The death investigation of 27-year-old Demetrius Marcellus Chisholm of Charlotte has been determined to be a homicide caused by a gunshot wound. Chishom's body was found Sunday night near Lake James. The Burke County Sheriff's Office and SBI continue to investigate the incident and interview witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Burke County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division at 764-9505 or Burke County Emergency Communications Center 911.

The search in Linville Gorge for a missing Wilkes County man ended Wednesday. 59-year-old Ronald Brookshire was found unharmed after he began the hike about 8pm Tuesday along the Pinch-In-Trail. He had given his wife his hiking route, which aided search and rescue in finding him, according to the Morganton News Herald. Numerous departments assisted including personnel from Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Henderson and McDowell Counties.

A Hickory man was given an active prison sentence of at least 5 years, Tuesday, during Catawba County Superior Court. 24-year-old Eric Shannon West pleaded guilty to robbery with a dangerous weapon, first-degree burglary, secon-degree kidnapping and possession of stolen goods. The Honorable Robert C.Ervin, Superior Court Judge from Burke County, sentenced West to a prison term of 5-7 years. He also received a suspended sentence of 14 to 26 months with 36 months of supervised probation for possession of a firearm by a felon. Justin Levey investigated the case for the Hickory Police Department. Michelle Lippert was the prosecutor for the District Attorney's Office.

The City of Morganton's new Parks and Recreation Director resigned Tuesday. Brian Benton cited personal matters. City Manager Sally Sandy said that she was disappointed with Benton's decision. Sandy and the Management Team will resume the search for a new Parks and Recreation Director.

A two vehicle collision Tuesday in McDowell County sends multiple victims to the hospital. Highway Patrol reports state 6 people were transported to Mission Hospital after the wreck on Highway 70 West. According to McDowell EMS, 3 of those transported were listed as critical; while the remaining 3 have non-life threatening injuries. The State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the accident.

A body found near Lake James has led to a death investigation. The Burke County Sheriff's Office responded Sunday, regarding a possible body found off Highway 126. Deputies arrived at the scene about 9pm and confirmed the death. Sheriff's Office Detectives initiated a death investigation and the victim was identified as 27-year-old Demetrius Marcellis Chisolm of Charlotte. The SBI was called for assistance and the investigation is continuing. According to a press release from the Burke County Sheriff's Office, more information will be released after the autopsy and investigation are complete. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Burke County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division at 764-9505 or Burke County Communications Center 911.

A Conover man was sentenced Monday, after pleading guilty to multiple sexual offenses involving a minor female child. 27-year-old Joshua lee Lipford was given an active prison term of 24 to 39 years by the Honorable Robert C.Ervin, Superior Court Judge from Burke County, following his guilty plea in Catawba County Superior Court. Lipford pleaded guilty to 4 counts of statutory sex offense with a victim 13, 14 or 15 years old by a defendant 6 years older and 3 counts of statutory rape of a victim 13,14 or 15 years old by a defendant at least years older. Russ Boger investigated the case for the Catawba County Sheriff's Office. Lance Sigmon and Michael Van Buren handled prosecution for the District Attorney's Office.

Multiple felony charges are filed on a Burke County man. The arrest made Friday by the Burke County Sheriff's Office of 51 year old David Ray Parker. He was charged with Breaking and Entering, Larceny After Breaking and Entering and Possession of Stolen Goods. Parker was placed in the Burke-Catawba District Confinement Facility under a $10,000 secured bond.

Improvements at the Mountain View Recreation Center are almost complete. Visitors now have many more places to park; new landscaping is sprucing up the property, and the new tennis courts should be completed by the end of July. City Council approved funding in the 2015-2016 budget for improvements at the center, with roughly $675,000 spent thus far.

Morganton Department of Public Safety responded to 46 calls for bomb threats at various businesses within the city between Friday and Sunday. No suspicious packages or items were located during any of the searches and the businesses were reopened afterwards. These cases remain under investigation. Anyone having information regarding the bomb threats at any of the businesses is asked to contact the Morganton Department of Public Safety at 437-1211.

In light of the normal rise of crime during the summer months, the Burke County Sheriff's Office will be aggressively serving warrants within the county. According to a news release from the Sheriff's Office, 45 warrants were served on 30 people between June 20th-23rd. A search warrant served on the 21st on Mineral Springs Road in Valdese resulted in 3 arrests at the scene with 2 additional persons having subsequent charges filed. That investigation continues with additional charges expected. Persons with pending warrants can voluntarily turn thenselves in. Anyone with information on the location of persons with pending warrants can contact the 911 Center or call Crime Stoppers at 437-3333. You can also text 274637 with the keyword BURKETIPS and then text your tip, or go to www.tipsoft.com and download a free TipSubmit application to submit pictures and videos.

