Two names were added Friday to the list of Burke County's Most Wanted:
28-year-old Justin Wayne Singleton AKA Jonathan Howell of Valdese, with an active bond but released from Ashe County.
21-year-old Allayah Danielle Ridings AKA Allayah Danielle Ray of Granite Falls, charged with Felony Larceny of Motor Vehicle.
Anyone with information as to their whereabouts is urged to call the Burke County Sheriff's Office at 438-5500, or Morganton-Burke CrimeStoppers at 437-3333.
The body of a missing Mills River man has been found. According to News 13, the body of 68-year-old Thomas Bryson was located Sunday night in Buncombe County. An autopsy will be conducted and murder charges will be sought against Phillip Stroup II. He is the Burnsville suspect who led authorities on an almost weeklong manhunt, who also made his first court appearance Friday in McDowell County. Stroupe was captured Thursday morning in the PG area while driving Bryson's vehicle. Stroupe's bond was set at $2 million dollars. On Saturday in Buncombe County, three people were charged with assisting Stroupe to evade apprehension. They include 45-year-old Frederick Aurther Badgero,Jr. of Nebo, 40-year-old Jennifer Elaine Hawkins and 23-year-old Larry Jay Hawkins,III both of Barnardsville. They were charged with felony harboring escapee.
Sheriff Alan Jones received a service award last week for significant contributions and ten years of dedication and service as Sheriff to the State of North Carolina and the citizens of Caldwell County. The award was given at the 95th annual Training Conference at the Sea Trail Convention Center in Sunset Beach.
Today, the City of Lenoir will be changing out the master water meter on 321-A, close to the Sawmills Fire Department. The work will continue all day and may go into Tuesday. Caldwell County water customers in the Hudson area may experience low pressure during this period of time and those higher elevated homes may experience less water pressure than other areas.
Monday, July 31, 2017
Thursday, July 27, 2017
A search that has spanned for almost a week in Transylvania County, ends with the overnight arrest of the suspect in McDowell County. According to News 13, Phillip Michael Stroupe II was taken into custody. He had been wanted since Saturday, when he fled into the Pisgah National Forest after leading officers on a chase. Stroupe has numerous charges from multiple counties, including McDowell, Yancey, Buncombe and Madison.
A Hickory man pleaded guilty to first-degree murder during Catawba County Superior Court on Wednesday, and will spend the remainder of his life in prison. 34-year-old Micky Lee Swink entered his guilty plea for the October 31st murder of his 66-year-old great aunt Patricia Diane Swink at her Hickory residence. A co-defendant in the case, 50-year-old Tina Louise Swink of Hildebran, Micky Swink's mother, still faces murder charges in connection with Patricia Swink's death.
The City of Morganton announces available funding for non-profit organizations for the new fiscal year. Through the Community Development Block Grant program, the City of Morganton has $21,980 available for qualifying non-profits. The non-profits must conduct activities to benefit low and moderate-income individuals within the city limits of Morganton. Non-profits that have not received funding for the past two consecutive years will be given priority for current funding. The Community Development staff wants to make these funds available to all qualified non-profits. Those interested in submitting an application for funding should contact Lisa Helton at 485-4281.
A man is wanted for questioning in McDowell County in connection with church break-ins. 26-year-old Adam Keith Rumfelt is described as a white male, 6'3", 260 pounds with short brown hair and green eyes. No charges have been filed on Rumfelt, but he is wanted for questioning. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Rumfelt is asked to call the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 652-2237 or Crime Stoppers at 652-7463.
A Hickory man pleaded guilty to first-degree murder during Catawba County Superior Court on Wednesday, and will spend the remainder of his life in prison. 34-year-old Micky Lee Swink entered his guilty plea for the October 31st murder of his 66-year-old great aunt Patricia Diane Swink at her Hickory residence. A co-defendant in the case, 50-year-old Tina Louise Swink of Hildebran, Micky Swink's mother, still faces murder charges in connection with Patricia Swink's death.
The City of Morganton announces available funding for non-profit organizations for the new fiscal year. Through the Community Development Block Grant program, the City of Morganton has $21,980 available for qualifying non-profits. The non-profits must conduct activities to benefit low and moderate-income individuals within the city limits of Morganton. Non-profits that have not received funding for the past two consecutive years will be given priority for current funding. The Community Development staff wants to make these funds available to all qualified non-profits. Those interested in submitting an application for funding should contact Lisa Helton at 485-4281.
A man is wanted for questioning in McDowell County in connection with church break-ins. 26-year-old Adam Keith Rumfelt is described as a white male, 6'3", 260 pounds with short brown hair and green eyes. No charges have been filed on Rumfelt, but he is wanted for questioning. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Rumfelt is asked to call the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 652-2237 or Crime Stoppers at 652-7463.
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Two names were added Friday to the list of Burke County's Most Wanted.
