One of three fugitives wanted in a local drug conspiracy was captured Monday night in Maryland. According to the McDowell County Sheriff's Office, 37-year-old "Pepe" Pearson of Morganton was apprehended by Officers in Prince George's County. Pearson has been on the run from the McDowell County Sheriff's Office and the SBI since April 18th when officials conducted a roundup of drug conspiracy suspects in McDowell, Burke and Catawba Counties. As of Tuesday, Pearson was in jail in Maryland under no bond, awaiting extradition to North Carolina. Two other fugitives remain on the run: 35-year-old Dwayne Bullock of Newton and 66-year-old William Jackie Pearson of Morganton. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Bullock or Pearson is asked to contact the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 828-652-2235 or Crime Stoppers at 652-7463.

Felony charges of 2nd Degree Rape and Incest are filed on a Burke County man. Morganton Department of Public Safety on Sunday arrested 49-year-old David Olmos Martinez of Morganton. He was placed in the Burke-Catawba Detention Confinement Facility under a secured bond of $200,000 with a District Court appearance in Morganton scheduled for today.

Students at Liberty Middle are getting into the latest fad: fidget spinners. Students are actually incorporating hands-on learning to make them. Liberty Project Lead the Way teacher Clay Nelson said he decided to design his own version of the fidget spinner and recruit students to help assemble them. Nelson's students are printing the spinners on a 3D printer, cleaning them, assembling the bearings and performing quality control on each one by testing them to make sure they work. Fidget spinners were initially created for people with attention deficit disorders, autism or anxiety and just this year have gained popularity in schools. Some schools across the country have deemed the spinners a distraction and banned them. Others, like Liberty, are turning them into lessons in physics, inertia and entrepreneurship.

Two Morganton teenagers were found safe Monday and returned to their parents. The Burke County Sheriff's Office had reported that 15-year-old Dakota Aaron Coleman of Crawley Dale Street had left home sometime between 11:30pm Thursday and 1:30am Friday. He was in the company of 16-year-old Paige Alyssa Bowery of Youngs Creek Road.

Hundreds of people, including family, friends, friends, and admirers, gathered at COMMA Thursday night, for the Etta Baker Sculpture Dedication. Speakers included Mayor Ronnie Thompson, Former and current COMMA directors Bill Wilson and Jim Smith, and Etta's sons, Edgar and Frank Baker. This was the final piece of a project to honor one of Morganton's most legendary musicians. Baker helped shape the music industry in North Carolina and was one of the creators of the Piedmont Blues.

Major David E. Anderson will retire from the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office effective Friday, after 24 years with the Sheriff's Office and 30 years of service in law enforcement. Major Anderson had served for three years as a Patrol Officer with the Lenoir Police Department when he was hired by Sheriff Roger Hutchings and joined the Patrol Division of the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office in January of 1993. Anderson worked his way up to Captain of Patrol in 2006. He was then appointed to Major/Chief Deputy by Sheriff Alan Jones on July 1, 2008.

Update Monday May 30 @8pm - Dakota Aaron Coleman has been found safe in McDowell County and returned to his parents.
The Burke County Sheriff's Office is seeking a missing runaway. The 15-year-old, Dakota Aaron
Coleman, reportedly left his residence on Crawley Dale Street between 11:30pm Thursday and 1:30am Friday. He is described as 5'10", 175 pounds, brown hair and eyes. The Criminal Investigations Division is asking the public's help in locating Dakota Aaron Coleman. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 828-438-5500 or Morganton/Burke Crimestoppers at 828-437-3333. All Crimestopper tips are anonymous, and anyone with information leading to the location of Coleman may be eligible for a cash reward.

A McDowell County Grand Jury returned a True Bill of Indictment for Murder May 15th, on a Nebo woman. The murder charge on 33-year-old Shirley Marie Hollifield is in connection with the June 17 2015 shooting death of 39-year-old Christopher Wayne English of Nebo. Previously charged in this case was 24-year-old Joshua Mason Ledbetter of Nebo, with Accessory After the Fact of Murder.

A suspected marijuana dealer faces charges after an arrest last week. The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office Ice Unit and SWAT executed a search warrant at a residence on Playmore Beach Road in Lenoir. Reportedly found in the residence were 3 pounds of marijuana, with a street value of about $37,800 along with 15 hydrocodone pills, cash, 2 vehicles, a stolen firearm and drug paraphernalia. More charges are expected. Arrested in the case was 52-year-old Robert Alan Nichols. Bond was set at $10,000 with a court appearance scheduled for Tuesday.

