The Alexander County Sheriff's Office is seeking information on the whereabouts of a registered sex offender who has failed to file a change of address with the Sheriff's Office. Arrest warrants are currently outstanding on Bobby Lee Minton, Sr. Anyone with information about where Minton might be located is asked to call 828-632-2911 or Crimestoppers at 828-632-8555.

McDowell detectives charge a Mitchell County man with drug possession while in jail.62-year-old Jack Gregory Grindstaff of Bakersville was arrested in Mitchell County and transported to the McDowell jail for housing. Reports say during the booking process, officers located a bag containing 3.9 grams of methamphetamine on the suspect. Grindstaff was then charged with possession of meth and possession of a controlled substance in jail.

WPCC will host the 2016 Fall Speakers Forum/Ervin Constitutional Issues Program next week. This year's program titled, "Healthy People, Healthy Places:Local and Global Issues," will focus on endeavors designed by entrepreneurs, legal scholars, and conservation specialists to increase health and wellness awareness in individuals and communities. Presentations will be held in WPCC's Leviton Auditorium, and all events are free and open to the public. Receptions will be held after ech event. The forum will open on Monday at 7pm, with Blue Zones:Secrets of a Long Life, an engaging presentation about five places around the world where people live the longest and healthiest lives. Other forums take place Tuesday at 11am and Thursday at 7pm. For infor go to www.wpcc.edu/speakers-forum.

A missing Catawba County girl is home safe. 11-year-old Emily Dowdle, who attends Catawba Elementary, was last spotted leaving her school bus about 2:40 pm Tuesday. According to WSOC-TV Emily walked out of the woods behind her house around 9:30 last night.The FBI and SBI assisted the Catawba County Sheriff's Office in the search and investigation.

A Burke County woman is killed after being struck by a vehicle. The Morganton News Herald reports that 26-year-old Jackie Icard of Connelly Springs, was walking in the middle of Rhodhiss Road Wednesday morning, when she was hit by a car driven by a Granite Falls man. According to the State Highway Patrol, the driver stated that several vehicles were ahead of him and before he knew it, a female was in the roadway. The News Herald reports that no charges have been filed against the driver Wayne Freeman.

A Burke County man has pleaded guilty to multiple drug charges, breaking and entering a motor vehicle and larceny, and admitted his status as an habitual felon, Friday, during Burke County Superior Court. The Honorable William T. Pomeroy, Superior Court Judge from Lincoln County, sentenced 27-year-old Corey Alan Hamby of Morganton, to serve 6-8 years in prison. That sentence was enhanced by Hamby's habitual felon status brought on by 3 felony convictions in Burke County (May 2006, February 2009 and July 2012) for breaking or entering of a motor vehicle. Stephen Ritchie of the Burke County Sheriff's Office investigated the case. Frank Webster led the prosecution of the cases for the 25th District Attorney's Office.

Two Marion women face drug charges following a search of their residence. 22-year-old Cherish Elizabeth Gilliland has been charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession with intent to sell and deliver meth. McDowell officers have also charged 50-year-old Rebecca Gilliland Moore with maintaining a dwelling to keep a controlled substance. Reports state previous to the search, both women were on probation and therefore subject to warrantless searches. Authorities located 7.2 grams of meth and drug paraphernalia in the home.

Charges against a Taylorsville man held in a child abuse case have been upgraded to First Degree Murder. The Alexander County Sheriff's Office was notified Monday about 4:35pm that 17 month old Camden Hudson had died, after being taken off life support at Brenner Children's Hospital in Winston-Salem. Warrants were issued shortly after on 25-year-old Justin Lon Carver. He is currently being held in the Alexander County Detention Center without bond, with a first court appearance scheduled today. Carver was arrested Friday after Alexander 911 was contacted about a child that had fallen off a couch. EMS responded to the residence on Highway 16 South and reported to the Sheriff's Office that the injuries did not match the fall and the child was taken to Winston-Salem. The investigation is continuing.

A Morganton state trooper is among 16 state employees chosen for this year's 'Governor's Awards for Excellence.' It is the highest honor a state employee may receive for dedicated service to the State and the people of North Carolina. The honorees attended a special awards ceremony Tuesday, at the NC Museum of History. On the morning of January 2nd, Trooper Jonathan Gouge was traveling on Eldred Street in Valdese when he noticed heavy smoke and flames coming from the second floor of a residence. At the time, Gouge was not on duty. He stopped his vehicle and after talking to a neighbor, learned that someone was inside the residence. After finding the door locked, Gouge took off his hooded sweatshirt, wrapped it around his fist, and knocked out a window. Inside the house, he found an elderly woman in a state of panic, screaming and confused. Trooper Gouge helped her out of the burning house and after going back into the residence to get her medications, rescued the woman's three pet dogs.

On Tuesday, Blue Ridge Parkway officials joined representatives of Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, members of the Moody family, project funders and community members at the Bear Den Overlook to announce the regional land trust's conservation of the 208-acre Bear Den property. The property lies along 1.6 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway between mileposts 323 and 325 in McDowell County. Its purchase protects critical lands amidst a complex of federal, state, and privately owned conservation lands along the parkway, according to a news release from the Morganton based Foothills Conservancy.

