Hickory firefighters responded to a possible structure fire at 935 South Center Wednesday morning just before seven. Upon arrival, fire crews discovered smoke and fire coming from the rear of the business. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze to a wooden fence behind the business; with damage reported as minor. There were no injuries. Fire investigators state that the cause of the fire was intentional. Anyone with information is asked to call Hickory Police at 328-5551.

Being a "secret shopper" might sound like a good job, but the McDowell County Sheriff's Office is warning residents to beware because it's a scam. Some citizens have received information that entices them to get paid to shop at stores and report on their experiences. They often receive a hefty check and are told to deposit it in a personal bank account, withdraw a certain amount of it and wire the money to a third party. The check is fake, and victims are out the money they wired. For further information call the Sheriff's Office at 652-2235.

Lenoir/Caldwell County Crime stoppers need your assistance in solving a crime. A report was filed with Lenoir Police on March 20th, for the larceny of 119 bronze flower vases from Blue Ridge Memorial Park cemetery. While the investigation continues, Lenoir Police would like to ask for anyone with information related to this crime to call 757-2171 or report anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 758-8300.