A Caldwell County research and manufacturing company plans an expansion of $3.5 million. According to the the announcement Friday by Governor Cooper, Adhezion Biomedical, LLC will create 40 jobs over the next 4 years. A performance-based grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help the company's expansion in Hudson.

A Connelly Springs man is charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine in Caldwell County. The Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday that 53-year-old Jeffrey Brent Church had been the focus of an undercover drug investigation and was arrested on April 27th and charged with Trafficking Meth. Church posted bonds for pending drug charges in Caldwell and Catawba Counties and was released from custody. On Tuesday the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office ICE Unit arrested Church after a traffic stop in Sawmills. He was found to be in possession of about 56 grams of meth, two pistols and over $4600 in cash. More charges are expected. Bond was set at $100,000 with a Lenoir District Court appearance scheduled for today.

Assault and Weapon charges are filed on a McDowell County man. The Sheriff's Office on Wednesday charged 46-year-old Gary Harrison Bartlett,Jr of Marion. He was charged with Assault on a Female, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Weapon of Mass Destruction and Carrying a Concealed Weapon. The charges were on Tuesday after a domestic dispute where shots were fired, but no one was seriously injured.

The public is invited to the Etta Baker Sculpture Dedication this afternoon at COMMA beginning at 5:30. The dedication ceremony is free to attend. The sculpture of Baker was installed earlier this week and is the final piece of a project to honor one of Morganton's most legendary musicians. Baker was one of the creators of the Piedmont Blues.

A recent report shows hospitals and health care systems are a vital force in North Carolina. According to the report, the state's health care sector generated $22.4 billion in labor income, and $37.8 billion in gross domestic product last year. Hospitals directly or indirectly support nearly 400,000 jobs; amounting to 8.7% of total employment across the state. Community hospitals are among the top 10 employers in at least 72 NC counties. The report indicates in most rural counties, the hospital is one of the top two or three employers. Conducted by the NC Hospital Association, the report further examines the multiple ways health care influences local economic development and educating the future work force.

Poppy plants used in producing opium found Tuesday in Catawba County, have an estimated value of $500 million. The AP reports that Sheriff Coy Reid stated the plants were discovered behind a home by a narcotics officer working on a tip for something else. Arrested was 37-year-old Cody Xiong. Bond was set at $45,000 with a court appearance scheduled for today.

Brittany Ledford was found safe overnight.
An Old Fort teen has been missing since Monday. McDowell County Sheriff's deputies need the
public's help in locating the missing teenager, last seen Monday afternoon. 17-year-old Brittany Ledford was reported missing by her mother who told authorities she last saw her daughter when she left the residence to go eat with a friend. Ledford was then reportedly dropped off at another friend's house and then began walking to the home of an acquaintance on Jacktown Road. Deputies and Marion Police have searched for the teen without success. Ledford is a white female, 4'9", weighs about 120 pounds with brown shoulder length hair. Anyone with information about Ledford's whereabouts is urged to call the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 828-652-2235.

Morganton based Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina's Executive Director is set to retire. Susie Hamrick Jones, who has led the organization since 1997, will step down September 1st. Foothills Conservancy is a nationally accredited land trust that has protected more than 51,000 acres across the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains and their foothills, including the counties of Burke, McDowell, Rutherford, Caldwell, Cleveland, Catawba, Lincoln and Alexander.

A supplier of plastic materials to the automotive industry will locate a new production facility in Alexander County. Governor Cooper announced Tuesday that Borealis Compounds, Inc. plans to initially invest $15 million for the new plant and create 37 jobs in Taylorsville. The company applications in the automotive industry include bumpers, body panels, trims, dashboards and other key components. Average annual salaries for the new jobs is $40,125.

A Lincoln County woman is charged with opening fradulent credit Bank Cards in her parent's name. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday reported that Heather Michelle Nalley Setzer was arrested on 4 Felony Counts of Financial Card Fraud, 3 Felony Counts of Unlawful Obtaining a Credit Card and 1 Felony Count of Obtain Property by False Pretense. Bond was set at $30,000 secured.

Students were recognized for Battle of the Books and the Duke TIP program and a reception was held for the Teachers of the Year during the Burke County Board of Education regular meeting on Monday evening. On February 28th, the Elementary Battle of the Books was held at Glen Alpine Elementary. The first place elementary winner was Oak Hill Elementary. The Middle School Battle of the books took place in March at First Advent Christian Church in Morganton and East Burke Middle took first place. Other students were recognized for their participation in the Duke Talent Identification Program. Candidates of this program are given the opportunity to take the SAT or ACT in 7th grade. Owen Streppa of Liberty received state recognition and Hunter Ensley of Walter Johnson received state and grand recognition. 27 teachers were recognized for being Teachers of the Year, with Lisa Wall of Burke Middle College the overall Teacher of the Year for Burke County Public Schools. Continental was given special recognition for their support of BCPS. The company pledged $2500 for BCPS to start a robotics program.

