A Morganton man appeared in federal court in Asheville Tuesday, and pleaded guilty to 1 count of  attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries. 20-year-old Justin Sullivan will serve life in prison for the offense, which under the plea agreement, the parties have agreed that a sentence of life in prison is an appropriate sentence. According to U.S.Attorney Jill Westmoreland Rose, "Sullivan admitted in court Tuesday that he attempted to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries by planning mass casualty shooting attacks on behalf of ISIL against innocent people in North Carolina and Virginia. Sullivan also admitted he had frequent and direct communications with one of ISIL's prominent leaders in Syria, who asked Sullivan to make a video of the deadly," said U.S.Attorney Rose. Sullivan is currently in federal custody.

The SBI released additional information Tuesday concerning the officer involved shooting that occurred Monday afternoon in Catawba County. According to the press release from the SBI, Catawba County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Investigators were conducting a narcotics investigation in the area of the 1100 block of 15th Street NE, Hickory, when officers came into contact with 41-year-old Irecas Rayison Valentine. During the interaction, Valentine was approached by law enforcement and Valentine attempted to flee the area in his vehicle. Then, Valentine struck and heavily damaged a patrol car. Subsequently, Valentine was shot by a Narcotics Investigator. Valentine was transported to Frye Regional Medical Center, where died from his injuries. At this time, law enforcement is not releasing the name of the Narcotics Officer pending further investigation. In December 2011, Valentine was involved in an officer involved shooting with a member of the Hickory Police Department. The incident occurred after a vehicle and foot pursuit. The Hickory officer was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing. Valentine pled guilty from the 2011 charges related to the incident, and there was not a civil action filed, according the press release from the SBI.

A search by Burke and McDowell authorities of a wanted felon's Marion home turns up a pair of firearms. McDowell officials accompanied Burke deputies to the home of 42-year-old Travis Alvalon Scott to serve him with outstanding felony warrants. During a search of Scott's residence, authorities located a handgun and shotgun. McDowell deputies then charged Scott with 2 counts of possession of a firearm by a felon.

The SBI is conducting an investigation into an officer involved shooting in Catawba County. According to news release from the City of Hickory, at 4:20pm Monday, the Catawba County Sheriff's Office requested the assistance of the Hickory Police Department to respond to the 1100 block of 15th Street NE, following an officer involved shooting. No HPD Officers were present at the time of the incident, but Officers responded and assisted at the scene. The Catawba County Sheriff's Office requested that the SBI respond to conduct an independent investigation.

The Chestnut Knob Fire at South Mountains State Park remains 80% contained as of 7pm Monday. There is no longer a Chestnut Knob Fire information phone line. See the Chestnut Knob Fire Facebook page for the latest information.
The Clear Creek Fire in McDowell County is now 83% contained with 495 personnel assisting.
The Horton Fire in Blowing Rock is 65% contained. The incident Command Post is relocating today to the Blowing Rock Fire Department, and the Fire information line at 828-201-2885 will be active through 5pm Friday.
The Party Rock Fire at Lake Lure is 90% contained. Many of the crews are starting to be released to go home as the fire situation has improved.

Burke County Public Schools Superintendent Larry Putnam received his Doctor of Education degree (Ed.D) from Appalachian State. On November 16th, Putnam defended his dissertation "A Case Study on Self-Perceptions of Novice Assistant Principals' and Principals' Leadership Abilities Based upon the North Carolina Standards for School Executives." Putnam was recognized earlier this month as the 2017 Northwest Regional Education Service Alliance Superintendent of the Year. He has been Burke County Public Schools Superintendent since April 2012.

The Chestnut Knob fire at South Mountains State Park is 6,435 acres with 80% containment. Smoke may be visible, but there is no threat of fire spread. 144 personnel are assisting at the scene.
The Clear Creek fire in McDowell County is 3,155 acres with 40% containment. Highway 80 and Clear Creek Roads were opened to the public last night. 489 personnel at assisting with that fire.
The Party Rock fire at Lake Lure is 7,171 acres with 85% containment. Fire management is being turned over today to the local NC Forest Service District. 209 personnel are helping with this fire.

The McDowell County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help in finding the person or persons responsible for stealing about $5000 worth of antiques from a storage building. The report to the Sheriff's Office on Thursday November 17th, stated someone entered a unit at Economy Mini Storage on US 70 West in Marion, between noon on the 15th and 4:30pm the 16th. Anyone with information on the theft or whereabouts of the property, is asked to call Detective Billie Brown at the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 652-2235, or McDowell County Crimestoppers ar 65-CRIME, (7463).  