Morganton Public Safety responded to a residential fire early Monday morning on the 22nd at 208 Conley Road. No fire personnel or residents were injured. Damage to the residence was listed at about $10,000. Burke County REACT assisted at the scene.

A McDowell County woman faces multiple charges in connection with a breakin at the residence of the Old Fort Police Chief. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office Friday, reported the arrest of 37 year old Misty Dawn Anthony of Old Fort. The felony charges include, breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, possession of burglary tools and breaking and entering a motor vehicle. About 2:15pm Thursday, Anthony broke into the home of  Police Chief Melvin Lytle. A witness to the crime notified Lytle, who was working. With the assistance of Old Fort Officers and McDowell County sheriff's deputies, Anthony was taken into custody.

Governor McCrory announced Thursday that the NC Rural Infrastructure Authority approved grant and loan requests totaling over $10,000,000. Some area approvals included in the Vacant Building Category, for Burke County, a $150,000 to support the reuse of a vacant building near Morganton by Fonta Flora Brewery. In Lenoir, a $49,250 grant to support the reuse of a vacant building by Belle Torte Bistro & Bakery. In the Existing Business Building Category, a $500,000 grant to support the renovation of four buildings in Hildebran that will facilitate a 50-job expansion at Peds Legware. In Caldwell County, a $222,450 grant to support the expansion of a building in Granite Falls to support Jordan-Holman Lumber's 23-job expansion. Under the state's Economic Infrastructure program, the City of Marion, a $150,000 grant to support the demolition and clean-up of an abandoned industrial building.

An investigation into a break-in at a Morganton business leads officials to question an employee. A Morganton man faces multiple charges after admitting to breaking into the Boathouse and Service Center on South Sterling Street Sunday. An employee - 28 year old Gregory Allen Shell reportedly broke a window to gain entry. Reports state Shell had initially told the business owner that he had arrived at work to find the broken window. However, the store's owner told Public Safety officers that the business had been ransacked with several items noticeably out of place. Further investigation revealed Shell as a suspect; as two boat keys were located in his belongings. Shell has been charged with Felony Breaking and Entering, Larceny After Breaking and Entering, Damage to Real Property, Possession of Schedule VI, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set $25,000 secured.

The National Main Street Center, has cited numerous NC communities for economic vitality and fidelity in following the best-practice standards for historic preservation and community revitalization championed by the center. Among the new communities appearing in this year's list include: Lincolnton, Rutherfordton and Shelby. Communities receiving accreditation again this year include: Boone, Hickory, Lenoir, Marion, Morganton, and Spruce Pine.

A Hickory man is charged with four felony charges, including Child Abuse Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury. On May 21st Deputies with the Burke County Sheriff's Office responded to Frye Regional Hospital where a 15 month child had been admitted. 27 year old Timothy Alan McBee, Jr. was also charged with felony Breaking and Entering, Larceny after Breaking and Entering and Possession of Stolen Goods. Bond was set at $85,000 secured. The Burke County Department of Social Services assisted the the Burke County Sheriff's Office in the case.

Three Valdese residents face charges after officers execute a search warrant Tuesday, at a residence on Mineral Springs Mountain Road in Valdese. According to a news release from the Burke County Sheriff's Office, the search occurred about 4:30pm. Officers encountered 12 people at various locations on the property and within the residence. 38 year old Clee Eugene Blackenship was charged with Non-Support, 53 year old Rocky Darell Powell faces two counts of FTA in Caldwell County and in Newton, and 29 year old Elizabeth Maria Hanna was charged with Resist, Obstruct, and Delay. The homeowner, Gail Phillips, was not present at the time of the search, but charges are pending on her based on items located within the residence. Officers located a truck on the property that was reported stolen in Drexel. The investigation is ongoing. The Burke County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the A.T.F., the Burke County Narcotics Task Force and Drexel Police.

Governor McCrory has released the state "broadband" plan. Increasing access to affordable high-speed internet across NC through a state broadband plan - the Governor's plan outlines recommendations for th state to increase internet access, focusing on lowering infrastructure construction costs, preparing a 21st century workforce, increasing a small business adoption, and expanding access for K-12 students at home. The plan targets connecting classrooms, with hopes of implementing 100-percent to a robust Wi-Fi system by 2018. A press release states the plan also details ways to support new health care technologies and methods of providing necessary tools to public safety responders to ensure safety for the state's citizens.