A Hickory man pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by felon and selling marijuana, and admitted to habitual felon status during Catawba County Superior Court on Monday. 50-year-old Raymond Jerome Alford Jr was given a prison sentence of six to nine years. His sentence was enhanced by his habitual felon status, which included prior felony convictions for breaking/entering (November 1987) larceny after breaking and entering (June 1992) and obtaining property by false pretense (April 2002)
All those convictions were in Gaston County.

The Town of Drexel had a discharge of untreated wastewater from its collection system manhole located 1500 feet south of there and 524 Bryant Road lift station of an estimated 10,000 gallons. The untreated wastewater Sunday afternoon entered Secrets Creek of the Catawba River Basin. The discharge was caused by roots that had grown into the pipeline and caused a partial blockage. For more information contact Don Barker, water sewer supervisor at 828-443-8094.

Four new names were added Friday on the list of Burke County's Most Wanted.
1. 27-year-old Kyle Dean Houser of Valdese, wanted for (F) Flee to Elude Arrest with Motor Vehicle
2. 29-year-old Tashia May Reynolds of Hildebran, wanted for FTA on a Felony
3. 29-year-old Samuel Leonard Benge of Morganton, wanted for (F) Probation Violation
4. 29-year-old Britton Nicole Metcalf of Morganton, wanted for (F) Probation Violation
Anyone with information as to their whereabouts is urged to contact the Burke County Sheriff's Office at 828-438-5500 or admin@burkesheriff.org. To make an anonymous tip you can contact Morganton-Burke Crime Stoppers.

A Caldwell County man faces drug charges after a vehicle stop in McDowell County. The Sheriff's office reported Friday that 23-year-old Jakime Raheim Whiteside of Lenoir was charged with two counts of Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance and one count of Possession of Marijuana when Whiteside's vehicle was stopped about 4am May 14th on I-40. Whiteside was also wanted on outstanding warrants out of Buncombe and Caldwell counties.

Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina received a $100,000 grant to continue its work to protect the waters of the Catawba River basin in the Carolinas. The grant is part of the Water Resources Fund, a $10 million commitment from Duke Energy. Foothills Conservancy is one of 14 organizations across North and South Carolina to collectively receive more than $1 million in the fifth grant announcement.

Hickory Police arrest three people after receiving a call for service in reference to suspicious drug activity at 1440 11th Street NW. Officers responded about 11:15am Thursday and observed a vehicle leaving the area and conducted a traffic stop in the 1300 block of 12th Street Drive NW. The driver fled the scene and entered the residence at 1440 11th Street NW. Two people leaving the residence were arrested, Desiree Blake Icard, on an outstanding warrant for FTA on a Resisting Public Officer charge and Ricky Chang Lee, for outstanding warrants out of Iredell County. The driver, Joseph Cory Choate was and located in a bedroom in the residence and charged with Resisting Public Officer and served with additional outstanding warrants.

The Kelly Kincaid Memorial Bridge Dedication will take place this morning at 10 o'clock at Station 3 on Burkemont Avenue in Morganton. Following the ceremony the procession will leave Station 3, travel Fleming Drive, go past Government Drive, then proceed across the bridge at Exit 103 of I-40. Kincaid was a reserve firefighter for Morganton Department of Public Safety and a lieutenant for the Burke County Sheriff's Office. He suffered a fatal heart attack at the scene of a fire in Morganton on March 19th, 2006.

The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office will unveil a memorial to former deputy Adam W. Klutz on Sunday at 1:30pm. The memorial will be placed in front of the sheriff's office on Morganton Boulevard SW. Deputy Klutz was shot and killed in the line of duty on September 19, 2008, while responding to a domestic call. At 2pm, Sunday, the Annual Officer Down memorial Motorcycle Ride will begin at the Sheriff's office, cross the County and end for a brief ceremony at the County Officer Down Memorial at the Caldwell County Court House. All area motorcycle riders are invited to participate in the ride.

