"When people come to our store, I always refer them to other places in Rutherfordton and also in Forest City and Spindale," Houser said.
"It's good for all of us, when any of us find success." While many of her visitors this summer to Mill Hill General Store have been from North Carolina and South Carolina, Houser has also had customers from Florida, Georgia, Ohio, and even northeastern states like Vermont and New Hampshire. Houser also serves as president of the nonprofit, Rutherford Town Rising, which promotes downtown Rutherfordton.

Thousands of tourists are discovering Rutherford County - Rutherford Weekly

Christy Freeman Houser serves as president of Rutherford Town Rising, a nonprofit that promotes downtown Rutherfordton.

While visitors are making their way to Lake Lure once again, and visitors are again coming to Chimney Rock State Park, they are also discovering Rutherford County's other small towns.
Christy Houser, who along with her husband owns Mill Hill General Store in downtown Rutherfordton, says she is grateful for the tourists who come through. "Visitors to the mountains, to the Lake Lure area, will often come down to Rutherfordton," Houser said.

Christy Freeman Houser owns Mill Hill General Store in downtown Rutherfordton with her husband.

Miranda Parker is Rutherfordton's New Main Street Program Coordinator - Rutherford Weekly

Christy Freeman Houser owns Mill Hill General Store in downtown Rutherfordton with her husband. She also serves as president of Rutherford Town Rising, a nonprofit that promotes downtown Rutherfordton.

2026 North Carolina General Election

Said a full-time downtown coordinator role strengthens support and communication for local small businesses and helps keep Rutherfordton prominent as a bypass approaches.

Christy Houser, President of RTR, added, "The board and I are thrilled to welcome Miranda into this full-time coordinator role. Our past directors were dedicated and cared deeply for downtown, but the part-time structure made it challenging to fully support the nearly 100 small businesses that make Rutherfordton's downtown so special.
This full-time position strengthens the town's ability to support those businesses, improve communication with the Town, and bring renewed energy to programming, all while preserving the small-town charm. With the bypass on the horizon, having someone who can consistently manage outreach and keep Rutherfordton front and center is more important than ever.

As of September 2, 2026, Christy Freeman Houser did not have a website or any information online.

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Christy Freeman Houser

As of September 2, 2026, Christy Freeman Houser’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Alejandra Gracias

Walter Ley

Bobby Ray Miller, Jr.

Doris Crute

Jeff Wells

Ricky Gilbert

Stanley Lennon (Stan) Clements

- Town council members serve as the governing body of the town, along with the mayor. 
- The town council members make policy decisions for the town, including creating ordinances, policies, and making agreements with other governments. 
- The town council can amend and revise town policies, as well as approve or reject the town budget. 
- The town council is also in charge of the appointment of advisory boards, commissions, task forces, committees, the town manager, and the town attorney. 
- Members of the town council are elected to staggered 4 year terms. 

Part of the governing body of your town. 