A Connelly Springs mobile home is destroyed by fire. According to the Morganton News Herald, fire crews responded Sunday night to the mobile home on Berry Road. Two men living in the residence were able to get out when smoke alarms sounded. An adjacent mobile home received moderate damage. Assisting at the scene were personnel from fire departments from Icard Township, George Hildebran, Lovelady and Long View. Burke EMS and the Red Cross were also at the scene.

A Hickory resident faces multiple charges, including common law robbery and possession of cocaine. Hickory Police early this morning reported the arrest of 43-year-old Bryant Marshall Warren. Bond was set at $9,500 with a court appearance scheduled for tomorrow.

An Old Fort resident is charged with larceny of a motor vehicle. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office Monday, reported the charge on 30-year-old Brittany Mae Nicole Lewis. The vehicle, valued at $10,000, has been recovered.

New park hours begin tomorrow in the City of Hickory. New park hours will be 7am to 7pm. This coincides with all parks closing a half hour after sundown. You can check additional park information
on the City's website (www.hickorync.gov).

The doors to a Hildebran motel were padlocked by Burke deputies Friday. Acting on a civil complaint filed by the District Attorney's office deputies with the Burke County Sheriff's Office served a temporary restraining order on Lowman's Motor Court at 109 Highway 70 East. The order closes the business until a Superior Court hearing regarding a preliminary injunction takes place March 6th. The DA's office is seeking to have the motel declared a public nuisance because of a "breach of peace" - a repeated and continued disturbance of the public. Local law enforcement, fire and rescue agencies have responded to more than 700 calls at Lowman's Motel in the last 11 years for various reasons including controlled substance sales, assaults, and firearm discharges.

A Sherills Ford man will spend a minimum of 50 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple sexual offenses with a child in Catawba County. 32-year-old Zachary Allen Blackenship was sentenced to serve 50-70 years. A 12-member jury found Blackenship guilty of rape of a child by an adult offender, three counts of sexual offense with a child by an adult offender and four counts of indecent liberties with a child. Blackenship raped and sexually assaulted a 2-year-old female in November 2013 on sexual occasions. He will also have to register as a sex offender and be subject to satellite-based monitoring for the remainder of his life.

Hickory Police continue to look for a suspect wanted in connection with two business breakins early Thursday morning. The breakins occurred at A Cleaner World and Village Inn Pizza, both located on 2nd Street NE. The suspect is described as a white male, slim build, 5'8" - 5'10" tall. Anyone with information in reference to these cases or other breaking and enterings in the city during this period should contact Investigator Hudson at 828-261-2020 or shudson@hickorync.gov.

Friday's News Stories

Headline:  Postal Worker Pleads Guilty

Teaser: “A decade of undelivered mail leads to a former NC postal worker facing up to 5 years in prison”

Story:

A former NC mail carrier faces up to five years in prison after federal authorities found enough undelivered mail on his property to fill two full-sized dump trucks.

53 year old Gary Wayne Collins of Forest City appeared before a US magistrate this week and pleaded guilty to detaining and delaying US mail in Cleveland and Rutherford counties.  According to court records, the Postal Service used a backhoe to remove two dump truck loads of mail from an outbuilding at Collins’ residence.  The mail had sustained extensive weather damage and had to be destroyed.  Collins admitted in court that for approximately ten years he had been bringing the mail to his residence that he had not delivered.  He pleaded guilty to one count of unlawfully destroying, detaining and delaying US mail -a charge that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a 250-thousand dollar fine.  Collins was released following the hearing; while his sentencing date is pending.

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Headline: Two of “Burke’s Most Wanted” Arrested in Michigan Teaser: “Two who had been on Burke County’s Most Wanted for six weeks were apprehended on Wednesday” Story: Two who had been on Burke County’s Most Wanted for six weeks were apprehended on Wednesday. Officers located Jamie Gray and Callie Sloan in a motel in Macomb County, Michigan. When officers attempted to get inside, Gray and Sloan would not answer the door resulting in a short standoff. After approximately four hours officers made entry into the motel room where they found Sloan. During a search of the room, officers found Gray in the attic of the adjacent room. Gray and Sloan were arrested without incident and are being held in Macomb County awaiting extradition to Burke County.

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Headline: Newton Man convicted of 2nd Degree Murder will Spend 38 Years in Prison

Teaser: “A Newton Man will spend at least 38 years in Prison following a guilty conviction in a 2014 stabbing death in Sherrills Ford”

Story:

Kevin Jamal Haqq, 38 of Newton, will spend 38 years in prison after a Catawba County jury found him guilty of second-degree murder on Wednesday.