39-year-old Forrest Henry Mask,Jr. of Granite Falls
36-year-old Douglas Lee Edwards of Morganton
Anyone with information as to their whereabouts is urged to contact the Burke County Sheriff's Office at 438-5500 or CrimeStoppers at 437-3333.
Authorities are searching for a missing McDowell County woman. Law enforcement officers in McDowell County need the public's assistance in locating 52-year-old Mary Margaret hardenburg, who left her Old Fort residence July 16th and hasn't been seen since. Her sister reported her missing on July 20th. Hardenburg is described as a white female, 5' 8", 130 pounds with blond hair and green eyes. She is driving a silver 2002 Buick LaSabre with NC tag BMT-7009. Anyone with information about Hardenburg's whereabouts should call the McDowell Sheriff's office at 652-2235.
A Granite Falls woman is charged with identity theft. On July 11th, the Burke County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division began investigating several reports of larceny of mail and identity theft across Burke County. On July 19th, 32-year-old Summer Michelle Coleman was arrested and placed in the Burke/Catawba District Confinement Facility under a $90,000 secured bond. This investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.
Alexander County authorities are searching for a man wanted for several local charges and out of state warrants. The Sheriff's Office and Taylorsville Police are seeking 32-year-old Scotty R. Robertson, described as a white male 6', 140-150 pounds with blue eyes, brown hair and a scruffy beard. He was last seen in the area behind WalMart, west of Paul Payne Store Road. Anyone with information should call 911, or Alexander County Crime Stoppers at 828-632-8555 and use extreme caution.
39-year-old Forrest Henry Mask,Jr. of Granite Falls
36-year-old Douglas Lee Edwards of Morganton
Anyone with information as to their whereabouts is urged to contact the Burke County Sheriff's Office at 438-5500 or CrimeStoppers at 437-3333.
Authorities are searching for a missing McDowell County woman. Law enforcement officers in McDowell County need the public's assistance in locating 52-year-old Mary Margaret hardenburg, who left her Old Fort residence July 16th and hasn't been seen since. Her sister reported her missing on July 20th. Hardenburg is described as a white female, 5' 8", 130 pounds with blond hair and green eyes. She is driving a silver 2002 Buick LaSabre with NC tag BMT-7009. Anyone with information about Hardenburg's whereabouts should call the McDowell Sheriff's office at 652-2235.
A Granite Falls woman is charged with identity theft. On July 11th, the Burke County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division began investigating several reports of larceny of mail and identity theft across Burke County. On July 19th, 32-year-old Summer Michelle Coleman was arrested and placed in the Burke/Catawba District Confinement Facility under a $90,000 secured bond. This investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.
Alexander County authorities are searching for a man wanted for several local charges and out of state warrants. The Sheriff's Office and Taylorsville Police are seeking 32-year-old Scotty R. Robertson, described as a white male 6', 140-150 pounds with blue eyes, brown hair and a scruffy beard. He was last seen in the area behind WalMart, west of Paul Payne Store Road. Anyone with information should call 911, or Alexander County Crime Stoppers at 828-632-8555 and use extreme caution.
Monday, July 24, 2017
A teenager was killed and another teenager was critically injured after their 4-wheeler was struck by an SUV. According to the Morganton News Herald, 61-year-old Steve Edward Carroll of Connelly Springs, was driving on Baptist Camp Road, when his vehicle hit a 4-wheeler carrying 14-year-old Jacob Wright and 13-year-old Logan Duran. The State Highway Patrol told the News Herald that Wright died at the scene and Duran was taken by helicopter to a Charlotte hospital. Carroll faces seen charges in relation to the accident.
The Granite Falls fire at the Old Shuford Mills plant Friday destroyed 3 apartments in the plant. In the Saturday update from Caldwell County Public Information, there were 5 businesses in the building and 250 storage units in the plant, all rented. There is no estimate of damage to the building or contents of the storage units, as of Saturday. Firefighters were able to save five buildings that surround the warehouse. Fire crews continue to monitor this week until the interior burns itself out.
Filing ended Friday at the Burke County Board of Elections Office. 4 candidates filed Friday:
Terry Childers - Connelly Springs Alderman
David Webb - Glen Alpine Alderman
Richard Honeycutt - Hildebran Council
Kress Berry - Rutherford College Council
Per authority of DOT District 11 Supervisor David Poindexter, the bridge on Rocky Road in the Gamewell Community is open. The bridge reportedly passed inspections Friday and is open to traffic. All questions should be referred to NCDOT.
The Granite Falls fire at the Old Shuford Mills plant Friday destroyed 3 apartments in the plant. In the Saturday update from Caldwell County Public Information, there were 5 businesses in the building and 250 storage units in the plant, all rented. There is no estimate of damage to the building or contents of the storage units, as of Saturday. Firefighters were able to save five buildings that surround the warehouse. Fire crews continue to monitor this week until the interior burns itself out.
