THE SHELBY INDEPENDENT

By Alan Wooten | The Center Square Media by Wix EDUCATION – Three community colleges in North Carolina used a portion of $1.25 million for Hurricane Helene mental health funds for birdwatching, succulents and rhinoceros-shaped stress balls. Blue Ridge Community College, Gaston College nor Wilkes Community College provided the Office of State Auditor with documents explaining how the expenditures qualified to be charged to hurricane-related expanded mental health support fund

By Alan Wooten | The Center Square (The Center Square) – Angela Hawkins has succeeded Bob Rucho as a Republican member of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, the office of the state auditor says. Rucho tendered his resignation this week. The decision, according to a spokesman in Boliek’s office, “was mutually agreed on and due to reportable candidate contributions.” While Rucho has drawn attention for support of state Sen. Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, in a primary rac