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

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

Rutherfordton’s Oct. 3 event featured downtown activities, police vehicles and community groups Families and visitors filled downtown Rutherfordton for the Hilltop Fall Festival on Oct. 3, with entertainment, vendors and children’s activities drawing praise alongside questions about town spending and festival offerings. The Saturday event featured a magic show, a car show, and a pet costume contest hosted by Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue, according to the town’s MyRuth

Rutherford Regional Health System has completed its 100th robotic-assisted surgery, reaching the milestone roughly four months after introducing technology designed to help surgeons perform operations through small incisions. The hospital announced the milestone on Sept. 29 and said Dr. Andrew Demeusy performed the 100th procedure. Its general surgery program uses the da Vinci surgical system for hernia repair, gallbladder removal, colorectal surgery, and other operations. Ru

The proposed purchase covers nearly 3,600 acres in McDowell and Rutherford counties North Carolina’s Council of State is expected to consider an $8.4 million land purchase that could bring a trail connection between South Mountains State Park and Chimney Rock State Park closer to reality. The proposal is for the acquisition of approximately 3,592 acres off Conner Road for the Wilderness Gateway State Trail. The listed price is $8,399,242, or about $2,338 per acre. The land sp