Filing ended Friday at the Burke County Board of Elections Office. 4 candidates filed Friday:
Terry Childers - Connelly Springs Alderman
David Webb - Glen Alpine Alderman
Richard Honeycutt - Hildebran Council
Kress Berry - Rutherford College Council
Per authority of DOT District 11 Supervisor David Poindexter, the bridge on Rocky Road in the Gamewell Community is open. The bridge reportedly passed inspections Friday and is open to traffic. All questions should be referred to NCDOT.
Friday, July 21, 2017
Friday News
Friday News
Headline: 5 People Arrested in a Prostitution Sting in Hickory
Complaints and concerns from the community led Hickory Police, along with several other agencies to conduct an undercover prostitution sting operation in the area of 11th Avenue SW and South Center Street in Hickory on Wednesday.
Mary Pearson Whisnant, Tajuana Shamika Young, Jamie Leigh Crawford, Angela Hope Burgess and Lillian Vanessa Meeks were all arrested and charged with the associated crimes. Hickory Police said more operations could be taking place in the near future. Agencies involved in the arrests include Narcotics Investigators from Hickory Police Department, along with Conover and Newton Police Departments.
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Headline: A local park will be closed for repairs
(WMNC’s Lisa Propst has details)
Martha’s Park in downtown Morganton will be closed Monday through Wednesday next week while city workers make repairs to the splash pad. The entire park, along with the splash pad will be closed while the repairs are taking place.
According to Parks and Recreation Director Rob Winkler, there’s a leak somewhere under the pad and crews will have to do some excavation to locate the leak.
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Headline: Two more candidates file for office yesterday, One for Mayor of Glen Alpine, another for Glen Alpine Alderman
The Burke County Board of Elections reports Bob Benfield filed for Mayor of Glen Alpine and Shelia Perkins filed for Glen Alpine Alderman yesterday.
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Headline: Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office reports several drug arrests
Anthony Wayne Brown, 33 of Hickory and Sabrina Michelle Brown, 39 of Newton were charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine following a report of a suspicious vehicle at the Market Basket on Highway 321 in Hudson.
According to reports, deputies located 92 grams of meth inside their vehicle.
Both suspects are being held under a $50,000 secured bond pending their court date.
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Headline: Hot and Humid Conditions can be Dangerous
With this week’s temperatures in the mid-to-upper 90’s the heat can be dangerous and even deadly. Not only do these conditions create the potential for fire, they can also create a deadly environment for both pets and people in places such as vehicles. With temperatures in the mid 90’s this weekend, take a few extra minutes to double check your vehicle and other areas that may not have air conditioning. Plan indoor activities that limit exposure to the heat and stay well hydrated. Some signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Confusion.
- Dizziness.
- Fainting.
- Fatigue.
- Headaches.
- Muscle or abdominal cramps.
Heat exhaustion in pets can include:
- Panting.
- Dehydration.
- Reddened gums and rapid heart rate.
Animal control officers, along with concerned citizens will be checking parking lots and other areas where animals are often negligently locked in vehicles.. Even with the windows partially down, temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes so if you’re planning to run errands, a pet, or even a child left unattended in a vehicle can lead to disaster and legal consequences.
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Wednesday News
Headline: 2 people are fatally injured following a crash on US 226
2 people are dead and one in serious condition after a crash on US 226 just after 1pm yesterday.
According to Sgt J.E. Reid with highway patrol reports that a dump truck traveling south down the hill on 226 appeared to be speeding. Reid said truck driver, Tony Frye, of Hickory, was left of center, when his truck overturned onto a small car that was traveling north.
A passenger in the car, 15 year old Julie Turpin of Burke County died in the collision, along with the truck driver. The driver of the car was airlifted to Mission hospital in serious condition. Julie’s friends remember the Patton High School student as a nice, upbeat friend to many that enjoyed singing in the chorus and hanging out with friends and family.
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Headline: 2 candidates file for office on Tuesday
Michelle Lewis filed for Town of Glen Alpine Alderman and Nathan Chapman filed for City of Morganton Council District #3
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Headline: Morganton Public Safety Summer Camp
Morganton Public Safety Officers embark upon a week-long summer camp with students from Mountain Crest and Forest Hill. With support from the City and other private individuals and businesses; Operation Safe Haven has been pairing officers with rising 6th graders to make a positive influence on kids and instill the anti-drug messages taught in the classroom. This week, Operation Safe Haven kids participate in daily activities.. From riding go-carts to roller coasters and even a community service project. Operation Safe Haven is in its 30th year of making positive connections in the community.
Monday, July 17, 2017
One of Burke County's Most Wanted has been apprehended. On Tuesday, the Burke County Sheriff's Office received a Crimestoppers tip regarding the location of 41-year-old Travis Stuart Propst of Morganton, who had been on the Most Wanted list for 34 weeks. Propst was taken into custody by the Sheriff's Office without incident. He was charged with Felony Assault Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury and Felony Assault by Strangulation. Propst was placed in the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility under a $10,000 secured bond.