The state has released school letter grades. In the Burke County Public Schools System, 24 schools eligible for a letter grade earned grades of C or better. In Burke County Public Schools, the cohort high school graduation rate is 91.1 percent, one percentage higher than last year. Burke Middle College continues to have a 100-percent graduation rate. Patton and Draughn both received a greater than 95 percent graduation rate, while Freedom's graduation rate is 92.5 percent and East Burke's is 89. Burke Middle College and Rutherford College Elementary achieved the highest letter grade - an A. That A for Burke Middle was a perfect 100 score and Rutherford College received and A + NG distinction - the highest awarded on the letter grade scale. NG designates "no gaps" between the different socio-economic subgrades. In addition to the two A's, seven district schools achieved a B performance grade.

The Governor's Office announced Monday that Corning Optical Communications LLC will expand operations at operations in Hickory and Winston-Salem. The company plans to add 205 jobs and invest nearly $83.5 million in the state over the next 5 years. Corning Optical Communications is a worldwide provider of fiber optic communications solutions for voice, data and video networks. Corning's expansion add 105 people at its Hickory plant and 100 employees in Winston-Salem. While compensation will vary by position, the average yearly salary of Corning's new positions will be $58,151.

Local authorities have four suspects in custody for the murder of two Forest City men. 33-year-old Brian Jerome Robinson, 26-year-old Icey Chennell Gooden, and 32-year-old Brandy Nicole Davis, all three from Morganton, were taken into custody Thursday afternoon without incident. On Friday, 33-year-old Scott Devon Hemphill of Charlotte was arrested and taken into custody by Charlotte Mecklenburg Police. A news release states Robinson, Gooden, and Hemphill have each been charged with 2 counts of murder and held without bond; while Davis was charged with accessory after the fact to homicide under a $250,000 secured bond. Charges from the alleged murder of Albert Alexander Austin and Spencer Jermain Murray; whose bodies were discovered about 8am Sunday September 18th in a burnt Cadillac Deville on Canoe Creek Way in Morganton. The investigation is ongoing.

A McDowell County resident is charged with multiple mail thefts. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office on Friday reported that 20-year-old Kimberly Dawn Lail of Marion was charged with identity theft and larceny. Lail is accused in three separate mail thefts, according to the Sheriff's Office. Lail reportedly was caught on camera taking items from mailboxes on multiple occasions.

Authorities have made an arrest in the case of human remains found Sunday morning in a burnt vehicle. Burke County Deputies and SBI Agents Thursday, arrested 33-year-old Brian Jerome Robinson of Morganton without incident, at an address on Oak Forest Drive Morganton just after 2pm. He was charged with Felonious and malice aforethought kill and murder 35-year-old Albert Alexander Austin of Forest City. Robinson is being held without bond with a District Court appearance in Morganton scheduled for today. Just after 8am Sunday, deputies located human remains in a burnt Cadillac Deville on Canoe Creek Way. One of the human remains was later identified as Austin. The investigation is continuing.

The second of two men convicted by a Catawba County jury in December has been sentenced to at least 7 years in prison. 23-year-old James Bryant Moser of Conover received his sentence earlier this week in Catawba County Superior Court. Moser and Emmanuel Martine each were found guilty of one count of armed robbery, three counts of second degree kidnapping, and one count of felony breaking and entering for a 2013 Hickory home invasion. Reports say both men were present during the trials jury selection, but neither returned for the rest of the trial. Whenever the jury returned guilty verdicts for both, arrest warrants were issued. Moser was apprehended by a bail bondsman and surrendered to Catawba authorities. He was also indicted for felony failure to appear. Martinez was given an active prison sentence of up to 10 years, which began in April.

The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office is reporting a scam. On Wednesday numerous complaints were received about a text message from 2987452@info.gov. The message is stating that your Sun Trust Debit Card has been compromised and asking you to call 845-241-7877. Once victims call this number they ask for your social security number and other bank account information to attempt to gain access to your bank. This message is not from Sun Trust and is a scam. If you receive this message do not respond.

Authorities have made an arrest in the case of human remains found Sunday morning in a burnt vehicle. Burke County Deputies and SBI Agents Thursday, arrested 33-year-old Brian Jerome Robinson of Morganton without incident, at an address on Oak Forest Drive Morganton just after 2pm. He was charged with Felonious and malice aforethought kill and murder 35-year-old Albert Alexander Austin of Forest City. Robinson is being held without bond with a District Court appearance in Morganton scheduled for today. Just after 8am Sunday, deputies located human remains in a burnt Cadillac Deville on Canoe Creek Way. One of the human remains was later identified as Austin. The investigation is continuing.

The second of two men convicted by a Catawba County jury in December has been sentenced to at least 7 years in prison. 23-year-old James Bryant Moser of Conover received his sentence earlier this week in Catawba County Superior Court. Moser and Emmanuel Martine each were found guilty of one count of armed robbery, three counts of second degree kidnapping, and one count of felony breaking and entering for a 2013 Hickory home invasion. Reports say both men were present during the trials jury selection, but neither returned for the rest of the trial. Whenever the jury returned guilty verdicts for both, arrest warrants were issued. Moser was apprehended by a bail bondsman and surrendered to Catawba authorities. He was also indicted for felony failure to appear. Martinez was given an active prison sentence of up to 10 years, which began in April.

