Good morning, Statesville.

Western Avenue Baptist Church, founded in 1901, will celebrate its 125th anniversary on Sunday, Oct.

18 with worship services at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m, a church-wide photograph at 10 a.m, and a cookout at 4 p.m (at Museum Road).

On Friday, the 51st Carolina BalloonFest at Statesville Regional Airport featured grounded hot-air balloons that turned a media flight into a creative display amid fog and winds, while festival-goers enjoyed live music, a kids zone, wine & beer garden and an evening drone show.

Mooresville High grad Ryan Laska was awarded a $10,000 Falconer Foundation scholarship for his arts and service commitment — the nonprofit will hold a benefit concert on Oct.

24 at College Street Studios to celebrate his achievements.

Property owners Dean and Amy Davis have conserved 78 acres in Iredell and Yadkin counties (including horse pastures, a barn, hardwood forests, and hay fields) through a partnership with Three Rivers Land Trust to protect their rural legacy.

Iredell Health Foundation’s fifth Heart of Jazz will run Friday, Nov.

6 between 6 and 10 p.m. at the Statesville Event Center (300 S. Center Street). The event features a cocktail hour with Rose and Thorn, an auction, food, and an after party that will support local heart care programs.

The Statesville team stormed past South Iredell in a competitive game held today at a local sports field (meeting season goals), marking a strong performance by the hometown squad.

Raiders and Blue Devils have led seven Iredell volleyball teams to playoff qualification + set the stage for local competitions over the coming weeks.