Candidates that filed Friday at the Burke County Board of Elections Office include:
Board of Education-Western District - Ty Chapman
Town of Rhodhiss Mayor - Ricky Justice
Rhodhiss Town Commissioner - Mike Phillips
Filing continues through Noon Friday.
McDowell County deputies need the public's help in locating a suspect who set fire to a Marion home July 9th. A resident of Stroud Street reported to officers he took his dogs outside for a walk and returned to discover smoke coming from the front window of his home. He also found his basement door in flames; but was able to extinguish the blaze. Anyone with information about the incident or suspect is urged to contact the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 652-2237.
Hickory firefighters battle three fires Sunday afternoon, over a four-hour period. The first fire just before 2:00, occurred at the Side Pocket Lounge 2040 12th Avenue NE. No injuries and damages were considered major. Investigators determined the fire was accidental and the cause was electrical related. The second fire occurred at Sherrill Furniture 2405 Highland Avenue NE, where damages were considered minor. The third fire happened at a residence on 41 14th Street SE, where firefighters were able to rescue one person, who was transported to a local hospital by Catawba County EMS for possible smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported and damages were considered minor. Investigators are looking into the cause of the fire.
Candidates that filed Friday at the Burke County Board of Elections Office include:
Board of Education-Western District - Ty Chapman
Town of Rhodhiss Mayor - Ricky Justice
Rhodhiss Town Commissioner - Mike Phillips
Filing continues through Noon Friday.
McDowell County deputies need the public's help in locating a suspect who set fire to a Marion home July 9th. A resident of Stroud Street reported to officers he took his dogs outside for a walk and returned to discover smoke coming from the front window of his home. He also found his basement door in flames; but was able to extinguish the blaze. Anyone with information about the incident or suspect is urged to contact the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 652-2237.
Hickory firefighters battle three fires Sunday afternoon, over a four-hour period. The first fire just before 2:00, occurred at the Side Pocket Lounge 2040 12th Avenue NE. No injuries and damages were considered major. Investigators determined the fire was accidental and the cause was electrical related. The second fire occurred at Sherrill Furniture 2405 Highland Avenue NE, where damages were considered minor. The third fire happened at a residence on 41 14th Street SE, where firefighters were able to rescue one person, who was transported to a local hospital by Catawba County EMS for possible smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported and damages were considered minor. Investigators are looking into the cause of the fire.
Friday, July 14, 2017
Authorities are seeking a suspect wanted in connection with the robbery of a Hickory business. A clerk at the Speedway Convenience Store US 70 Hickory reported a suspect demanded money while holding him at gunpoint late Wednesday. Hickory Police reports the suspect took the money and left the store taking the clerk's vehicle. The suspect is described as a black male, 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing about 185 pounds. He was wearing a black plastic mask, a black hoodie, dark blue long shorts, black shoes and was carrying a black handgun. The stolen vehicle was located a shot time later abandoned. Anyone with information about the on-going investigation is encouraged to call Hickory Police at 328-5551.
Four filings were received Thursday at the Burke County Board of Elections Office:
Glen Alpine Alderman - Gary Meise & Tim Suttles
Morganton City Council District 3 - Chris Hawkins
Morganton City Council District 4 - Artie Mae McKesson-Logan
Filing continues through noon Friday July 21st.
Four filings were received Thursday at the Burke County Board of Elections Office:
Glen Alpine Alderman - Gary Meise & Tim Suttles
Morganton City Council District 3 - Chris Hawkins
Morganton City Council District 4 - Artie Mae McKesson-Logan
Filing continues through noon Friday July 21st.
Thursday, July 13, 2017
A wreck near Lake James has claimed the life of a Valdese woman. 19-year-old Chelsea Buchanan died at the scene of the single vehicle accident about 5:30am Wednesday, in the East Shores development. According to the Morganton News Herald, Buchanan's car was traveling over 70mph in a 25 mph zone, when the vehicle struck a tree on Waterford Way. The State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Burke County Sheriff's Office and Lake James Fire and Rescue.
Three candidates filed Wednesday with the Burke County Board of Elections Office:
Drexel Alderman - Carroll Franklin
Valdese Council Ward 3 - Roy Sweezy
Morganton Council District 3 - Joseph Mull
Filing continues through noon Friday July 21st.
Three candidates filed Wednesday with the Burke County Board of Elections Office:
Drexel Alderman - Carroll Franklin
Valdese Council Ward 3 - Roy Sweezy
Morganton Council District 3 - Joseph Mull
Filing continues through noon Friday July 21st.
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Five additional filings reported Tuesday at the Burke County Board of Elections Office:
Board of Education - Western District - Herbert McDowell
Town of Drexel Alderman - Richard McCall
Town of Glen Alpine Mayor - Danny Warlick
Town of Hildebran Mayor - Virginia "Jennie" Cook
Town of Valdese Council Ward 1 - Gary Delp
Filing continues through Noon Friday July 21st.