Hickory City Council met Tuesday night with two citizens requesting to be heard. Billy Suddreth addressed City Council about needs for the Ridgeview Community. Mayor Wright said he and councilman Hank Guess had met with Suddreth and discussed possibilities, but said it will be some time before land can be donated to the Ridgeview Community. Cliff Moore spoke about Constitution Day last Saturday followed by comments by Mayor Wright that this week will be recognized as Constitution Day in Hickory. Five public hearings were held and all passed, four by unanimous 7-0 votes.

The City of Morganton has hired Phillip Lookado as its new Development and Design Director. He spent the past 11 years in Florence serving in a very similar position, according to a news release from the City. Lookadoo worked in the late 1990's with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments and served as the first full-time planner for the Town of Granite Falls. As Development and Design Department Director, Lookadoo will supervise planning, zoning, code enforcement, building inspections and engineering. A update of the City's downtown master plan and recreation master plan is scheduled to begin in the near future, so Lookadoo will play a key role in helping to shape the vision for Morganton's development during the next 20 years. Lookadoo's first day on the job will be Monday, October 31st.

Fire Marshall Mike Long was recognized for his retirement and tourism saw success in 2015, according to the 2016 tourism report given at the Burke County Board of Commissioners Tuesday night regular meeting. Tourism Director Ed Phillips presented the update. He described tourism as an economic engine in Burke County, as 2015 saw a 2.9% increase in visitor spending, which now tops 94 million dollars a year. Objectives of the Tourism Authority are to increase the number of visitors in Burke County, increase the occupancy rate in Burke County, which is a direct result of more tourists, create more jobs related to tourism and share more information. The Tourism Authority recently learned that July was the first month where over $50,000 was collected in occupancy tax, a record in the history of Burke County tourism. Phillips reminded the board that the double-stacked tourism billboard on I-40 was updated last week to the fall color reports, updated daily on the website. Media outlets from all over the southeast have picked up this color report. Fire Marshall Mike Long was recognized for his 30 years of service with the County as well as working as Emergency Services Director. Long's last day will be at the end of the month. He plans on teaching in the Burke County Public School System after retiring as Fire Marshall. Long was also awarded with the North Carolina Order of the Long Leaf Pine plaque signed by Governor McCrory. The award is given to people who have served their community well and for a long time.

The investigation into the discovery of human remains found in a burnt vehicle Sunday morning has now been classified as a homicide. Just after 8 o'clock, deputies with the Burke County Sheriff's Office discovered the burnt Cadillac Deville on Canoe Creek Way. One of the human remains has been identified as 35-year-old Albert Alexander Austin of Forest City. There is now a Burke County Crime Stoppers Reward in the amount of $1000. Persons with information are encouraged to contact Burke County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division at 828-438-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 828-437-3333 anytime day or night.

A the Lenoir City Council meeting on Tuesday, City Council members agreed to move forward with the Hospital Avenue Sidewalk Project, an arrangement made last year between the City of Lenoir and DOT in which $800,000 of federal grant money plus a $200,000 match from the City will go towards the construction of a new sidewalk system alongside Hospital Avenue. City Council also announced a proclamation declaring the week of September 26th through October 2nd as "Loving Lenoir Week", throughout the City and Caldwell County.

A domestic dispute leads McDowell deputies to an arrest following a traffic stop. 39-year-old Brandon Scott Biddix of Marion has been charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Reports say deputies responded to his residence after receiving a report of a domestic dispute. Prior to their arrival, Biddix reportedly fled the scene in a vehicle, but was stopped shortly thereafter. McDowell County Sheriff's deputies searched Biddix and discovered a small amount of meth and drug paraphernalia.

The State Bureau of Investigaton is conducting an independent investigation into an officer involved shooting in Rutherford County. About 8am Saturday, Rutherfordton police and the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office responded to the Monfrado Street area and encountered William Joseph Ryan. According to a press release from the SBI, officers from both agencies exchanged gunfire with Ryan, who died from injuries he sustained. Rutherford County Sheriff's Deputy Patrick Wiseman was injured during the gunfire. His wounds were listed as non-life threatening. Other officers involved in the shooting incident were identified by the SBI, as Joey Holland and Tyler Dills of the Rutherfordton Police Department and Daniel Elliot and Frankie Lancaster of the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office. The SBI will provide the criminal investigative report to the District Attorney when complete.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help on the whereabouts of two Rutherford County men. Just after 8am Sunday, Deputies were dispatched to Canoe Creek Way in Morganton in reference to a burnt vehicle and what appeared to be human remains were discovered. Investigators learned the vehicle was a Cadillac Deville belonging to Albert Alexander Austin of Forest City, but registered to Spencer "Jermain" Murray of Forest City. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Murray or Austin is asked to call Crimestoppers at 828-437-3333 or Criminal Investigations Division at 828-438-5500. Agencies involved included Oak Hill and West End Fire & Rescue, Burke County Fire Marshall's Office, Burke County Medical Examiner, SBI, NC License & Theft Bureau, Burke County Sheriff's Office, Forest City Police Department & Rutherford County Sheriff's Office.