Haqq was found guilty of the 2014 stabbing death of 20-year-old Jason William Margarita of Sherrills Ford at a Balls Creek residence.

Following the jury’s verdict, the Honorable Daniel A. Kuehnert, Superior Court Judge from Burke County, gave Haqq an active prison term of 38-46 years.

After closing remarks by prosecutor Sean McGinnis and Defense Attorney Ken Darty, the jury deliberated for about 3 hours before rendering the verdict.  Chris Branch led the investigation for the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office. McGinnis and Chad Smith prosecuted the case for the District Attorney’s Office. _____________________________

Headline: New Restaurant To Open in Morganton

Teaser: “Morganton’s culinary landscape will grow again on Monday when a new restaurant opens in Union Square”

Story:

A locally owned, locally sourced restaurant will soon be serving up a selection of fresh, local ingredients.  The Chubby Goat Cafe is set to open on Monday in Union Square near City Hall in Morganton.  The Restaurant will be open Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch from 8am to 3pm and offer of variety of foods including  coffee, tea, coffee drinks, smoothies, Panini, salads, wraps, soups, desserts and gourmet hot dogs.  The Chubby Goat Cafe is located at 109-A White Street in Morganton.
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Headline: Local Hospital’s Revise Visitation Policy due to Flu Teaser: “Local hospitals restrict access for visitors due to a growing number of flu cases in Burke and surrounding areas” Story: To keep patients – and visitors – safe from the flu, Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge is restricting hospital access for visitors 12 and under at the Morganton and Valdese hospitals, effective at 7 a.m. today. Tighter restrictions are in place at Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge long-term care facilities – Grace Heights and College Pines Health and Rehabilitation Centers. Visitation is restricted to immediate family only and no children under age 18. Visitors are asked to clean hands before and after visiting and to wear a mask while in the facility. Masks and hand sanitizers are available inside the front entrances. The restrictions are a result of the growing prevalence of flu cases in Burke, Caldwell and McDowell counties. Fever, headaches/body aches/pain, cough or sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, chills, fatigue, nausea, are just a few Flu Symptoms. To reduce the odds of getting the flu, Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge recommends frequent hand washing with soap or use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, not touching eyes, nose or mouth with hands, and getting a flu shot.

Thursday's News Stories

Headline:  Trump Administration Lifts Transgender Bathroom Guidance

Teaser: “National News affecting more than bathrooms today”

Story:

The Associated Press is reporting :  

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has lifted federal guidelines that said transgender students should be allowed to use public school bathrooms and locker rooms matching their chosen gender identity.

The Wednesday decision is a reversal of an Obama-era directive issued in May. It will now be up to states and school districts to interpret whether federal sex discrimination law applies to gender identity.

A letter sent to schools nationwide Wednesday by the Justice and Education departments says the earlier directive caused confusion and lawsuits over how it should be applied. The new letter says the guidance is lifted, but anti-bullying safeguards will not be affected.

Although the Obama guidance was not legally binding, transgender rights advocates say it was necessary to protect students from discrimination. Opponents argued it was federal overreach.

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Headline:  Blood Drive

Teaser: “Did you know that you have the power to help save a life simply by giving blood”

Story:

The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive today; the event will take place inside Morganton’s City Hall, stop by the Council Chambers area between 9am and 1:30 this evening to donate blood.  Your donation stays local and could help save a life.  For more information, contact Kathy Anthony at 438-5298.  Donors should eat nutritiously and drink lots of fluids before donating blood.

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Headline: Marion Woman Charged With Meth

Teaser: “A Marion Woman has been arrested on serious drug charges”

Story:

49 year old Angela Naomi Howell of Marion has been charged with possession of meth, possession with intent to sell and deliver meth and maintaining a dwelling to keep a controlled substance.

The discovery came after federal probation officers searched Howell’s home; where they found 14-point-4 grams of methamphetamine, cash and drug paraphernalia.

Howell is reportedly on federal probation and is subject to warrant-less searches.

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Headline:  Black History Festival

Teaser: “Take a look into local and national heritage at the Black History Festival happening this weekend”

Story:

See how history has been made on both a local and national level at the Annual Black History Festival happening this Saturday at the Collett Street Recreation Center in Morganton.  The festival will take place from 10am until 4pm and include opportunities to not only learn but experience black history through entertainment, food, displays and vendors.   Kenya Safari Acrobatics and Storytelling by Donna L. Washington.

The festival his hosted by the local NAACP Chapter and sponsored by The Burke Arts Council, The NC Arts Council and The City of Morganton.