A Catawba County man is sentenced to 20 years on child pornography charges. The announcement was made Tuesday by Jill Westmoreland Rose, U.S.Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. 25-year-old Nathan Matthew Jennings-Townsend of Newton was sentenced in U.S.District Court in Statesville to 240 months in prison. He also was ordered to serve a lifetime of supervised release and to register as a sex offender.
A motorcylist was killed Tuesday near Lake Tahoma in McDowell County. According to News 13, the accident occurred about noon when the motorcylist on Highway 80 crossed the center line in a blind curve and hit a pickup, causing the motorcylist to be pinned underneath the truck. WLOS reported that the motorcylist died at the scene.
The State Bureau of Investigation has learned that the SBI's main phone number 919-662-4500, is being used in a scam asking for money. The public should know that the SBI would never solicit money from a private citizen, according to a news release from the SBI. "Unfortunately there is no way to prevent spoofing of a phone number," said SBI Assistant Director Chris Laws who oversees the agency's Information Technology section. "In the event you receive such a call, simply hang up."
Board of Education - Western District - Herbert McDowell
Town of Drexel Alderman - Richard McCall
Town of Glen Alpine Mayor - Danny Warlick
Town of Hildebran Mayor - Virginia "Jennie" Cook
Town of Valdese Council Ward 1 - Gary Delp
Filing continues through Noon Friday July 21st.
A Catawba County man is sentenced to 20 years on child pornography charges. The announcement was made Tuesday by Jill Westmoreland Rose, U.S.Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. 25-year-old Nathan Matthew Jennings-Townsend of Newton was sentenced in U.S.District Court in Statesville to 240 months in prison. He also was ordered to serve a lifetime of supervised release and to register as a sex offender.
A motorcylist was killed Tuesday near Lake Tahoma in McDowell County. According to News 13, the accident occurred about noon when the motorcylist on Highway 80 crossed the center line in a blind curve and hit a pickup, causing the motorcylist to be pinned underneath the truck. WLOS reported that the motorcylist died at the scene.
The State Bureau of Investigation has learned that the SBI's main phone number 919-662-4500, is being used in a scam asking for money. The public should know that the SBI would never solicit money from a private citizen, according to a news release from the SBI. "Unfortunately there is no way to prevent spoofing of a phone number," said SBI Assistant Director Chris Laws who oversees the agency's Information Technology section. "In the event you receive such a call, simply hang up."
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Additional filings Monday at the Burke County Board of Elections Office:
Town of Hildebran Council Member - Michael Cole Herrell & Michael Dean Smith
Town of Longview Alderman Ward 5 - Phyllis D. Pennington
Town of Rutherford College Mayor - Gary Berry McClure
Filing continues through Noon Friday July 21st.
Three names were added Friday to the list of Burke County's Most Wanted:
24-year-old Stevenson Eugene Clark of Hickory
36-year-old Rebecca Allendria McCloud of Hickory
26-year-old Matthew Eugene South of Morganton
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Clark, McCloud or South is asked to contact the Burke County Sheriff's Office at 438-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 437-3333.
A Granite Falls woman charged with the murder of her infant son had been receiving in-home assistance from the local social services department. A press release issued by the Caldwell County Department of Social Services states the agency received a child protective services report regarding Rodney Lee Brewer, Jr. on January 4th - nearly 6 months prior to the infant's death. The report alleged improper medical and remedial care of the child. Brewer's mother, Heather Ray Brewer has been charged with second-degree murder. The social services' release states upon completion of a home assessment, it was determined in-home services were needed in order to ensure continued compliance with medical and developmental services for the child. The assessment included visits to the home, face to face interviews with household members, and contact with relatives, physicians, and the review of criminal and law enforcement records. Caldwell Social Services reportedly had no contact with the family prior to January's report. Brewer remains jailed under a $1,000,000 bond.
A Marion man is charged with second degree murder. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office reported on Monday that 27-year-old Shane Allen Parker sold heroin and fentanyl to 22-year-old Sydney dara Nanney, who died February 2nd from an apparent drug overdose. Parker was also recently charged with heroin offenses after McDowell Sheriff's deputies and NC Probation and Parole officers conducted a search of his residence.
Town of Hildebran Council Member - Michael Cole Herrell & Michael Dean Smith
Town of Longview Alderman Ward 5 - Phyllis D. Pennington
Town of Rutherford College Mayor - Gary Berry McClure
Filing continues through Noon Friday July 21st.
Three names were added Friday to the list of Burke County's Most Wanted:
24-year-old Stevenson Eugene Clark of Hickory
36-year-old Rebecca Allendria McCloud of Hickory
26-year-old Matthew Eugene South of Morganton
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Clark, McCloud or South is asked to contact the Burke County Sheriff's Office at 438-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 437-3333.