A Morganton man is charged with solicitation. 34-year-old Danial Carswell is charged with
soliciting a child by computer, 2nd degree exploitation of a minor, taking indecent liberties with a child, and extortion. The Burke County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division found Carswell in possession of a number of electronic items. Burke Probation and Parole had reported Carswell, a registered sex offender, was acting suspiciously when questioned about the equipment. A press release states members of the Burke Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce performed a forensic preview of Carswell's electronic items - revealing he was in possession of child pornography. Sufficient evidence was found indicating Carswell had actively solicited an underage minor for the express purpose of sexual activities. Reports state he had collected images and was in the process of extorting the victim for more sexual favors and/or photographs. Carswell was taken into custody and confined at Burke Catawba Confinement Facility under an $80,000 secured bond.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help on the whereabouts of two Rutherford County men. Just after 8am Sunday, Deputies were dispatched to Canoe Creek Way in Morganton in reference to a burnt vehicle and what appeared to be human remains were discovered. Investigators learned the vehicle was a Cadillac Deville belonging to Albert Alexander Austin of Forest City, but registered to Spencer "Jermain" Murray of Forest City. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Murray or Austin is asked to call Crimestoppers at 828-437-3333 or Criminal Investigations Division at 828-438-5500. Agencies involved included Oak Hill and West End Fire & Rescue, Burke County Fire Marshall's Office, Burke County Medical Examiner, SBI, NC License & Theft Bureau, Burke County Sheriff's Office, Forest City Police Department & Rutherford County Sheriff's Office.


A Morganton man is charged with solicitation. 34-year-old Danial Carswell is charged with
soliciting a child by computer, 2nd degree exploitation of a minor, taking indecent liberties with a child, and extortion. The Burke County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division found Carswell in possession of a number of electronic items. Burke Probation and Parole had reported Carswell, a registered sex offender, was acting suspiciously when questioned about the equipment. A press release states members of the Burke Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce performed a forensic preview of Carswell's electronic items - revealing he was in possession of child pornography. Sufficient evidence was found indicating Carswell had actively solicited an underage minor for the express purpose of sexual activities. Reports state he had collected images and was in the process of extorting the victim for more sexual favors and/or photographs. Carswell was taken into custody and confined at Burke Catawba Confinement Facility under an $80,000 secured bond.

A Burke County man will spend at least 18 years in prison after pleading guilty, Wednesday, to trafficking in opiates by possession and trafficking in opiates by transportation during Burke County Superior Court. 35-year-old Franklin Raye Shell of Valdese was issued a sentence of 18 to 23 years by the Honorable W.Todd Pomeroy, Superior Court Judge from Lincoln County, following his guilty plea. The case was investigated by Scott Lanning of the Burke County Sheriff's Office and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank Webster.

A 19-year-old male has been arrested in Burke County for murder. On Wednesday, Burke County Deputies received information from the Hickory Police Department about a possible deceased individual in Burke County from a gunshot wound at 1850 Hilferty Road in Hickory. When Burke County Deputies responded, they located a deceased male in a bedroom. The SBI was contacted to assist with the investigation and a search warrant was secured to process the scene. The victim had been shot in the chest and an investigation revealed a suspect by the name of Caleb Joseph Van Arsdale who was living at the Hilferty Road address. The suspec turned himself in to Hickory Police and during an interview with the Burke detectives, Van Arsdale admitted to shooting the victim and leaving the scene in the victim's vehicle. A warrant for the arrest was issued on Caleb Joseph Van Arsdale for the murder of Jacob Andrew Lucas of Belmont. Arsdale was transported to Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility where is being held without bond. A probable cause hearing is set for October 4th.

A Marion is charged with two sex offenses. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office, Thursday, reported the arrest of 49-year-old Roy Gilbert Davidson, Jr. on 2 counts of 1st degree statutory sex offense. He is accused of improperly touching a 7-year-old girl acquaintance on two occasions earlier this year. The Sheriff's Office received the case on a referral from McDowell Department of Social Services.

The 13th annual Catawba Riverfest takes place tomorrow at Lake James State Park. 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of NC's state parks - this year's centennial celebration includes the annual Catawba Riverfest, along with a triathlon and biathlon. The event takes place from 11 to 4 at the Paddy's Creek area of Lake James State Park on Highway 126. Riverfest includes a variety of water activities, free educational programs, a live bird demonstration, crafts, music, and concessions. Park Rangers will also lead festival-goers on power boat tours; while the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation organizes paddle eco-tours. Lake James State Park features about 7 miles of hiking trails, 14.5 miles of mountain biking trails along with picnic and swimming facilities. For more information about Riverfest, call 584-7728.

