Burke County deputies were called to a Zion Road residence Monday and found a man's body. According to WSOC-TV, Sheriff Steve Whisnant hopes an autopsy will provide answers in the death investigation. The SBI has been called in to assist.

A report of a stolen vehicle leads to drug charges for a McDowell County pair. 36-year-old James Robert Hollifield ofNebo faces numerous drug charges; while 28-year-old Amanda Lynn Jones of Marion was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. McDowell officers responded to a report of a stolen vehicle, which turned out not to be stolen according to reports. However, Hollifield and Jones were discovered inside the vehicle along with nearly 13 grams of methamphetamine and paraphernalia. Both were served with outstanding warrants - Hollifield for failure to pay child support, and Jones for failure to appear.

A Monday morning wreck has claimed the life of a Hickory man. According to the News Herald, 53-year-old Timothy Ray Weaver was killed about 8:30 in the accident near MM 118 on I-40 in Hildebran. The State Highway Patrol told the paper that Weaver's car ran underneath a box truck. Authorities were working another accident in the area and traffic was backed up.

Hickory firefighters were dispatched just after 8:30 Monday morning to a reported fire in the area of 2071 15th Avenue Place SE. The building sustained minor fire damage and no injuries were reported. Fire investigators determined the fire was caused by combustibles too close to a heating device.

The City of Morganton is closing Erwin Street between South Sterling Street and South Green Street about 8 o'clock this morning, to repair a stormwater line. The road should reopen Wednesday night.

A 150-acre fire is burning in McDowell County. The fire began about 1pm Saturday, along the Haines Eyebrow Ridge between Singecat Branch and Burgins Fork. Highway 80 is temporarily closed to all but local traffic between Buck Creek Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Little Buck Road near Lake Tahoma. The public is encouraged to use extreme caution with outdoor fires. Western North Carolina continues to be abnormally dry despite recent rain and snow. Don't burn on windy days.

A Cleveland County man will spend the next 6 years in prison after pleading guilty to drug charges and admitting his status as a habitual felon during Catawba County Superior Court on Thursday. 48-year-old Warren Darnell Tipps of Lawndale, was sentenced to serve 6 to 8 years by the Honorable W. Todd Pomeroy, Superior Court Judge from Lincoln County. Tipps'sentence was enhance by his habitual felon status, which includes prior felony convictions in Catawba County for assault causing physical injury to emergency personnel (January 2013), possession of cocaine (January 2003) and possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance (October 2000).

Impaired driving charges are filed on a Morganton man after a traffic accident. Morganton Public Safety Officers responded Saturday afternoon, to the area of West Fleming Drive at Burkemont Avenue. Burke EMS responded to the scen and evaluated both driver. Neither driver was injured. One driver, 41-year-old David Adam Stamey was charged with Driving While Impaired, Careless and Reckless Driving to Endanger, and Open Container of Alcoholic Beverage in the Passenger Area of a Vehicle after driver had Consumer (Alcohol).

A McDowell County man is charged with sexually abusing a 10-year-old. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office Friday, charged 59-year-old Douglas Honeycutt of Marion with 2 counts of taking indecent liberties with a child. The girls' parents contacted authorities.

A Lincoln County resident faces methamphetamine and felony probation violation charges. Hickory Police Saturday charged 35-year-old Autumn Dawn Buckland of Iron Station. Bond was set at $285,000 with a court appearance today.

A motion was passed to retain an architect for services at EMS base 6 and Burke County was awarded a $2 million grant to extend the County's water system in the Burke County Board of Commissioners regular Tuesday night meeting. Architectural services needed for EMS base 6 will include taking bids for the board to choose, then oversee the project. The max amount of money allotted for the project is $29,500 from the general fund. The grant for water services awarded to Burke County was NC Department of Environmental Quality Community Development Block Grant. The award amount is $2 million and the funds will be used to extend the water system to 12 homes and businesses along Hwy 18 South and Rhoney Road. the grant will also allow the County to interconnect several of its water systems and will provide multiple water supply sources to help minimize service interruptions. The project will bring about 7.5 miles of water line in the area; 4 miles from Shoupe's Way heading south for four miles and from the Gene Huffman Memorial Convenience Center heading south along Rhoney Road to Old NC 18 for 3.5 miles. Funds are expected to be released and available to the County later this year. The construction of the project will begin in 2018.

