Morganton based Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina this week acquired 377 acres in the Ivy Creek watershed of the South Mountains. The land trust in 20 years, has now protected over 50,000 acres in an 8 county area of Western North Carolina. Foothills Conservancy will eventually add the Ivy Creek land to South Mountains State Park. In the interim, the conservancy will be responsible for monitoring and stewardship of the property. The two parcels at Ivy Creek have high conservation value due to both their proximity to existing public lands, and their location in the Henry Fork River watershed.

Burke County Public Schools Board of Education member Catherine Thomas has informed board members of her resignation. Thomas, who has served on the Board of Education for 6 years, made her resignation known Monday via email. Thomas stated that it has been a privilege and honor to serve on the Board, but that due to unanticipated changes in her family's work life, she felt the need to resign. Board Chair Randy Burns said he respects Thomas' decision, and that "she was the right person at the right time during a pivotal point in the history of this school system." In her email, Thomas made it clear she hoped the Board would take this opportunity to add cultural diversity that reflects Burke County's population when filling her seat. Thomas has served on the Board of Education since 2010, was chair of the board for 2 years, and represents the Western District. Burns believes the process to fill Thomas' seat will start in September, as her term expires in November 2017. The board will recognize Thomas for her service at the August 29th regular Burke County Board of Education meeting.

A Wilkes County inmate, originally from Burke County, leaves a highway work crew. Corrections and law enforcement officers are seeking Jason Strickland, who escaped Wednesday morning, by leaving a DOT highway crew working on Old Salisbury Road in Wilkes County. He is believed to have been picked up by a female driving a dark colored GMC Jimmy SUV, who then headed south on NC Highway 115. Strickland was serving a prison sentence for larceny and breaking and entering and was due for release in October. He is a minimum-custody inmate assigned to Wilkes Correctional Center. Anyone who has seen Strickland or has information on his whereabouts is asked to call local law enforcement or Wilkes Correctional Center at 336-667-4533.

A Marion man is charged with vehicle. 33-year-old Waylon Demanuel Hollifield has been charged with 1 felony count each of larceny and larceny of a motor vehicle. A Marion resident had reported her 2000 Ford Explorer stolen from a parking lot on U.S.70 in old Fort. McDowell Sheriff's deputies received information that Hollifield was in possession of the vehicle valued at $3000. Shortly thereafter, reports show the vehicle was recovered.

Two more defendants charged in connection with a double homicide in March made their first appearances, Tuesday, in Catawba County District Court. William Crawdad Powell,Jr. and Reand Pablo-Antonio Rivera, both of Fayetteville, are each charged with 2 counts of murder for the March 12th deaths of 34-year-old Mark Anthony Wilson and 39-year-old Deidra LaCarol Ramseur at the couple's home on Rest Home Road in Conover. Both men appeared before District Court Judge Robert A. Mullinax and were given August 15th as a probable cause hearing date. They are being held without bond and will be appointed counsel by the Capital Defender's Office.

McDowell County Sheriff's deputies are seeking two 17-year-olds, who reportedly went missing early Tuesday morning. Joshua Stephen Ellis and Jackson Lawlor were last seen just after midnight at SUWS of the Carolinas, the therapeutic wilderness boarding school on Graphite Road. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 652-2235 or the 911 Communications Center at 652-4000. The Sheriff's Office also needs the public's help in determining who fatally wounded a horse in Old Fort last week. The shooting occurred between 10am and noon, July 19th, at the Hughes residence on Catawba River Road. Multiple rewards are being offered for information leading to the arrest of the responsible individual. Anyone with information should call Lt.Andy Manis with the Sheriff's Office at 652-2237 or CRIMESTOPPERS at 652-7463.

Three men charged in connection with a double homicide in March made their first appearances, Monday, in Catawba County District Court. Devin Maurice Ussery of Conover, Jordan Alexander Rivera of Hickory and Arsenio DeWayne Curtis of Hickory, are each charged with 2 counts of murder for the March 12th deaths of 34-year-old Mark Anthony Wilson and 39-year-old Deidra LaCarol Ramseur at the couple's home on Rest Home Road in Conover. All three defendants appeared before District Court Judge Robert A.Mullinax and were given August 15th, as a probable cause hearing date. They are being held without bond and will be appointed counsel by the Capital Defender's Office.