A Burke County man will spend at least 18 years in prison after pleading guilty, Wednesday, to trafficking in opiates by possession and trafficking in opiates by transportation during Burke County Superior Court. 35-year-old Franklin Raye Shell of Valdese was issued a sentence of 18 to 23 years by the Honorable W.Todd Pomeroy, Superior Court Judge from Lincoln County, following his guilty plea. The case was investigated by Scott Lanning of the Burke County Sheriff's Office and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank Webster.

A 19-year-old male has been arrested in Burke County for murder. On Wednesday, Burke County Deputies received information from the Hickory Police Department about a possible deceased individual in Burke County from a gunshot wound at 1850 Hilferty Road in Hickory. When Burke County Deputies responded, they located a deceased male in a bedroom. The SBI was contacted to assist with the investigation and a search warrant was secured to process the scene. The victim had been shot in the chest and an investigation revealed a suspect by the name of Caleb Joseph Van Arsdale who was living at the Hilferty Road address. The suspec turned himself in to Hickory Police and during an interview with the Burke detectives, Van Arsdale admitted to shooting the victim and leaving the scene in the victim's vehicle. A warrant for the arrest was issued on Caleb Joseph Van Arsdale for the murder of Jacob Andrew Lucas of Belmont. Arsdale was transported to Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility where is being held without bond. A probable cause hearing is set for October 4th.

A Morganton man was sentenced to serve 5 to 7 years in prison following his guilty plea to drug and assault charges, Tuesday, during Burke County Superior Court. 26-year-old Arsenio Antoine Malone was sentenced by the Honorable W. Todd Pomeroy, Superior Court Judge from Lincoln County. Malone pleaded guilty to trafficking opiates by possession and assault by strangulation inclicting serious injury. The drug case was investigated by Scott Lanning of the Burke County Sheriff's Office and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank Webster. T.L.Hall handled the assault investigation for Morganton Department of Public Safety while Michelle Lippert prosecuted the case for the 25th District Attorney's Office.

Governor Pat McCrory announced Wednesday that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is awarding $272,000 to 10 Western North Carolina communities that plan to offer free Wi-Fi access in their downtown areas. According to McCrory, connecting NC communities and classrooms to Wi-Fi has been a central focus of his administration since day one. The grants improve North Carolina's economy and education and will help WNC offer and expand Internet access for residents, students, entrepreneurs and visitors. Morganton is receiving a grant amount of $30,783 for Wi-Fi access. Other communities receiving grant money include Hudson, Valdese, Rutherford College, Forest City and Wilkesboro. Projects require a local match and will be self-supporting upon completion of the 1 year term of the grant. The ARC-supported Wi-Fi projects help further and advance North Carolina's State Broadband Plan goals, which guides policies and programs that seek to leverage broadband infrastructure as a catalyst for education, economic development and public-service delivery.

Online Driver's License renewals hit a major milestone. According to a news release, more than 500,000 drivers have taken advantage of online license renewals - saving more than 248,000 hours in DMV wait times. A pilot program for the first online renewals was launched in June 2015, and the program went statewide October 12th 2015. In less than a year, the program has reached the half million landmark. DMV officials say 70-percent of customers that visit area offices, could be renewing their driver's license or getting a duplicate license online.

Two felony drug charges are filed on a Caldwell County man after a 3 month investigation. Just after 4:30am Tuesday, officers from the Lenoir Police Department's Narcotics Unit, with the assistance of the Special Response Tea, served a search warrant at a residence on Spruce Street. 29-year-old Christopher Lee Mincer was charged with 1 Felony count of Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Schedule II Controlled Substance and 1 Felony count of Maintaining a Dwelling for Controlled Substance. Bond was set at $50,000 secured with a first court appearance scheduled for tomorrow. Additional charges may be forthcoming. According to a news release from Lenoir Police, the arrest occurred after a 3 month investigation and the direct result of citizen complaints. Anyone with information relating to this or any other crime is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 758-8300 or the Lenoir Police Department at 757-2100.

The suspect in the shooting death of Shelby Police Officer Tim Brackeen has been taken into custody this morning in Rhode Island, According to WSOC-TV, Irving Fenner Jr. was arrested about 2:30 at an apartment in Coventry. Fenner was taken to a hospital with a gunshot wound that reportedly occurred in Shelby. WSOC reports the SBI also arrested Deitria Morris on Tuesday for accessory to murder and Ashley Hamrick for harboring a fugitive. During the arrest this morning in Coventry, Jolisa Peeler was arrested for accessory after the fact of 1st degree murder.

A homicide investigation in Buncombe County resulted in one arrest. The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office conducted a homicide investigation Monday at 49 Forest Ridge Drive in Asheville. The initial call for service, made just after 6:30 p.m., was for a gunshot wound. Officers found a man outside the residence, who was detained. A female inside the residence was found unresponsive. Emergency services pronounced her deceased. 85-year-old Samuel Lloyd Hensley was charged with First Degree Murder and detained at the Buncombe County Detention Facility without bond.