The Chestnut Knob fire at South Mountains State Park is currently estimated at 6,435 acres with containment at 75%. Resources are continuing to be released to help with other wildfires in WNC.
The Clear Creek fire in Marion is estimated at 2,509 acres with 15% containment. There will be a community meeting tonight at 6:30 in Grace Community Church, 5182 US 70 Marion.
The Horton Fire in Watauga County is estimated at 1,350 acres with 65% containment and the Party Rock fire at Lake Lure is 7,171 acres with 60% containment. Three community meetings are scheduled for tomorrow:
10am - Lake Lure Fire Department - 622 Memorial Hwy
Noon - Chimney Rock Fire Department - 109 Terrace Drive - Lake Lure
 2pm - Bat Cave Baptist Church - 5095 Chimney Rock Road - Hendersonville

Caldwell County Board of Education recently recognized 6 schools for receiving honors by the NC Department of Public Instruction for success through PBIS, a schoolwide program that demonstrates the ability to work together productively, to use school data effectively, and to develop a support system for student behaviors. Baton Elementary, Davenport A+ School, Gamewell Elementary. Gamewell Middle, Hudson Middle and Sawmills Elementary - were presented with banners and Certificates of Recognition from the both the Department of Public Instruction and Caldwell County Board of Education.

With the lower temperatures and holidays upon us, remember to check your smoke alarms. The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half whenever there are working smoke alarms. Fire officials encourage you to test them and ensure they have fresh batteries especially with the arrival of cold weather and the holidays. Research shows most homes have at least 1 smoke alarm; while two-thirds of house fire deaths occur as a result of homes having no smoke alarms or none that are in working order. The National Fire Protection Association reports show that hardwired devices are more likely to operate that those that are battery-powered. The lowest death rate was seen in homes having hard-wired systems and sprinklers. Unattended cooking is a leading cause of house fires.

The Chestnut Knob fire at South Mountains State Park is currently estimated at 6,435 acres with 65% containment. Anyone in need of a shelter due to the effects of the Burke County wildfires can call 828-764-7146.
The Clear Creek fire in McDowell County is estimated at 2,006 acres with 10% containment. Hwy 80 from Toms Creek Road to the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed. The Clear Creek Road, at the junction with Old Clear Creek Road, is closed to residential traffic only. The growth on this fire is expected to increase. A shelter is open at Nebo Crossing Church for residents affected by the smoke from the Clear Creek Fire. Transportation is available by calling 828-652-3241 or 652-3982.
The Party Rock fire at Lake Lure remains at 7,171 acres with 45% containment.

A McDowell teacher has been selected as the 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year for the Northwest Region. Carrie Franklin was named Teacher of the Year for McDowell County in May and was announced as a finalist for the NW Region earlier this month. Franklin will now compete against the Regional Teachers of the Year from 7 other regions for the state title. The announcement was made Monday at Glenwood Elementary, where she teaches, with the current NC Teacher of the Year, Mr.Bobbie Cavnar of Gaston County helping to make the announcement. The last Regional Teacher of the Year for McDowell County Schools was Sarah Pratt in 1993. Pratt was later named the 1993  NC Teacher of the Year. The 2017 NC Burroughs Welcome Fund Teacher of the Year will be announced in May.

The City of Hickory and NCDOT have agreed to share an additional $1 million sinkhole repair cost. At a special called meeting Tuesday, the agreement was reached for the repair of the sinkhole at the intersection of US 70 and 7th Street SE. The original cost was estimated at $3.2 million of DOT contributing $1 million and the City $2.2 million, but after bids for construction were received by DOT, the City was informed that the lowest bid came in at $4.2 million. The parties agreed to pay $500,00 each, with the anticipated project completion date set for early summer.

McDowell investigators are seeking the public's help in identifying a person they believe is setting wildfires in the county. In two weeks, there have been roadside fires started in Woodlawn, North Cove, Pleasant Gardens, and Marion. Some have been extinguished quickly, others like the Clear Creek fire in PG, which is 186 acres, have lasted days. Anyone with information about the fires or a possible suspect is asked to contact the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 652-2235 or McDowell County Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME (652-7463).
The Chestnut Knob fire at South Mountains State Park remains at 6,433 acres and containment is estimated at 50%. For up to date information on the fire call 764-9380 daily between 9am-7pm.
The Party Rock fire at Lake Lure also remains at 7,171 acres with 45% containment.

