Caterpillar, Inc announced Thursday that it will close 5 plants, including three in the Carolinas. The company, by 2018, expects to close or consolidate 20 facilities, and trim 10,000 positions. The Morganton plant is expected to end production next year, eliminating 110 jobs, while the Newberry and Ridgeway plants will also close, affecting 400 workers.

According to the Burke County Sheriff's Office,the man found at Steels Creek Falls, off Highway 181, has been identified as that of a missing Connelly Springs Man, 56-year-old Richard Dale Triplett.  In a Sheriff's Office release this morning it was stated that the medical examiner was able to positively identify the body as Triplett's. There are no physical signs of trauma or foul play. An autopsy will be performed with a toxocology report and the investigation continues.

The woman, killed after being struck by two vehicles in Lenoir, has been identified. 47-year old Michelle Anne Holt of Wilkesboro was crossing Blowing Rock Blvd, just after 6am Thursday, when she was hit by an initial vehicle, according to Lenoir Police. Before emergency responders could arrive, Holt was struck by a second vehicle. She was pronounced dead at Caldwell UNC Health Care. Officers are looking for the second vehicle, which left the scene, a dark in color pickup truck. Anyone with information on the second vehicle should call Lenoir Police at 757-2100 or Crimestoppers at 758-8300. Calls to Crimestoppers are anonymous. The investigation is ongoing.

The McDowell County Sheriff's Office is asking the public's help in locating a wanted sex offender. 28-year-old Christopher Neil Chastain has been charged with violation of the sex offender registry, which is a felony. Chastain was released from prison last Friday, and advised that he would be living in McDowell County, but failed to report to the Sheriff's Office after three business days. He is described as a white male, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs about 140 pounds and has brown hair and hazel eyes. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Chastain is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 652-2235, the 911 communications center at 652-4000 or Crimestoppers at 652-7463.

A Valdese man has been charged in a theft at a Hickory business. 71-year-old Alvin Artina Johnson has been charged with one felony count of breaking and entering, and one felony count of larceny after breaking and entering. Hickory Police state the charges stem from last December's indictment from a break in at Big Time Bargains' in which several laptops and a cash register with money were taken. Police reports indicate that some of the items  were recovered - leading to Johnson's initial arrest. Officials say Johnson previously worked at the store and had knowledge of how to gain entry. An arrest of a second suspect is pending.

Hikers found the body of a man Wednesday in Northern Burke County. The Burke County Sheriff's Office responded off Highway 181 near Steele Creek Falls. Officers had to hike about 2 miles to where the body was found at the base of the falls, according to WSOC-TV.  Investigators are checking to see if the identity is that of a missing Burke County man.

A woman was struck and killed this morning in Lenoir. WSOC-TV reports that two cars hit the woman on Highway 321 near Smith Cross Road about 7:30. The woman's name has not been released.

A Marion man was severely beaten Monday morning at his residence on Ann Street. 36-year-old Andrew Arrowood sustained fractures in multiple spots on his face and had severe cuts on his face, head and body, according to News 13. Arrowood had been asleep on the couch when the attack occurred. There have been no arrests the case. Anyone with information is asked to call Marion Police.

The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office Ice Unit has made an arrest involving a methamphetamine distributor. 32-year-old Garrett Scott Dellinger of Lenoir, was arrested Tuesday night in Hudson as the result of a sting operation. Dellinger is a repeat offender and has pending drug charges, including one charge with the Ice Unit. He was placed in the Caldwell County Detention Center under a $20,000 secured bond, with a Lenoir District Court scheduled for today.

McDowell County is announcing a new partnership with Skyrunner Internet to drive broadband availability expansion in McDowell County. This new development comes as a result of the strategic planning by the McDowell Chamber of Commerce, the McDowell Economic Development Association, McDowell County, and the N.C.Broadband Infrastructure Office, within the NC Department of Information Technology. Skyrunner Internet currently provides service to several parts of the county. The additional deployment will take place over the next several months and will cover about 90 percent of McDowell County.

The City of Hickory recently announced grant winners for several Catawba County organizations. Out of 12 applicants, 7 Catawba organizations were chosen to receive a combined $7300 in funding during the spring grant cycle. The Women's Resource Center, Safe Harbor Rescue Mission, the Council on Adolescents, Hickory Community Theatre, the Catawba Valley Quilters Guild, Lenoir Rhyne's Multicultural Affairs and Hickory Public Schools - all received funding toward projects designed to positively impact human relations. Hickory's Community Relations Council recommended the grant recipients, and they were approved by City Council. Meanwhile, Hickory's Communications and Marketing Manager Dana Kaminske has been elected as Vice President of the NC City and County Communicators Organization. The state organization was formed in 2007 by professional communicators from across NC; representing cities, counties, schools, utilities and other state entities.