A public hearing was scheduled regarding the adoption of the 2016-2017 budget and a motion was passed to cover a landfill in the Burke County Board of Commissioners Tuesday night regular meeting. There was one public hearing held regarding the 2017 budget, but no one spoke. County Manager Bryan Steen said the budget is a statement of policy from the board towards the needs of the community. At the current tax rate, the general fund budget provides funds for projects, the school system and community college, enables security enhancement at the courthouse, enables detention staff to take holiday time off accumulated during the year and much more. The budget also made a 3.5% adjustment to the pay plan, the first major adjustment to the pay plan since 2008. There was conflict on the budget with some commissioners being concerned with the 3.5% increase in the pay adjustment. The budget was adopted with a 3-2 vote. For years Burke County has operated a MSW landfill municipal solid waste at the John's River facility. This facility was closed in 1990 and converted into a Construction & Demolition debris landfill. That converted landfill has reached its filling capacity and commissioners approved a geo synthetic clay liner to be placed over the top 6 acres of the landfill and then fill with soil on top to establish growth. A bid was given to Triangle Paving & Grading of Burlington for $838,434. The motion passed 5-0.

Hickory City Council met Tuesday night. Deputy City Attorney Arnita Dula was recognized for receiving the Citizen Lawyer Award from the North Carolina Bar Association. Three department reports were presented with all three passing by a 7-0 vote of city council. Mayor Rudy Wright mad some comments concerning the Hickory Housing Authority. Wright stated that as long as he and city council have the responsibility of appointing members to the Board, those who have served for long periods and many terms will be changed, so others willing to serve can have the opportunity to do so. Appointment of new members passed 7-0. A closed session was needed to discuss several items, including a discussion of litigation between Willie James Grimes and the City of Hickory. No action was taken back in open session.

Two have been arrested on drug charges at a Hickory motel over the weekend. During a routine property check at the Red Roof Inn, reports say Hickory Police detected a scent of marijuana - leading them to a room occupied by two individuals. Officers seized 4.3 grams of meth and a marijuana cigarette. 24 year old Kasey Marie West of Vale was charged with one felony count of possession of a controlled substance; while the other subject was reportedly cited for simple possession. Reports state officers searched a second room registered under the same name and discovered 1.5 grams of meth and a dose of Vicodin. The room's occupant, 33 year old Tony Lee of Hickory was charged with one felony count of possession of a schedule two controlled substance, one misdemeanor count of possession of a schedule two controlled substance, and one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia. Lee was issued a $5000 secured bond; while West received a $3000 secured bond.

A public hearing was held to consider adopting the 2016-2017 fiscal year budget for the City of Morganton and a resolution was made in support of the Fonta Flora State Trail in Monday night's regular Morganton City Council meeting. The budget for the 2016-2017 year is estimated at $71 million. The general fund, which gained large revenue from sales tax, had a budget of $22 million dollars, which is $1.6 million less than the revised budget for 2015-2016. Sales tax is the second largest revenue in the general fund. Capital improvements are included in the general fund. Some of these operations and expenditures include brick and mortar repair and sound improvements at COMMA as well as patrol car, fire truck & gear replacement and facility improvements for public safety. Also in the budget is $180,000 for a skate park, $400,000 for MLK,Jr Park renovation and
$80,000 in other park renovations. Council adopted a resolution in support of the Fonta Flora State Trail. Burke County Community Development has been working on the Fonta Flora State Trail Master Plan -  Lake James Section and the concept of the trail has expanded from Morganton to Asheville. The N.C.Division of Parks and Recreation supports the expansion and Council adopted the resolution unanimously. Prior to the open session, council had a closed session to discuss an economic development project.

Two area residents are charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine. Lenoir Police Sunday reported the arrests of 30 year old Garry Dean Sanders Jr of Lenoir and 29 year old Josiah Phillip Denman of Longview at an address on Blowing Rock Boulevard. They were placed in the Caldwell County Detention Center under a bond of $100,000 each.

A section of Alphabet Lane near the Morganton Aquatics Center is currently closed for paving. Visitors can still access the Aquatics Center or the Mountain View Recreation Center via Bouchelle Street and First Avenue. Contractors are paving a section of Alphabet lane and the new parking lots at the recreation center. Alphabet lane should be reopened Wednesday morning, barring unforeseen problems.

A Morganton man faces multiple charges, after leading authorities on a 20 mile chase. In a report released Sunday, Morganton Public Safety received a call of a disturbance on Alexander Avenue. Dispatch informed responding units that 54 year old Phillip Parson had left the residence armed with a large knife and hammer, in his mother's truck. Parson had reportedly threatened the us of firearms in February and May. Parson led officers on a chase that continued onto I-40 east with speeds topping 85 mph. Valdese Police deployed spike stops at mile marker 112, which deflated two of the tires on the fleeing vehicle. The chase continued to mile marker 119 where Parson pulled into the median and surrended. He was charged with Felony Speeding to Elude Arrest, Assault on a Female, and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. Parson was placed at the Burke Catawba Jail under a $20,000 secured bond. A court appearance is scheduled for today.

