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EXCLUSIVE: Moore announces additional $11.2M in Helene funding
New FEMA awards follow last week's $13.8 million announcement, bringing additional federal commitments to Western North Carolina more than two years after Hurricane Helene. U.S. Rep. Tim Moore, R-N.C., announced Wednesday an additional $11.2 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency funding for Hurricane Helene recovery, including repairs to Lake Lure's dam gates and a storm-damaged road bridge, restoration of a church in Cleveland County and nearly $9.8 million for Nor
Annie Dance
45 minutes ago4 min read
Latest News
EXCLUSIVE: Moore announces additional $11.2M in Helene funding
New FEMA awards follow last week's $13.8 million announcement, bringing additional federal commitments to Western North Carolina more than two years after Hurricane Helene. U.S. Rep. Tim Moore, R-N.C., announced Wednesday an additional $11.2 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency funding for Hurricane Helene recovery, including repairs to Lake Lure's dam gates and a storm-damaged road bridge, restoration of a church in Cleveland County and nearly $9.8 million for Nor
4 min read
Stein stresses safety as citizens vote
Gov. Josh Stein provided an update about public safety and his priorities on Oct. 27 during early voting, one week before Election Day. “Every second matters when someone calls 911,” Stein said. “These grants will give 911 operators the resources and technology they need to better connect North Carolinians with the help they need quickly.” Rutherford County received $53,974.06 for radio console replacement. “Every grant award is an investment in the first responder under the
2 min read
Old Fort man charged in Ashworth Warehouse break-in
An Old Fort man faces felony and misdemeanor breaking or entering charges following an Oct. 12 incident at Ashworth Warehouse LLC, according to the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office and court records. Christian Michael Hall, 49, was initially denied bond because he was already on pretrial release in Burke County, the sheriff’s office said in an Oct. 27 statement. Court records show he later posted bonds in both McDowell County cases. On Oct. 26, the court ordered his arrest af
2 min read
Local News
EXCLUSIVE: Moore announces additional $11.2M in Helene funding
New FEMA awards follow last week's $13.8 million announcement, bringing additional federal commitments to Western North Carolina more than two years after Hurricane Helene. U.S. Rep. Tim Moore, R-N.C., announced Wednesday an additional $11.2 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency funding for Hurricane Helene recovery, including repairs to Lake Lure's dam gates and a storm-damaged road bridge, restoration of a church in Cleveland County and nearly $9.8 million for Nor
4 min read
Stein stresses safety as citizens vote
Gov. Josh Stein provided an update about public safety and his priorities on Oct. 27 during early voting, one week before Election Day. “Every second matters when someone calls 911,” Stein said. “These grants will give 911 operators the resources and technology they need to better connect North Carolinians with the help they need quickly.” Rutherford County received $53,974.06 for radio console replacement. “Every grant award is an investment in the first responder under the
2 min read
Old Fort man charged in Ashworth Warehouse break-in
An Old Fort man faces felony and misdemeanor breaking or entering charges following an Oct. 12 incident at Ashworth Warehouse LLC, according to the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office and court records. Christian Michael Hall, 49, was initially denied bond because he was already on pretrial release in Burke County, the sheriff’s office said in an Oct. 27 statement. Court records show he later posted bonds in both McDowell County cases. On Oct. 26, the court ordered his arrest af
2 min read
Regional News
EXCLUSIVE: Moore announces additional $11.2M in Helene funding
New FEMA awards follow last week's $13.8 million announcement, bringing additional federal commitments to Western North Carolina more than two years after Hurricane Helene. U.S. Rep. Tim Moore, R-N.C., announced Wednesday an additional $11.2 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency funding for Hurricane Helene recovery, including repairs to Lake Lure's dam gates and a storm-damaged road bridge, restoration of a church in Cleveland County and nearly $9.8 million for Nor
4 min read
Stein stresses safety as citizens vote
Gov. Josh Stein provided an update about public safety and his priorities on Oct. 27 during early voting, one week before Election Day. “Every second matters when someone calls 911,” Stein said. “These grants will give 911 operators the resources and technology they need to better connect North Carolinians with the help they need quickly.” Rutherford County received $53,974.06 for radio console replacement. “Every grant award is an investment in the first responder under the
2 min read
Woman sentenced in $92 million laundering scheme
Shu Jun Zhen received nine years in prison in federal court in Charlotte after admitting she helped move drug trafficking proceeds. A New York woman was sentenced Oct. 21 to nine years in federal prison for her role in a Chinese money laundering organization that handled more than $92 million in illicit funds, including drug trafficking proceeds, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina. Shu Jun Zhen, 31, was also ordered to forfeit n
2 min read
Business News
From the White House to Main Street: Trump targets housing costs, federal fraud
New directives seek to reduce mortgage expenses and duplicative housing requirements, with potential implications for Western North Carolina. President Donald Trump is directing federal agencies to reduce certain homeownership costs and streamline manufactured housing requirements, changes that could matter to Western North Carolina residents buying or replacing homes. The administration also launched a fraud reporting incentive program aimed at protecting taxpayer dollars. B
2 min read
NC auditor’s tipline accepts confidential reports of government misconduct
State accepts confidential complaints about fraud, waste and abuse, with options for anonymous tips and supporting documents. North Carolina residents who suspect fraud, waste or misuse of state resources can submit confidential complaints to the Office of the State Auditor, including anonymous tips. The office investigates allegations involving state agencies or employees within its legal authority. Complaints may concern misappropriation or mismanagement of resources, viola
1 min read
NC fuel tax pause offers relief for drivers
Stein signs law suspending the 41-cent-per-gallon tax through Nov. 30, with additional relief for farmers Rutherford County drivers could save $6.15 on a 15-gallon fill-up under a temporary suspension of North Carolina’s motor fuel excise tax, provided the full tax reduction reaches the pump. Gov. Josh Stein signed House Bill 3, the Relief at the Pump Act, on Oct. 9 in Fairview. The suspension began Oct. 10 and runs through Nov. 30, covering gasoline, diesel and alternative f
2 min read
Obituaries
Donna Laughter
Donna Laughter, age 43, of Ellenboro, passed away Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Atrium Health-Cleveland in Shelby.
1 min read
Marie Ellis Owens
Marie Ellis Owens, age 76, of Forest City, passed away Monday, October 26, 2026 at Hilltop Health and Rehabilitation in Rutherfordton.
2 min read
Daniel McKeown
Daniel McKeown, age 76, of Mooresboro, passed away Thursday, October 22, 2026 at the Colonial Manor in Rutherfordton.
1 min read
Harrelson Funeral Home
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