A suspect was arrested in connection with the armed robbery at a Cubbard Express in Hickory on January 12th. Jovan Tyrese Little was arrested in connection with the armed robbery of the Cubbard Express at 1130 2nd Street Street NE earlier this month. Little was served with a warrant for one count of Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon while in custody on unrelated charges. Bond was set at $75,000. The Hickory Police Department has an outstanding warrant for Jacquez Burrell in reference to the same incident. This warrant is also for one count of Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551.

A Morganton woman is charged with taking mail. On Wednesday, Burke County Sheriff's deputies responded to the area of US Highway West and Denton's Chapel Church Road in reference to a suspicious person. Witnesses told deputies that there was a female walking down the road removing mail from mailboxes. Deputies located 39-year-old Tonya Loretta Biggerstaff a short time later, reportedly with a backpack containing miscellaneous pieces of mail. Bond was set at $25,000 secured with a court appearance scheduled for today. The Sheriff's Office is wanting to make the residents aware in that area and request they file a report if they have missing mail. The investigation is continuing.

Students and employees were recognized during the Monday night regular Burke County Board of Education meeting. Students in elementary and middle school were recognized for their accomplishments in the speech contest that was held December 14th and 15th.
Elementary School
First Place
Original Composition: Chloe Garrison - Salem
Notable Speeches: Laya Bolds - Salem
Prose: Kaylen Hall - Oak Hill
Poetry: Daniel Kreahling - Salem

Middle School
First Place
Duo Category: Leena Brittain & Sarah Johnson - East Burke
Original Oratory: Brody Wright - Heritage
Poetry: Emma Welland - Heritage
Prose: Rachel Gamewell - Walter Johnson & Luke Elliot - East Burke  Tied
Recited Oratory: Sara Byrd Succop - Heritage

A large number of Burke County Public School teachers were acknowledged for training certifications, performance bonuses and credentials. 17 teachers were recognized for their Gifted Training (AIG) Local Training Certifications, four third grade teachers were recognized for reading performance in the class and being in the top 25% in the LEA and received a bonus. Nine other third grade teachers were awarded for being not only top 25% in the LEA, but also top 25% in the state, also receiving a bonus. Thirteen teachers were acknowledged for their Career and Technical Institutions (CTE) Credentials, receiving a bonus of $25 per student credential. And 31 teachers received bonuses for their student's Advanced Placement.

Two Marion men are facing drug charges following a traffic stop. 25-year-old Justin James McKinney and 20-year-old Austen James Bowie have various drug charges against them after McDowell officers stopped a vehicle they were passengers inside. Reports state McKinney was charged with possession of methamphetamine and Bowie with possession of marijuana. The deputy searched all five occupants and discovered .20 grams of meth on McKinney and 3.9 grams of marijuana on Bowie. Officers stopped the vehicle knowing the driver had a suspended license.

Weapon and drug charges are placed on a Claremont resident. The Catawba County Sheriff's Office Tuesday, filed 5 charges on 43-year-old Felicia Hedrick Salvati. Charges include possession of a firearm by felon, possession of a weapon of mass destruction and 3 marijuana offenses. Bond was set at $50,000 with a court appearance scheduled for today.

A Nebo man has been charged with attempted murder. McDowell officers charged 66-year-old Chester Lee Wilkerson after reports say he shot his wife with a small caliber handgun. Marion police reports show officers responded to a report of a domestic dispute on Jack Corpening Road to find 70-year-old Darnell Logan Wilkerson suffering from a single gunshot wound. The victim was able to make it out of her residence to alert a neighbor, when authorities were notified. She was transported to Mission Hospital in Asheville.

