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.