A Morganton man will spend 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to statutory rape. 24-year-old Pasqual Mendez alleged he was married to the 14-year-old female he is guilty of assaulting; saying he purchased her from Guatemala. Reports say officers from Morganton Public Safety responded to an assault call in May 2016; where they found the victim in the back yard crying - telling officers Mendez had hit and shoved her because she did not cook dinner. During a forensic interview with the Gingerbread House Advocacy Center, the victim told investigators that her mother and Mendez arranged the relationship; meeting Mendez for the first time when she arrived at the Charlotte airport. The victim also told officials she cooked, cleaned, and was forced into daily sexual activity with the defendant. A medical exam revealed she was pregnant. The victim remains in the custody of Burke County Social Services. Mendez will be required to register as a sex offender for 30 years.

This week is National Police Week. The calendar week in which May 15th falls was proclaimed by President Kennedy in 1962 and a joint resolution by Congress established National Police Week, which pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Hickory City Manager Warren Wood, presented his Fiscal Year 2017-2018 recommended budget at Tuesday night's City Council meeting. The recommended budget totals $95,696,964 for all City operations, capital improvements, and debt service requirements for the upcoming year. Hickory City Council will hold a public hearing on the FY 2017-2018 recommended budget on Tuesday, June 6th at 7pm during its' regular City Council meeting at the Julian G. Whitener Municipal Building in Council Chambers.

A Hickory man is charged with two counts of Trafficking Opium of Heroin. The Catawba County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday reports the arrest of 23-year-old Christopher Dalton Oberle. Bond was set at $100,000 with a court appearance scheduled for today.

A Burke County citizen was recognized with the Long Leaf Pine Award and commissioners voted in support of a firing range in Burke County in Tuesday night's regular Burke County Board of Commissioners meeting. Elsie Childers was recognized with the Long Leaf Pine Award, the most prestigious award for those who volunteer their service. Commissioner Wayne Abele presented the award to Childers also on behalf of Governor Cooper. Abele described Childers as a citizen who has dedicated life long service to the county and to others. Commissioners also voted in support of a firing range in Burke County. The resolution passed 4-1 despite community members public comments on not supporting the range. Commissioners made it clear that their support of the firing range would let the state know the county is in favor of the range but ultimately it will be the state's responsibility to decide when and where to place the range. The state has not finalized any plans for the range as of last night's meeting.

In their Tuesday night meeting, City Council voted unanimously to appoint Jeff Cline as Mayor of Hickory. With Mayor Wright's unexpected passing, City Council had to appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of the unexpired mayoral term. Mayor Pro-Tem Vernon Tarlton will continue all roles and responsibilities of the Office of Mayor until Cline is sworn in at the June 6th City Council meeting. An active community member, Cline served on the Hickory City Council from 1995-1999.

Drug charges lead to imprisonment for a Burke County woman. 45-year-old Kerri Elaine Giles will spend up to six years in prison from a 2015 drug-related charge. Giles pleaded guilty to trafficking and selling methamphetamine. Reports say undercover officers with the Catawba County Sheriff's Office arranged and made a purchase of meth from Giles. The next day, officers again made contact with Giles to purchase another controlled substance. Giles reportedly took payment, went to her drug store, picked up the meth, and has a third person deliver it to officers. Catawba County Narcotics Task Force handled the investigation.

A Nebo man currently jailed in McDowell County now faces an additional charge. 24-year-old Justin Carroll Gibson has been charged with malicious conduct by a prisoner after reportedly spitting on an officer. Reports say Gibson and another inmate were involved in a fight when officers were called to separate the pair. Following the altercation, Gibson reportedly spit toward the inmate he had been fighting with; but instead hit the officer.

Drug charges are filed on a Hickory man. Hickory Police this morning charged 27-year-old Antonio Carnell White with two cocaine offenses, along with 1 count each of Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Marijuana, Resisting a Public Officer and DWLR Not Impaired. Bond was set at $35,000 with a court appearance scheduled for today.

A Granite Falls resident faces multiple charges. The Catawba County Sheriff's Office reported Monday that 20-year-old Angel Ortiz-Ortega,Jr. was served BOI for Larceny by Employee, Possession of Stolen Goods and Obtain Property by False Pretense and FTA for Assault by Strangulation and Assault on a Female. Bond was set at $175,000.

The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office is seeking information about a missing person. Cambrian House was last seen leaving Reynolds High on Thursday. House is described as a white female, 6'2" about 230 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. She is known to frequent the Oakley, Fletcher and Candler areas. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office at 828-250-6670 or Crime Stoppers at 255-5050.

With Mayor Rudy Wright's unexpected passing, Hickory City Council must appoint a mayor who will serve for the remainder of his unexpired term. A new mayor will then be elected through the regularly scheduled mayoral election, which is set for November 7th. Currently, Mayor Pro-Tem Vernon Tarlton has assumed all roles and responsibilities of the Office of Mayor. City Council's decision regarding the mayoral appointment will take place in open session, although a date for the decision has not been confirmed. A celebration of Mayor Wright's life will be held this morning at 11 on Union Square Under the Sails.