A Granite Falls woman charged with the murder of her infant son had been receiving in-home assistance from the local social services department. A press release issued by the Caldwell County Department of Social Services states the agency received a child protective services report regarding Rodney Lee Brewer, Jr. on January 4th - nearly 6 months prior to the infant's death. The report alleged improper medical and remedial care of the child. Brewer's mother, Heather Ray Brewer has been charged with second-degree murder. The social services' release states upon completion of a home assessment, it was determined in-home services were needed in order to ensure continued compliance with medical and developmental services for the child. The assessment included visits to the home, face to face interviews with household members, and contact with relatives, physicians, and the review of criminal and law enforcement records. Caldwell Social Services reportedly had no contact with the family prior to January's report. Brewer remains jailed under a $1,000,000 bond.
A Marion man is charged with second degree murder. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office reported on Monday that 27-year-old Shane Allen Parker sold heroin and fentanyl to 22-year-old Sydney dara Nanney, who died February 2nd from an apparent drug overdose. Parker was also recently charged with heroin offenses after McDowell Sheriff's deputies and NC Probation and Parole officers conducted a search of his residence.
Monday, July 10, 2017
Burke County Board of Election filings on Friday:
County Board of Education Central District - Buddy Armour
County Board of Education Eastern District - Sam Wilkinson
County Board of Eduation Western District - Seth P. Hunt, Jr.
Town of Connelly Springs Mayor - Johnny E. Berry
Town of Drexel Alderman - Dennis Anthony
Town of Drexel Mayor - Danny Ritchie
Town of Glen Alpine Alderman - Josh Angley
Town of Hildebran Mayor - Wendell Hildebrand
Town of Hildebran Council Member - Karen C. Robinson
Town of Longview Alderman Ward 5 - Dallas B. Tester
Town of Rutherford College Council Member - Bill Satterwhite
Town of Valdese Council Member Ward 2 - Susan Stevenson
City of Morganton Council Member District 3 - Phillip Hennessee
City of Morganton Council Member District 4 - John W. Henry & Wendy Cato
Filings continue through Noon Friday July 21st.
County Board of Education Central District - Buddy Armour
County Board of Education Eastern District - Sam Wilkinson
County Board of Eduation Western District - Seth P. Hunt, Jr.
Town of Connelly Springs Mayor - Johnny E. Berry
Town of Drexel Alderman - Dennis Anthony
Town of Drexel Mayor - Danny Ritchie
Town of Glen Alpine Alderman - Josh Angley
Town of Hildebran Mayor - Wendell Hildebrand
Town of Hildebran Council Member - Karen C. Robinson
Town of Longview Alderman Ward 5 - Dallas B. Tester
Town of Rutherford College Council Member - Bill Satterwhite
Town of Valdese Council Member Ward 2 - Susan Stevenson
City of Morganton Council Member District 3 - Phillip Hennessee
City of Morganton Council Member District 4 - John W. Henry & Wendy Cato
Filings continue through Noon Friday July 21st.
Friday, July 7, 2017
Two of Burke County's Most Wanted were taken into custody this week. On Wednesday, 29-year-old Eric Seth Adams of Charlotte turned himself in to the Burke County Sheriff's Office, after being on the Most Wanted list for 73 weeks. Yesterday, the Sheriff's Office received a Crimestoppers tip regarding the location of 34-year-old Kristopher Keith Childers, who had been on the Most Wanted list for about 4 weeks. Officers located Childers at a Moon Valley Court Morganton residence. He faces multiple charges, including Felony Probation Violation on Habitual Felon Status. Another person at the home, 39-year-old Elizabeth Chaney Stilwell was charged with Misdemeanor Resisting a Public Officer. Burke County DSS was contacted in reference to a small child who was inside the residence. Burke County Adult Probation and Parole assisted the Sheriff's Office in the case.
Two more mid-level dealers wanted in a massive drug conspiracy were arrested last week. According to information released Thursday, by the McDowell County Sheriff's Office, 35-year-old Oakley Lynn Sparks of Marion was arrested June 29th in Myrtle Beach and 37-year-old Kelsey England of Claremont was taken into custody on June 30th in Hickory. Still wanted are 35-year-old Dwayne Bullock of Newton, 40-year-old Evan Saunders Lipford of Morganton and 66-year-old William Jackie Pearson of Morganton. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Bullock, Lipford or Pearson is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at 652-2235 or Crime Stoppers at 652-7463.
Candidate filing for local elections begins at noon today and continues through noon Friday July 21. Candidates for local office must file notices or candidacy with the proper county board of elections to be listed on ballots in the primary or general elections. Candidates must be at least 21 and must live and be registered in the electoral district for the office being sought. Voters must be registered 25 days before an election to vote on Election Day
Two more mid-level dealers wanted in a massive drug conspiracy were arrested last week. According to information released Thursday, by the McDowell County Sheriff's Office, 35-year-old Oakley Lynn Sparks of Marion was arrested June 29th in Myrtle Beach and 37-year-old Kelsey England of Claremont was taken into custody on June 30th in Hickory. Still wanted are 35-year-old Dwayne Bullock of Newton, 40-year-old Evan Saunders Lipford of Morganton and 66-year-old William Jackie Pearson of Morganton. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Bullock, Lipford or Pearson is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at 652-2235 or Crime Stoppers at 652-7463.