A resolution was passed endorsing the fixed route transportation during Tuesday night's regular Burke County Board of Commissioners meeting. Adopted unanimously, Commissioners accepted the resolution endorsing the fixed public transportation route that would make stops in Valdese, Drexel, Rutherford College and at certain hospitals. A grant application through the Kate B. Reynolds Foundation, if granted, will have a two-year time period for towns to decide if the route is a good idea. Commissioner Mulwee commented by saying with the non-profits he has worked with over the years, a fixed transportation route is a "growing need for the community." Girl Scout Lillian Lowman gave a moving speech during informal comments on the necessity of low-cost spay and neutering options for animals in the County as their populations grow, noting statistics for their kill rates. lowman received a round of applause when she finished. Commissioners passed nine items on the consent agenda and an overview of accomplishments for 2016 was presented. In 2016, Burke County Board of Elections had the largest voter turnout in history processing 39,205 voters and managed three elections in one year.

A traffic stop led to the arrest of a Morganton woman. Hickory Police officers pulled a vehicle over for an expired tag and subsequently arrested the driver for various drug charges. 30-year-old Melissa Yvonne Wilkinson was charged with possession of a schedule-two controlled substance, simple possession of a schedule-three controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Reports say officers seized one gram of crack cocaine, a dose of suboxone, and a crack pipe. Wilkinson was jailed under a $20,000 secured bond.

Two Nebo residents are charged with stealing from a neighbor's house. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office reported the charge Tuesday, on 36-year-old Brandon Lee Melton and 33-year-old Aimee Marie Price-Harwood. The pair are charged with entering a neighbor's house on Nebo School Road and stealing about $2,300 worth of property. Some of the property has been recovered.

Hickory City Council met Tuesday night. The majority of the meeting featured an annual report by local officials addressing city council about financial needs in the upcoming 2017-2018 city fiscal budget. In other business, City Council held a public hearing concerning a vacant building Revitalization Grant Performance agreement. The measure passed 6-0 with one absence. A department report concerning acceptance of Industrial Development Grant Funds was heard, Hickory Water Resources Director Kevin Greer explained to city council that the grant must be totally matched at 100% in order to receive the grant in the amount of $671,920.

Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina has added 26 acres along the Henry Fork River in Burke County to its Smith Cliffs/Henry Fork Preserve, bringing the preserve's size to 116 acres. The new addition to the preserve will allow for better management from the conservancy, as the tract is positioned between the Smith Cliffs/Henry Fork River Preserve and conservancy's South Mountains Headwaters Preserve. The land added brings a closer connection between the conservancy preserves: The Smith Cliffs/Henry Fork River Preserve and the South Mountains Headwaters Preserve. The purchase was made by a generous contribution of $100,000 from conservationist Tim Sweeny. Funds were also used from the Land Acquisition Fund to cover transaction costs. According to a press release, the property is mainly forested and also contains a 2.5-acre meadow, 650 feet of Henry Fork River frontage, and a tributary stream of the Henry Fork that empties into the river at the parcel's northern boundary. The tract is located in the Catawba River Basin, which more than two million Carolinians from Marion to Charlotte and downstream to Columbia, rely for their drinking water.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in locating 14-year-old Madison Gilliland, a voluntary runaway. She is described as 5' 3" tall, 115 pounds with green eyes and brown hair. Madison is believed to be in the area of McDowell and Buncombe County. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Burke County Sheriff's Office at 828-438-5500.

The McDowell County Sheriff's Office is needing the public's help in finding a man wanted on numerous drugs and weapons charges. 44-year-old Vandon Ray Heath is described as a white male, 5'5" tall, about 160 pounds, with brown hair, blue eyes and tatoos over his body. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 828-652-2235, or McDowell County CrimeStoppers at 652-7463. With CrimeStoppers your identity remains anonymous and you could receive a cash reward.

A 25-year-old Hickory man was killed Friday at South Mountains State Park, Reports indicate Ryan Yount lost his footing and fell off High Shoals Fall, just before 5pm. The fall remains under investigation, according to a state park official. but appears to be an accident.

A Catawba County woman is arrested for having a weapon of mass destruction. As part of a drug-offender roundup, 41-year-old Rebecca Lynn Rose of Conover was arrested on multiple drug offenses on a bill of indictment from the Catawba County grand jury. Once inside her residence, published reports say officers discovered an explosive device containing buckshot and black powder. The Gastonia bomb squad was called in to diffuse the home-mad device; which authorities state had the potential to kill several people in a room. Rose was charged with one felony count of heroin trafficking, one felony count of meth possession, and one felony count of possession of a weapon of mass destruction. She is being held at the Catawba County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond with a May 1st court appearance.

