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.