contests have only one name, the lone contested commission seat, two contested school board seats, the municipal races, and the three proposed constitutional amendments on voter ID, an income tax cap, and local property tax limits.

We also examine where Hurricane Helene recovery stands two years later — county reimbursements, the FEMA property buyouts, and the Lake Lure dam — and what the incoming officials will inherit, with a majority of the county commission turning over no matter what happens in November.

Finally, the practical part: early voting dates and hours, the mail-ballot deadline and witness requirements, photo ID rules, and what displaced residents need to know about their voting address.

In-person early voting runs through 3:00 PM Saturday, October 31. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.

Originally aired Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, on Eagle Country 100.9 FM.

From Disability Accommodations to Attorney Discipline — Questions of Fairness, Due Process & Judicial Accountability

What happens when an attorney’s request for disability accommodations turns into proceedings seeking to suspend his law license for three years?

Rutherford County attorney and retired Air Force JAG officer Anthony Morrow returns to examine what happened after Judge Tommy Davis initiated proceedings questioning his fitness to practice law.

We discuss the involvement of Judge Gary Gavenus and the North Carolina State Bar, testimony from District Attorney Ted Bell and two judges, demands for years of private medical records, and allegations that established procedures for attorney discipline and disability accommodations were bypassed.

We also examine North Carolina’s official disability accommodation policies and hear the concerns raised publicly by former District Court Judge Deborah Burgin about the handling of sensitive medical information and the importance of fairness, discretion, and due process.

The case raises questions extending far beyond one attorney: Who holds judges accountable, what protections should attorneys receive, and what happens when established procedures are not followed?

Originally aired Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, on Eagle Country 100.9 FM.

An ADA Accommodation Request Becomes a Fight Over an Attorney’s Law License

What happens when an attorney requests disability accommodations and, days after taking that request to court, finds himself facing proceedings that could end his legal career?

Rutherford County attorney and retired Air Force JAG officer Anthony Morrow joins us to examine his pending case, including the actions of District Attorney Ted Bell and Superior Court Judge Tommy Davis.

We explore the timeline, the public court filings, the handling of sensitive medical information, and serious questions about disability rights, judicial authority, and due process.

Originally aired Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, on Eagle Country 100.9 FM.

How Your Local Government Works — And How to Make Your Voice Heard

Ever wondered who to contact when you have a problem with local government, how to obtain public records, or what authority your elected officials actually have?

Tina Wolfe, co-host of McDowell County’s Civic Soundoff, joins us to explain how local government works, how citizens can effectively raise concerns, and why public participation is essential to accountability.

A practical guide to getting answers and making a difference in your community.

Originally aired Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, on Eagle Country 100.9 FM.

Local Journalism, Government Transparency & Public Accountability

Who is watching our local government? And how much do citizens really know about decisions being made on their behalf?

Investigative reporter Annie Dance joins us to discuss the decline of local journalism, difficulties obtaining public records, and the importance of government transparency.

We also examine Rutherford County’s use of Flock license plate recognition cameras, government surveillance technology, and questions about oversight and accountability.

Originally aired Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, on Eagle Country 100.9 FM.

From International Drug Trafficking to Rutherford County History

Most people know Cindy Grondahl as the former owner of Legal Grounds. Far fewer know about her extraordinary past.

Cindy shares the story behind her book, Love and Contraband: My Life as a Drug Dealer’s Wife, including international marijuana trafficking, enormous sums of cash, the infamous Hog Wild estate in Green Hill, and the remarkable events that ultimately brought her family into a pivotal chapter of Rutherford County history.

Originally aired Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, on Eagle Country 100.9 FM.

Highlights from the Met Gala

New tours from Ariana Grande, Kacey Musgraves, Olivia Rodrigo. Recap of the Bruno Mars concert in Charlotte.