Late Thursday night, Hickory firefighters were dispatched to a reported fire alarm at Fiberline located at 280 Performance Drive. No fire injuries were reported and fire damages were confined to the duct/exhaust system.

On Tuesday, the South African Police Service in Pretoria charged parents of a 14-year-old girl with multiple sex discovered by the State Bureau of Investigation through a Catawba County child pornography case. Working with Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte, the SBI was led to a suspect in Catawba County, who was located and found to be in possession of child pornography. The girl was located on February 14th, by HSI and the South African Police Service. The minor was interviewed and stated her parents were sexually assaulting her and producing pictures and videos of the activity.

A man is arrested after stealing a work truck from a Morganton business. A Morganton Department of Public Safety report on Thursday, states that officers responded to a report of a motor vehicle theft in progress at Wall Lumber Company. An employee reported to dispatchers that the truck was turning onto I-40 eastbound. After a pursuit with officers, Burke County deputies and the State Highway Patrol the suspect surrendered at a convenience store on Bethel Road. 29-year-old Cody Allen Kidd, who was recently released from jail in Burke County, was charged by Public Safety with felony larceny of a motor vehicle, and by the Highway Patrol with felony possession of a stolen motor vehicle and two driving offenses. Bond was set at $26,000.

The owner of a recycling business pleads to tax fraud. 31-year-old Matthew Moretz of Taylorsville pleaded guilty to 1 count of filing a false tax return, announced Jill Westmoreland Rose, U.S.Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Beginning in or about March 2010 and continuing through in or about 2013, Moretz was self-employed as the owner of MJM Recycling, a scrap metal business. Moretz concealed significant personal earnings from his business from the IRS. As part of his plea agreement, Moretz has agreed to pay restitution of $116,409.38 to the IRS.

The Executive Director of a Morganton charity organization is charged with embezzlement. Board members of The Meeting Place One, Inc.notified authorities whenever discrepancies were noticed in recent bank statements. A 4-month investigation led Morganton Public Safety officials to discover unauthorized cash withdrawals, personal purchases, and the use of funds for gambling. 37-year-old Jesse James Carswell, formerly of Morganton, was arrested at his Virginia Beach residence for felonious embezzlement by an employee of a charitable institution. Carswell served as the The Meeting Place One's executive director for the last 4 years and was in charge of its' finances during the investigated time frame. Carswell reportedly illegally utilized funds amounting to an estimated $100,000; some of which he used at Harrah's Cherokee Casino. Carswell was extradited to Burke County and placed in jail under a $25,000 secured bond with a court appearance set for March 20.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office has added a Marion resident and Morganton resident to its' Most Wanted List. 32-year-old Callie Ruth Sloan and 30-year-old Jamie Lee Gray are wanted on felony child abuse charges. Gray is also wanted on felony charges, including drugs and possession of stolen goods. Anyone with information to their whereabouts can contact the Burke County Sheriff's Office at 438-5500, the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 652-2235. Anonymous tips can be phoned to Burke County CrimeStoppers at 437-3333, or McDowell County CrimeStoppers at 652-7463.

McDowell County detectives arrest two on drug charges. 32-year-old Willam Robert Boyd of Swannanoa and 28-year-old Misty dawn Tipton of Nebo have each been charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to sell and deliver meth, and maintaining a place to keep a controlled substance. Reports say sheriff's deputies went to an Old Fort residence where the owner stated the home was supposed to be unoccupied. Officers found Boyd and Tipton inside; along with 1.8 grams of meth, cash, and drug paraphernalia. Boyd was also charged with outstanding warrants for possession of meth and resisting arrest.

Hickory Police continues to investigate a Wednesday armed robbery at Boost Mobile on Springs Road NE. Officers responded about 10:30am, and were told that the suspect entered the store, threatened the clerk with a weapon and demanded money, before exiting the business in a vehicle. The suspect is described as a light-skinned black male, 18-20 years of age, around 6 feet tall. Anyone with information regarding this on-going investigation should call Hickory Police at 328-5551.

The Catawba County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has named Lindsay Keisler, IOM, as its new President and CEO. Keisler will succeed Danny Hearn who retired in September after serving the Chamber for 12 years. Keisler has served as the Interim President and CEO since October 1st. She has held several roles in her 7 year tenure at the Chamber, but has most recently served as Senior Vice President for the past 4 years.