Freedom senior Drew McRacken is one of 66 Morehead-Cain Scholars who will enter UNC-Chapel Hill this fall. The Morehead-Cain Foundation, home of the first merit scholarship program in the U.S., announced its class of 2021 last month. McRacken plans to study biomedicine and health science engineering.

A Silver Alert has been issued for a missing endangered man, Rodney Earl Macon, who was last ween at 935 Blowing Rock Boulevard in Lenoir. The Alert was issued about 9pm Sunday. Macon, 41, a black male is listed at 5'9", 130 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He is believed to be suffering from dementia or some or other cognitive impairment. Anyone with information about Rodney Earl Macon should call Lenoir Police at 828-757-2100.

Falling Creek Bridge in Hickory is currently closed to traffic due to a failure in the middle of the bridge. A detour route is set for 29th Avenue NE. The bridge will likely reopen later this week.

A Catawba County resident faces charges of attempted first degree murder. 3 warrants for arrest were served Friday by the Catawba County Sheriff's Office on 35-year-old Melissa Jo rector of Conover. Rector was also served a WFA for assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury. Bond was set at $375,000 with a court appearance scheduled for today.

Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright was found deceased at his home Thursday afternoon. According to Hickory City Manager Warren Wood, "While the Hickory Police Department is conducting an investigating an investigation, at this time there are no indications of suspicious circumstances. 10th District Congressman Patrick McHenry released a statement stating that "Mayor Wright was synonymous with Hickory. His tenure was marked by significant transformation in our area, throughout which Mayor Wright always remained the city's advocate and booster." Rudy Wright had served as Hickory's Mayor since 2001.

An estimated 900 cyclists will make their way through McDowell County Monday on their annual trek to the highest peak east of the Mississippi. It's called the 42nd "Assault on Mount Mitchell" and the 24th 'Assault on Marion' as cyclists converge on WNC. The event begins Monday around 9:30am, and McDowell law enforcement is urging drivers to use caution and exercise patience - stating there will be back-ups and stalled traffic at times. Officials say those riding in the Assault on Marion should be finished by 2:30; while those traveling onto Mt.Mitchell are usually out of the county by 5. Traffic control will be observed at several Marion intersections.

The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office is seeking a wanted man for breaking/entering & larceny. If you know the whereabouts of 33-year-old Joshua Cody Crump call the Sheriff's Office at 828-759-1554 or Caldwell County Crimestoppers at 828-758-8300 24/7.

A Morganton woman is charged with felony common law robbery. The Burke County Sheriff's Office on Thursday charged 24-year-old Crystal Nicole Connell. She was placed in the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility under a $20,000 secured bond with a District Court appearance scheduled for today.

The TGIF concert scheduled for tonight in Downtown Morganton, has been rescheduled for Friday August 4th, due to the weather forecast.

Some Burke County residents are receiving fraudulent calls. Reports from the Burke County Sheriff's Office states that the person calling identifies himself as Sargeant Jackson with the Burke Sheriff's Office. The caller reportedly instructs the citizen to go to CVS Pharmacy or Rite Aid to obtain green dot cards, or to provide their credit card information.The caller further tells the citizen the money is for missing jury duty. The sheriff's office reports this and any similar request is a scam.

A Marion man faces drug charges. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday reported that 25-year-old Anton Thomas Sluder was charged with possession of Sch I CS and possession of drug paraphernalia. On August 9 2016, the Sheriff's Office and U.S.Marshals searched Sluder's house who was wanted on probation violations from Buncombe County. He served his time before recently being charged with the drug offenses.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help in locating 15-year-old Justin Ryan Shoemake of Vale. He was last seen Tuesday at 10pm in Western Lincoln County. Shoemake told friends he was running away from home. His destination is unknown but he has family in Tennessee. Shoemake is described as a white male, 5" 120 pounds with blond hair and hazel eyes. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Shoemake is asked to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office at 704-732-9050.

A Burke County man is charged with trafficking methamphetamine. The Burke County Sheriff's Office reported Wednesday that 34-year-old Brandon Dale Christian of Morganton was charged with felony trafficking meth along with felony PWIMSD Sch VI and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond was set at $25,000 with a District Court appearance scheduled for Friday.