Felony drug charges are filed on a Caldwell County man. The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office Monday, reported the arrest of 25-year-old Ronnie Claude Burchette III of Hudson. Agents with the Sheriff's Office ICE Unit reportedly caugh Burchette with a trafficking amount of hydrocodone pills and a small amount of meth for sale. Complaints had been received about Burchette dealing drugs in the Sawmills area. Bond was set at $100,000.

The Alexander County Sheriff's Office is seeking information in reference to 18 reports of Breaking and Entering to Motor Vehicles in the Bethlehem area. On Wednesday, the Sheriff's Office received reports that vehicles that were both locked and unlocked were entered in the early morning hours. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Daniel Millsaps at 828-632-111 EXT 617.

A Burke County resident is charged with Felony Uttering Counterfeiting Coin. Morganton Department of Public Safety Saturday night, charged 28-year-old Joseph Michael Emerson of Morganton. He was placed in the Burke Catawba Detention Confinement Facility under a $20,000 secured bond with a District Court appearance scheduled for today.

Charges of Methamphetmine Possession and Felony Probation Violation Out of County are filed on a Caldwell County resident. Conover Police Sunday, filed charges on 46-year-old Kerry Elaine Giles of Hudson. Bond was set at $44,750 with a court appearance set for today.

Hickory officials are looking for suspects in a rash of breal-ins occurring since mid-December. Thirteen reported breaking and enterings to Hickory businesses along Highway 127 North have taken place since December 18th. In each incident, the suspect waited until the business was closed, and then forced entry. Video surveillance from two area businesses - one robbed on December 19th and the other on January 17th show a suspect of similar build, wearing similar clothing. Hickory police urge those having information about these cases or any others occurring in the last month to call the investigating officer at 261-2020. Citizens and business owners are encouraged to be vigilant and to contact police should suspicious persons be observed near businesses or residences in the area.

A Marion man is charged with abusing a 6 year old boy. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, charged 26-year-old Scott Robert Bouza with negligent child abuse inflicting serious injury. The victim is the son of Bouza's fiance. The Sheriff's Office received the case on a referral from the McDowell County Department of Social Services.

UPDATE Saturday January 21  Haili has been found in good condition.
The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in locating 15-year-old Haili Baird. She is 5'3", weighing about 111 pounds and has brown hair. Baird was last seen Monday evening at her residence in Candler. If you have any information please contact the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Communications at 828-250-6070, or Crimestoppers at 828-255-5050.

A Morganton man is charged with Indecent Liberties. According to a press release from the Burke County Sheriff's Office, on Tuesday, a 6 year old victim disclosed at the Child Advocacy Center Gingerbread House that a Registered Sex Offender 32-year-old Mark David Smith, Jr. had engaged in inappropriate sexualized behaviors. Investigators with the Sheriff's Office in conjuction with the Department of Social Services Child Protective Services were able to substantiate the allegations. Smith was taken into custody without incident and placed at the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility under a $25,000 secured bond.

A man with an outstanding warrant for robbery was charged with another robbery early Wednesday morning. About 3:30am, officers with the Hickory Police Department responded to a call from the Circle K Convenience Store at 2853 North Center Street in reference to a robbery. The reported suspect displayed a knife and demanded money. After taking the money from the register, the suspect fled the scene. Officers located a suspect matching the description given from the store clerk behind Belle Hollow shopping complex, also on North Center Street. The suspect was identified as Christopher Bennit Robinson. He had an outstanding warrant for the robbery of the Holiday Inn Express on Highway 70 that occurred in early December. Robinson was charged with two counts of Robbery with Firearms or Other Dangerous Weapons and one count of Parole Violation and is being held under a $300,000 bond.

Three Marion residents are charged with breaking into a Fairview Road house. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office reported the charge Wednesday, on 31-year Sarah Courtney Blake, 41-year old Jimmy Lee Cool and 32-year-old Wayne Joseph Soeder. According to the Sheriff's Office, on January 10th, Deputy Jessie Hicks responded to a report of a breaking and entering at a residence on Fairview Road, a residence from which Cool was evicted earlier in the day. The deputy arrived to find that the three suspects had entered the house through a window.