A Morganton man is charged with trafficking cocaine. A Morganton Department of Public Safety investigation led to the discovery of about 54 grams of crack cocaine that had been in the possession of 31-year-ols Diamond Sharell Lipscomb. MDPS officers learned that he was on supervised probation and according to a records check, since November 2015, Lipscomb has been arrested at least 11 times. He has received a collective total of $345,500 in bonds, paid by a local bondsman.

Local authorities arrest a Taylorsville man on solicitation charges. On Friday the Burke County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division  began an undercover operation on social media. During the investigation the identity of the suspect was discovered to be 29-year-old Brian Allen Sipe, who was taken into custody without incident. He is accused of inappropriate chats with the undercover investigator and was charged with indecent liberties with a child. Bond was set at $25,000 secured. Hickory Police assisted the Sheriff's Office in the case.

The Chestnut Knob fire at South Mountains State park was estimated at 6,433 acres at 7pm Sunday, according to the Forest Service. The estimated containment was 45%. If any residents are in need of shelter due to the effects of the fire, please call 764-7146. Shelters are available and will open depending on need.
Two McDowell County fires began Sunday. the Clear Creek fire in Pleasant Garden is estimated at 150 acres. No evacuations have been necessary. The U.S.Forest Service has taken control of the Piney Mountain fire off Curtis Creek in Old Fort, with an estimated 56 acres. No evacuations at this point.
The Party Rock fire at Lake Luke is estimated at 7,171 acres with 40% containment. No new evacuation warnings have been issued, but residents near the fire are asked to remain vigilant.

Burke County educates its' citizens how to register for public notifications. Citizens who wish to receive notifications regarding potential evacuations due to the area's wildfire can register their mobile phones by visiting the county's website - www.burkenc.org. Hyper-Reach, Burke's reverse 911 system can be accessed by clicking on the appropriate link in the scrolling banner at the top of the page. Or those interested can visit the Emergency Communications page under the department's tab for the correct link. Should a citizen have an existing landline in the home, that number is already registered with the system, unless the resident has requested it removed previously. Cell phones can be registered by texting "burkealerts" to 828-201-3877.

Burke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr.Larry Putnam was recognized Thursday night in Greensboro, as the 2017 Northwest Regional Education Service Alliance Superintendent of the Year. The recognition came at the NC School Boards Association Annual Conference. Also, the School Board Association recognized Burke County Board of Education Member Buddy Armour with the School Board Leadership Award. Armour has spent 20 years on the board of education.

The City of Morganton and other water providers in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin are calling on customers to voluntarily reduce their water use as much as possible. The Catawba River Basin is currently in Stage 1 Drought. The Stage 1 Goal is to reduce water use by 3-5%. City customers are asked to limit irrigation to twice a week, and to reduce vehicle washing.

The Chestnut Knob fire at South Mountains State Park is currently estimated at 5,929 acres with an estimated containment at 30%. Weather conditions this weekend will bring increased winds with gusts that could reach 50 mph. All residents in the affected area are encouraged to make preparations. Residents can find great information on how to prepare by visiting http://www.wildlandfiresg.org/ 262 personnel are at the scene.

Prosecutors with the State announced this week they will pursue the death penalty in the double homicide case against Icey Chennell Gooden and Brian Jerome Robinson. The cases against Gooden and Robinson will proceed as capital murders after they were accused of the deaths of two men in Burke County in September. Gooden, 26, of Morganton, and Robinson, 33, of Connelly Springs, are each charged with two counts of murder for the deaths of Spencer Murray and Albert Austin on September 17th. Murray and Austin's bodies were found in the trunk of a burned vehicle. Both Gooden and Robinson are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Foul play is not suspected in a McDowell Boy Scout campfire. The cause of the fire that destroyed the dining hall at Camp Grimes on Vein Mountain Road on Sunday has been ruled undetermined: while investigators say there is no evidence to indicate arson. According to McDowell County Emergency Management, it's unlikely the cause will be determined due to the amount of debris and all the electrical wiring. Fire officials suspect the fire started in the kitchen area. The blaze destroyed the 7,000 square foot building owned by the Mecklenburg chapter of the Boy Scouts of America. The McDowell Sheriff's office, SBI, and US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms assisted Emergency Management in the investigation.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office, Burke County Narcotics Task Force and Morganton Department of Public Safety held a one day warrant roundup on Tuesday, serving 27 warrants on 21 Burke County individuals. 14 people were from Morganton, 4 from Valdese, 2 from Connelly Springs and 1 person from Glen Alpine. The charges include a variety of offenses.