The Silver Mine Fire near Hot Springs is about 60% contained, with around 5000 acres burned. According to the Forest Service, the public may continue to see and smell smoke from the fire between Hot Springs and Asheville.

A Caldwell County resident is charged with a felony marijuana offense, in a case of receiving marijuana from California for distribution in North Carolina. The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office Ice Unit with a Federal Postal Inspector began the investigation when they learned of a suspicious package that had arrived at a Caldwell Post Office from California. A K-9 conducted a sniff of the package and alerted for illegal narcotics. Agents reportedly found 7 pounds and 10 ounces of high grade marijuana with an estimated street value of over $87,000. 22-year-old Andrea Estela Alfaro was charged Tuesday, with Felonious Possession with Intent to Sell?Deliver Marijuana. She has a first court appearance in Lenoir scheduled for tomorrow.

Western Piedmont Community College invites the public to a screening of award winning films produced by WPCC students and graduates tonight, from 6:30 till 8:30 in Leviton Auditorium on the WPCC campus. These films showcase 10 years of the College's participation in the annual 48 Hour Film Project competiton in Asheville. Admission to the screening is free.

The SBA Disaster Loan Deadline in North Carolina is May 23rd for Economic Injury Disaster Loans as a result of the drought that began July 28,2015. The loans are available in the following counties: Buncombe, Burke, Cleveland, Gaston, Henderson, Lincoln, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Polk and Rutherford. Under this declaration, the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of the drought. Disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA's Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

UPDATE-9:00AM Shawn Ballard has been found safe and in good condition.
The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office is seeking 17-year-old Shawn Wayne Ballard of School Road Asheville, who was reported missing Monday. He is described as a white male, 5'8", 135 pounds, brown hair and eyes, and is known to frequent the Biltmore Park area. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office at 250-6670.

Students were recognized and members were added to the Western Piedmont Community College Board of Trustees in Monday night's regular Burke County Board of Education meeting. Four students were recognized as 2016 Duke TIP Talent Search at the state level. These honerees scored approximately at or above the national average of recent high school graduates on at least one part of the SAT or ACT. Ella Gragg and Joseph Seevers were recognized from Liberty Middle and of Heritage Middle, Gillian Abee-Freeze and Austin Rogers were acknowledged. The Board appointed two individuals to serve on the WPCC Board of Trustees. Bruce Hawkins was installed for a 4-year term and Ronnie Thompson was appointed to fill the remaining term for Bill Allman, who resigned. In consent items, the Board approved to change meal prices for the 2016-2017 school year. Breakfast would increase $.05 for all students, lunch would increase $.05 for elementary students and lunch would increase $.10 for middle and high school students.

56-year-old Richard Dale Triplett of Edwards Circle Connelly Springs was reported missing last week by a family member. Reports with the Burke County Sheriff's Office say the family member contacted Triplett's work supervisor; learning that Triplett had called into work sick last Monday. No further contact with Triplett has been made since. He is described as a white male, 5 feet 11, weighing 180 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. Anyone with information regarding Triplett's whereabouts should contact the Burke County Sheriff's Office at 438-5500.

Firefighters are stating that the 45-acre woods fire west of Old Fort is 100 percent contained; however, officials remain on the scene to monitor hot spots. The fire is in the Pisgah National Forest, near the Point Lookout Trail. The trail has reopened, however visitors are cautioned of fire traffic in the area. The fire was ignited by sparks from the nearby railroad. Firefighters with the US and NC Forest Service and Old Fort Fire Department are providing support at the fire scene.

A Caldwell County man has been arrested after an Officer Involved Shooting in Lenoir. Officers responded just after 1am Friday, to 1914 Starcross Road, after several 911 calls of shots fired in that area. After an initial contact with the resident, Harold David Houser III, additional shots were fired with Officers returning fire, according to a news release from Lenoir Police. After the exchange of gunfire, Houser was taken into custody, treated at the scene by EMS personnel and transported to Caldwell Memorial, where he was released Sunday. Houser was served an outstanding warrant, after his release, and charged with one count of attempted first degree murder. He was placed in the Caldwell County Detention Center under a $1,000,000 secured bond, with a District Court appearance scheduled for today. Additional charges are expected.

