The State Highway Patrol is promoting back-to-school safety. With school starting today in some WNC school systems, the Highway Patrol is focusing on safety in and around school zones. Motorists should be aware of the increase in school traffic and become familiar with local school bus stop locations. Drivers should also look for an increase in pedestrian traffic near school zones. Troopers statewide will monitor school bus routes to ensure motorists comply with stopping for school buses as they pick up and drop off students. According to state law, motorists are required to stop when a school bus is displaying its mechanical stop signal or flashing red lights, and the bus is stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers. Officials also encourage students to ensure traffic has stopped before entering the roadway when boarding or exiting a school bus.

Five people face charges after authorities conduct a search at a Connelly Springs residence. On Wednesday,  Burke County Adult Probation and Parole Officers requested assistance from the Burke County Sheriff's Office at 2966 Reep Road in Connelly Springs. Officers were conducting a search for parole violations in the residence. Five people in the residence were arrested on various charges: 27-year-old Jesse Joe Potter of Connelly Springs
35-year-old Paul William Kennell of Morganton
34-year-old Thomas Craig Harden of Connelly Springs
36-year-old George Wesley Brittain of Morganton
25-year-old Sarah Marie Worth of Connelly Springs
Since January, the Sheriff's office has responded to calls at 2966 Reep Road at least 22 times regarding suspicious individuals, stolen vehicles, stolen property, narcotics, and warrant services. One of those calls ended in an arrest of a Catawba County man wanted for a homicide in Catawba County.

One of Burke County's Most Wanted has been apprehended. According to a press release from the Burke County Sheriff's Office, 36-year-old Dennis James Danner, Jr. was taken into custody August 21st by Morganton Public Safety and confined under a $30,000 secured bond. He had been on the Burke County Most Wanted list for 1 week.