Hickory firefighters responded about 9am Friday to a tour bus fire at the 800 block of Highland Avenue (behind Hollar Mills.) Damages were confined to the bus and contents. The tour bus was occupied by members of the Elephant Revival band who were scheduled to play at the Crossing at Hollar Mills Friday night. No injuries were reported. Fire investigators determined the cause of the fire was electrical failure.

A Burke County teacher receives special recognition. Alicia Holden of Patton High has been named as Burke's 2016-17 Exceptional Children "Teacher of Excellence." The Exceptional Children team - made up of instructional coaches, program specialists, and other staff, surprised Holden with the honor, recently, during a student assembly and pep rally. Holden will represent Burke County Public Schools at the Exceptional Children conference this fall.

The Upper Creek fire burning in the Brown Mountain area in Burke County is 90% contained. The fire remains at 170 acres. Portions of the Brown Mountain Off-Vehicle area will reopen this morning at 10. Brown Mountain Road and all trails except 1A in its entirety and portions of trail 1B and trail 2 will be open to the public. Pearcey Creek Road, trail 1A and portions of trails 1B and 2 will remain closed until the area receives significant rainfall. The fire was caused by a lightning strike, which smoldered in place until low humidity on June 7th allowed it to slowly spread. The U.S.Forest Service is leading fire response efforts, with assistance from the N.C.Forest Service and Burke County Emergency Management.

McDowell County Sheriff's Deputies are urging residents to be aware of a scam once again circulating in the area involving sending cash to a relative in trouble. The caller tells citizens a family member has been arrested and needs money to get out of jail. The Sheriff's Office advises folks never to send money in these instances, but to call the relative and confirm whether or not they need help. If you have questions or concerns, call the Sheriff's Office at 652-2235.

Catawba County's animal shelter was the scene of a break-in this week. Hickory Police reports the intruder broke a window to gain entry; as the shelter is not equipped with surveillance equipment. Shelter officials stae the thief escaped with $60 in donation funds and caused $300 worth of damage. The shelter houses nearly 200 animals. No animals reported missing or injured due to the break-in. The Catawba County Humane Society's animal shelter is a non-profit organization.

A Caldwell County teacher has received statewide recognition. Davenport A-Plus Elementary teacher Carly Schwartz was named the "Teacher of the Year" at this year's state PTA convention. The ceremony, recently held in Greensboro, provided double accolades for Davenport A-Plus with the selection of Schwartz as one of two recipients across the state, and the announcement that the schools' PTA is one of 32 recognized statewide for distinguished achievement. Both Schwartz and the Davenport A-Plus PTA were honored this week at Caldwell's Board of Education meeting.

A single vehicle accident in Burke County results in the driver facing charges. According to WCNC the State Highway Patrol says that just before Noon Wednesday, a vehicle was traveling on Airport Rhodhiss Road, when the vehicle left the road and hit a power pole. A 6 year old girl was hospitalized after being ejected from the vehicle. Her injuries are not life threatening. The mother faces charges of driving while impaired, for pills, reckless driving and a child restraining violation, according to WCNC-TV.

The quick action of a mom eating lunch with her child is credited with helping save the life of another child. The mom, Maricela Lopez Solis, was visiting Forest Hill Elementary cafeteria on Monday July 6th, when a first-grade student approached his teacher, Sherry Suttles, and indicated he was choking. Suttles and Tammy Huffman, the school's bookkeeper, both performed the Heimlich maneuver on the student, which partially cleared his airway. Lopez stepped in and finished the job, freeing the food that had gotten stuck in the student's throat.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help in identifying two men, sought for questioning. They were seen in the Burke Smokey Creek Road area. They were also seen in a "small, light blue Toyota car". You can see pictures of the men on the Burke County Sheriff's Office Facebook page and The Big Dawg 92.1 Facebook page. If you have information call 438-5500 or Crimestoppers at 437-3333.

The McDowell County Sheriff's Office is requesting help in identifying the people who dumped over 520 pounds of food last week on Mill Creek. The dumpsite was cleaned up Friday. According to Deputy Ronnie Harvey, the 520 plus pounds of meat, bread and miscellaneous food had to have come from a restaurant or deli. Anyone with information is asked to call Deputy Harvey at the Sheriff's Office at 652-2235, or McDowell Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME (652-7463).