The McDowell County Sheriff's Office is seeking a Marion man wanted for felony warrants. A cash reward is being offered for information leading to the whereabouts of 23-year-old Dylan Ryan Grindstaff. He is described as a white male 5' 6" tall, weighing about 125 pounds, with blue eyes and blond hair. Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Grindstaff is asked to contact Detective Paul Alkrie of the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 652-2237 or call McDowell County Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME (652-7463).

The Governor has signed into law an alert notification to help law enforcement statewide in the apprehension of those suspected of attacking officers. The "Blue Alert" notification system is modeled after the Amber and Silver Alert systems that are currently in place nationwide to help find missing people. Whenever a suspect is wanted for killing or seriously injuring a law enforcement officer, the blue alert will include a detailed description of the suspect, vehicle and license plate information, plus any other available suspect details. The broadcast is then given to law enforcement agencies across the state. The NC Center for Missing Persons will issue the alerts based on the determination if a suspect poses a threat to the public and other law enforcement. The new law comes on the heels of separate attacks on officers in Texas and Louisiana.

Two area women are among 21 volunteers honored statewide by Governor McCrory, Monday, during a ceremony at the State Capitol Building. Ann Lowder of McDowell County has dedicated most of her 88 years of life to volunteer service, including founding the Girl Scouts in McDowell County and was also involved with the Boy Scouts. She and her husband built Camp Carolina on their property and operated this camp free to campers. She also volunteered for the American Red Cross, Asheville Rehabilitation Center and YMCA of WNC. Donna Ethier of Catawba County volunteers with the Rape Crisis Center of Catawba County. She has spent the last 2 years pursuing improved access to services for victims of sexual violence. Ethier has researched grant opportunities for Frye Regional Medical Center, made toolkits for nurses and ER staff, and secured equipment to better serve victims of sexual assault that come into the emergency room.

The City of Morganton has hired Robert Winkler as the Parks and Recreation Director. Winkler is returning to Burke County after spending the last 9 years in Lenoir. According to City Manager Sally Sandy, Winkler's leadership and energy allowed recreation in Lenoir to blossom and Morganton is excited to have Winkler use his enthusiasm  to make Morganton's top-notch program even better. A Lenoir native, Winkler graduated from West Caldwell and attended N.C.State where he received a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Managenent. He worked as Athletic Supervisor for the City of Morganton Parks and Recreation in 1996 and became the Athletic Director for Burke County in 1999. While serving as the Director of Parks and Recreation for Lenoir, Winkler supervised 19 full time and 50 part time employees. He also managed 3 recreation centers as well as various parks and facilities.

A McDowell man faces multiple charges following a search of his Nebo residence. McDowell officers have charged 37-year-old Franklin Laquinn Wilkerson with felony possession of methamphetamine and felony possession with intent to sell and deliver meth. State Probation and Parole officers, along with members of the McDowell County Sheriff's Office and Marion Police searched Wilkerson's home last week - discovering 26.4 grams of meth, drug paraphernalia, and currency. Reports state Wilkerson was also charged with a parole violation.

A month-long investigation into a meth and marijuana dealer ends with an arrest of a Caldwell County man. The ICE Unit of the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office reported the arrest Friday, of 52 year old Randall Blake Whisnant of Hudson. Agents, at his residence, recovered meth, marijuana, oxycodane and hydrocodone pills, along with Digital Scales, drug paraphernalia, and cash. Whisnant was placed in the Caldwell County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond with a District Court appearance in Lenoir scheduled for today.

A small earthquake hit early Sunday morning between Boone and Lenoir. The 2.4 magnitude quake struck about 4:50, 3 miles SW of Millers Creek, 21 miles NE or Lenoir and 21 miles ESE of Boone, according to a preliminary report from the U.S.Geological Survey.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office has received reports of people calling citizens and stating that they have outstanding warrants for past due taxes. They are then given phone numbers to call. If you get one of these calls, do not call the phone numbers they provide. To confirm if the call is legitimate call the Burke County Sheriff's Office at 828-438-9500 or email admin@burkesheriff.org. or contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

A Marion couple faces charges after their children test positive for drugs. 29-year-old Jessie Jayne
Riddle and 32-year-old Barry Lee Sanders,Jr have each been charged with 2 counts of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office report states the couple's two sons - ages 4 and 6 - tested positive for methamphetamine. The McDowell County Department of Social Services had referred the case to the Sheriff's Office for investigation.