Candidate filing for local elections begins at noon today and continues through noon Friday July 21. Candidates for local office must file notices or candidacy with the proper county board of elections to be listed on ballots in the primary or general elections. Candidates must be at least 21 and must live and be registered in the electoral district for the office being sought. Voters must be registered 25 days before an election to vote on Election Day
Thursday, July 6, 2017
A Marion couple is charged with trafficking heroin. 23-year-old Natasha Leann Brooks and 27-year-old Shane Allen Parker have been charged with trafficking heroin and possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin. A search of their residence conducted by McDowell County Sheriff's deputies and state Probation and Parole officers turned up more than 5 grams of a white powdery substance. reports say investigators later identified the powder as being heroin.
Sutter Street Manufacturing, a Williams-Sonama, Inc. operation plans to create 72 new jobs with an expansion in Catawba County. The announcement was made Wednesday by Governor Roy Cooper. Sutter Street Manufacturing produces top-quality upholstered home furnishings for Williams-Sonoma through brands like Pottery Barn, West Elm and Williams-Sonoma Home. The 72 new jobs will add to current employment of 583 full time jobs in Catawba County.
Thunderstorms caused major damage from fallen trees in Southern Caldwell County Wednesday afternoon. According to Caldwell County Public Information, there were no reports of injuries. Pibbs Drive in Sawmills and Pinewood Avenue in Granite Falls were affected. The American Red Cross was on the scene to help residents and the National Weather Service was called for their evaluation.
A 42-year-old man has been charged with two counts of 1st degree murder in Asheville. Eric Robert Begley, a.k.a "Deuce," has been charged with two counts of 1st degree murder for his participation in the deaths of 75-year-old Allene and 79-year-old Cleve McMahan. The couple was killed in their home on Rockhill Place in December 1989. The murder charge is a result from the efforts of cold case investigator Detective Kevin Taylor and Detective Steve Coon who obtained information necessary to charge Begley during a recent interview. It is believed that Begley was working with one or more offenders and the case is under further investigation. Begley is currently in custody in Indiana and authorities are working to have him extradited to North Carolina.
Sutter Street Manufacturing, a Williams-Sonama, Inc. operation plans to create 72 new jobs with an expansion in Catawba County. The announcement was made Wednesday by Governor Roy Cooper. Sutter Street Manufacturing produces top-quality upholstered home furnishings for Williams-Sonoma through brands like Pottery Barn, West Elm and Williams-Sonoma Home. The 72 new jobs will add to current employment of 583 full time jobs in Catawba County.
Thunderstorms caused major damage from fallen trees in Southern Caldwell County Wednesday afternoon. According to Caldwell County Public Information, there were no reports of injuries. Pibbs Drive in Sawmills and Pinewood Avenue in Granite Falls were affected. The American Red Cross was on the scene to help residents and the National Weather Service was called for their evaluation.
A 42-year-old man has been charged with two counts of 1st degree murder in Asheville. Eric Robert Begley, a.k.a "Deuce," has been charged with two counts of 1st degree murder for his participation in the deaths of 75-year-old Allene and 79-year-old Cleve McMahan. The couple was killed in their home on Rockhill Place in December 1989. The murder charge is a result from the efforts of cold case investigator Detective Kevin Taylor and Detective Steve Coon who obtained information necessary to charge Begley during a recent interview. It is believed that Begley was working with one or more offenders and the case is under further investigation. Begley is currently in custody in Indiana and authorities are working to have him extradited to North Carolina.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Five people were arrested Monday including one of Burke County's Most Wanted. Burke County Sheriff's Officers received a tip concerning the location of 29-year-old Britton Nicole Metcalf of Morganton, who was placed on the Most Wanted list on Friday. When officers arrived at a Cobb's Place Connelly Springs residence , they found Metcalf who was charged with 2 counts of felony probation violation. Bond was set at $150,000. Others arrested at the scene on various charges include, 30-year-old Joshua Leon Barnes, 28-year-old Jessica Michelle Bollinger, & 26-year-old Thomas Wesley Bollinger Jr. all of Connelly Springs and 38-year-old Edlyn Richard Johnson Jr. of Granite Falls.
A Caldwell County woman has been charged with Second Degree Murder. The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office reported the arrest Monday, of 25-year-old Heather Ray Brewer of Granite Falls. Investigators received a report of abuse with physical injuries last Wednesday and the infant died to the injuries on Thursday at Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte. Brewer is being held in the Caldwell County Detention Center under a $1 million dollar secured bond with a first court appearance scheduled for tomorrow.