The Chestnut Knob Fire at South Mountains State Park has grown to an estimated 5,689 acres with an extimated 30% containment. There are 214 personnel are the scene. The Florida "Green" Incident Management Team will be hosting a public meeting tonight at 7 at the Enola Fire Department, 2510 Enola Road, Morganton. The meeting is for communities affected by the Chestnut Knob wildfire. The community is encouraged to attend to receive information and ask questions.
There is also a Community Prayer Service for those affected by the Chestnut Knob fire today at 5:30 on the lawn of the Old Burke County Courthouse. You are invited to come pray for rain, protection of life and property, and to show support for the firefighters. Donation of items will be collected, but not necessary.

Three Morganton residents face drug charges. Burke County Sheriff's deputies arrested the suspects at a Salem area residence. 36-year-old Austin Charles Davis was charged at his Pete Brittain Road home Tuesday with felony possession of a schedule 1 substance, 2 counts of possession of s schedule 6 controlled substance, and 2 counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. Davis was placed in the Burke Catawba Confinement facility under a $20,000 secured bond. Meanwhile, 33-year-old Devin Levi Johnson and 27-year-old Victoria Eden Hennessee, both of Powerhouse Road, were each arrested on misdemeanor drug charges.

A Burke County man arrested on outstanding felony warrants issued by Caldwell County. Burke County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division detectives were contacted to assist after learning that Caldwell County had numerous vehicles stolen last week. The suspect, 38-year-old Brandon Shawn Pendley was arrested at his residence on McDowell Church Road. Bond was set at $35,000 secured. Burke detectives are currently investigating several crimes thoughout the county in connection to Pendley. Additional charges and arrests are pending as the investigation continues.

A fire update was given and the Rosenwald Memorial photo was presented to honor the Rosenwald legacy in Burke County during Tuesday night's Burke County Board of Commissioners regular meeting. Fire Marshal and Emergency Director, Michael Willis, updated Commissioners on the forest fires in the South Mountains, stating in the last 8 days Burke firefighters answered 287 calls for smoke investigations or reports of outside fires. John Howard, Initial Commander and John Kern, Incident Commander with the Florida Forest Service, spoke on the efforts of the operation on South Mountain. Howard told Commissioners the County was receiving support from various states across the country such as Pennsylvania and Alaska, but due to the 8 large fires in WNC, they are still trying to get more resources. According to Kern, the fire cost to date is $250,000. The major areas of concern are where the fires are moving to the north, east, and west into the game lands. Regional historian from Raleigh, Chris Robertson presented the Rosenwald Memorial photo and gave a history of the 5 Rosenwald schools built in Burke County to celebrate National Education Week. The Rosenwald photo pictures the last standing Rosenwald School in Burke County, the Canal Corpening Rosenwald School. Robertson said the memorial photo honors early African-American educators who worked to improve literacy and keep students involved. Some citizens who were students of the Rosenwald School were in attendance.

The Chestnut Knob wildfire at South Mountains State Park is estimated at 4600 acres. Residents along Bob Knob Road were advised to evacuate. A shelter is open at the Collett Street Rec Center in Downtown Morganton. Donations are being accepted at the Foothills Higher Education Center 2128 South Sterling Street, Morganton, between 12-7pm daily. Items requested include: beef jerky, protein and breakfast bars, bottled water(16oz), Gatorade (12-16oz), socks, hand wipes, hand lotion, foot powder, hand warmers, bandanas, toboggans/wool caps, wipes and gloves.

The newly appointed board member took his oath and students and employees were recognized in Monday night's Burke County Board of Education meeting. Seth P. Hunt Jr. took his oath to begin the meeting with the help of his wife, who held his bible. The principal and assistant principal of the year were recognized during Monday's meeting. East Burke Middle Assistant Principal, Teresa Dale, was nominated by her peers as Assistant Principal of the Year. Dale is a Burke County native who began her teaching career at W.A.Young Elementary before moving to Hildebran Elementary. Dale spent her last years teaching at Salem Elementary and is in her 5th year as Assistant Principal at East Middle. Brett Wilson, Principal at Walter Johnson Middle was named Principal of the Year. Elementary and middle school students competed in the annual Burke County Spelling Bee on October 24th. The runnerup was Mikala Lynch of Rutherford College. The winner was Grayson Vanderby of Chesterfield Elementary. Eight items were approved on the consent agenda, but new board member, Hunt, abstained from making a vote as he had not reviewed the items.