Cocaine charges are filed on a Catawba County man. 58-year-old Jimmie Rodgers Fambrough was arrested Thursday by the Catawba County Sheriff's Office. The charges include possession and sell or deliver cocaine. Bond was set at $200,000 with a court appearance scheduled for today.

A Catawba County resident faces kidnapping and assault charges. The Catawba County Sheriff's Office Thursday, charged 31-year-old Zachary Ryan Moser of Catawba. The charges include 3 counts of 5 counts of assault along with 1 count each of attempted assault on a governmental official, resisting a public officer, interfere with emergency communications. Bond was set at $107,500 with a court appearance scheduled for today.

A Burke County man is charged with felony counts of forgery-uttering and obtain property by false pretense. Morganton Department of Public Safety made the arrest Thursday, of 25-year-old Kaleb Wesley Beckett of Morganton. He was placed in the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility under a $10,000 secured bond with a District Court appearance set for Monday.

No injuries were reported from an early morning house fire in Morganton. Public Safety Officers responded about 4 o'clock Wednesday to the fire at 607 Alexander Avenue. The residence was fully involved on the Northwest end and flames were coming out of the roof. The intense heat melted vinyl siding from a nearby house. Burke County EMS and the Burke County Rescue Squad responded along with the American Red Cross, who assisted family members who were displaced by the early morning blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Two Marion men face charges from a month long crime spree. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office, Thursday, charged 35-year-old Brent Sanders Child with 16 felony counts and 50-year-old Roy Eugene Watts with 2 felony counts. The breakin and theft spree occurred in May and June. Child was reportedly acquainted with a majority of the victims.

A Catawba County man faces 14 drug counts including 3 counts of Trafficking Opium or Heroin. on Wednesday, the Catawba County Sheriff's Office arrested 34-year-old Bryan Jason Poovey of Newton. Bond was set at $96,000 with a court appearance scheduled for today.

Rotary Club of Lake Hickory received several awards at the District 7670 conference in Kingsport. Rotary District 7670 is comprised of 50 clubs across 22 WNC counties. The Club was awarded a 2015-2016 Presidential Citation at the Gold Level. The Gold is the highest award category and only 6 six were awarded in District 7670. Rotary Club 7670 also was awarded a District Governor's Distinguished Club Citation and a Zone 33 Public Image Citation. Club member Bill Loehr received the Distinguished Service award recognizing his work on behalf of the Rotary Foundation.

New signage was revealed in the boardroom and the revised animal ordinance draft was presented at the regular Burke County Board of Commissioner's meeting Tuesday evening. Oak Hill Iron completed new signage of the county seal for the County boardroom. "Burke County " was placed on the wall behind the Commissioner's panel and the phrase "In God We Trust" was placed on the front of the Commissioner's panel. Dean Kaufmann, Josh Smith and Andy Phillips, who works at the Morganton based company, created the signage. County Manager presented the revised animal ordinance draft that says the overall goal is to protect the Burke County residents and animals residing in the county, regulate the conduct and keep/care of those animals, facilitate adoptions and encourage reuniting owners with impounded animals. According to Steen, another key element in the ordinance is making abandoned or stray animals available for adoption after 72 hours in the county shelter. The ordinance draft will be available on the county website for public viewing this morning for public input. It will remain on the county website until September 30th.

A Marion teenager is charged with break-ins in both McDowell and Rutherford Counties. A 16-year-old male was reported missing from a Rutherford County group home in late June, as a string of break-ins into area businesses occurred. A church and the Marion Community building was broken into shortly after the youth was reported missing. Later, reports show the Glenwood Ruritan Club was broken into with food items taken and $200 worth of damage incurred. The teen has been charged with felony breaking and entering, and felony larceny.