The state announced Tuesday the awarding of more than $8.4 million in grants from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund with several area governments receiving grants:
* Asheville - French Broad River East Bank Greenway and Recreational Area, $350,000
* Conover - Conover City Park Expansion, $119,992
* Granite Falls - Shuford Recreation Park Redevelopment, $196,875
* Iredell - Jennings Park, $419,718
* Lake Lure - Weed Patch Mountain Recreational Park, $350,000
* Lenoir - Mulberry Optimist Park Expansion, $327,200
The grants help fund land acquisition, development and renovation of public park and recreation areas.

The next phase of construction began Monday on the Catawba Falls Trail, to improve the trail and crossing of Chestnut Branch with a new footbridge. Weekday visitors to the popular trail in the Pisgah National Forest near Old Fort, can expect delays and short closures for work on the trail. Weather pending, construction is not planned on weekends. Work is expected to be completed by November 1st. Check the website (www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc) for temporary closure notices. This construction is part of a larger effort to build safe access to Catawba Falls.

The City of Morganton was awarded the Marvin Collins Planning Award and council adopted an ordinance restricting through traffic on Stonebridge Drive in Monday night's regular Morganton City Council meeting. Morganton was chosen to receive the Marvin Collins Planning Award for the zoning ordinance that was adopted a year and a half ago. The planning commission worked on the ordinance for over two years. The City will accept the award in Asheville on Thursday during the Planning Association State meeting. Council adopted and passed an ordinance that would restrict through truck traffic on Stonebridge Drive. Citizens had requested to prohibit large trucks from traveling on Bethel Road and since Bethel Road is a road controlled by the NCDOT, the DOT made it clear they would impose a truck restriction on Bethel Road if the City of Morganton would prohibit trucks from traveling on Stonebridge Drive, which is considered a city street. In other news, Council celebrated the 60th anniversary of Constitution Week by proclaiming the week of September 17-23 as Constitution Week and Council also proclaimed September as alcohol and drug addition recovery month.

Caldwell County Commissioners approved a request to re-zone over 1000 acres of property owned by Carolina Timber Partners, at Monday's Commissioners meeting. The re-zoned land, situated in southern Caldwell County and north of Lake Rhodhiss, is expected to be utilized for low-density residential development. Commissioners also heard from U.S.Forest Ranger Nick Larson regarding an evaluation of the Caldwell County portion of the Pisgah National Forest. According to Ranger Larson, the evaluation concentrated mainly on the Harper Creek region which is currently designated as a wilderness study area pending congressional review.

A Shelby Police Officer has died after being shot over the weekend. A 12-year-old veteran of the Shelby Police Department and former officer of the year, Tim Brackeen succumbed Monday morning at Carolina's Medical Center in Charlotte. Reports indicate Officer Brackeen was attempting to serve a warrant for 23-year-old Irving Lucien Fenner, Jr. of Grover. Fenner allegedly shot the officer early Saturday, fled the scene and remains on the run. The charge against Fenner has been upgraded to first degree murder from attempted murder. Fenner had outstanding warrants for armed robbery and kidnapping. In a press release issued by Governor McCrory's office, the state is offering a reward of up to $10,000 leading to the arrest and conviction of the gunman. The SBI is assisting Shelby Police in the investigation. Anyone with information is urged to call Shelby Police at 704-484-6845.

Burke County's Most Wanted list is shorter after separate arrests last week. Burke County Deputies received a tip on the whereabouts of 26-year-old Jesse Joe Potter who had been on the most wanted list for 3 weeks. Potter was reportedly taken into custody on John Berry Road in Valdese without incident. Potter was wanted for multiple felony arrests in Burke ranging from breaking and entering, financial card theft, possession of stolen goods, and drug charges. He was jailed at the Burke Catawba Confinement Facility, under a $30,000 secured bond. Meanwhile, Burke detectives located 45-year-old Ricky Lee Propst at a family member's home on High Peak Road. Propst, who had been on the most wanted list for a week, was wanted by multiple agencies on outstanding felony charges for breaking and entering into coin and currency machines. He was taken into custody under a $25,000 secured bond.

Shelby Investigators have secured warrants for 23-year-old Irving Lucien Fenner,Jr, whose last known address was in Grover. Fenner is charged with Attempted Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer. About 12:20am Saturday, Officer Tim Brackeen was in the area of Parkview Street looking for a subject, who was wanted on outstanding warrants, when officers in the area heard shots fired. Officer Brackeen was found wounded and taken to a Charlotte hospital and listed at the time of the press release, in stable but critical condition. The investigation is ongoing with the the SBI assisting Shelby Police. Anyone with information is asked to call Shelby Police at 704-484-6845 or Crimestoppers at 704-481-TIPS.

A Morganton man faces charges after shots are fired into a vehicle. Just before 6pm Wednesday, Public Safety Officers responded to the area of Kirk Street about shots fired. While searching the area, officers were notified of a fight in progress at the Jet Express Convenience Store on Vine Arden Road. When officers arrived, Bradley Jerrell Dorsey and Charles Young were involved in a physical altercation, according to a press release from Morganton Public Safety. Young reported he was sitting in his vehicle when Dorsey exited the residence at 107 Kirk Street and fired two shots into the driver side door. Further inspection of Young's vehicle found two bullet holes. There were no injuries as a result of the shooting. The investigation led to the arrest of Dorsey, who was charged with possession of a firearm by felon and shooting into occupied property. He was placed in the Burke Catawba Detention Facility under a $60,000 secured bond.