A Connelly Springs man remains at large - wanted in connection with a Sunday shooting that left a man seriously injured. Witnesses at Knob Superette Convenience told Burke deputies they heard a gunshot and saw 2 vehicles exit the parking lot on Hwy 70. Officers, shortly thereafter, found a vehicle overturned in a ditch on Berea Church Road. No one was inside the vehicle, and a handgun was discovered in the roadway along with sawed-off 20-gauge shotgun in the vehicle. Authorities were then notified a man identified as Buddy Cook had arrived at CMC-Valdese with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Cook told officers he had been shot by 31-year-old Kevin Matthew Revis. Cook was transported to CMC-Charlotte and listed in stable condition. The Burke County Sheriff's Office has issued a warrant on Revis for felonious assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious bodily injury. Anyone with information should call 438-5500 or Crimestoppers at 433-3333.

Fire crews continue to battle numerous WNC wildfires, including blazes at South Mountains State Park and Chimney Rock State Park. According to the NC Forest Service, as of 2:45pm Sunday, the Chestnut Knob wildfire at South Mountains State Park  was 2,850 acres with 15% containment. Planned actions include structure and burnout along Rich Mountain Road. At Lake Lure, the Party Rock Fire just before 5pm Sunday, was 3,457 acres with 15% containment. Planned actions include structure protection, burnout operations and contingency planning. Evacuations are in place with Shelters Open. The cause of both fires are under investigation. Governor Pat McCrory will be in Lake Lure this morning for a WNC wildfires update.

Lenoir-Rhyne University has been awarded a $100,000 capital improvement grant from Timken Foundation of Canton. The award will support the construction of the Alex and Lee George Hall, the addition to the Minges Science Building. The first phase of the project includes the construction of a new 35,000 square foot wing, which will double the size of the current science building.

Asheville Police Friday issued two warrants in the homicide that occurred early Thursday at the Deaverview Apartments. Authorities are looking for 23-year-old Frederick N.Simpson,Jr. and 25-year-old Travoscia H.Brown for 1st Degree Murder in the shooting death of 40-year-old Travis Dominick Mayfield. Both Simpson and Brown should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about the death of Mayfield or the whereabouts of Brown or Simpson is asked to call the Asheville Police Department at 828-252-1110 or Buncombe County Crimestoppers at 828-255-5050.

Governor McCrory declares a state of emergency for wildfires in WNC. The State of Emergency is in effect for 25 counties including Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Avery, and McDowell. The emergency declaration will help the state combat more than 20 active wildfires, including the South Mountains State Park blaze. The most serious to occur in nearly 20 years, the fires have been fueled by the lingering drought that has impacted western counties since late spring - recently made worse by fallen leaves, gusty winds, and low humidity. Emergency management officials encourage motorists to exercise caution as additional crews and equipment are arriving to assist local firefighters. Homeowners are also urged to keep woodpiles and dead leaves away from their homes and propane tanks.

The North Carolina Science Teacher Association has named Happy Valley School teacher Anna Lee Potter the Outstanding Middle School Science for the northwestern region. NCSTA recognizes educators statewide who exemplify excellence in the creative and innovative teaching of science. Potter regularly takes students to the Yadkin River near the school to monitor water quality, and she is often seen outdoors with her students conducting geocaches and inquiry-based investigations. Potter participated in a summer professional development session of E-MAGINE, which inspired her to incorporate "Engineering is Elementary" curriculum into her classroom.

Burke County Public Schools has been recognized for having the highest graduation rate in the state for medium size school districts. Patton High, Draughn High and Burke Middle College were some of the individual schools recognized for their outstanding graduation rates at a special luncheon in Durham on October 25th. The graduation rate for Burke County Public Schools for the 2015-2016 school year was 91.3 percent. Medium size school districts are those with between 1,000 and 1,999 students in a graduation class. Burke Middle College had a 100-percent graduation rate, an annual occurrence for the school all but once since it opened 11 years ago. Patton had a 96.3 percent graduation rate and Draughn achieved a 96.9 percent graduation rate. North Carolina's overall graduation rate is 85.9 percent.

One of Burke County's Most Wanted is in custody. On Tuesday, 33-year-old James Nelson Fields of Morganton, who was wanted for felony possession of cocaine and driving while impaired, turned himself in to the Burke County Sheriff's Office. Fields is scheduled to appear in court December 12th.