There was an armed robbery at a Hildebran convenience store last weekend. Officers with the Burke County Sheriff's Office continue to investigate Sunday's robbery that occurred at the Fast Track Convenience Store on South Center Street. Reports state the store's clerk told deputies a black male walked into the business, pulled something out of his pocket, and demanded money. The suspect took money and items from the store, and then fled the scene in a '90's-model gold Mitsubishi headed in the direction of Henry River Road. The suspect is described as being about 5-feet tall with dreads wearing a hoodie and blue jeans. Anyone having information should contact Burke County Crimestoppers at 437-3333.

A Hickory man is charged with Felony Breaking and or Entering and Safecracking. Burke County Sheriff's Deputies responded about 4am Saturday, to a Breaking and Entering to a physician's office at 107 South Main Street in Hildebran. When deputies arrived a suspect fled on foot. Around 7:40am a deputy observed a man walking along Wilson Road near 40th Street NW, but the suspect ran when the deputy approached for questioning. After a short chase through the woods, the man was apprehended and identified as 45-year-old Jerome Lee McNeely. He was placed in the Burke Catawba Confinement Facility under a $50,000 secured bond. The investigation is continuing.

Hickory City Council met in a regular meeting Tuesday night. Council heard from Parks and Recreation Director Mac McCloud and two volunteers concerning improvements to mountain bike trails at both Hickory City Park and Rotary-Geitner park. City Council was told the estimated cost of improvements to these trails is $75,000 to $100,000 and a study by ASU shows an economic impact in Hickory of $2.8 million dollars. A proposal to get finanical and other assistance was passed by an agreement in principal with a unanimous 7-0 vote of Council. A Quarterly Financial Report by Assistant City Manager Rodney Miller, revealed that after only about 50% of the current fiscal year complete, Hickory has collected about 78% of the total amount projected to be collected by the end of the 2016-2017 fiscal year.

Three McDowell County Sheriff's Office K9's have received body armor. According to the McDowell County Sheriff's Office, K9's Jaz, Loki and Kessey have received bullet and stab protective vests, thanks to a charitable donation from non profit organization Vested Interest in K9's Inc. the vests are embroidered with the sentiment "In memory of K9 Ike, Vancouver Police Department".

High school juniors are parents are invited to an information session later this month about the Lenoir Rhyne University High School Scholars Academy. The session will be held Thursday January 26th at 7pm in Room 213 of the McCrorie Center on the LRU campus. The High School Scholars Academy is designed for high school students who wish to pursue a more advanced academic program for their senior year of high school. Students selected for the program will have the opportunity to enroll in English IV Honors plus three college classes in the fall and AP English (or an approved online class based on availability) plus three college classes in the spring. Applications for the 2017-2018 school year are due on February 1st. For more information call 828-328-7392. Additional information about the High School Scholars Academy can be found online at lr.edu/apply.

Asheville Police are investigating a suspicious death. Late Sunday afternoon, the department received a call at 21 Eagles Nest Lane, for a suspicious vehicle. Officers upon arrival found inside the vehicle a deceased female, 54-year-old Patricia Patterson of Asheville. Investigators are asking anyone who had seen Patterson recently or observed in the any suspicious activity in the area of Eagles Nest Lane to contact them. Anyone with information is asked to call Asheville Police at 828-252-1110 or Buncombe County Crimestoppers at 828-255-5050.

A Morganton man was found guilty of two counts of trafficking methamphetamine by a Catawba County jury on Thursday. 37-year-old Reginald Curtis was given two active sentences of 7-10 years by the Honorable William T. Pomeroy, Superior Court Judge from Lincoln County. Curtis was found guilty of trafficking more than 200 grams of meth, but less than 400 grams by transportation and possession. He has previously been convicted of trafficking marijuana in November 2008. Danny Cline and Jared Hallman led the investigation for the Catawba County Sheriff's Office. Sean Baetjer prosecuted the case for the 25th District Attorney's Office.