Hickory City Council met Tuesday night. Only 4 council members were in attendance as Mayor Wright, and two alderman were absent. Alden Guess was selected to lead the meeting. 30 citizen volunteers were recognized for their service on 10 city boards, in the "Special Presentations" portion of the meeting. In other business, City Council passes several items including an 18-item Consent Agenda, followed by a Departmental Report presented by city staffer Dave Leonetti, concerning a Memorandum of Understanding with Habitat for Humanity of the Catawba Valley. This item concerns a new partnership between the city and Habitat for Humanity to expand the housing rehabilitation program to benefit more families in the Catawba Valley.

The Governor's Office announces nearly 50 new jobs coming to Catawba County. Dynamic Air Engineering will establish corporate operations in Claremont during the next years - investing over 6.8 million dollars and building a workforce of 46. The company has also set further goals of adding at least 7 more positions in years 4 and 5 following their relocation. New positions will include engineers, machinists, and senior executives among others. Annual salaries will vary by position, but will average over $66,000. Dynamic Air is currently headquartered in Santa Ana, California where the company designs, develops, and manufactures specialty components for the aerospace and defense industries.

A Hickory man is arrested following a marijuana find in Caldwell County. Deputies report finding marijuana plants growing in a Hudson warehouse. 29-year-old Ryan Michael few has been charged with 1 count of manufacturing marijuana in connection with the operation. Officials reportedly discovered 62 plants worth an estimated $155,000 in their search; complete with growing lights, fans, irrigation, and ventilation systems. Agents report fingerprints they found at the scene are a match to Few.

58 children just wrapped up a week of summer camp activities thanks to the Morganton Department of Public Safety's "Operation Safe Haven". Rising 6th graders from Mountain Crest, Forest Hill, New Dimensions and Morganton Day participated in the week-long summer camp as a reward for completing the D.A.R.E. Program. Throughout the week, kids got to have fun while interacting with local Public Safety Officers. Activities included a trip to Fun Depot in Asheville, Marquee Cinemas, Lake James State Park (Canoeing, swimming and a cookout), Gem mining at Emerald Village, a day at Carowinds and a community service "Trashure Hunt" where kids give back to the community by picking up 423 pounds of trash around the downtown area. The week was provided free of charge to students, thanks to the support of Morganton City Council, Morganton Savings Bank and a grant from the Morganton Community Enrichment Foundation as well as several private citizens.

Karen Heffner received the Order of the long Leaf Pine at her recent retirement from Catawba County Social Services following 31 years of service. She was recognized in 1998 as the "Champion of Welfare Reform" in the county. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is awarded to persons for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and their communities that is above and beyond the call of duty and which has made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina.

Morganton Public Safety Officers battle a house fire Friday afternoon on Valley View Street. David Keller called 911 and reported a smell of smoke and the sound of a fire alarm just after 2 o'clock. The first responding PSO reported seeing thick, heavy smoke coming from the basement and main level of the house. Firefighters, PSO's and EMS were on the scene for about 5 hours. The residence suffered significant smoke and water damage estimated at $80,000. The cause of the fire is believed to be electrical. Mutual aid was provided from Oak Hill Fire and Rescue, Chesterfield Fire Department, Burke County EMS, the Burke County Rescue Squad, and the Burke County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

On July 8th, the Burke County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division received several reports of Breaking and Entering of Motor Vehicles across Burke County. An investigation led to the identification of 26-year-old Jesse Joe Potter of Drexel and 35-year-old Rebecca Allendria  McCloud of Hickory as the suspects responsible for the B&E's and stolen property. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Potter and McCloud should call (828) 764-9505 or (828) 438-5500.

An arrest has been made after a robbery Friday morning at Loves Truck Stop in Marion. Officers arrived just 11am Friday and found Karen Naomi Riddle of Norfolk lying in the roadway. Riddle was traveling to visit family in Buncombe County when she stopped to refuel. While refueling, she was confronted by a male in a pickup truck. At some point during the conversation, witnesses say the male grabbed Riddle's purse and began to drive away. She was hanging on to the purse and vehicle before falling to the ground, when the truck over her legs before exiting the parking lot. Riddle was taken to Mission Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The arrest was made Saturday of Samuel Edmondson, who was charged with Common Law Robbery and Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury. He was placed in the McDowell County Jail under a $75,000 bond with a court appearance scheduled for today.

