Two Burke County residents, who face animal cruelty charges, made a court appearance Wednesday. Burke County Animal Control deputies Friday, executed a search warrant at a residence on Gouge Avenue in Morganton, referencing conditions of animal cruelty. Andrew Julian Moore and Stephanie Michelle McElhany were charged with 9 misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals. At their first court appearance Wednesday, Moore and McElhany plead guilty to the charges and relinquished all rights to the animals and reptiles, according to the Burke County Sheriff's Office. Placement of the animals will be handled by the Humane Society.

One person filed Wednesday at the Burke County Board of Elections Office. Cristy Gupton filed for County Commissioner on the Republican ticket.

Local law enforcement officials are looking for information into several Burke County break-ins. In the early morning hours on Wednesday December 9th, a male subject broke into multiple vehicles at a business in the Icard area. Personal items and currency were removed from several vehicles and the suspect fled the business. A short time later, the same person reappeared at a residence and entered the home by throwing a brick through a back window. Items were removed from inside. Security video from both locations has linked the crimes. The Burke County Sheriff's Office is seeking your help. Anyone with information should call 438-5500, 764-9505 or 439-4076.