Drug charges are filed on a Hickory. The Burke County Sheriff's Office was serving a warrant Thursday, in the area of 7904 Old NC 10 Lot #3.  While at the residence, Officers observed 30-year-old John Christopher Watts throwing drugs out the rear of the residence, according to a press release from the Burke County Narcotics Task Force. An investigation revealed additional narcotics inside the residence. Watts was placed in custody under a $75,000 secured bond. The Burke County Criminal Investigations Division assisted the Sheriff's Office and the Narcotics Task Force.

A Wilmington man was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to obtaining property by false pretense and possession of stolen goods, and admitting his status as a habitual felon on January 6th, during Catawba County Superior Court. 54-year-old William McDowell Butler,Jr. was given an active prison sentence of 8-10 years by the Honorable Gregory R. Hayes, Superior Court Judge from Catawba County. The defendant's habitual status enhanced the sentence he was given. Butler had prior felony convictions in Beaufort County (June 1991 and September 1993), and Caldwell County (April 2001). The case was investigated by Spencer Cline of the Newton Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant 25th District Attorney Kyle Smith.

Three people wanted on outstanding warrants, were arrested Wednesday in Burke County. According to a news release from the Burke County Narcotics Task Force, on Wedmesday a Burke County Sheriff's deputy in the Rutherford College community was stopped by a concerned citizen regarding a suspicious person and vehicles located at an address on Excelsior Drive. The deputy's investigation revealed individuals inside the residence may be wanted on outstanding warrants. The deputy and Narcotics Task Force officers discovered three wanted people at the residence. All were taken into custody without further incident and housed in the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility. Arrested were 41-year-old Aimee Jo Cook of Taylorsville, 40-year-old Harold Thomas Messer,Jr. of Valdese and 21-year-old William Austin Blankenship of Stoney Point.

McDowell County officials have issued a scam alert for area residents. Once again, scammers are targeting McDowell residents, while authorities are urging citizens to steer clear of their false claims. People have reported being contacted by workers from Publishers Clearing House - advising them they've won cars and even million of dollars. Reports say the callers tell residents they must send the company a certain amount of money in order for them to claim their prize. Other local citizens are reporting the receipt of calls from alleged IRS workers. These callers are telling their victims they owe money, and threatening legal action if they do not pay. Officials stress that the IRS does business through the mail - never by phone. And never send money or release any personal information to these callers. For ways to identify suspicious calls, visit irs.gov. on the web.

A Caldwell County man faces charges of Felony Solicitation by Computer and Indecent Liberties with a Child. According to a press release from the Burke County Sheriff's Office, on Tuesday, the Burke County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division conducted an undercover operation when it was learned that 37-year-old Christopher Scott Haas of Lenoir was engaged in inappropriate conservation with a minor through social media. Haas traveled to a predetermined location for what he thought was to meet with a minor to perform sex acts. However, when he arrived he was taken into custody without incident by investigators. Bond was set at $50,000 secured.

Multiple agencies are seeking the public's help in locating 17-year-old Destany Shae Pritchard. She was last seen October 2nd at the foster home where she lives in Dallas, NC. She was recently seen on Facebook using two different names: Destany Pritchard and Destany Shae. Destany is 5'7", 180 pounds, hazel eyes and long, colored blond hair. She is believed to be in the Charlotte area with her boyfriend and is considered an endangered youth. Anyone having information about her whereabouts is asked to contact the Caldwell County Department of Social Services at 828-426-8280, the Gaston County Sheriff's Office at 704-862-6681 or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 800-843-5678.

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Deputy Jason Cook has been named the McDowell Officer of the Year for 2016. Cook is the school resource officer at McDowell High. Cook has served in a number of positions including in the jail, and night shift patrol, in addition to school resource officer. Sheriff Dudley presented Cook with the award at the departmental Christmas dinner December 15th.

