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.