In conjunction with the Hickory Regional Airport, the Hickory Fire Department has taken delivery of a new state-of-the-art aircraft rescue vehicle. Equipped with seating for two crew members, the new rescue vehicle has a forward looking infrared camera that can be used at night and in foggy conditions to detect warm objects. The truck also has mounted generator and scene lights to additionally assist emergency personnel during nighttime responses. The vehicle can carry 500 hundred gallons of water, 60 gallons of foam, 500 pounds of dry chemical, and is capable of pumping 250 gallons per minute. The nearly $329,000 apparatus was funded by a grant from the FAA.
Deputies with the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office, Patterson Fire and Rescue, and Caldwell County Emergency Services responded Monday morning to a logging accident in the 2700 block of Setzer's Creek Road in Lenoir. 51-year-old James Wilson Coffey Jr. of Lenoir was found dead at the scene. Coffey's death was caused by being struck by a falling tree and according to the Sheriff's Office, appears accidental.
A Caldwell County woman has been charged with Second Degree Murder. The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office reported the arrest Monday, of 25-year-old Heather Ray Brewer of Granite Falls. Investigators received a report of abuse with physical injuries last Wednesday and the infant died to the injuries on Thursday at Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte. Brewer is being held in the Caldwell County Detention Center under a $1 million dollar secured bond with a first court appearance scheduled for tomorrow.
In conjunction with the Hickory Regional Airport, the Hickory Fire Department has taken delivery of a new state-of-the-art aircraft rescue vehicle. Equipped with seating for two crew members, the new rescue vehicle has a forward looking infrared camera that can be used at night and in foggy conditions to detect warm objects. The truck also has mounted generator and scene lights to additionally assist emergency personnel during nighttime responses. The vehicle can carry 500 hundred gallons of water, 60 gallons of foam, 500 pounds of dry chemical, and is capable of pumping 250 gallons per minute. The nearly $329,000 apparatus was funded by a grant from the FAA.
Deputies with the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office, Patterson Fire and Rescue, and Caldwell County Emergency Services responded Monday morning to a logging accident in the 2700 block of Setzer's Creek Road in Lenoir. 51-year-old James Wilson Coffey Jr. of Lenoir was found dead at the scene. Coffey's death was caused by being struck by a falling tree and according to the Sheriff's Office, appears accidental.
Monday, July 3, 2017
The drowning victim at Lake James has been identified. According to News 13, first responders were called just after 4pm Saturday off Lake James Road near the Black Bear access area. Divers from McDowell Rescue found 28-year-old Jeremy Terran Benjamin in the area known as "Black Bear Cove." An investigation is continuing with the McDowell County Sheriff's Office and NC Wildlife.
During the July 4th holiday, the State Highway Patrol is encouraging motorists to focus on safety while traveling. Festivities will be taking place across the state to celebrate our nation's independence leading to an increased number of vehicles on NC's roadways. Along with increased travel, the Highway Patrol is placing special emphasis on impaired driving by participating in the Governor's Highway Safety Campaign's 2017 'Operation Firecracker.' The campaign is a joint effort among state and local law enforcement to remove impaired motorists from the roadway. Last year troopers investigated 111 collisions during the July 4th holiday. Motorists can contribute to highway safety by reporting impaired and reckless drivers - dial star HP on a mobile phone with the vehicle's description, location, direction of travel, and license plate number.
The NC Center for Missing Persons on Sunday night issued a Silver Alert for a missing endangered Catawba County woman, 66-year-old Mary Sue Summey. She is believed to be suffering from dementia or some other cognitive impairment. Her last known location was 5512 NC 16 N, Conover. Anyone with information is asked to call the Catawba County Sheriff's Office at 828-464-3112.
A woman from Morganton who reported missing Friday, 87-year-old Betty Culler Stock, has been located safely.
During the July 4th holiday, the State Highway Patrol is encouraging motorists to focus on safety while traveling. Festivities will be taking place across the state to celebrate our nation's independence leading to an increased number of vehicles on NC's roadways. Along with increased travel, the Highway Patrol is placing special emphasis on impaired driving by participating in the Governor's Highway Safety Campaign's 2017 'Operation Firecracker.' The campaign is a joint effort among state and local law enforcement to remove impaired motorists from the roadway. Last year troopers investigated 111 collisions during the July 4th holiday. Motorists can contribute to highway safety by reporting impaired and reckless drivers - dial star HP on a mobile phone with the vehicle's description, location, direction of travel, and license plate number.
The NC Center for Missing Persons on Sunday night issued a Silver Alert for a missing endangered Catawba County woman, 66-year-old Mary Sue Summey. She is believed to be suffering from dementia or some other cognitive impairment. Her last known location was 5512 NC 16 N, Conover. Anyone with information is asked to call the Catawba County Sheriff's Office at 828-464-3112.
A woman from Morganton who reported missing Friday, 87-year-old Betty Culler Stock, has been located safely.
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