A Burke County man is sentenced to a prison term for raping his young daughter. According to the Morganton News Herald, 33-year-old Jerry Mathew Anjerok of Morganton will serve 18 to 27 years in prison after pleading in court.

A Hickory resident is charged with failing to appear for possession of methamphetamine and heroin. The Catawba County Sheriff's Office Tuesday, charged 39-year-old Margaret Lasley. Bond was set at $125,000.

An Upper Cleveland County resident faces multiple charges in Catawba County. 27-year-old Joe Clifford Tipps of Lawndale was arrested Tuesday, by the Catawba County Sheriff's Office. He was charged with felony possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, breaking and or entering, larceny after breaking and entering and possession of stolen goods. Bond was set at $45,000.

The SBI and WCU Police are working to determine the cause of a small fire that forced about 400 students and staff members to evacuate Walker Residence Hall for 5 hours on Monday. Smoke was reported near the elevator in the lobby area on the 5th floor just after 5pm, prompting the immediate evacuation of residents, according to information from WCU News. No injuries were reported.

The man accused of making false bomb threats last summer in Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties will spend at least 11 years of active prison time after pleading guilty to charges of terrorism and making false bomb reports during Burke County Superior Court on Monday. 27-year-old Cody Matthew Startt of Matoaka, WV., entered his guilty plea to 253 counts of terrorism and 251 counts of making false bomb reports. He was given a prison sentence of 11 to 21 years by the Honorable W.Todd Pomeroy, Superior Court Judge from Lincoln County. Startt faces pending matters of the same nature in Caldwell and Catawba counties.

A Nebo man is accused of stealing a friend's tools and his Mom's car. the McDowell County Sheriff's Office Monday reported charges on 28-year-old Levi Eddie McHone. The tools reported stolen December 14th were worth an estimated $8,220. On January 2nd, McHone's mom reported that he had taken her 2010 Honda Accord without her permission. The vehicle was recovered.

A motorcycle accident in Burke County claims the life of a Statesville man. The accident about 2pm Sunday on NC 181 near Upper Creek Falls, killed 33-year-old Daniel Paul Emilio Cicco. The State Highway Patrol told the Morganton News Herald that Cicco ran off the road, struck the guard rail and was ejected from the motorcycle.

Hickory firefighters were dispatched late Saturday night to a reported fire alarm at Kenworth Hall located at 426 2nd Avenue SE. With fire damage to one apartment and water damage to two apartments, the Red Cross responded to assist the tenants. No fire injuries were reported and the fire was caused by unattended cooking, according to a news release from the City of Hickory.

A Hickory man was sentenced to six to eight years after pleading guilty to six counts of habitual larceny in Catawba County Superior Court on Friday. 53-year-old Mark Anthony Fountain also admitted his status as a habitual felon duting court. His imposed term will be served at the conclusion of his current 18-31 month sentence for a May 2016 Conviction in Catawba County. Fountain took items from two Hickory stores on six occasions between October and December 2015, accounting for his larceny charges. Fountian's habitual felon status stems from previous felony convictions for breaking and entering, abduction and robbery by force and possession of cocaine.

A new supper program has begun at a Burke County School cafeteria. Mountain Crest Elementary School's cafeteria is now serving three square meals a day. Chartwells and Burke County Public Schools recently added a supper program at the school, which previously served only breakfast and lunch to students. The supper program is open to anyone in the community and is free to all children ages 3-18 and $3 for adults. The hot meal is served between 4 and 5 Monday through Friday and includes an enrichment activity for children. The program is federally funded through the USDA, and officials state the free supper is a great opportunity for faith-based organizations who hold Wednesday evening services to take advantage of the program and visit Mountain Crest as a group for a meal.

The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office is seeking information about a breakin that occurred Thursday night on Charlie Little Road in Dudley Shoals. A residence was broken into and several valuable items were taken. Crime Stoppers pays up to a $1000 CASH reward for leading to the arrest of the suspect(s) and recovery of the stolen property and in addition the homeowner will pay to a $6000 reward on the same conditions. If you know who did this call CrimeStoppers at 758-8300.

A Burke County man faces multiple charges. Long View Police Friday charged 28-year-old Cordero louis Thompson of Valdese with possession of a weapon of mass destruction, possession of a firearm by felon, possession of drug paraphernalia and three motor vehicle offenses. Bond was set at $85,000 with a court appearance scheduled for today.

A Haywood County Superior Court jury on Thursday convicted a man of double voting in North Carolina's March 2016 primary, a Class I felony. According to the State Board of Elections, 52-year-old Dewey George Gidcumb, Jr., a Haywood County resident, voted in the Republican primary during the early voting period, then again on Election Day.

