So, what was life like growing up in Rutherford College? “It was an idyllic childhood,” Jensen answered. “As kids, we had the run of the neighborhood. We walked or rode our bikes everywhere. We played outside all the time. Technology had almost no role in our lives.”

Native son proudly leads Rutherford College | News | The Paper

Why leave your comfortable alma mater for a new school? “I liked the challenge of being involved in the opening of a brand new school,” Jensen answered. “The campus is one mile from my house. We knew it was going to be a smaller, more community-oriented school. And it was where my sons would be attending.”

Yates Jensen, Jr. grew up in Rutherford College. He has sons.

Three Rutherford College Council incumbents will seek re-election

Council members Carroll Hoyle, James Huffman, and Mark Stinson are in the middle of their four-year terms on the council and will not be seeking re-election this year. Jensen, a retired educator and coach who served at East Burke and Draughn high schools, has been active in town government for two decades.

Three Rutherford College council incumbents will seek re-election | The Paper

Yates is a retired educator and coach who served at East Burke and Draughn high schools.

MAYOR
Yates Jensen, Jr.

Post Office Box 406 * 980 Malcolm Blvd.
Rutherford College, NC 28671

Town Council Agenda April 4, 2022 (Town of Rutherford College)

In Rutherford College, four seats on the seven-member council are up for grabs this year and all four incumbents filed for re-election. Incumbent Mayor Yates Jensen and council members Kress Berry, Darel Malcolm, and Starr-Nell Bowman are seeking new 4-year terms in Rutherford College.

November ballot takes shape in Rutherford College, Hildebran | Elections | The Paper

Yates currently serves as mayor of Rutherford College.

2026 North Carolina General Election

As of September 2, 2026, Yates Jensen, Jr. did not have a website or any information online.

Economy

Public Services

The town’s small size limits its potential to attract manufacturing, but Jensen said it does hope to attract more “mom and pop” businesses to its downtown. “Any growth we have, we want it to be carefully planned and managed,” he said. “We realize our strength is in being a family-oriented, family-friendly small town where people feel comfortable and safe.”

Said the town wants growth to be carefully planned and managed.

- Said the town wants growth to be carefully planned and managed.

Housing & Urban Development

Among the issues facing the town is the volume and the speed of the traffic on Malcolm Boulevard, which serves as a main feeder route for Lenoir and much of Caldwell County to Interstate 40. Although a sidewalk stretches the length of the boulevard, the traffic, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours, makes it less than an ideal place to take a quiet stroll, Jensen said. “One thing we’ve looked at that might help that situation is contracting with the Burke County Sheriff’s Department for a deputy to exclusively serve Rutherford College,” Jensen said. “That might help cut down on the speeding along that stretch of street.”

Said the town has considered contracting with the Burke County Sheriff’s Department for a deputy dedicated to reducing speeding on Malcolm Boulevard.

- Said the town has considered contracting with the Burke County Sheriff’s Department for a deputy dedicated to reducing speeding on Malcolm Boulevard.

Public Safety

Transportation & Infrastructure

Education

Yates Jensen, Jr.

As of September 2, 2026, Yates Jensen, Jr.’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Sahid Burgos

Walter Ley

- The mayor leads the executive branch of local government, presiding over city council meetings, making sure city departments run smoothly, and providing services to citizens. 
- The mayor attends and runs City Council meetings, serving as an important leader for how local laws get set. These laws affect local services, such as Police, City Planning, Parks & Recreation, and Transportation.  
- The Mayor in some circumstances may vote to break a tie in council meetings. They do not have veto power.