The case against a Granite Falls man accused of killing two people at a Hickory fast food restaurant will proceed as a capital matter. During a hearing in Catawba County Superior Court, Wednesday, prosecutors for the state announced they will seek the death penalty for 22-year-old Eric Terril Yount. He is accused in the March 2nd shooting deaths of 22-year-old Richelle Scott Lail and 28-year-old Cody William Watts. Victoria Jayne has been appointed to represent Yount. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 11th.

A Mexican National has been sent to federal prison for trafficking large quantities of meth in WNC. 39-year-old Santiago Sanchez was sentenced Thursday, to 17 and one-half years in prison for trafficking meth in Buncombe, Henderson, Polk and surrounding areas. Reports show Sanchez devised and ran a homemade meth production operation last year; at times using his children as translators or in handling narcotics. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant for Sanchez's residence in Polk County - where they discovered more than a pound of crystal meth, drug paraphernalia, cash, and firearms. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office and Marion Polce assisted the DEA and SBI in their investigation.

A Hickory man will not face the death penalty in the fatal shooting of a Granite Falls woman. During a hearing in Catawba County Superior Court Tuesday, prosecutors for the state announced they will not seek the death penalty for 32-year-old James Willard Thacker. He is accused of shooting 40-year-old Tammy Annette Cloninger on February 15th. The case remains under investigation by Hickory Police.

A Morganton man, wanted for child sex crimes, has been taken into custody in Nashville. The Burke County Sheriff's Office issued a press release Thursday, stating that Omar Cristian Region-Vera was a suspect for sex crimes, after Deputies responded earlier this week to a report of a sexual assault. In the Thursday news release, the Sheriff's Office reported that Region-Vera had gone into hiding. According to the Morganton News Herald, Sheriff Whisenant said they contacted Metropolitan South Police in Nashville, where officers were able to make a traffic stop and arrested the suspect without incident. Burke County DSS and the Burke County Child Advocacy Center assisted the Sheriff's Office in the case.

The McDowell County Sheriff's Office is seeking a wanted couple believed to be in the county, but dodging law enforcement. 34-year-old Joshua Charles Barrier and 29-year-old Ashley Renee Johnson are wanted by the Sheriff's office on multiple counts of felony obtaining property by false pretense and misdemeanor larceny. The two are believed to be in the Old Fort area and have two children - ages 2 and 3 - with them. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Barrier and Johnson is asked the call the Sheriff's Office at 652-2237 or Crimestoppers at 652-7463.

One of two men convicted by a Catawba County jury in December was given an active prison term last week, during Catawba County Superior. 23 year old Emmanuel Peralta Martinez of Newton, was sentenced to 7-10 years, by the Honorable Robert C. Ervin, Superior Court Judge from Burke County. Martinez and James Moser each were found guilty by the jury December 16 of one count of armed robbery, three counts of second-degree kidnapping and one count of felony breaking and entering for a November 2013 home invasion. Moser has not yet been apprehended. Anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts is encouraged to call Hickory Police at 328-5551.

Caldwell County Schools will present the 14th annual Hall of Honor induction ceremony on May 6th at the JE Broyhill Center. The event is in celebration of Caldwell County graduates who have made significant personal and professional contributions to their community. The 2016 Hall of Honor inductees are Betty "Betsy" (mCRary) McRee, W.Claude Baker, Jr. and Dee A. Freeman. Posthumous award will be presented to the family of Earl Henry Tate. Tickets are now on sale for $20 each at the Education Center 1914 Hickory Blvd., SW, Lenoir.

The parents of a suspect in a McDowell County sex abuse case are charged with intimidating a witness. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office Wednesday, charged 59-year-old Belinda Jean Buchanan and 64-year-old Jerry William Buchanan, both of Marion with felony intimidating a state's witness. In January Detective Lynn Greene charged the couple's son 35-year-old son Edward Almond Buchanan, with multiple offenses in relation to the sexual molestation of a female from the time she was 8 until she was 16. Greene said the Buchanan recently made intimidating statements to the victim concerning the case.

The Burke County Board of Commissioners have once again postponed making a decision on schematic jail plans, but have planned a workshop on the matter for next week. Approving schematic jail plans was a decision item on the agenda for the Burke County Board of Commissioners Tuesday night regular meeting, but some commissioners questioned if they were jumping into things too quickly, due to the emtimated cost increase. Chairman Wayne Abele was one of them. "I'm personally not ready to build a new jail until we get some of this resolved. There are alot of questions and people are asking a lot of questions and I think need to do what's best for the taxpayers of Burke County and think this thing out. I think we rushed into this thing." Commissioner Johnnie Carswell made it clear that the Board had already voted to build the jail on Government Drive, but that decision has the ability to be overturned. The item was removed from the agenda in a 3-2 vote and the Board agreed to have a workshop to discuss the matter further next Tuesday.