High winds knocked down trees and caused a large power outage Thursday afternoon in the City of Morganton. At 3:01pm, a tree fell across power lines located on the Western Piedmont Community College campus. According to a news release from the City, the tree broke several lines and power poles, leaving about 825 customers south of the city without power for a time. Falling trees and limbs also caused about a half dozen additional single outages across the City.

Marion Police continue to investigate an armed robbery. Officers responded just after 5:30am Monday to the Waffle House on Sugar Hill Road. After a preliminary investigation, it was reported that an unknown male or female Caucasian entered the business, brandished a handgun, demanded money and after being given an undisclosed amount of currency, fled the restaurant. Anyone with information should contact Marion Police at 652-5205 or Crime Stoppers at 65-CRIME.

Ninety pounds of marijuana worth nearly $500,000 was seized during an interstate stop in Iredell County. Members of the Iredell County Sheriff's interstate patrol team stopped a vehicle driven by 42-year-old Long Nguyen for traffic violations in I-77 near Mile Marker 66. Nguyen told officers he was traveling from California and was reportedly acting nervous during the stop. A K-9 unit indicated there was a narcotic on board, when officers discovered duffle bags and cardboard boxes containing vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana - 70 bags worth around $450,000. Authorities report they think the drug was being taken to Charlotte for distribution. Nguyen was taken into custody and charged with trafficking in marijuana by possession, trafficking in marijuana by transport, and possession with sell and deliver. He was also served a California fugitive warrant for burglary and remains jailed under an $800,000 secured bond.

W-2 scam threatens employers and employees. According to a news release from the NC Department of Justice, in the scam, a worker in the human resources or payroll department receives an email from the CEO or a top executive. The message requests W-2's or other private information about the organization's employees. Bur it is a phishing email, a convincing-looking fake, and the confidential information is delivered into the hands of crooks. The IRS has issued a warning to all employers about this scam. To avoid falling for a fraudulent email seeking money of personal information:
* Verify that the message is authentic.
* Set a strict policy for wire transfers and disclosure of employee information.
* Warn employees about email scams.
You can report email scams by calling 1 877 5-NO-SCAM.

The identity of a Morganton man, who died earlier this week in a house fire, has been released. Unable to escape a fire at his Piney Road residence, 74-year-old Benjamin Charles Weatherford was discovered deceased by firefighters during overhaul operations Tuesday evening. Upon arrival at the multi-department blaze, fire officials found the structure fully engulfed in flames with the rood partially collapsed, A press release states neighbors reported only one person resided at the residence, but could not confirm to firefighters if the occupant was home at the time of the fire. The Burke County Fire Marshal's Office states the accidental fire started in the living room area near a wood burning stove. Investigators, including the Burke County Sheriff's Office and the SBI do not suspect foul play. A autopsy will be scheduled by the Medical Examiner to determine Weatherford's exact cause of death.

A Morganton man faces multiple drug charges. On Tuesday, Morganton Department of Public Safety assisted the Burke County Narcotics Task Foce in executing a search warrant at a Jones Street residence. Officers reportedly found cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and 13 firearms. Thomas William Johnson was arrested and placed in the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility under a secured bond of $150,000.

A new scam is circulating in McDowell County. According to the McDowell County Sheriff's Office, callers claim to be from the federal government and are stating they have either random;y been selected to receive $9000 cash or a $9000 grant. The caller asks residents to wire them money so that they can receive their prize. The Sheriff's Office advises residents to ignore these calls and don't send money or give out any personal information. Anyone with questions or concerns can call the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 652-2235.

A man is found dead inside a home that burned in the Chesterfield community. According to WSOC-TV, firefighters responded around 7:30 Tuesday night to the blaze on Piney Road. The victim's name was not released and the fire remains under investigation.

An Old Fort man, wanted for months for setting his home ablaze, is in custody. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office Thursday, arrested 48-year-old Randy Keith Hensley. He was charged in connection with an explosion October 25th, at a mobile home on Nightingale Drive in Old Fort, which was occupied by Hensley and his mother. The mobile home sustained an estimated $20,000 worth of damage. The Sheriff's Office, McDowell County Emergency Management, SBI and U.S.ATF determined the fire was set intentionally. Hensley had been on the run from law enforcement until his arrest last week.

Hickory City Council met Tuesday night, which included a presentation of the Distinguished Budget Award. A Departmental Report about the Riverwalk project was heard and passed. The Riverwalk project is part of the bond referendum that Hickory voters approved in 2014. The Riverwalk will be a pedestrian pathway, running along the shore of Lake Hickory between Rotary-Geitner Park and the US 321 bridge.