As dry conditions continue to plague WNC, a burning ban spreads to a favorite vacation spot. The Blue Ridge Parkway announces fire restrictions in both NC and Virginia sections due to extremely dry conditions and with little chance of rain in the immediate forecast. According to a news release, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire is not allowed. However, the use of portable lanterns, stoves, or heating equipment that utilize gas or pressurized liquid fuel is allowed. Charcoal fires are not allowed, as the restriction applies to all picnic areas that remain open and accessible. The burning ban remains in effect until further notice in accordance with state and local agencies.

2016 Election Results
U.S.President
Donald Trump Rep  - 47.5 %
Hillary Clinton Dem  - 47.6 %
Electoral College - Trump 289  Clinton 218

Governor
Roy Cooper  Dem  - 48.96 %
Pat McCrory Rep  -  48.87 %

U.S.Senate
Richard Burr    Rep   -  51.11 %
Deborah Ross  Dem  -  45.33 %

U.S.House of Representatives 11th District
Mark Meadows  Rep  -  64.09 %
Rick Bryson  Dem     -   35.91 %

Glen Alpine ABC Store
For         -   391  54.91 %
Against  -   331  45.84 %

Burke County
Board Of Commissioners 3 seats
Jeff Brittain      -  22.16 %
Scott Mulwee   -  20.26 %
Johnnie Carswell  -  19.81 %
Emily Church  -  14.75 %
David Rust  -  11.71 %
Jeff Morse  -  11.30 %

State Senate District 46
Warren Daniel  -  68.85 %
Anne Fischer  -  31.15 %

State House District 86
Hugh Blackwell  -  62.58 %
Tim Barnsback  -  37.42 %

Register of Deeds
Stephanie Norman  -  59.66 %
Laura Anderson  -  40.34 %

McDowell County
State Senate District 47
Ralph Hise  -  66.95 %
Mary Jane Boyd  -  33.05 %

Board of Education Marion 3 seats
Amy Moomaw  -  23.91 %
Doug McCraw  -  18.42 %
Randy Williams  -  17.14 %
David Patneaude  -  14.90 %
Michelle Pupoh  -  13.73 %

Board of Education Old Fort 1 seat
Patrick Ellis  -  43.30 %
Chad (Snapper) Greene  -  32.69 %
Autumn K.G.Robinson  -  15.52 %
L.Deon Lytle  -  8.22 %
Write-In (Misc)  -  0.27 %

2016 Election Results
U.S.President
Donald Trump Rep  - 47.5 %
Hillary Clinton Dem  - 47.6 %
Electoral College - Trump 289  Clinton 218

Governor
Roy Cooper  Dem  - 48.96 %
Pat McCrory Rep  -  48.87 %

U.S.Senate
Richard Burr    Rep   -  51.11 %
Deborah Ross  Dem  -  45.33 %

U.S.House of Representatives 11th District
Mark Meadows  Rep  -  64.09 %
Rick Bryson  Dem     -   35.91 %

Glen Alpine ABC Store
For         -   391  54.91 %
Against  -   331  45.84 %

Burke County
Board Of Commissioners 3 seats
Jeff Brittain      -  22.16 %
Scott Mulwee   -  20.26 %
Johnnie Carswell  -  19.81 %
Emily Church  -  14.75 %
David Rust  -  11.71 %
Jeff Morse  -  11.30 %

State Senate District 46
Warren Daniel  -  68.85 %
Anne Fischer  -  31.15 %

State House District 86
Hugh Blackwell  -  62.58 %
Tim Barnsback  -  37.42 %

Register of Deeds
Stephanie Norman  -  59.66 %
Laura Anderson  -  40.34 %

Today is Election Day with polls open until 7:30pm. Early voting totals included Burke County 26,026, McDowell County 12,667, Catawba County 48,766 and Caldwell County 25,570. The Big Dawg 92.1 and AM 1430 WMNC will provide election return updates after the polls close.

Because of increased fire risk, the N.C.Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and canceled burning permits for the following WNC counties, Alexander, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey. The burning ban will be in effect until further notice. Under NC law, the ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties, regardless of whether a permit was issued.

Due to an extremely high risk of wildfire, 14 state parks in WNC have placed temporary bans on campfires, according to NC State Parks. Wildfires of less than 100 acres have erupted at Chimney Rock State Park and South Mountains State Park. Backcountry trails and campsites at South Mountains have been closed. Campfire bans are in effect at Chimney Rock, Crowders Mountain, Elk Knob, Gorges, Grandfather Mountain, Hanging Rock, Lake James, Lake Norman, Mount Mitchell, Morrow Mountain, New River(including Mount Jefferson State Natural Area), Pilot Mountain, South Mountains and Stone Mountain State Parks. Cooking fires using propane and other approved camp stove fuels are allowed in designated areas. Check the park page at www.ncparks.gov for fire restrictions that may be in place.