In honor of its' 20th anniversary, Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina is hosting a public celebration Saturday. Camp Golden Valley in the South Mountains of Northern Rutherford County is the setting for this year's anniversary event; to be held Saturday, 11am till 3pm. Attendees are urged to bring a blanket or chair for the free event. Activities include musical entertainment from Bear Wallow - the winner of last year's MerleFest Band competition. Lake paddling, nature hikes, food and beverages will also be available. Since 1995, the Morganton-based conservation organization has permanently protected 50,000 acres, including special area landmarks like Linville Gorge, Wilson Creek, the South Mountains, Chimney Rock, and Catawba Falls. RSVPs are required by 5pm by calling 437-9950 or email info@foothillsconservancy.org.

A traffic safety enforcement operation leads to an arrest in Morganton. On Wednesday, Public Safety Officer Gilstrap stopped a car on East Union near Tennessee Street for speeding 41 mph in the 25 mph school zone. During the traffic stop, the driver, Randy Poteet of Morganton, admitted to driving while his license is revoked. A check for warrants on Poteet, showed an order for arrest for failure to appear on a previous court date. Poteet was taken into custody, and a foil gum wrap found in his pocket tested positive for methamphetamine. Bond was set at $5000, with multiple court dates set.

Hickory City Council met Tuesday night, and heard a Presentation and Proclamation for building safety month from Members of Hickory Police Department's Code Enforcement Division. An 18-item consent agenda passed, and in new business, a Quarterly Financial Report was presented to city council, followed by a request from city staff authorizing the application of TIGER grant funding from the US Department if Transportation. That item passed by a 7-0 vote allowing for passage of the grant request.

The Burke County Board of Commissioners agreed to support the establishment of a new elementary school as a way to relieve overcrowding at Mountain Crest Elementary. In a joint meeting between the Burke County Board of Commissioners and Burke County Board of Education Monday evening, Board of Education members presented two options they believed best as means to solve overcrowding at Mountain Crest Elementary. The two options were either re-open Mountain View Elementary or build a new elementary school. The piece of property where Mountain View is located is viable and a school could be built on that property that holds up to 800 students. Commissioners said they wanted to plan long-term for future students and decided that re-opening Mountain Crest, which would cost over $2.6 million with an annual reoccuring expense, would not be cost efficient. Before adjourning, Commissioners agreed to support the Board of Education in building a new elementary school from capital funds and to continue to work together on the project.

Dr. Brett Wilson has been named principal at Walter Johnson Middle School. Since joining Burke County Schools in 2008, Wilson's duties include teacher, assistant principal and principal. He has most recently served as principal at Hildebran Elementary. Wilson will spilt his time between Hildebran and Walter Johnson for the remainder of the school year, and the search for the next principal at Hildebran will begin soon.

A search of a Marion couple's home by deputies and probation officers turns up one-half gram of heroin. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office Monday, charged 26-year-old Justin Keith Denton and 28-year-old Aimee Diane Murray, each with felony possession of heroin, felony possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin and felony maintaining a dwelling to keep a controlled substance.On April 5th, Deputy Adam Burnette and his K-9 Kessy, assisted probation officers Becky Loftis and David Ashe with a search of Denton and Murray's residence. Both of the suspects are on probation, which means they are subject to warrantless searches.

Five people were arrested on drug charges at a Hickory motel last weekend. Those arrested include a Morganton woman, 23-year-old Tracy Diane Teague, charged with one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphenalia, one misdemeanor count of resisting a public officer, and one misdemeanor count of probation violation. Teague was jailed under a $23,000 secured bond. Reports say Hickory Police received an "an attempt to locate" from the Burke Sheriff's Office, leading to multiple arrests at the Days Inn on Fairgrove Church Road. Officers also arrested Matthew Howard Roark and Mary Massey Roark of Hiddenite, along with Andrew Calloway of Granite Falls and Mickey Joe Calloway of Hickory. The four reportedly face various drug, weapon, and traffic related charges.

There will be a Special Joint Meeting today of the Burke County Board of Education and the Burke County Board of Commissioners. The meeting, at 5:30 in the West Concord Resource Center, will include a presentation of options concerning overcrowding at Mountain Crest Elementary, There will be a selection of an option by the Board of Commissioners and Board of Education.