The prison term of a Lenoir man was extended, Wednesday, when he was found guilty during a bench trial in Caldwell County Superior Court. The Honorable Hugh B.Lewis, Superior Court Judge from Mecklenburg County, found 29-year-old Travis Xavier Thomas, guilty of possession of a firearm by a felon, and Thomas admitted his status as an habitual felon, enhancing the prison sentence imposed by the judge. Judge Lewis sentenced Thomas to 8 to 10 years in custody. He is already serving consecutive sentences of 8 to 12 years total for Caldwell County convictions in February and April. Sgt.Erle Davis investigated the case for the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office. Andrew Jennings was the prosecutor fo the 25th District Attorney's Office.

A former LPN is charged with stealing medication from her employer. 32-year-old Krystal Lynn Curtis of Old Fort has been charged by McDowell deputies with felony obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, and felony larceny. Reports state Curtis was employed as a licensed practical nurse at Complete Laser Clinic in Nebo. In late June, Curtis was caught on video stealing 3 bottles of Oxycodone at the clinic.

A 69-year-old Catawba County man will spend nearly 5 years in prison for failing to register a change in address by a sex offender and his admission as a habitual felon. Charles Patrick Hagans, of Conover, was given an active prison sentence of 58 to 82 months in custody, by the Honorable Gregory R. Hayes, Superior Court Judge from Catawba County, following his guilty plea Tuesday, in Catawba County Superior Court. Hagans had prior felony convictions in Iredell County (April 2003) for indecent liberties with a child; Forsyth County (October 2006) for failure to register; and Catawba County (October 2013) for failure to register. Tommy Scarborough investigated the case for the Catawba County Sheriff's Office. Michael Van Buren and Kyle Smith handled prosecution for the 25th District Attorney's Office.

The Asheville Police Department has identified Titus Armon Mole as a suspect in the July 13th Pisgah View shooting incident. There are four active warrants on Mole. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Titus Armon Mole is asked to contact the Asheville Police Department at (828) 252-1110 or Buncombe County Crime Stoppers at (828) 255-5050.

A traffic stop of suspected shoplifters leads to a major drug bust. Three Caldwell County residents face multiple charges by Morganton Public Safety after a traffic stop earlier this week turned up stolen merchandise and illegal drugs. As officers stopped the suspect vehicle leaving the Morganton Heights Shopping Center, one of the suspects admitted to stealing a pair of tennis shoes from Wal-Mart; while other stolen items were discovered following a consent search. Reports state a duffel bag containing 77 grams of methamphetamine individually packaged for sale, two pipes, baggies, a spoon with burnt residue, and a used needle and syringe were also found. A Burke County Narcotics Task Force member seized the drugs at the scene; while Burke County Social Services took custody of a child at the incident. 30-year-old Garry Dean Sanders was charged with trafficking meth, 38-year-old Sue Ann Chambers was charged with trafficking meth, larceny, and transfer of price tags, while Billy Clay Everhart faces charges of trafficking meth, and larceny. Sanders' bond was set at $45,000; while Chambers' and Everharts' were set at $26,000 each. Investigators say Sanders was released from jail on previous drug charges just four days prior to his current arrest.

180 marijuana plants have been seized in McDowell County. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office along with the Marion Police Department, SBI, the McDowell County Rescue Squad and a State Highway Patrol helicopter located the plants in woods between the Catawba River and Mount Hebron Road in Old Fort. Lieutenant Chris Taylor of the Sheriff's Office stated that they are following leads and the investigation is continuing. Anyone with information should call the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 652-2237 or Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME, 652-7463.

