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.