The investigation continues into the fatal shooting Thursday night in Nebo. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office was called to 522 Lake Lamar Loop about 6pm. Deputies found 71-year-old Allen Robert Causby of Nebo, dead from a gunshot wound. The shooting occurred on property belong to 67-year-old Larry Gilliand. It was reported that Causby had been on Gilliand's property earlier in the day, was told to leave, and returned armed. There was a subsequent confrontation between the two and shots were fired. Assisting the Sheriff's Office were members of the SBI, the Highway Patrol and McDowell County EMS and Dysartsville Fire Department.

Jury selection in the triple homicide case of Everette Porshau Hewitt was completed last week and opening statements are scheduled for tomorrow morning at 9:30 at Catawba County Superior Court in Newton. Hewitt is charged with three counts of first-degree murder in connection with the March 15 2011, shooting deaths of Wade Sigmon and Connie Miller at Oak Knoll Mobile Park in Conover. He is accused of also shooting Joseph Burke, but he survived.

Three Lenoir residents face charges after a narcotics search Thursday morning. Lenoir Police Department's Narcotics Unit and Criminal Investigations Division served a search warrant at 215 Norwood Street. Areested were Jasmine Paige, charged with Misdemeanor Simple Possession of Schedule VI Controlled Substance, Keenan Antonio Dula, charged with Felony Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Xzavian Jerrod Dula, charged with Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Schedule II Controlled Substance along with Misdemeanor Larceny. These arrests are the result of citizen complaints, and the investigation spanned several months.

With the beginning of the prom season, The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is conducting Operation "Drive to Live" this week. The operation will be conducted daily from 6am through 5pm. The operation is an initiative by the Highway Patrol to reduce the number of teenage related traffic collisions and deaths. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, young drivers are significantly over represented in fatal crashes, particularly 16 and 17 year olds. One area that is very concerning is distracted driving.

Marion Police responded about 3:30pm Thursday to Love's Truck Stop to investigate a motor vehicle fatality, involving a pedestrian. The victim, Corey Allen McCall, was pronounced dead at the scene. Anyone with information about this incident should contact Marion Police at 652-5205, as the investigation is continuing.

Lenoir Fire officials are investigating separate incidents of arson at the same location. Lenoir firefighters were summoned to a vacant house at 229 Pennton Avenue Saturday, as neighbors reported seeing flames coming from an attic vent. The investigation reportedly showed the fire had been intentionally set. Initial damage reports were estimated at $1000. On Sunday, Lenoir Fire accompanied by police officers responded to reports of a second fire at the same address. Reports indicate a subsequent investigation revealed the second fire had also been intentionally set near the rear of the structure. Danage estimates for the second incident - $10,000. Lenoir Police is asking anyone with information relating to the fires to call 757-2100.

Two Taylorsville men face Breaking and Entering charges from an incident April 4th. The Alexander County Sheriff's Office Thursday, reported the arrests of 42 year old Chad Eugene Fox and 34 year old Jeffrey Lynn Bustle. Both were placed under a $50,000 bond. They face charges of Breaking and Entering and Larceny, Safe Cracking and Larceny of a Firearm. The breakin occurred near Icard Ridge Road in Bethlehem. Sheriff Deputies recovered some of the stolen property. More arrests are possible as the investigation continues.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office, early Thursday, charged three people with Felony Burglary-1st Degree Forced. Arrested were 42 year old Jennifer Deanne McMahan and 37 year old Callie Loree Capps, both of Nebo, along with 49 year old Timothy Allen Mitchell of Burnsville. They were placed in the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility, under $75,000 secured bond each.

A body located in East Asheville, has been identified as a missing Black Mountain man. Asheville Police responded Tuesday, to Pinnacle Point Drive, after receiving a call of a deceased person. The man was identified as 35 year old Phillip Nathan Carter. He was reported missing March 29th. No foul play is suspected at this point in the investigation, according to Asheville Police.

The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help in locating 21-year-old Austin Lee Barnette. He is wanted in connection with a Burglary and Breaking and Enterings in the Hudson area that occurred early Monday morning. His last known address was on Kistler Lane in Granite Falls, but recently stayed at a residence off Legion Road in Hudson. Anyone with information about Barnette is asked to contact the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office at 758-2324 or if you wish to remain anonymous call Caldwell County Crimestoppers at 758-8300.

Two McDowell County men face charges in separate incidents. McDowell County Sheriff's Officers responding to an assault call led to the arrest of a man on drug charges. The report released Wednesday, stated that 37-year-old Joshua Nathaniel Honeycutt of Nebo was spotted driving away from the assault scene as a suspect. As Honeycutt was apprehended, officers discovered a small amount of methamphetamine in his vehicle and he was charged with felony possession of meth. Meanwhile, a former McDowell County employee has been charged with felony attempting to obtain property by false pretense. 49-year-old Gary Wyatt Earp of Marion reportedly turned in a claim for county reimbursement for damage done to his vehicle. Officers state Earp altered the receipt to show the county owed him a higher amount than it actually did. Earp was formerly employed at McDowell County Public Works.

