Cigarette thieves hit a McDowell convenience store. McDowell County authorities are looking for two men who smashed their way into a Nebo convenience store over the weekend - making off with dozens of cartons of cigarettes. The thieves were caught on surveillance inside West Court Number 4 on NC 226 South. Reports say the pair broke the front glass door, stealing nearly 40 cartons of various brands of cigarettes valued at $1,800. Property damage was estimated at $3,000. The suspects were reportedly in a dark-colored vehicle with chrome wheels. Anyone having information in this case is urged to call McDowell Crime Stoppers at 65-CRIME(652-7463).

Caldwell County Sheriff Alan Jones announced on Monday that two people were arrested and charged on suspicion of distributing crack cocaine after a search warrant was executed at a residence on Warrior Road in Lenoir. 25-year-old Samuel Antonio Patterson of Lenoir and 18-year-old Alize Nicole Caldwell of Morganton were taken into custody at the residence without incident. The search warrant was based on undercover buys that occurred at the residence during the last month. Bond on Patterson on the drug charges was set at $50,000 secured with Caldwell's bond set at $10,000 secured. Both Patterson and Caldwell were also served with outstanding warrants which increased the bond on each by $8,000 secured.

A Lincolnton man has been arrested from an October Breakin and Larceny. About $2,300 worth of items were taken from a home in the 4800 block of Maiden Highway. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday reported that 29-year-old Shane Rashon Faw was charged with 1 Felony Count each of Breaking & Entering a Building, Larceny after Breaking & Entering and Possession of Stolen Goods. Faw was arrested last week by Bessemer City Police.

City of Lenoir Police Department K9s Axel, Mato, & Cerik will receive bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization "Vested Interest in K9s, Inc." The vests are sponsored by an anonymous donor and will be embroidered with the sentiment "Born to Love - Trained to Serve - Loyal Always".

The City of Hickory received 2nd place awards for the city website and for the "Crafting Hickory" magazine at last week's NC City & County Communicators' Excellence in Communications Awards in Charlotte. Hickory's Communications and Marketing Manager , Dana Kaminske, was selected as the President-Elect of the NC3C board for 2017.