Morganton's new Development & Design Director was introduced and council approved a motion to adopt an ordinance to permanently close undeveloped streets in Monday night's regular Morganton City Council meeting. A public hearing was held to consider an ordinance that would permanently close and abandon unopened portions of Murphy Street, McEntire Avenue and an un-named street between Murphy Street and Carbondale Lane. The public hearing was a result of a petition from soneone who owns a number of lots near and mostly between the Murphy Street and McEntire Avenue intersection and Carbondale Lane. No one spoke during the public hearing and the ordinance was adopted to close the unopened portions of these streets unanimously. Phillip Lookadoo, the new Development & Design Director for the City of Morganton, was introduced to council before a resolution was passed to appoint Lookadoo as the Review Officer for Planning and Zoning as it is a statutory requirement. Council approved 5 items on the consent agenda. Some of those items include gutter installation for fire stations #1 and #3 and Catawba Meadows Maintenance Building, and landscape agreements with NCDOT for I-40 exit 104/Enola Road and exit 105/Sterling Street. The agreement will ensure the I-40 exits and entrances into town are maintained to the city's standards.

Around 26,000 people cast ballots in Burke County during the early voting period, which ended Saturday, according to the Burke County Board of Elections. More than 3 million voters had cast ballots in North Carolina through early Saturday afternoon, according to the State Board of Elections. That represents a 13.4 increase over the entire 2012 early voting period. Election Day is tomorrow with polls open at 6:30am and closing at 7:30pm.

Morganton Public Safety responded Thursday afternoon to the old Morganton Railroad Depot, where 56-year-old Leigh Singley of Morganton had been struck by an eastbound Norfolk Southern train. Singley was listed in critical condition at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Morganton Public Safety Officers and Norfolk Southern Police continue to investigate, according to a news release from Public Safety.

A 25-year-old Connelly Springs woman was sentenced to spend at least 6 years in prison after pleading guilty to felony child abuse inflicting serious injury. In Burke County Superior Court Thursday, Brittany Nichole Hefner pleaded guilty to charges related to injuries discovered on one of her 3-month-old children found during an investigation into the death of the child's twin brother. 21-year-old Nicholas Brandon Clark, the father of both children, has pending charges for murder and felony child abuse inflicting serious injury in the death of his son.

The regular Burke County Board of Education work session has been amended to a special called meeting for 3 specific actions tonight at 6 o'clock at the West Concord Resource Center in Morganton. Action will be taken.

2430 people in Burke County cast ballots Friday, on the final full day of early voting. Totals of 24,142 include 8356 Democrats, 9404 Republicans, 6303 Unaffiliated and 79 Libertarian. Voting today concludes at 1pm. Election Day is Tuesday with polls open from 6:30am till 7:30pm.

A Morganton man was sentenced to serve 5-7 years in prison on Tuesday. 36-year-old Brandon Lail pleaded guilty to felony larceny, possession of stolen goods and admitted his status as an habitual felon. In May, the victim reported that his motor vehicle had been broken into and his golf clubs had been stolen. The clubs were located by officers at Hickory Pawn and Gun and identified by the owner as those stolen from the vehicle. The pawn ticket provided information that Lail had pawned the clubs the same day they were reported stolen. Video surveillance showed the defendant pawning the clubs. Lail's sentence was enhanced by his habitual felon status that includes prior felony convictions for financial transaction card theft in Cleveland County in 2009 and obtaining property by false pretense in Burke County in 2012 and 2015.

Three suspects connected with the death of a Hickory woman made their first court appearances in Catawba County Thursday. 49-year-old Tina Louise Swink of Taylorsville and 33-year-old Micky Lee Swink of Hickory were both arrested and charged with murder - related to the death of 66-year-old Patricia Diane Swink of Hickory. 39-year-old Richard Deal of Hildebran has also been charged with accessory after the fact. Hickory Police made the arrests after hours of investigation and numerous interviews following the incident.

The September unemployment rate in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area was 4.7%. Area county rates include Alexander at 4.1%, Avery 4.4, Burke 4.8, Caldwell 5%, Catawba 4.6, McDowell 4.3 and Watauga at 3.9%. Scotland County had the state's highest unemployment rate at 8.5%, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.6%. Rocky Mount had the highest metro area rate at 7% with Asheville the lowest at 4.8%.