A Nebo man faces marijuana and weapon charges. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office Tuesday charged 21-year-old Jose Jovanny Camarena with 2 counts of possession of a concealed weapon and 1 count each of possession of marijuana and PWISD marijuana. 210 grams of marijuana were reportedly found in his vehicle after a traffic stop by the Highway Patrol on April 22nd, along with an assault rifle and handgun.

Numerous charges are filed on a Newton man after an arrest early this morning. Hickory Police charged 41-year-old Christopher David Leatherman with 7 offenses including, common law robbery, obtain property by false pretense, possession of stolen goods/property and breaking & or entering. Bond was set at $293,7000 with a court appearance scheduled for today.

Governor Cooper on Tuesday presented Medallion Awards for Volunteer Service to honorees at the State Capitol. Among the 22 Medallion Awards 1n 14 Categories:
Lifetime Achievement Category
* Becky Cross - McDowell Endowmwnt
Individual Volunteer Category
* Cindy Adkins - Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell
NC Heritage Volunteer Category
* Bob Wilson - Yancey History Association

Meth charges are placed on a Hickory man. Newton Police Tuesday charged 34-year-old Alex Steven Kiziah with OFA:BOI for felony possession/distribute meth precursor. Bond was set at $100,000 with a court appearance set for today.

In his budget proposal, Governor Cooper has allotted around $20 million in flexible funding for schools to hire additional instructional support personnel - teaching assistants, assistant principals, nurses, behavorial support staff and others. Area school district estimates:
Alexander County - $63,531
Avery County - $26,201
Burke County - $157,693
Caldwell County - $152,360
Catawba County - $210,996
Cleveland County - $190,605
Hickory City - $54,642
Lincoln County - $146,821
McDowell County - $79,722
Mitchell County - $23,830
Newton-Conover - $38,850
Watauga County - $57,644

A Lenoir man is sentenced to prison on drug charges. 41-year-old James Clifford Sharpe will serve five to seven years after pleading guilty to manufacturing methamphetamine. Reports state Caldwell officers received a tip in March 2016 that Sharpe was making meth a a Lenoir residence. Agents discovered various items associated with drug activity outside the residence, and additional evidence of the manufacture of meth inside the home. The SBI assisted in the investigation.

A Hickory man was given an active prison sentence of at least five years during Catawba County Superior Court on Monday. 25-year-old Nicholas Alexander Pittman pleaded guilty to first-degree burglary and second-degree kidnapping and was sentenced to five to seven years in custody.

A Vale man was given an active prison term of 15 to 20 years after pleading guilty Friday in Catawba County Superior Court, to a sexual offense involving a child. 26-year-old Thomas Eugene Smith was sentenced following his plea to statutory rape of a 13-year-old by a defendant at least 6 years older than the victime. In addition, Smith will be required to register as a sex offender as a sex offender for life and enroll in satellite-based monitoring for life.

Monday News

Headline: Burke’s Unemployment Rate Drops

Teaser: “How did Burke County’s unemployment numbers look in March?”

Story:

Burke County saw its unemployment fall again in March.

The county’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.4 percent for the month, down from 4.7 percent in February, according to information from the state’s department of commerce. Burke was one of 98 counties in North Carolina that saw rates decline in March.

Catawba County has had the same rate as Burke for the last two months.

The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton metropolitan statistical area also saw its rate drop from 4.7 percent in February to 4.4 percent in March. The Asheville metro also, again, led the way with the lowest unemployment rate at 3.9 percent, while Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 6.6 percent.

The government sector saw the largest job increase between February and March with a gain of 500 workers. The trade, transportation and utilities had a gain of 300 jobs, while the education and health services sector and the leisure and hospitality sector each added 100 jobs over the same period.

The manufacturing sector and the professional and business services sector each lost 100 jobs between February and March.The state unemployment rate for April is expected to be released Friday, May 19.

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Headline: Law Enforcement Torch Run

Teaser: “Local Law Enforcement and Gym Members raise awareness for Special Olympics by running over 22 miles”

Story:

Local law enforcement and gym members teamed up for this year’s Law Enforcement Torch Run from Downtown Morganton to the Hickory Police Department to raise awareness for the upcoming Special Olympics.

According to the Morganton News Herald, Officers with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Morganton Department of Public Safety, the Department of Corrections and members with Athletic Performance Lab and CrossFit gathered Friday morning at the Old Burke County Courthouse to participate in the Torch Run and carry the Flame of Hope, which represents Special Olympics, on a 22-mile run.

While the torch is making its way to Raleigh in the month of May, police agencies hold fundraisers to help support the Special Olympics. Morganton Department of Public Safety is selling Special Olympics T-shirts.

The N.C. Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised more than $31 million since 1987 according to their website.

