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.