A Hickory man will spend the next 26 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and concealing/failing to report a death during Catawba County Superior Court on Tuesday. The Honorable Lori Hamilton, Superior Court Judge from Davie County, sentenced 44-year-old Rickey Allen Payne to an active prison term of 26 to 32 years, following his guilty plea to killing 48-year-old Loretta Joyce Chadwick of Hickory and concealing her body under the bed in a Hickory motel room.

City of Morganton City Council members approved a resolution considering an experimental fixed public transportation route to Burke County in Monday night's regular meeting. Working with Burke County, the Katie B. Reynolds foundation, numerous stakeholders and other public and private entities, council members endorsed a resolution for an experimental route. With the need for a fixed public transportation in Burke County, the experimental route is a circular route for the City of Morganton with connecting routes to the Town of Valdese, Rutherford College and includes a stop in the town of Drexel. The route also has a connection between Carolina Healthcare Blue Ridge Morganton and Carolinas Healthcare Blue Ridge Valdese. Stakeholders and private and public entities have agreed to a financial commitment of two years with possible discussion to extend the timeline.

The FAA is investigating a single engine plane crash in Morganton. The accident occurred about 5pm Monday, off Jamestown Road in a field. Witnesses say the plane took off from Silver Creek Airport. Two people helped the pilot, John Henry Shell, get out the plane. Shell was able to walk to an ambulance under his own power and taken by Burke EMS to CMC Morganton with minor injuries. Assisting Morganton Department of Public Safety and EMS were personnel from the Burke County Fire Marshal's Office and REACT, along with the State Highway Patrol.

A Morganton man is charged with Felony Robbery, Larceny of a MV and Possession of Stolen Goods. The Burke County Sheriff's Office Saturday, responded to Hampson Road, Morganton in reference to a robbery. Deputies spoke to the victim, who lives out of state and stated that she was robbed and during the incident sustained injuries, which required tratement at Carolinas Medical Center. 41-year-old Billy Earl Murphy was taken into custody and confined under a $105,000 secured bond. Additional charges are pending in the case.

A Hickory man will serve at least 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder for the November 2013 beating death of his wife. 40-year-old Marvin Antonio Hill was sentenced to serve 17 to 22 years in custody by the Honorable Lori Hamilton, Superior Court Judge from Davie County, during Catawba County Superior Court on Monday.

A Hickory man is dead as the result of an officer-involved shooting. Hickory Police Special Operations officers were attempting to serve a narcotics search warrant Friday morning when the shooting incident occurred. Reports state police encountered 33-year-old William David Whetstone upon entering his home. Whetstone was the subject of the search warrant. Whetstone was given verbal commands not to move; however, he reportedly pulled a handgun from between the cushions of a sofa and pointed it at officers. A Hickory officer sustained a gunshot wound to his arm, while Whetstone was shot by officers and pronounced dead at the scene by Catawba EMS. The injured officer was treated and released. Following standard procedure, the officers involved have been placed on administrative duty pending the investigation. The SBI is conducting the investigation.

The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office Ice Unit makes an arrest of an alleged Crack/Marijuana Dealer. On Thursday, Ice Units arrested 41-year-old Jermaine Fitzgerald Wilson of Lenoir for charges of felony Possession with Intent to Sell/Deliver Marijuana and Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling to Keep/Store Controlled Substances. Wilson was confined in the Caldwell County Detention Center under a $10,000 secured bond with a District County appearance scheduled for today.

The December Unemployment rate in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area was 4.8 %. Area county rates include Alexander at 4.1%, Avery 4.9%, Burke 4.8%, Caldwell 5.2%, Catawba 4.8%, McDowell 4.6% and Watauga 4.4%. Hyde County had the state's unemployment rate in December at 11.6%, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.7%.

A Connelly Springs man listed on Burke County's Wanted list for more than a year has been captured. 62-year-old Dean Allen Yancey had reportedly fled the U.S. and was living in Ecuador; after a grand jury indictment from a 2013 shooting incident at his brother's residence. With the help of the U.S.Marshal's Service, Yancey has been extradited to Burke and is being held without bond pending his trial. Yancey has been charged with two counts each of attempted first degree homicide, discharging a weapon into an occupied dwelling, and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Reports with the Burke County Sheriff's Office state Yancey discharged a weapon into the Rhoney Road home nearly striking his brother and sister-in-law. Prior to his arrest, Yancey was on Burke County's Most Wanted list for a year and eleven weeks.