A Morganton woman and her 2 sons were arrested Monday, during a traffic stop. Officers with the Burke County Sheriff's office attempted to serve warrants on Sabrina Starnes and Mikall Piercy at their residence, 4091 Snowhill Church Road, on Monday. After finding no one at home, officers left, but recognized Starnes' vehicle travelong on Kathy Road and made a vehicle stop. In the car with Starnes were her 2 sons, Dillon Frye and Mikall Piercy. During the stop, officers seized a stolen shotgun from the vehicle. Frye was taken into custody for probation violation and was ordered held without bond. Starnes and Piercy were taken into custody for outstanding felony warrants. Starnes was given a $40,000 secured bond and Piercy a $20,000 secured bond. All 3 people were confined at Burke-Catawba District Confinement Facility.

Hickory Police investigating a homicide. 66-year-old Patricia Diane Swink of 9th Avenue NE was discovered by police Monday night - deceased inside her Hickory residence. Reports show Swink's vehicle had been stolen from the crime scene, but has since been recovered by officials. A press release states Hickory Police are still investigating the incident as a homidide, and it is believed that the suspect was known by Swink. Anyone with information is urged to contact Hickory Police at 828-324-2060.

1584 people cast ballots Wednesday, as early voting continued at the five Burke County locations. 20,039 people have now voted in Burke County, with early voting continuing today till 5pm, Friday from 8am-5pm and Saturday 8am-1pm.

A student at Hudson Elementary, who has not attended school this week, has been diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis. Contact with someone with pneumococcal meningitis , presents no particular risk. The school has followed all procedures and guidelines provided by the Caldwell County Health Department, according to a news release from Caldwell County Schools.
Symptoms may include:
* Sudden onset of fever
* Severe headache
* Stiff Neck
* Nausea or vomiting
Parents are encouraged to contact their family physician if their child exhibits any of these symptoms.

Captain D.Reed Baer of the Hickory Police Department was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police on Tuesday. A 19-year-veteran of the Hickory Police Department, Baer began his career with the department in 1997 and has held supervisory roles in Special Investigations, Charles P.A.C.T. and Support Services. In 2010, Deputy Chief Baer was promoted to Division Commander of Support Services and Division Commander of Criminal Investigations in 2012. He is also responsible for the addition of the Code Enforcement Unit to the Police Department. A formal promotional ceremony will be held for Deputy Chief of Police Baer on Friday November 11th at 4pm in the multi-purpose training room at the Hickory Police Department.

A residential search leads to the arrest of a Nebo couple. 25-year-old Nicholas Cody Walker has been charged with possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia, following a search conducted by McDowell deputies and Probation officers. Authorities also charged 52-year-old Karen Ringgold with possession of drug paraphernalia. Both Walker and Ringgold were reportedly on probation and were therefore subject to warrantless searches. Reports say a half gram and other drug use items were discovered in the search.

A Taylorsville mans was sentenced Tuesday in Catawba County Superior Court. 46-year-old James Maurice Wilson was given an active prison term of 77 to 105 months by the Honorable Kevin M. Bridges, Superior Court Judge from Stanley County, following his guilty plea for habitual larceny and his admission to being an habitual felon. Michael Rollins investigated the case for the Hickory Police Department. David Learner and Kyle Smith handled prosecution for the 25th District Attorney's Office.

Hickory City Council met Tuesday night. Two Presentations were heard including a presentation on Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, and a Proclamation presented to Hendrick Honda Heroes after workers assisted a driver during high water some time ago. A four-item consent agenda passed 7-0. One departmental report detailed a recent bus tour to Rock Hill, to look at economic development, what works and what doesn't.

1604 people cast ballots Tuesday, at the five Burke County early voting locations. That brings the early voting total in Burke County to 18,402. Early voting continues through 1pm Saturday.

The McDowell County Sheriff's Office is looking for a missing Marion woman. 38-year-old Lucretia Gayle Haynes of Green Street Loop was last seen on Wednesday. She is described as a white female, 5' 5'' tall, weighing about 200 pounds, with long brown hair, blue eyes, and wears glasses. Haynes could be driving a silver 4-door 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt with NC tag DMX-8076. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Haynes should contact the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 652-2235 or the McDowell County 911 communications center at 652-4000.

2075 people voted Friday in Burke County early voting and another 1624 cast ballots Monday at the five early voting sites. That brings the total to 16,688 with early voting continuing through Saturday. The total includes 6548 Republican voters, 5,944 Democratics, 4,151 Unaffiliated and 45 Libertarian.