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.