A Nebo couple is charged with stealing items from their family members. Reports with the McDowell County Sheriff's Office state the victim alleged his son and daughter-in-law Jason and Katie Hayes stole his 2006 Yukon SUV. The vehicle worth $6000 was recovered in Myrtle Beach. A the same time, the two reportedly stole more than $1300 worth of jewelry belonging to Jason's sister. An investigation indicates Katie Hayes pawned the items in Hickory. Some of the jewelry has been recovered. She was charged with larceny, larceny of a motor vehicle, and obtaining property by false pretense, while Jason Hayes was charged with larceny, larceny of a motor vehicle, and probation violation.

Flu is on the rise in North Carolina as the peak of the 2016-2017 flu season nears. Influenza is now widespread throughout most of North Carolina. State health officials encourage all residents to protect all residents to protect themselves and others against the flue. The number of flu-associated deaths reported in North Carolina since 2009 has varied from 9 during the 2011-2012 season to 218 in the 2014-2015 season. Precautions against the spread of flu and other viruses, include:

* Wash hands frequently, preferably with soap and water or an approved hand sanitizer.

* Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discard the tissue promptly.

* If you are sick with the flu, stay home until you have been fever free for at least 24 hours.

For more information on flu and where you can get a vaccine, visit www.flu.nc.gov.

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A public meeting was held regarding an economic development grant with Molded Glass Fiber and another for the consideration of a voluntary annexation of three separate land tracts on and around North Green Street during Monday night's regular Morganton City Council meeting. Council pssed, in an unanimous vote, the consideration of an economic development grant with Molded Glass Fiber that will support expansion plans for the company. The company projects capital investments of up to $8 million dollars and adding 23 new jobs over a 3 year period. The City and the County each are providing an economic incentive of 50% of new taxable investment over the three-year period. The amount of the grant from the County is $27,000 and $20,800 from the City. Also passed unanimously was a motion for voluntary annexation of three separate parcels of land on or near North Green Street by Crescent Communities, LLC. The land tracts include the property on the north side of Independence Boulevard just west of North Green Street, a narrow tract of land at 1015 North Green Street beyond the intersection of St.Mary's Church Road. In accepting the motion, Council extended the corporate limits of the City of Morganton.

A 20-year-old Morganton man will spend the next 25 years in prison after he was found guilty by a Burke County jury of commiting a sexual offense with a child as an adult offender. Christopher Isaiah Allen was sentenced to serve an active prison term of 25 to 35 years in custody by the Honorable Daniel A. Kuehnert, Superior Court Judge from Burke County, on Friday to wrap up a three-day trial. The case was investigated by Detective Isaac Propst of the Burke County Sheriff's Office. Beth Cali conducted the forensic interview of the victim for the Gingerbread House Child Advocacy Center in Burke County. Frank Webster was the prosecutor for the 25th District Attorney's Office.

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Two Morganton men have been arrested following an alleged drug-related incident. 19-year-old Ryne Hartung and 18-year-old Austin Dyer have both been taken into custody during a felony traffic stop by Morganton Department of Public Safety officers. Law enforcement had been dispatched to a reported road rage incident in which the victims stated their vehicle had been fired upon. Hartung was a passenger in the suspect vehicle and admitted to firing a gun. He was arrested and charged with firing into an occupied vehicle and possession of marijuana with intent to sell and deliver. Marijuana and a firearm had been located in the vehicle. Dyer was the driver and was charged with aiding and abetting the commission of a felony. During the course of the investigation, officers discovered the incident was the result of a drug transaction that took place in the parking lot of a Morganton business. The State Highway Patrol and Burke County Sheriff's Office assisted in the arrests. Burke County Narcotics Task Force continues the drug investigation.

Burke County Deputies responded late Thursday afternoon to a call for assistance on Leger Road in Valdese, regarding a suspect threatening to shoot a victim's car. When deputies arrived, the suspect was behind a mobile home loading a shotgun. The suspect was making statements to the effect that he was "going out in a blaze of glory" and fired multiple shots. According to a press release from the Burke County Sheriff's Office, no shots were fired at the officers. For about 43 minutes, deputies continued to speak with the suspect until he was taken into custody. The investigation is continuing with possible criminal charges pending.