Updated Wednesday morning - Davis has been found safe, and in good condition.
The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in locating 16 year old Zachary Nathaniel Davis, missing since June 9th. He is described as a white male, 5' 8", about 135 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Davis was last seen at 111 Young Street, Swannanoa. Please forward any information to the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office at 255-6670 or Crimestoppers at 255-5050.

Monday's News

8 Young Men and Women have been appointed to the Nation’s Military Service Academies for the Class of 2020

On Thursday, Congressman Patrick McHenry announced the names of 8

young men and women from North Carolina’s 10^th Congressional District

that have accepted appointments to the nation’s military service academies

for the class of 2020. 

The 8 students will be attending either the United States Military Academy,

The United States Naval Academy or the U.S. Air Force Academy. 

Daniel Mulcahy of Stanley, NC will be attending the U.S. Military Academy and;

The Following individuals will be attending the U.S. Naval Academy:

Jake Clary of Lincolnton

Thomas Garbee of Asheville

Jamie Honeycutt Jr. of Stanley

Dillon Lewis of Mt. Holly

Students attending the U.S. Air Force Academy are:

Hayes Cloniger of Gastonia

Stephen Moore of Cramerton

Congressman McHenry congratulates each of these students on this

tremendous achievement and stated he is confident these students will be

excellent representatives for Western NC.

______________________________________________________________________

High Fire Danger Warning Issued for National Forests in North Carolina

ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- The U.S. Forest Service today announced there is a high threat of wildfire this week in the areas National Forests and encouraged visitors to help prevent wildfires. Dry conditions are increasing the chances of wildfire across North Carolina. 

All campfires should be completely extinguished before leaving a campsite and never leave a campfire unattended. The following are additional tips for campers:

·                                 Clear a 10-foot safety circle of all leaves, pine needles and flammable material.

·                                 Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible.

·                                 Pour lots of water on the fire, drown ALL embers, not just the red ones.

·                                 Pour until hissing sound stops.

·                                 Stir the campfire ashes and embers with a shovel.

The Forest Service is also asking residents to postpone burning debris this week. Debris burning is a major cause of wildfires in the South.

Lastly, there are general fire prevention tips that visitors can follow including:

·                                 Don't play with matches.

·                                 Keep your cigarette butts in the car.

·                                 Park vehicles so that the exhaust system does not come in contact with dry grass, weeds or leaves.  

Additional Fire Safety Tips can be found by visiting the Forest Service Website.

______________________________________________________________________

Traffic Stop Leads to Multiple Arrests

Morganton, NC (WMNC)—A traffic stop by Morganton Public

Safety led to the arrest of 3 individuals.  On Friday, Officer Hall

with Public Safety responded to the report of a shoplifter leaving

Wal-Mart.  Hall, along with Officer Conner later located the

vehicle on Highway 70 where they stopped the car.  All three

occupants had outstanding warrants on them and the stolen

property was located inside the vehicle leading to additional

charges.  The driver, identified as 35 year-old Robert McAffee of

Hickory had been consuming alcohol and there were 2 open

containers of beer located inside the vehicle.  McAffee was

charged with Larceny, Possession of Stolen Goods and Driving

with an Open Container of Alcohol.  McAffee was confined under

a $15,000.00 secured bond, his court appearance is scheduled for

June 23^rd.  The other occupants were 49 year-old Christine Burba and 52

year-old William Crawford, both of Hickory. Burba was charged with

Larceny and jailed under a $3,000.00 bond and Crawford was

charged with Larceny and Open Container, he was jailed under a

$3,000.00 bond;  Their court appearances are scheduled for June

28^th.

Morganton and Burke County say goodbye today to a man who contributed to the betterment of the community for decades. The Reverend W.F.McIntosh,Jr. will be laid to rest this afternoon. His funeral will take place at 11am at First Presbyterian Church of Morganton, with receiving from 10-10:55. "Coach Mac," was a teacher, educator, coach and administrator in the Morganton City and Burke County Schools. He served as minister at Green Street Presbyterian Church and was a long time columnist for the News Herald. His long running program "Moments of Inspiration" ran on WMNC AM 1430 for decades on Sunday mornings. His booming voice was heard as the FHS PA voice of Patriot football "on the banks of the majestic Catawba River". He also assisted on away games on the radio. His accomplishments are too numerous to list, but Coach Mac left an indelible footprint in the community.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office is asking for prayer for Deputy Daniel Cobb. He was injured early Thursday morning in a motor vehicle on NC 18 north of Morganton. He is at CMC Charlotte. Deputy Cobb is pending surgery on his hip with other injuries to his leg and back. He is in stable condition at this time, according to the Burke County Sheriff's Office.