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Headline: Relay for Life

Teaser: “Burke County hosts the annual Relay For Life over the weekend”

Story:

Despite the chilly conditions and rain showers, crowds turned out of the annual Relay for Life event for Burke County on Friday evening at Freedom High School to help raise money for cancer research.   The event also honors those who have been affected by all types of cancer.  This year’s event leaders have a goal of $100,000.00 to reach for cancer research.  Relay for Life has more than 4 million people in 20 different countries participating in the annual event.

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Headline: Color Burke!

Teaser: “Have you noticed painted rocks lying around with positive messages or paintings on them?  If so, you can join in on the fun by participating in the group called Color Burke on Facebook”

Story:

According to a local Facebook Group called “Color Burke!”  The challenge was created in hopes of spreading positive messages around Burke County. The idea is to paint a rock with whatever you choose. You can paint a picture, add a positive message or both. Paint the rock, write Color Burke on the back. CLEAR COAT and then "hide" the rock in plain sight on your daily path where it can be found and brighten another persons day.

The group says anyone can play along.. any age, any talent, just keep it "clean" and positive, no competition and be careful not to place rocks where people may trip or fall.

The group goes on to say:

If you find a rock, post a picture then re-"hide" it somewhere else. The This is fun for groups, family or just as one. Thanks to all that get involved and remember to have fun while we Color Burke.
Color Burke! will have a spirit night at Chick-fil-A on Burkemont Avenue this Thursday night from 5-8pm to raise money for the Mountain Crest Needy children fund.

In his budget proposal, Governor Cooper proposed giving teachers a direct annual stipend of $150 to offset out-of-pocket expenses for classroom supplies. Statewide, teachers would receive almost $13 million for classroom supplies, according to new district-by-district analysis released Thursday.
Estimated stipend in area school districts:
Alexander County - $44,741
Avery County - $23,125
Burke County - $108,198
Caldwell County - $110,747
Catawba County - $133,380
Cleveland County - $138,380
Hickory City - $37,413
Lincoln County - $117,791
McDowell County - $57,086
Mitchell County - $17,865
Newton-Conover - $25,898
Watauga County - $38,847

Foothills Conservancy of NC, based in Morganton, has added 259 acres in the Catawba River's headwaters near Old Fort. The property, known as the Sank Gap tract, adjoins Foothills Catawba Headwaters Preserve on two sides and conservancy-held conservation easement lands in the Creston Community on another. Foothills Conservancy plans to add the tract to its 1,592-acre Catawba Headwaters Preserve.

An Old Fort woman used stolen identities to set up utility service at a residence. 38-year-old Tomoka Shenee Young has been charged with three counts of identity theft after gaining access to personal records at a closed business in Rutherford County. McDowell officers say Young used the stolen identities to establish power at two separate residences; and telephone service at one of the homes.

Asheville Police continue to investigate an armed robbery at a Patton Avenue jewelry store. Three suspects Wednesday afternoon entered Spicer Greene Jewelers and displayed handguns. Reports say the suspects were in the store for less than 60 seconds, but mad off with $1 million in diamonds. The suspects, wearing full face motorcycle helmets, fled the scene on one white and two red off-road style motorcycles. Anyone with information is asked to contact Asheville Police at 828-252-1110 or Crime Stoppers at 828-255-5050.

The National Weather Service at GSP has confirmed that a tornado touched down in Catawba County earlier this week. Catawba County and State Emergency Management officials, along with the NWS surveyed the damage that occurred just SE of Newton Monday. They discovered many trees downed, uprooted, or snapped due to the storm. Officials say most building damage was caused by fallen trees; while roof, siding, and some window damge also occurred in the area. Reports say the NWS rdar indicated circulation in two places following damage reports by Catawba Emergency Management and eyewitness accounts. The EF-zero tornado touchdown damaged 5 structures; leaving two residences uninhabitable.

The March unemployment rate in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area was 4.4%, in Asheville 3.9%. Area county rates include Avery at 5.1%, Burke, Catawba & McDowell 4.4%, Caldwell 4.6 and Lincoln 4.2%. Buncombe County had the lowest unemployment rate in March at 3.7%.

In his budget proposal earlier this week, Governor Cooper proposed adding $15 million to the Smart Start program, a public private partnership focused on early childhood health and education. Additional funding allocated in some area counties include:
Alexander - $59,354
Burke - $207,204
Caldwell - $173,328
Catawba - $273,363
Lincoln/Gaston - $395,730
Watauga - $44,577

The City of Morganton wants the public's input on parks and recreation programs. There will be a Pop-Up Event on the Greenway Saturday, May 13th, from 9-Noon, and Wednesday May 17th, staff will be at 116 West Union Street. The public can drop by and give input on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and the Downtown Master Plan. There will be a Public Input/Steering Committee meeting Thursday June 8th, at 6PM at the Mountain View Recreation Center, and staff also plan to have a booth at the July 4th Independence Day Celebration at Catawba Meadows Park where citizens can provide input and fill out a survey.