Any charges issued by former Caldwell County Highway Patrol Officer, C.T.Hodges, which were pending as of June 4th, are being dismissed. According to a press release from the 25th District Attorney's Office, allegations have surfaced that Trooper Hodges allegedly, while off duty, used excessive force toward a DWI suspect in the custody of another law enforcement officer. The alleged incident occurred June 4th. Because of the circumstances, former Trooper will not be called to testify on behalf of the State regarding tickets he previously wrote. Therefore, charges issued by Trooper Hodges pending June 4th are being dismissed. Hodges' alleged use of force is being investigated by the SBI and no further information will be released at this time. The alleged actions of former trooper Hodges do not reflect upon the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, which demands the highest standards of conduct from each and every Trooper at all times, on-duty or off-duty.

A Morganton man faces charges in connection with a theft from a Nebo construction site. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office Tuesday, reported the arrest of 27-year-old Aaron Ralph Gragg. The charges include felony breaking and entering, felony larceny and misdemeanor criminal damage to property. A Nebo man reported July 6th that someone took over $3000 worth of hand and power tools from a construction site on Black Bear Drive. Workers at the site reported seeing Gragg stealing the property. The tools were recovered.

Second Degree kidnapping and other charges are filed on a Burke County man. 42-year-old Richard Scott Setzer of Morganton was also charged with Assault by Pointing a Gun and Communicating Threats. Bond was set at $75,000 with a court appearance scheduled for today.

The man with a suspected connection to more than 400 bomb threats in Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties over a period of nearly 7 weeks admitted probation violations related to similar offenses and convictions, Monday, during Catawba County Superior Court. 27-year-old Cody Matthew Start admitted to violating terms of his probation by absconding from supervision, being in arrears of court indebtedness and failing to complete court-directed community service. The Honorable Gregory R.Hayes, Superior Court Judge from Catawba County , revoked Start's probation and activated his prison sentence of 4 to 14 months. Start was convicted in October 2015 on 3 counts of making false bomb reports in May 2015. He was arrested on July 6th in Matoaka, WV, by the Hickory Police Department, FBI and West Virginia State Police on the probations related to his prior convictions for making false bomb threats.

The town of Valdese has been awarded up to $175,000 from the Main Street Solutions Fund through North Carolina Commerce's Main Street Center in order to spark small business revitalization in the Valdese downtown business district. Old World Banking, LLC, a small business, will remodel a downtown building located on a corner lot that will be used to sell fresh baked breads and coffee. It will also serve as a community attraction for locals and tourists while creating 7 full-time jobs. Support for small businesses in micropolitian areas or in North Carolina Main Street Communities is provided by the state's Main Street Solutions Fund. These funds can be used for commercial building rehabiliation, energy efficiency and other improvements. Businesses in North Carolina are able to create and retain jobs as well as create private investment through this program. The town of Valdese will leverage about an additional $350,000 in private investment to support the project.

A McDowell County registered sex offender is charged with violating registry rules. 18-year-old Nicholas William Mayo of Marion has been charged by McDowell authorities with a felony registry violation, sex offender using a social website, and felony probation violation. From a January conviction of sexual battery, Mayo served 20 days in jail, and as a registered sex offender, state law prohibits Mayo from accessing social networking websites that minor children also have access. Reports say Mayo's recent charges are the result of McDowell detectives learning he had been utilizing a social network site in communicating with others.

An Eastern Burke County woman, who was reported missing Thursday night, has been found dead. The Morganton News Herald reports that 21-year-old Dalinette Trinidad Del Valle of Hildebran was located about 7pm Friday off the I-40 Access Road at Exit 119 Hildebran. It appeared that she had been hit by a vehicle. The News Herald reports that 30-year-old Jonathan Lee Burgsteiner of Hickory has been charged with felony hit and run.

A Morganton man has been charged with First Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Extortion. The Burke County Sheriff's Office, Friday, reported the arrest of 19-year-old Hillard Lee Holland. He was placed in the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility under a $100,000 secured bond. The investigation is ongoing and further charges are pending. The Sheriff's Office was assisted by the SBI, Internet Crimes Against Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office summer campaign to serve warrants has resulted in the arrest of 100 individuals on 181 warrants. the campain began June 20th.

McDowell County detectives are seeking information about a Nebo residential breakin that resulted in a gun and swords taken. Harold Ward of Deer Park Road reported July 4th that an AR-15 rifle, 250 rounds of ammunition, cash and 5 swords were removed. Anyone with information should contact Detective Billie Brown at the McDowell County Sheriff's Office 652-2237 or McDowell County Crimestoppers at 652-7463.