Morganton Public Safety/City of Morganton was inspected March 14th by the NC Department of Insurance. The inspection evaluated four areas: Emergency Response & Communications, Water Supply, Fire Department Operations and Community Risk Reduction. Effective September 1st, Morganton will move from a Class 5 rating to a Class 3 rating. A Class 3 rating can lower business/homeowner insurance rates in that particular fire district. Morganton is the only Class 3 fire department in Burke County. Only 37 fire departments in North Carolina were a Class 3 or better.

55 firefighters and a helicopter were on the scene Thursday, as the Upper Creek Fire increased to 30 acres. The fire is burning on U.S.Forest Service land in the Brown Mountain area of Burke County. The Brown Mountain Off-Highway Vehicle area, Brown Mountain Road, and Pearcy Creek Road remain closed. The public may see light smoke, particularly along low-lying sections of NC 181 and Brown Mountain Beach Road. Firefighters have located the lightning struck tree that likely ignited the fire. The U.S.Forest Service is leading fire response efforts, with assistance from the N,C.Forest Service and Burke County Emergency Management.

Marion Police are seeking a man wanted for 4 outstanding felony warrants for Statutory Rape/Sexual Offense. 43 year old Larry Gene Fox Jr. is described as a white male, 5'7" 200 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. If you have any information on the whereabouts of Larry Gene Fox contact Marion Police at 652-5205, McDowell County Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME.

The budget for the 2016-2017 FY was proposed and Public Safety Chief Ronnie Rector was awarded the Patriot Award in Monday night's regular Morganton City Council meeting. City Manager Sally Sandy presented the budget and what changes would occur. According to Sandy's presentation, the 2016-2017 budget is $71.1 million dollars, 5% less than the current $75 million operating budget. Changes in the budget include capital projects that expand from one year to the next, including the purchase of new water pipes. Sandy said the City of Morganton has been aggressive in going after grants and the general fund budget has $1.1 million of grant money that will fund one-third of next year's capital budget. A public hearing was scheduled for the proposed budget on June 20th at 6pm. Public Safety Chief Ronnie Rector was awarded the Patriot Award during Monday night's meeting. The Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, which is an office of the U.S.Department of Defense, selected State Chairman Ron Bogle to present the Patriot Award to Chief Rector. The Chief was awarded the Patriot Award because of the outstanding support given to his department and his service in law enforcement. Rector's employee, Staff Sgt. Roger tate, nominated the Chief for the award.

An early morning accident sends a Burke County Deputy to the hospital. According to the Burke County Sheriff's Office, a deputy was answering a call for service regarding a breaking and entering in progress, when just before 3 o'clock, the deputy's vehicle collided with another vehicle that had apparently had its lights off and was turning around on Highway 18, North of Morganton. The Sheriff's Office reports that the deputy's vehicle had its blue lights and siren on. The deputy was admitted to the hospital with serious injuries. The other driver was admitted with minor injuries. The State Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

The Upper Creek Fire was reported Tuesday night in the Pisgah National Forest on U.S.Forest Service land in the Brown Mountain area in Burke County. As of Wednesday, the fire was estimated at 25 acres, but is expected to grow with dry, windy conditions in the forecast. 25 firefighters were on the scene from the U,S.& N.C.Forest Service. All trails are closed within the Brown Mountain Off-Highway Vehicle areas. In addition, Brown Mountain Road and Pearcey Creek Road are closed. The cause of the fire is supected to be lightning.

Multiple units at a Hickory apartment complex are damaged as the result of an overnight fire. WSOC reports that the blaze started in a storage and utility building at the Arbor Heights Apartments on Fourth Avenue NW. A couple walking saw flames and began alerting residents. Several units were damaged with no injures reported, although a couple of people suffered smoke inhalation. WSOC is reporting that the Red Cross is assisting 11 people that were displaced.

June 7 Primary Election Results Statewide  Ballets cast  7.68% of eligible voters
11th Congressional District
Democrat
Rick Bryson  9,936  50.75%
Tom Hill       9,351  49.25%

10th Congressional District
Republican
Patrick McHenry  14,770  78.45%
Jeff Gregory           2,268  12.05%
Jeffrey Baker             900    4.78%
Albert Lee Wiley Jr.  889    4.72%

NC Supreme Court Justice
Non Partisan
Bob Edmunds      234,142  48.06%
Mike Morgan       167,221  34.32%
Sabra Jean Faires   58,588  12.03%
Daniel Robertson   27,220   5.59%

Public Safety Officers arrest a High Point man in connection with a breakin at SECU on Enola Road. Officers responded just after 2:30am Tuesday and found the front doors shattered by rocks. 25 year old James Dewey Pennington was found inside the Credit Union. He was charged with Breaking and Entering, Damage to Property, Resisting Officers and Larceny. Pennington was placed in the Burke Catawba Detention Center under a $30,000 bond with a District Court appearance scheduled for today. The Burke County Sheriff's Office, State Highway Patrol and K9 Handler Miller and partner Kimo assisted Morganton Public Safety at the scene.

