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.