Today is the first day of school in Burke County, and the the Public Schools is taking a stand against bullying and asking everyone associated with the school system to sign a pledge acknowledging bullying will not be tolerated in the schools. Bullying can manifest itself in many actions, uncluding pushing, shoving, hitting, spitting, name calling, picking on, making fun of, laughing at and excluding someone. Cyberbullying is when a person is tormented, threatened, harassed, huiliated, embarrassed or targeted by another person using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones. Students, parents, teachers and other staff members will be presented with an anti-bullying pledge. By signing this pledge, they promise to be a buddy and not a bully. The pledges will go home with all students today. Parents and students will read and review the information at home, sign the pledge and return it to school.

The 25th District Attorney's Office rules on an officer-involved shooting that happened in Catawba County. Actions by law enforcement officers in a shooting that occurred in Catawba County August 10th have been deemed justifiable by District Attorney David Learner. The shooting took place at the end of a 40-mile chase that began in Mecklenburg County and ended at NC 16 and Buffalo Shoals Road, as the suspect vehicle crashed into a utility pole. Reports say when officers tried to arrest the suspects, 29-year-old Rodolfo Joel Ulloa-Paz pointed a firearm at them. Officers then responded with the use of deadly force injuring the suspect. Ulloa-Paz was hospitalized from the incident, but did survive. DA Learner reviewed body-cam footage and determined the officers were totally justified in their use of deadly force to defend themselves. Charlotte Mecklenburg Police, the State Highway Patrol, and Catawba County Sheriff's Department are among the agencies involved.

Burke County's rate of death due to accidental drug overdoses is over twice the average for North Carolina. Area pharmacies now can provide the public with a life saving antidote. Table Rock Pharmacy in Morganton is going to host a no charge public information forum tomorrow at 5pm. Learn what you can to help someone facing a life or death situation. Call 438-9355 for details.