In a press release released Friday by the Burke County Sheriff's Office, officials have a suspect in the homicide of John Bailey Clark of Rose Carswell Road, who was found deceased at his residence December 18th. The suspect is reportedly in custody on other charges; however, formal charges in the Clark case have not been filed. The SBI has assisted BCSO detectives, deputies, and other law enforcement personnel in the nearly year-long investigation--spending countless hours to solve the case, according to the release. Due to the nature of the ongoing investigation, additional details will not be provided at this time.

Hickory police officer completes the Management Development Program at the NC Justice Academy. Hildebran native Lieutenant Scott Hildebrand graduated from the course, which teaches participants how to become innovative and progressive leaders in the law enforcement community. Hildebrand joined the Hickory Police Department in 1994. Prior to joining Hickory Police, he worked for the Burke County Sheriff's Department for two years.