The City of Hickory and the community will be remembering 9/11 at a Patriots Day Remembrance Ceremony Sunday at 4pm, under The Sails on the Square in Downtown Hickory. Guest speakers include Fire Captain James Patrick Auton of the Hickory Fire Department, and Master Police Officer John R. Weinbrock of the Hickory Police Department.

Lenoir-Rhyne University in conjuction with the Catawba Valley Astronomy Club is sponsoring its first Public Observing Night for the academic year tonight in the LR Observatory. This free event begins at 8 and concludes about 10. The public is invited to the top of the Minges Science Building where several telescopes will be set up in addition to the 12.5 inch Cassegrain telescope in the observatory dome. Shortly after sunset, participants will be able to view the moon, Saturn, Venus, and Mars. Several star clusters and double stars will also be visible.

A Morganton pair face various drug charges. A 'suspicious activity" call to Stonebridge Drive led Morganton Public Safety officers to arrest two people on drug possession and trafficking charges. 41-year-old Davy Leonard Goodman and 32-year-old Melissa May Harris were reportedly arrested and each charged with 1 felony count of trafficking drugs by possession and 1 misdemeanor count of possession of a schedule II substance. According to reports, officers discovered more than 67 grams of amphetamines and methamphetamines plus prescription pain killers. Reports state over $700 in cash was also confiscated by officers. Goodman and Harris were each placed under separate secured bonds of $130,000 and transported to the Burke Catawba Confinement facility.

A Morganton man was given a prison sentence of at least 18 years after pleading guilty to statutory rape of a 13 year old, statutory sex offense with the 13 year old and soliciting a child by computer for a sex act on Friday, during Burke County Superior Court. 28-year-old Joshua Michael Abernathy was given an active prison term of 18 to 27 years by the Honorable Daniel A. Kuehnert, Superior Court Judge from Burke County. Detective Isaac Propst investigated both cases for the Burke County Sheriff's Office, and Frank Webster prosecuted them for the 25th District Attorney's Office.

A 37-year-old Glen Alpine man will spend at least 15 years in prison for statutory rape of a person 13, 14, or 15 years old and indecent liberties with a child. Timothy Jerome Deyton pleaded guilty to charges during Burke County Superior Court on Tuesday August 30th. He was sentenced to 15-23 years. Deyton is required to register as a sex offender for 30 years with 10 years of satellite-based monitoring.

A Catawba County jury Friday, found a Hickory man guilty of a sexual assault and strangulation of a female victim. The jury determined that Phillip Voltz IV was guilty of second-degree sexual offense, assault by strangulation and misdemeanor assault inflicting serious injury from a May 2015 incident, and guilty of felony breaking and entering and intimidating a witness from a January 2016 offense, in Catawba County Superior Court. The Honorable Gregory R. Hayes, Superior Court Judge from Catawba County, sentenced Voltz to a prison term of 6-12 years. Thad Scronce led the investigation for the Catawba County Sheriff's Office. Jamie Adams handled prosecution for the 25th District Attorney's Office.

A Morganton man reports being kidnapped and robbed in Hickory over the Labor Day weekend. Two suspects have been arrested by Hickory police and charged with robbery and kidnapping. police reports indicate the male victim from Morganton told officers a female approached him in the Target parking lot and allegedly offered to sell him a gift card. The man initially refused, but reportedly later went to the car occupied by the female and two others. The man was told to get into the vehicle in order to make a purchase. At that point, the male driver began driving north on Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard. Published reports say the victim claims he was choked by the suspects, while a gun was placed to his neck, and a knife was displayed. The suspects stopped on 7th Street Drive SE and freed the victim and reportedly stealing $86 from him. 27-year-old Jessica Dawn Flynn of Catawba was arrested and charged with 1 felony count of robbery with a dangerous weapon and 1 felony count of 2nd degree kidnapping. 25-year-old Ryan Scott Gibson was also charged with 1 felony count of robbery with a dangerous weapon, 1 felony count of attempt to obtain property by false pretenses, 1 felony count of kidnapping, 1 misdemeanor count of larceny, and 1 misdemeanor count of attempted larceny. Flynn was issued a $120,000 secured bond, while Gibson was issued a $27,000 bond. A warrant for a third suspect is outstanding.

Hickory City Council met Tuesday night, with several citizens addressing traffic issues. A proposed change to an all-way stop at the intersection of 14th Street and 14th Avenue NW, drew several citizen comments both against and in favor of the proposed changes. Those in favor cite a traffic study earlier this year in which at least 47 vehicles were observed traveling at 75 mph in the residential neighborhoods, this item and citizen comments resulted in a unanimous vote of City Council to make changes in the area to help make the neighborhood safer to both walking and driving public.

At the Lenoir City Council meeting Tuesday, a public hearing was held in order to discuss a possible economic development incentive for a local company. Although few details have been released concerning the project, it is likely that if the undisclosed does decide to expand their operations within the City of Lenoir, that company would receive the benefits of a 3 year tax grant for 30 percent of the company's assessed tax base. For the citizens of Lenoir this could mean the creation of 30 new full-time jobs over the next 3 years, paying about 13 dollars an hour. Lenoir City Council approved the incentive 6-1.