An arrest has been made in connection with over 400 hoax bomb threats made to businesses and agencies in the 25th Judicial District. On Wednesday, the Hickory Police Department, FBI and West Virginia State Police arrested 27-year-old Cody Matthew Startt of Matoaka, WV. Startt was charged with felony probations related to prior convictions for making bomb threats and he is currently being held without bond and is awaiting extradition to Catawba County. According to a press release from the 25th District Attorney's Office, the investigation le to Startt as the source of the bomb threats and charges against Startt will be forthcoming in reference to the most recent bomb threats that occurred in Hickory, Newton, Conover, Morganton, Lenoir, Granite Falls and other locations throughout the 25th Judicial District. It is still to be determined the exact charges Startt will face and whether he will be prosecuted in state or federal court. Startt is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation is ongoing and no further information will be released at this time. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency.

The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in locating a Runaway Juvenile. 17-year-old Lacey Cheyenne Johnson was last seen in the Gamewell area on July 2nd. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Johnson is asked to contact Detective Kanupp with the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office at 759-1554 or if you wish to remain anonymous please call the Caldwell County Crimestoppers at 758-8300.

A head on collision in Lenoir Wednesday morning sends two people to a Charlotte hospital. The accident occurred just after 9:30 in the 2700 block of Ellerwood Road. According to Lenoir Police. a Chevy Impala being driven by 59 year old Fredick Robert Motley of Lenoir hit head on a Chevy pickup truck operated by 30 year old Emily Danielle Davis of Lenoir. Caldwell County EMS and the Lenoir Fire Department assisted in freeing the occupants. The two drivers were airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment. Two children in the truck were transported by ambulance to Caldwell UNC Health Care with non-life threatening injuries. Anyone with information about the accident is asked to call Lenoir Police at 757-2100 or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers at 758-8300. The investigation is ongoing.

A second motor vehicle accident in Caldwell County Wednesday, occurred in the afternoon in the Ganewell Community. Traffic was backed up in both directions on Highway 18 after a car crashed into Gamewell United Methodist Church, near Gamewell Elementary School. WSOC-TV reports that 1 person who was trapped in the back seat for 15 minutes was taken to the hospital.

Domestic violence charges are filed on a Hickory man. 28-year-old Rashad Dominic Griggs reportedly assaulted and kidnapped a 27-year old female near Silver Springs Terrace over the July 4th holiday weekend. Hickory Police reports state Griggs also took possession of her cell phone preventing his victim from calling for assistance. Griggs has been charged with two felony counts of assault resulting in serious injury, one felony count of second-degree kidnapping, one misdemeanor count of interfering with emergency communication, one misdemeanor count of assault on a female by a male and one misdemeanor count of communicating threats. He was placed at the Catawba County detention center without bond.

Hickory Downtown Development Association has been designated as an accredited Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards set by the National Main Street Center. HDDA is a private non-profit organization with a 12 member volunteer board of directors. In 2015-2016, Downtown Hickory witnesses 3 facades redone and the rehabilitation of 3 buildings. 11 new businesses opened with 5 businesses closing for a net gain of 6 new businesses.

A severe thunderstorm Tuesday afternoon in Burke and McDowell counties caused some damage and power outages. Downed trees and power lines were reported by the Morganton News Herald and McDowell News. The National Weather Service at Greenville-Spartanburg issued the severe thunderstorm for the two counties around 2pm.

A Nebo man is found dead over the Independence Day weekend. The body of 35 year old Dennis Keith Yelton was located in the roadway beside his vehicle on Macey Drive, Saturday morning. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office sent his body for an autopsy Tuesday. It was determined that Yelton died from natural causes. According to the Sheriff's Office, there is nothing to suggest that the death of Yelton of Wildlife Road was foul play.

The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice has named Carlos Hernandez as the new superintendent at Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution in Spruce Pine. Hernandez is a 24-year corrections veteran who has served as the assistant superintendent for custody and operations at Mountain View Correctional Institution since 2014. His career in 1992 as a correctional officer at the former Western Youth Institution in Morganton and has served in staff and supervisory positions at Marion and Alexander correctional institutions. Hernandez assumed his new duties this week. He succeeds Mike Ball, who retired.

