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.