A Marion woman has been charged with assault inflicting serious injury. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office Tuesday charged 29-year-old Kimberly Lynn Rhyne. Deputies responded last Thursday to Rhyne's Clinton Lane residence in reference to a domestic dispute. An argument had reportedly taken place between Rhyne and her ex-husband Dennis Conner of Marion, when the assault took place.

The Highway Patrol announces a preliminary number of 9 fatal collisions resulting in 9 deaths on state highways during the Labor Day holiday period, which began at 6pm Friday and ended at 11:59pm Monday. Last year in North Carolina, troopers investigated 10 fatal collisions over the Labor Day weekend. The collisions included one on Saturday on US 64, 4.4 miles west of Statesville, one Sunday on US 178, 12.8 miles from Brevard and one Monday on Casar Road 0.2 miles south of Casar.

Caldwell County had 95% of schools earning grades C or better in the 3rd year of the state's A-F grading system as reported by the State Board of Education. The Caldwell County Schools four-year cohort graduation rate reached a high of 90.8%, exceeding the state average for the 8th consecutive year and the district's upward growth trend continues for school performance, as 25 percent of schools achieved As and Bs and schools achieving Cs gained higher levels of academic growth and improvement over last year's performance, according to a news release from Caldwell County Schools.

Two Hickory teenagers reported missing last month have been found in Virginia. Following and extensive investigation, Hickory police located the 16-year-old missing girls in Staunton. Reports state Tiffany Elizabeth McKee and Seiara Nichole Matthews were found by officers at the home of an unnamed individual. A news release indicates the girls met the individual through Craigslist. McKee and Matthews were not physically harmed, and were returned to their homes in Hickory. The investigation is ongoing.

A new Assistant District Attorney has joined the 25th Prosecutorial District. Chadwick D. Smith was hired by District Attorney David Learner and was sworn in on Thursday. Smith spent 16 years in private practice, working in the Raleigh-Durham area for 2 years and in Mecklenburg for the last 14. Originally from Stokes County, Smith received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Science with a concentration in Government and a minor in U.S.History from Campbell in 1997. He also earned his Juris Doctor from N.C.Central in 2000. Smith will be working out of the Catawba County office in Newton and handling matters in District Court.

Local authorities investigate allegations of impropriety with a minor child. 27-year-old Colton James Mostacato of Hickory has been charged with disseminating obscene material to a minor, taking indecent liberties with a child, and with soliciting a child by computer or electronic device. The Burke County Sheriff's Office report states that Mostacato had allegedly attempted to initiate an illcit affair with a minor child through various social media outlets. Mostacato reportedly sent lewd sexually-themed pictures, solicited the minor for nude photos, and tried to arrange a meeting with the minor child. Working in conjunction with the minor child's parents. the sheriff's office was able to infiltrate and prevent the incident from escalating. Hickory Police took Mostacato without incident and he was issued a $50,000 secured bond.

11th District Congressman Mark Meadows came to Morganton Wednesday and bused tables, waited tables, and mingled with constituents at Abele's Family Restaurant. Meadows put on an apron and took a few minutes from busing tables to speak with the group gathered for the event. He said it is time to fulfill the promises made to our veterans and this country must do a better job serving our veterans, making sure they get the benefits to which they are entitled. The lunch with the Congressman event was informal, and Meadows spent time moving among those attending and greeting them. He told WMNC News after the event that he tries to do similar events thoughout the 11th District and work with those who do the real work. Among attendees at Abele's on Wednesday were county commissioners, county manager, county attorney, state senator, chief of police, other police officers, and a number of people active in the Burke Republican Party.

Morganton Public Safety is continuing efforts to decrease the number of collisions involving cyclists and pedestrians. Watch For Me NC is part of a statewide initiative endorsed by the NC Governor's Highway Safety Program. Morganton is seeing improvement overall when it comes to a decrease in these types of accidents, but police say one of the biggest issues involve distracted drivers. Motorists are not watching for pedestrians in the crosswalks. Police say previous DOT studies listed our region as having the highest crash rate for these types of incidents. In an effort to change that, officers are focusing on educating motorists, pedestrians and cyclists, as well as enforcing the laws through verbal warnings and citations. Over the next couple of weeks, officers will be in areas where pedestrians can legally cross, handing out literature and issuing warnings and citations for violators. For more information on Watch For Me NC, contact Officer Kim Davis, Morganton Public Safety at (828) 437-1211.

An employee is caught stealing from a Morganton business. 59-year-old Ramona Suzette Westbrooks has been charged by authorities with felony larceny by an employee. Morganton Public Safety reports state Westbrooks had been employed as a stocker at Walmart Neighborhood Market on North Green Street. Officers obtained surveillance footage that showed Westbrooks using the self-check out isle in the store; but not scanning all the items that she took from the store. She was taken to the Burke Catawba Confinement Facility and issued a $10,000 secured bond.