A Marion man is dead after a shooting in which his neighbor is charged. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office reported Thursday, that 63-year-old Glenn Edward Gardin is charged with voluntary manslaughter. McDowell deputies and State Troopers Wednesday night, responded to Gardin's residence on Hicks Memorial Church Road after he called 911 and reported that he shot his neighbor, 63-year-old Todd Alan Swepson. The two men reportedly had a history of alternations with each other and had been drinking at Gardin's residence and got into another confrontation, which led to the shooting.

Fire crews completed successful burnout operations Thursday night on the Sugar Cove fire in McDowell County, increasing containment to 90%. The fire grew to 577 acres, with much of the growth due to the burn out. Little to no additional fire growth is expected. NC Highway 80 reopened to the public last night. The Woods Mountain Trail reopens today. This trail includes the portion of the Mountains to Sea Tral from the Blue Ridge Parkway to US 221.

The Morganton Community House has begun a renovation project that will upgrade the facility. During construction, the Community House will not be able to host functions, but staff will still provide catering and host events at other locations. This final phase of renovations will include major remodeling to the interior of the building, finishing the basement, and installing an elevator.

The Caldwell County Public Library has begun a program called Fine-Free February. The program is designed to encourage anyone who may feel that they are unable to use the library, because of an outstanding fine or fees to return to the library and use the free programs and resources.

A Hickory woman will spend the next seven years in prison for her role in a conspiracy and attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon. 23-year-old Debbi Jo Albright, pleaded guilty to conspiracy robbery with a dangerous weapon and attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon on Wednesday, during Catawba County Superior Court. She also pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine and heroine and was sentenced to serve seven to nine years by the Honorable Lisa C. Bell, Superior Court Judge from Mecklenburg County. The robbery case was investigated by Kerry Penley of the Catawba County Sheriff's Office. The drug case was investigated by Hickory Police Department. Lance Sigmon handled prosecution for the 25th District Attorney's Office.

The Sugar Grove fire in McDowell County has grown to 220 acres with 20% containment. Areas around Marion and Pleasant Gardens could potentially see heavy smoke settling in valleys and low lying areas this morning, especially around NC 80, US 70 and US 221 North. NC 80 remains temporarily closed to all but local traffic from Buck Creek Gap off the Blue Ridge Parkway to Little Buck Road near Lake Tahoma.

City grants in Hickory are available for programs that support community diversity and human relations. The City of Hickory Community Relations Council is currently seeking projects to fund for the current year; and is inviting qualified groups or individuals to submit grant requests. Priority will generally be given to projects that are designed to deliver the greatest impact on positive human relations - one's most effective in bringing sub-committees of Hickory together in providing services and resources to citizens who can most benefit. the deadline for submitting an application for this year's spring cycle if March 31st. Applicants may include any 501-c3 or otherwise tax exempt organizations. Grant funds may not be used to pay salaries or to construct buildings. For more information contact staff liaison Chief Thurman Whisnant with Hickory Police at 828-261-2605.

An autopsy done Tuesday at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, revealed that there were no signs of foul play in a Burke County death investigation. The Burke County Sheriff's Office and the SBI are investigating the death of a body found late Monday afternoon at a residence on Zion Road. The final report, including the toxicology report, will not be ready for three months. The case will remain open until all information and interviews are conducted.

A Burke County man faces child sex charges. On Tuesday, the Burke County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division conducted an undercover operation, and arrested 44-year-old Timothy Matthew Shelnut of Valdese. He was charged with Solicitation of a Child by Computer and Indecent Liberties with a Child. Shelnut was confined at the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility under a $5000 secured bond, with a court appearance scheduled today.

The Burke County Health Department has informed officials with Burke County Public Schools of three confirmed cases of Shegella at Mountain Crest Elementary School. Health Department and school officials are working together to inform and educate students and parents about the infection, according to a news release from Burke County Public Schools. Shigella is the result of bacteria passing from improperly washed hands of one person to the mouth of another, often through handling contaminated objects or food. Extra sanitation measures are in place at Mountain Crest to reduce the spread of the bacteria, including thorough cleanings of the school and reminders from staff to students to wash their hands.

Burnouts are planned today for the Sugar Cove fire in McDowell County, which remains at around 180 acres with 10 percent containment. The fire is burning northeast of Highway 80, which remains temporarily closed to all but local traffic between Buck Creek Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Little Buck Road near Lake Tahoma. Structure protection is in place for homes and buildings on the south end of the fire area. No structures are currently threatened, according to the N.C.Forest Service.