Law enforcement agencies throughout, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties have pooled their resources to offer a substantial cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for the recent string of bomb threats in the area. According to a news release from the 25th District Attorneys Office, local, state, and federal authorities are investigating. If you have any information about the bomb threats, please contact Burke County Crimestoppers at 828-437-3333, Caldwell County Crimestoppers at 828-758-8300, or Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551.

A woman that was airlifted to a Johnson City hospital, after a wreck Friday on Highway 181, has died. Terri Abbot of Florence died Sunday morning, according to the Morganton News Herald. The other person involved in the accident, Randall Caldwell of Morganton was taken to CHS Blue Ridge-Morganton and is expected to recover. According to the News Herald, Caldwell "blacked out", causing his truck to veer head on into Abbot's convertible. Caldwell faces 1 charge and other charges could be filed.

A Hickory resident faces multiple charges after an arrest Monday. Hickory Police charged 28 year old Terry Nikita Johnson with Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Cocaine, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Maintain a Vehicle or Dwelling or Place for Controlled Substance. Bond was set at $50,000 with a court appearance scheduled for Wednesday.

4th of July Celebrations
Morganton - Fireworks 9:30pm @Catawba Meadows Park
Marion - Parade Mainstreet 6pm, Music & Street Dance 7pm, Fireworks 9:30pm Rec Dept Ballfield
Lenoir - Games & food vendors 5pm, Music Matt Stafford Band 6:30, Fireworks 9:30 Optimist Park
Boone - Parade 11am Activities & Fireworks 7-9pm Clawson-Burnley Park
Banner Elk - Parade 11am "Party in the Park" at Tate Evans Park will follow
Beech Mountain - 48th Annual Roasting of the Hog & Fireworks 6pm Call 387-9283 for tickets
Tweetsie Railroad - Fireworks 9:30pm $10 per car

On Independence Day, thousands of people - most often children and teens - are injured while using consumer fireworks. On a typical Fourth of July, there are more fires nationally than any other day of the year - with fireworks accounting for two out of five of those fires. More than 11,000 injuries occur annually in the United States from fireworks alone. Statistics show that many people falsely believe that since sparklers and similar fireworks are legal and readily available, they are safe as well. A sparkler can burn at a temperature of 1200 degrees Fahrenheit in comparison with a household oven that bakes a cake at only 350 degrees. Area fire personnel recommend people attend a local fireworks display put on by professionals; and if using consumer fireworks, ensure that adult supervision is always present.  

A Morganton man has been charged with human trafficking. 23-year-old Pasqual Mendez Oak Street is currently in the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility under a $1,000,000 bond. Officers were called to the Mendez residence in May, where they located a juvenile female who had been assaulted. Further investigation showed the juvenile was living with Mendez for the purpose of servitude. The Criminal Investigations Division discovered that the juvenile had been in the country for about 7 months. Reports state Mendez exchanged money with a family member of the victim for the transport and purchase of the juvenile from Guatemala to North Carolina. The investigation is ongoing with the assistance of Burke County Social Services and Burke County Child Advocacy caring for the child. Mendez was arrested in May and charged with assault on a female, interfering with emergency communications, and statutory rape of a child under 15 years of age. He was then charged Wednesday with human trafficking. The trial date for Mendez is set for August 31st.

According to the American Automobile Association, it is estimated that 43 million people will travel this Independence Day holiday period, which runs through Monday. The State Highway Patrol is advising you to slow down and travel at posted speeds, not only to increase your chances of arriving at your destination safely, by also to conserve fuel. Last year the SHP investigated 12 fatal collisions and 288 injury collisions during the July 4th holiday period. This included 4 fatal collisions and 38 injury collisions due to impaired driving. Speed is the leading cause of traffic collisions and fatalities in the state. Citizens may report crashes, drunk drivers, stranded motorists or other highway situations to the Highway Patrol by dialing *HP (*47) on mobile phones. This is a toll free call that connects you with the nearest Highway Patrol communications center.