Carolinas HealthCareSystem Blue Ridge is not raising prices on procedures or hospital stays in 2016. President and CEO of Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge Kathy C.Bailey says the hospital understands that healthcare is expensive, so for the first time in 16 years the prices on procedures and hospital stays will not be raised. Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge is part of Carolinas HealthCare System, which supports efforts that provide patients with useful information on quality, access, service and price. Bailey continuously pushes the hospital system to be a community partner and she believes this initiative will help patients be more involved and able to make more informed decisions on healthcare. A written estimate of charges for surgical and imaging services performed at the hospital is being provided, including the patient's out-of-pocket expense. Bailey says the hospital is in the process of expanding their ability to provide estimates for other services so that patients stay well informed.

A Lenoir man pleaded guilty to two separate offenses, last week, in Caldwell County Superior Court. 26 year old Devin Isaiah Boyce entered guilty pleas to assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and trafficking opium or heroin. The Honorable Robert C.Ervin, Superior Court Judge from Burke County, issued an active prison sentence of 5 to 7 years. Sherry Beavers and Patrick Moser investigated the cases for Lenoir Police. Andrew Jennings was the prosecutor for the District Attorney's Office.