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.