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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

1 day ago4 min read

Latest News

Betty Seney

Betty Seney, age 75, of Forest City, passed away Sunday, October 25, 2026 at Frye Hospital in Hickory, NC.

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Kevin Lane

Kevin Lane, age 57, of Forest City, passed away Sunday, October 25, 2026 at his home.

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Bobby Ayers

Bobby Ayers, age 79, of Forest City, passed away Sunday, October 25, 2026 at his home.

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Local News

Rutherford election officials explain write-in voting and certification

Lake Lure and Rutherfordton mayoral contests include write-in challengers; all election-night results remain unofficial until the required review is completed. With early voting underway and Election Day approaching Nov. 3, Rutherford County election officials are reminding voters that results reported on election night are unofficial. Write-in votes, provisional ballots, and certain absentee ballots require additional review before results are certified. That process could b

3 min read

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

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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

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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

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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