The body discovered Wednesday in Morganton is believed to be that of a missing man. Morganton Department of Public Safety Investigators conducted a search in the area between Eastview Street and East Fleming Drive, in a follow up to the missing person case. The man found is thought to be 50-year-old Quinton Kenan, who lived on Eastview Street. The last reported contact with Kenan was on December 26th. An autopsy is pending to determine the cause of death. The Burke County Search/Rescue team, Fire Marshal's Office and Medical Examiners Office assisted Morganton Department of Public Safety at the scene.

A Newton man accepts a plea deal in the 2014 murder of a Catawba County teacher. During the sentencing phase in Catawba County Superior Court Thursday, 34-year-old Sharman odom accepted the DA's plea deal. Odom was found guilty of raping and murdering 31-year-old Maggie Daniels of Newton. As part of the deal, Odom will not receive the death penalty, but will face life in prison without the possibility of parole. Odom was convicted on 3 felony counts - murder, first degree sexual assault, and first-degree kidnapping.

The Souperintendent's Souperbowl Canned-Food Drive hosted by Burke County Public Schools begins Monday and continue through February 6th. Collection barrels are located at all 28 Burke County Public Schools campuses as well as at the Central Office, the Olive Hill Resource Center, Auxiliary Services/Bus Garage and College Street offices. The beneficiaries of the annual drive are four local charities: Burke United Christian Ministries, East Burke Christian Ministries, Abernethy Memorial United Church in Rutherford College and the East Burke High School food pantry. The Souperintendent's Souperbowl Canned-Food Drive began in 2014 to combat the issue of hunger in the community. Schools decorate their collection barrels and staff, students and community members are urged to fill them with non-perishable food items. The annual food drive has collected nearly 20,000 pounds of food to date.

Morganton Department of Public Safety is investigating whether a body found Wednesday night is that of a man recently reported missing. According to the Morganton News Herald, the body located last night was in a wooded area around Hogan Street. The Burke County Fire Marshal's Office and Burke County Rescue Squad assisted Public Safety at the scene.

An Avery County mother and son face fraud charges for trying to return un-sold products at Wal-Mart in Marion. 62-year-old Annette Wallace and her son 40-year-old Anthony Charles Wallace, both of Newland, reportedly visited the Wal-Mart on Sugar Hill Road and attempted to return items that were previously 'un-sold'. Reports say Annette Wallace told the employee that the items were gifts that she did not have a receipt for. The store's loss prevention department contacted Marion Police detectives. Annette Wallace then confessed that she and her son had planned the return, with items valued at more than $350. Charges for the pair include misdemeanor larceny, obtaining money under false pretense, conspiracy to commit obtaining money under false pretense, and aiding and abetting. Both received $25,000 bonds each.

Hickory City Council met Tuesday night in a regular meeting. One of the five Public Hearings dealt with a proposed closing of a portion of 5th Street SW between 1st and 2nd Avenue SW. This roadway is bordered on both sides by MDI, the petitioner to close the roadway. The motion was defeated by a 6-1 vote of city council. In attendance was Warren Wood, who will the new Hickory City Manager. Wood has been the Waxhaw Town Manager since March 2015. He will assume his new duties April 10th. Wood was employed with the city for 22 years before assuming the Waxhaw job.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office releases additional details relating to a holiday weekend accidental shooting. Witnesses have identified two men involved in a New Year's Eve incident in the Salem area. Burke Sheriff's reports state 21-year-old Devan Nathaniel Mojica and 22-year-old Nathan Alan Brewer were firing a handgun in the direction of a bonfire when a juvenile was struck on Havenwood Drive. The female victim was taken to CHS Blue Ridge in Morganton by a friend and later transferred to Charlotte where she is listed in stable condition. Investigators will be conferring with the District Attorney's Office in regard to charges. The case is still under investigation.

An Old Fort couple face charges of stealing a truck, trailer and tools. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office Tuesday, reported the charges against 39-year-old James William Effler and 43-year-old Jennifer Deanne McMahan. The property was reported stolen from J & T Auto Parts in Marion and Ameritech Slope Constructors in Glenwood. The truck and trailer were recovered as well as some tools.