A Valdese man was handed a 21-year prison sentence by a federal judge for producing child pornography. The announcement was made Tuesday by Jill Westmoreland Rose, U.S.Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. B Jesse Brison Ollis, 27, was ordered by U.S.District Judge Martin Reidinger to serve a lifetime of supervised release and to register as a sex offender upon completion of his prison term. The investigation was handled by Homeland Security Investigations and SBI, which are members of the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The U.S.Attorney's Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.

Hickory City Council approved the FY 2016-2017 budget Tuesday night. The new budget of $98 million dollars was 4 million less than the 2015-2016 budget. No tax increase is planned in the new budget. Several friends of the library were on hand at Tuesday's meeting to receive a Proclamation on the 40th anniversary of local people involved in the Hickory Public Library.

Voting for the primary election will take place today from 6:30am-7:30pm. The Burke County Board of Elections lists the 11th District Congressional race on the ballot as well as NC Supreme Court Justice.

There is an ongoing investigation into the death of a McDowell County jail inmate. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office along with the SBI is examining the death of an inmate found hanging in his jail Sunday. 42 year old David Shane Stafford of Spruce Pine reportedly had tied his bed sheet to a shower head. A press release states CPR was started immediately; however, Stafford was pronounced deceased whenever paramedics arrived. McDowell officials state Stafford was not on suicide watch, as there was no indication he would harm himself. Reports say Stafford was being housed in the McDowell County jail for Mitchell County. He had been charged Thursday with assault on a female, assault by strangulation and kidnapping.

The Catawba County Board of Commissioners has selected Mick Berry as the County's next Manager. Berry has served in various positions in Catawba County, including Assistant County Manager and since 2004, City Manager of Hickory. Berry will become County Manager the first week of July. He will follow Tom Lundy who is retiring after a career that spanned over 40 years in Catawba County.

On Thursday night the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office completed the transfer all inmates back to the Caldwell County Detention Center without incident. The issue with the water has been resolved and water is restored to the facility. The Caldwell County Detention Center will be operating on a normal basis and standard visiting hours will be in place, according to the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office.

A suspect was captured Friday in connection with last week's murder of a Burke County man. Law enforcement authorities from Burke, McDowell and the SBI surrounded a residence in Old Fort just before Noon. Arrested and charged with murder was 29 year old William Chase Pate of Morganton. He was charged in the Thursday shooting death of 35 year old Christopher Eron Williams. Warrants had been issued for Pate following the shooting. A second man, 27 year old Cordero Louis Thompson was initially charged with accessory after the fact of murder, however, a press release from the Burke County Sheriff's Office, states that charges against Thompson were dropped. Following his capture, Pate was ordered to be held without bond. His first appearance in District Court is set for today.

86 people voted Saturday in the final day of early voting,according to the Burke County Board of Elections. The final total for early voting was 423. The general election for NC Supreme Court Justice will take place tomorrow.

The Burke County Board of Education will hold a special called meeting today at 5 o'clock at the West Concord Resource Center on West Concord Street in Morganton. The purpose of the meeting will be the selection of an Architect. Action will be taken.

The Rotary Club of Lake Hickory continued its annual tradition of awarding scholarships to high school seniors by awarding four scholarships. Recipients for 2016 are:
 * Kabre Heck, Fred T.Foard graduate, who will be attending Lenoir-Rhyne.
 * Aprielle West, Maiden graduate, who will be attending ASU.
 * Darvinash Mohan, Newton-Conover grad, who will be attending UNC-CH.
 * Mariah Hoyle, St.Stephens grad, who will be attending UNCC.
Winners were chosen from applicants attending a Catawba County high school, based on academic excellence. financial need, and each student's personal demonstration of the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self."

The winners of the "40th Caldwell Visual Artists Competiton have been announced. The Best in Show Award went to Mary Dobbin for "Pigeon Pose." Judge's Merit Awards include Richard Wright, Carole Childers, Annie Smith, and Waitsel Smith. The Judge for the competition was Lise Swenssen, who has served as the Executive Director of the Hickory Museum of Art since 2003.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office and SBI are investigating the death of a man involving a firearm off Jamestown Road that occurred just after midnight Thursday. Deputies responded to a mobile home park and CHS-Morganton where the shooting victim had been taken. No arrests have been made. The Sheriff's Office has issued two warrants for arrest. The first is for 29 year old William Chase Pate of River Road Morganton. He is wanted for the murder of 35 year old Christopher Eron Williams. The second is for 27 year old Cordero Louis Thompson of Lincoln Avenue NW Valdese for Accessory After the Fact of Murder. The men should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information should contact the Burke County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations at 439-4065, 911, or Burke County Crime Stoppers at 437-3333.

