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.