The Freedom Girls State Championship basketball team was recognized, along with other students Monday night at the Burke County Board of Education regular meeting. Winners were noted for their participation in the Burke Soil & Water Conservation Essay and Speech Contest. In the 6th grade, Maxwell Thomas of Table Rock Middle took first place in the essay. Julia Uren of Table Rock Middle placed 1st in the 7th grade speech category and Anna Pederson of Heritage Middle took 1st place in the 8th grade speech category. The Mathcounts competition was held March 2nd. Valdese Elementary placed first, Glen Alpine took 2nd and Rutherford College 3rd. The first place overall mathlete was Morgan Cargill of Glen Alpine. Ray Childers was recognized for being chosen as a Title 1 Reward School for the 2015-2016 school year. Title 1 is the largest federal education-funding program for schools. School funding is based on the number of low-income children, generally those eligible for the free and reduced price lunch program. The Freedom Girls basketball team was also recognized for their 3A state championship win.

The Sheehan Creek fire in McDowell County is now contained. According to a Monday news release from the US Forest Service, wet weather and cooler temperatures aided firefighters. The fire is now 98% contained. The fire began Thursday afternoon in a remote area along Little Buck Creek, north of Lake Tahoma, about 7 miles northwest of Marion. The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation. All roads and trails in the area are now open. Forest Service officials are asking the public to continue to avoid the fire area for their own safety and the safety of fire personnel who remain on the scene.