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.