A Newton man will serve 23 to 32 years in prison following his conviction Thursday, in Catawba County Superior Court. 30 year old Travis Christopher was found guilty of first-degree rape and first-degree sexual offense by the 12-member jury to conclude a two-day trial. The Honorable W.Robert Bell, Superior Court Judge from Catawba County sentenced Martin. Detective Tyler Whisenant led the investigation for the Catawba County Sheriff's Office, while Assistant District Attorney Jamie Adams handled the prosecution for the DA's Office. Assistance in the case was provided by the Catawba County Child Advocacy and Protection Center.

The N.C.Division of Parks and Recreation and the N.C.Forest Service plan to conduct multiple prescribed burns at Lake James State Park from mid-December through April. According to Park Superintendent Nora Coffey, the specific dates of the burns will depend on local weather conditions. The prescribed burns will be conducted in sections totaling about 1,000 acres at the park's Catawba River Area and the paddy's Creek Area, including Long Arm Peninsula. Some visitor areas and trails may be temporarily closed during the prescribed burns, and aerial ignition may be used. A public discussion about the use of prescribed fire at Lake James State Park will be held Friday December 18 6:30PM at the Catawba River Area office.

Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina will celebrate its' 20th birthday Friday December 18 and the public is invited to join in the celebration. Stop by the office at 135 1/2 West Union Street in Downtown Morganton between Noon and 5PM for refreshments and birthday cake. Since 1995 Foothills Conservancy has protected more than 49,500 acres. Conservation projects include private farm and forest lands protected with conservation agreements as well as lands for public enjoyment at South Mountains, Lake James and Chimney Rock State Parks; Pisgah, Johns and South Mountains Game Lands; Pisgah National Forest; and the Blue Ridge Parkway.