A new facility in Cleveland County will create more than 40 jobs. Governor McCrory was among state leaders announcing that Porter's Group will expand its NC presence with the new facility. The company will hire 44 workers over the next three years as it invests $3,075,000 into the project, according to a press release from the Governer's Office. Porter's Group, which does business as Porter's Fabrications, custom manufactures fabricated metal parts for buyers in automotive, energy, construction, and other industries. The company has an existing workforce of 152 in North Carolina.

Morganton City Manager Sally Sandy will present the City's proposed budget for fiscal year 2016-2017 during the Monday June 6th City Council Meeting. A hard copy is available for review in the City Clerk's office at City Hall. The budget is available for download and review at http://bit.ly/1ZdW4sB.

A man was killed Wednesday night in a motor vehicle accident near the Burke/Caldwell County line. According to WSOC-TV, the wreck occurred on Hartland Road, just before 11. Troopers told WSOC that the driver of the pickup, Leon Creasy of Morganton, lost control and hit a tree. He sustained serious injuries. A passenger, Richard Church was killed. Speed and alcohol were factors in the crash. Troopers also said that Creasy did not have a license due to a previous DWI.

The first case of rabies in 2016 has been confirmed in Catawba County after a fox attacked a child during a family picnic near Maiden. Shortly before 5:30pm Friday, Catawba County Animal Services received a call from a residence east of Maiden. The owner of the residence told Animal Services that he and his wife were having a picnic with his grandchildren when a fox ran up and began biting one of the children on both legs. The family broke off the attack by screaming at the fox, but the he began circling back toward the family. The owner then shot and killed the fox. Animal Services collected the remains and sent them to the State Public Health Lab in Raleigh. Catawba County was notified Wednesday that the fox tested positive for rabies. The best way to have your pets protected from rabies is to have them properly vaccinated.

A Hickory woman is charged with having sex with an inmate. The Alexander County Sheriff's Office reports that 60 year old Christine Lawton Grayson was charged with three felony counts of a sexual act by a custodian at a correctional facility. Grayson allegedly had an improper sexual relationship with an inmate while working as a traveling nurse at Alexander Correctional Facility. Grayson was released Tuesday under a $150,000 secured bond.

A Claremont man accused of murder will not face the death penalty for the January shooting death of Jefferson Lee Heavner. Prosecutors for the State announced Wednesday, they will not pursue capital punishment in the murder case against 28 year old Marvin Jacob Lee. He still faces the possibility of life in prison without parole. Victoria Jayne represents Lee, who also faces charges for attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill as well as discharging a weapon into an occupied vehicle. The Catawba County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the case.

Lincoln County Detectives are asking for the public's help in locating a woman missing for more than a week. 43 year old Brigette Tenorio of Claremont was reportedly last seen in the early morning hours of May 24th on Barsdale Lane in Lincolnton. According to a news release, she is described as a white female, with brown hair and brown eyes. Tenorio is 5' 3" tall and weighs around 150 pounds. She could be driving a green 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix with NC License Tag DED-9407. Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Brigette Tenorio should call the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office at 704-732-9050.

A Catawba County murder case was resolved Tuesday, upon the defendant's guilty plea during Catawba County Superior Court. 26 year old Quavis Shamar Propst of Vale, was sentenced to serve 20 to 26 years in custody by the Honorable Nathaniel J. Poovey, Superior Court Judge from Catawba County. This case involved the shooting death of Aaron Ruff on June 20,2012. An investigation revealed that the shooting was in response to an altercation involving Ruff and Propst that occurred several weeks prior. Aaron Turk investigated the case for the Catawba County Sheriff's Office. Assistant District Attorney Melanie Earles was the prosecutor for the State.

The Catawba County Sheriff's Office continues to resolve the issue with the water at the Caldwell County Detention Center. On Sunday morning, a total of 156 inmates were transferred to four other facilities in the area with no issues. A plan has been established to return the inmates to the Caldwell Detention Center as as repairs are completed. Maintenance crews are in the process of obtaining parts required to repair the problem and will conduct inspections to ensure that any leaks have been repaired. The issue arose from a faulty pressure reduction valve for the facility that will have to be replaced. Once the valve has been replaced, repairs will be made to lines and fixtures that were damaged by the increased pressure.