Piedmont Pathology in Hickory has agreed to pay the United States $601,000 to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for medically unnecessary procedures. U.S.Attorney Jill Westmoreland Rose made the announcement Tuesday. The allegations rose from a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower, Dr. Kim Geisinger (The Realtor), under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. Dr. Geisinger is a pathologist who formerly worked for Piedmont pathology. Under the False Claims Act, private citizens can bring suit on behalf of the government for false claims and share in any recovery. Geisiner will receive about $120,000 from the recovery announced yesterday.

A Granite Falls man was given an active prison sentence after pleading guilty Friday in Caldwell County Superior Court, to felony larceny, felony hit and run, and admitting his status as a habitual felon. 33-year-old Eric James Haas, was given a three-year sentence for a DWI plea. That sentence will be served concurrent to his term of five to seven years and carries a mandatory $10,000 fine. Haas' sentence was enhanced by his habitual felon status that included prior felony convictions in Caldwell County in 2006 and 2007 and Catawba County in 2013.

A Marion suspect leaves his name at the scene of a break-in. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office reported Tuesday the charge of breaking & entering against 30-year-old Jonathan Troy Lewis. Deputies responded March 26th to a break-in at the West Cascade Drive home of Birt Davis. Davis told deputies that he was inside the residence when a man through a window and entered. Davis grabbed his handgun and pointed it at the suspect, who jumped out the same window. The suspec, Lewis, was hit in the leg and taken by friends to Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory. He told detectives that he shot himself. Deputies found a shoe at the scene of the break-in with "Jon Lewis" written on the bottom.

Hickory City County Tuesday night recognized newly-appointed Public Services, Kevin Greer, who was appointed after serving as interim Director since January. Three citizens addressed City Council about food cart concerns proposed at several city parks. Later Parks and Recreation Director Mac McCloud explained guidlines in consideration of allowing mobile food vendors to operate in certain city parks. McCloud referenced the different types of vendors and where they will be allowed to sell food in the designated city parks.

The WPCC Outstanding Alumnus Award was presented and council agreed to join with Burke County into entering a grant agreement for Continental Automotive System in Monday night's regular Morganton City Council meeting. Council approved unanimously to join Burke County in entering into a grant agreement for Continental Automotive System in Monday night's regular Morganton City Council meeting. Council approved unanimously to join Burke County in entering into an economic development incentive grant agreement with Continental Automotive Systems. The Morganton company will expand their facility to include doing new generation braking systems for vehicles and estimates a capital investment of at least $41 million. Continental also projects 160 new full time jobs. Each year the Western Piedmont Foundation recognizes an alumnus for their talents in advancing the mission and goals of the college. Joseph Michael Chapman was awarded the the Western Piedmont Outstanding Alumnus by President Dr. Michael Helmick. Chapman received his certificate in Criminal Justice and Associates Degree in Accounting from WPCC. He also earned his bachelors from Gardner Webb and is currently working on his MBA. Helmick described Chapman as someone who was active in clubs and activities on campus, a former employee and volunteer of WPCC. This is the 27th Outstanding Alumnus Award presented. Before the session adjourned, Councilman Sydney Simmons made a motion to get rid of the $20 vehicle registration tax fee. Council voted unanimously to table the motion until the next regular session meeting.

An illegal substance was discovered in a federal probationer's vehicle in McDowell County. 44-year-old Danny Lee Hall of Nebo was charged with possession of methamphetamine, PWIDS meth and maintaining a vehicle to keep a controlled substance. Officers with Marion Police, McDowell Sheriff's Office, and federal probation officers searched Hall's residence and vehicle. 1.4 grams of meth was found in Hall's car. Hall was reportedly on federal probation and is subject to warrantless searches.

25th District Attorney David Learner announced Monday during Catawba County Superior Court that the State will seek the death penalty in the triple homicide case against two Hickory men, 23-year-old Dontray Tyrell Cumberlander and 23-year-old Greydon Keith Hansen. Both men are charged with three counts of counts of murder in the April 7th shooting deaths, outside a Hickory pub, of Justin Michael Aiken, Cody Manood Bouphavong, Quajuae Alexus Kennedy, all 21.