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park reopened Wednesday, three days earlier than anticipated after it was originally closed this week to allow new power lines to run through the Park to the top of the mountain. The elevator is still not operating and there is no timeframe for when it will reopen, but the Park will post updates at chimneyrockpark.com.

Three people have been charged in the theft of a Marion woman's wallet. 23-year-old Martha May Laughter of Marion has been charged by the McDowell County Sheriff's Office with felony obtaining property by false pretense. 25-year-old James Dale Sheehan Jr. and 34-year-old Wesley Allen Thorpe, both of Marion, have also been charged with felony conspiracy to obtain property by false pretense. According to the Sheriff's Office, the trio stole a wallet from a vehicle while parked at a Mudcut Road residence; then used a stolen debit card to make purchases at area businesses, Additional charges are pending.

Progress is being made toward upgrading power to the elevator in Chimney Rock State Park. The Park is closed through Friday, to run new power lines through the Park to the elevator on top of the mountain. Inconsistent power has played havoc with the dependable operation of the Park's elevator since it was modernized and reopened in 2012, according to a news release from Chimney Rock State Park. There is no timeframe for when elevator service will be restored, but will updates will be provided as they receive them.

Fire damages a Morganton Church Rectory. Public Safety firefighters responded about 7:30 Monday night to St.Charles Catholic Church on West Union Street. Officers and firefighters were able to contain the fire to the Rectory. Damage was estimated at $50,000. Burke County EMS responded to the scene and assisted. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Two Old Fort residents face methamphetamine charges. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office reported the arrests Monday, of 37 year old Virginia Lee Loftis and 44 year old Franklin Dewayne Barlowe. Authorities, for months, have investigated reports of drug activity at the Harlowe Noblitt Road residence. In the early morning hours on April 7th, members of the Sheriff's Office, Marion Police and SBI raided the home and located 43.5 grams of meth, several small marijuana plants, cash and a shotgun.

A Longview man faces multiple cocaine charges. Hickory Police made the arrest Monday, of 50 year old Robert Franklin Martin. Bond was set at $172,000 with a court appearance scheduled for today.

Two felony drug charges are filed on an Eastern Burke County man. Morganton Public Safety Monday, arrested 27 year old Bradley Neil Holt of Connelly Springs. He was placed in the Burke Catawba District Confinement Center under $20,000 secured bond with a District Court appearance in Morganton set for tomorrow.

One of Burke County's Most Wanted was arrested last week in McDowell County. 32 year old Brandon Lee Woody was located Wednesday, by the McDowell County Sheriff's Office during an investigation of a domestic disturbance. He was transferred to a Burke County Sheriff's Deputy and placed in custody under a $20,000 secured bond. Charges include Felony Breaking & Entering Forced, Felony Larceny After Breaking and Entering and Felony Obtain Property by False Pretense. Woody has been on Burke County's Most Wanted List for 17 weeks.

A Morganton traffic stop yields drug charges. A Public Safety Office Friday night, conducted a vehicle stop in reference to a DWI investigation. The officer found that the suspect, Devin Andrew Yancey of Conover, had two outstanding warrants for assault on a female and damage to property. A search of Yancey revealed a concealed large baggie or prescription meds, according to a news release. Burke County Narcotics Task Force investigators were contacted and responded. Yancey received a $40,000 secured bond for trafficking schedule II (opiates) narcotics.

Public Safety Officers respond Saturday afternoon to a domestic disturbance and find drugs, scales, packaging materials and SKS rifle. Around 2 o'clock, dispatch received a call , alleging threats involving weapons and drug use. Officers conducted a safety sweep of the residence on Wedgewood Drive and located a 3 year old male child inside. According to a news release, a consent search was made and 25 year old Christopher Zimmerman was arrested and charged with Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell and Deliver Marijuana, along with three Misdemeanor charges of Child Abuse/Neglect, Assault by Pointing a Firearm and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $25,000, with a court appearance today. The child is staying with relatives and Burke DSS will be investigating.

Fourteen students competed for over $1000 in cash awards at the 4th Annual Shakespeare monologue Competition, presented by The Caldwell Arts Council, Caldwell County Schools and J.E.Broyhill Civic Center. First Place went to Krissy Browder of Wilkes Central, 2nd place to Nick Grozier of Caldwell Middle College and 3rd place to Caitlin Finley of Caldwell Early College.