Prosecutors for State announced Tuesday during Catawba County Superior Court, that they will not pursue capital punishment in the murder case against Rodney Allen Ball. He still faces the possibility of life in prison without parole. The State announced last month that it will not seek the death penalty against Ball's co-defendant and brother, Thomas Gregory Ball. They are accused of killing 78-year-old Benny Daniels of Long View. Investigation of the case continues by the Catawba County Sheriff's Office and the SBI.

Hickory City Council announced during their Tuesday meeting that Warren Wood has been hired as the new city manager. Wood begins work April 10th, after completing his role as Waxhaw Town Manager, a postion he began in March of 2015. Wood was previously with the City of Hickory for 22 years, working in a variety of positions and management positions. His final position in Hickory, before moving to Waxhaw, was Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer.

Tuesday's News

Headline: Teenager Shot Over The Holiday Weekend

Teaser:  “A New Year’s celebration for a local teenager turns into a struggle

for her life following an accidental shooting in Burke County”

Story:

At 11:05 Saturday night, Deputy’s with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office

responded to a call from Carolina’s Healthcare System Blue Ridge in

Morganton regarding a gunshot wound that reportedly happened in the

Salem community.  

According to the Burke County Sheriff's Office, a 17 year old female was

reported to have been accidentally shot with a handgun.  The incident was

alleged to have occurred on Havenwood Drive in the Slame community.  

The teenager girl was hospitalized as detectives continue to investigate

exactly how the situation occurred.  Additional details will be available once

the investigation is complete.

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South Mountains State Park

Teaser: “Most of South Mountain State Park trails were opened over the weekend, but just how much damage was done?  Park Ranger Ian Magill shares some insight on the damage and trail work that’s been done..”

Story:

South Mountains State park has reopened most of it’s trails to the public over the holiday weekend.  The park has been closed since the wildfire claimed over 6,000 acres in November.  According to Park Ranger Ian Magill, “a lot of work still needs to be done in locations where the fire damage was more severe, some of those trails could be closed for a very long time”, he said.  

Over 1,000 trees have been declared dangerous and cut down due to the fire’s damage, many more; however, could be dead or dying according to Magill.

Magill also said many many root systems have also been damaged so the true test will be in the spring when “we’ll see which ones sprout leaves”

In addition to falling trees, officials say there is danger from extensive erosion where the fire destroyed ground cover.  Although a tremendous amount of new plant life is expected in those areas bringing an abundance of wildlife as the result.

If you would like more information or volunteer opportunities you may contact South Mountain State Park during normal office hours.

______________________________________________________________

Headline: Gas Prices

Teaser:  “Gas prices continue to rise as we start a new year, consumers are paying nearly 39 cents more on average than this this time last year”

Story:

According to gasbuddy.com’s senior petroleum analyst Gegg Laskoski,

the national average is $2.32 per gallon which is up 17 cents from last

month.  North Carolinians are paying 15 cents more than a month ago as

the state's average is $2.25 per gallon.  According to Laskoski, the

increase will likely continue over the next few weeks but he doesn’t expect

a significant spike in prices, adding the increase will most likely be a

nominal increase.  Laskoski attributes the increase from an

announcement in late November that OPEC planned to cut production.  

Laskoski said drivers can expect some relief as prices typically level out in

February and possibly even decrease slightly as winter gasoline blends are

consumed just in time for spring.  For current gas prices around the

Catawba Valley, you can check bigdawg92fm.com and click the gasbuddy

link.

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Headline: Blood Drive

Teaser: “When’s the last time you donated blood?  Mt. Hebron Baptist Church is hosting a blood drive tomorrow, we’ve got more details coming up”

Story:

There’ll will be a blood drive held at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Connelly Springs tomorrow evening from 3:30-6:30.  Donors may drop in or call 234-9253 for an appointment.  Mt. Hebron Baptist Church is located at 4805 Miller Bridge Rd.