A disturbance at a Morganton motel leads to the recovery of over 3.5 ounces of cocaine and the suspect is charged with holding a woman against her will. Just before 4am Thursday, Public Safety Officers responded to the Plaza Inn on South Sterling Street, after an anonymous caller told dispatchers that a female friend was being held against her will in a room. Officers interviewed the caller who stated that Tristan Means was holding the female at knifepoint. Officers knocked on the door and Means answered. Officers observed a knife on a table beside the door. Means was detained while Officers found a female hiding in the bathroom. The Burke County Narcotics Task Force was contacted to assist with the investigation, with K9 Shrek helping to locate over three and a half counces of crack cocaine. Tristan Means was jailed at the Burke Catawba Detention Center under a $60,000 secured bond, with a Burke District Court appearance scheduled for today.

A Caldwell County man is charged is connection with a shooting in the Dulatown community. Deputies responded Wednesday to Roy Dula Place. The victim had been tranported to the hospital was considered stable. Deputies arrested 19 year old Makhu Aundrel Dula Wednesday night at a residence on Harper Avenue. He was placed in the Caldwell County Detention Center under a $250,000 secured bond. The investigation in the case is still pending.

Traffic had to be detoured Wednesday morning on U.S.Highway 70, after a fire at Bingham Storage in Valdese. The Morganton News Herald reports that one storage building with 40 units burned. Burke County Fire Marshal told the paper that the cause of the fire was accidental, but the investigation is continuing. No injuries were reported. Numerous fire departments responded including, Triple Community, Valdese, Chesterfield, Drexel, Enola, Hickory, Longview, Lovelady, North Catawba, Oak Hill, Rhodhiss, Salem, along with Valdese Police and Burke EMS & REACT.

A Nebo couple has been charged after four children in the home test positive for methamphetamine.
The McDowell County Sheriff's Office Wednesday, charged 29 year old Kimberly Dawn Lowery and 27 year old Nathan Todd Vallini with four counts each of misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. The children - ranging in ages from 4 to 12 - were living in the residence with the suspects and tested positive for meth.

Lenoir-Rhyne University's Business Council honored Judy White, President of Benco Steel, Inc., as Business Leader of the Year during an awards luncheon Wednesday, at Lake Hickory Country Club. White is an industry-leading senior executive and has served as President of Benco Steel since September 1999. The company is an independent, regional steel service center serving the Carolinas.

A fire in Eastern Burke County burns three outbuildings Tuesday. More than 50 firefighters responded about 4:30 to 2754 Knob Hill Drive in Connelly Springs. According to the Morganton News Herald, the buildings were used for storage and no injuries were reported. Fire crews from Lovelady, Icard, Valdese, Rhodhiss, Drowning Creek and Triple Community responded along with Burke County EMS and REACT. The Burke County Fire Marshal's Office is investigating. About 15 to 20 acres also reportedly burned.

Hickory City met Tuesday night and heard three Special Presentations, a recognition of Hickory telecommunicators and police officers, along with proclamations for fair housing month and Volunteer week in Catawba County. City Council passed a 13-item consent agenda and a written comment was offered by a City Council member, Jill Patton, concerning the future of the Hickory Housing Authority. Mayor Rudy Wright stated the Housing Authority issue would be discussed at the next council meeting April 19.

A convicted felon from Burke County is charged with a felony firearm offense in McDowell County. On Tuesday, the McDowell County Sheriff's Office reported the arrest of 34 year old Joshua Lane Ellis of Morganton, for felony possession of a firearm by a felon. He was in a vehicle that was stopped March 17 on Cherokee Way. When officers searched the vehicle, they located a handgun belonging to Ellis.

The City of Morganton partnered with Burke Arts Council to have a life-like size sculpture of Etta Baker located at COMMA and Gary Leonhardt was recognized for his service to Burke County in Monday night's regular City Council meeting. Council Members passed a motion to enter into a contract with the Burke Arts Council, because they are contracting with an artist from Oregon to have the life-like Etta Baker sculpture created. The estimated cost is $90,000 with $77,000 coming from a cooperative agreement with Morganton Savings Bank. The remainder will be raised through private donations from the Arts Council. Director of Recreation Gary Leonhardt was honored with a retiree resolution for serving the City of Morganton for over 48 years. Councilman Forest Flemming said Leonhardt has put into action many of his brainstorming ideas, indluding the Red White and Bluegrass Festival and coordinating trips. N.C.Supreme Court Justice Jimmy Ervin spoke on the upcoming Supreme Court visit to Burke County in May. For the first time in over 154 years, the Supreme Court will in the old Court House in Morganton. Five cases will be heard over a two-day period; three cases will be heard May 17th and two cases on May 18th.

The City of Morganton Human Relations Commission announced Monday, that Diann Tate has been named the 2016 Adult Citizen of the Year and Darius Burgess was chosen the Senior High School Citizen of the Year. Tate and Burgess will be honored during the annual Citizens of the Year Banquet Thursday April 28, 6pm, at the Morganton Community House. Tickets ate $15 (includes a Meal) and can be purchased from Human Relations Commission members or the Human Resources Department at City Hall.

Granite Falls Police requests the public's help in solving a larceny that occurred Sunday afternoon at 53 Grandview Street. Stolen was a  5' x 8' white enclosed utility trailer, motorcycle, and other personal items. Anyone with information should contact Sargeant Morrison at 396-3358 or call Lenoir/Caldwell Crimestoppers at 758-8300.

One of Burke County's Most Wanted has been taken into custody after a vehicle chase from Burke into Catawba County. Officers with the Burke County Sheriff's Office Friday were following up on leads in regards to the possible whereabouts of 25 year old Tyler Hughes Owensby, who had been on the Most Wanted list since March 4th, for parole violations and several warants. He was spotted at the intersection of Rutherford College Road and Mineral Springs Mtn Road. A chase ensued, after the suspect failed to stop for a blue light, into Catawba County with speeds in excess of 90 mph. The pursuit ended off Jacobs Fork Road when the suspect lost control, went through a ditch and barbed wire fencing into a pasture; the vehicle flipped several times. Owensby was arrested and checked by first responders at the scene. He was not seriously injured and was taken to the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility under a $100,000 secured bond, with a court appearance today. The Sheriff's Office was assisted by the N.C.Highway Patrol and Cooksville Fire Department.

The Burke County Public Library has been awarded $1550 from the N.C.Arts Council for the Storytelling Festival May 21 at the Historic Courthouse Square. Performers include: Uncle Ted White(Stories along with Bluegrass), Sharon Clarke(Tales and Tunes), Casey Nees(Mixed Bag of Stories), Donna Washington(Multicultural Stories), and Lloyd Arneach(Cherokee Stories).

A Morganton man was given a prison sentence of 8 to 11 years following his guilty plea to attempted insurance fraud, possession of meth and his status as a habitual felon. 49 year old Danny Brittain entered the plea Tuesday, in Burke County Superior. He was sentenced by the Honorable Yvonne Mims, Superior Court Judge from Mecklenburg County. Officer Caleb Mace of the Burke County Sheriff's Office and Special Agent Matthew Stemple of N.C.Alcohol Law Enforcement investigated the drug case, and Detectives Robert Clifford and Melanie Robinson spearheaded the insurance fraud case. Chris Back and Frank Webster prosecuted the cases for the District Attorney's Office.

A Nebo couple have been charged with stealing from his parents. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office Friday, charged 33 year old Jason Todd Hayes with five counts of felony obtaining property by false pretense and one count of felony larceny. Also charged was 26 year old Katie Ann Hayes with one count of felony obtaining property by false pretense and one count of misdemeanor larceny. Further investigation revealed that Jason Hayes stole his parents' property, about $1800 worth of jewelry, Katie Hates was aware of the theft, and they both sold the jewelry at four different pawn shops in February and March.

A Burke County man will spend at least five years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple offenses and his habitual felon status. 31 year Howard Gene Cook of Morganton pleaded to felony breaking and entering, obtaining property by false pretense, and felony failure to appear, Wednesday, in Burke County Superior. He was sentenced by the Honorable Yvonne Mims Evans, Superior Court Judge from Mecklenburg County. Josiah Brown of the Morganton Department of Public Safety handled the case. David Swanson prosecuted the cases for DA's Office.

The College Republicans of Lenoir-Rhyne University are hosting a visit from 5th District Congresswoman Virginia Foxx Wednesday night from 7-8 at Joe's Coffee, located in the Cromer Center. Members of the LR campus as well as the community are invited to meet and talk with Congresswoman Foxx. She serves as the Vice Chair of the powerful House Rules Committee, which determines what legislation comes to the floor of the House and what amendments will be allowed during floor debate. In addition, Foxx was elected by her peers to serve as the Secretary of the House Republican Conference. LRU's College Republicans hosted a visit from 10th District Congressman Patrick McHenry earlier this year.