Morganton Department of Public Safety responded to a reported residential structure fire just before 9pm Sunday on Brittain Drive. The fire was contained to the kitchen and a small section of the attice. There were no injures and The American Red Cross assisted at the scene. Morganton Publi Safety credited the functioning smoke detector and quick notification for allowing fire department units to arrive quickly.

A Marion man, wanted for vending coin or currency theft, has been located. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office found David Edward Rhom, 29, on Thursday, and took him into custody. Additional arrests and charges are pending.

Hickory Police arrested a a man wanted on vehicle breakin charges and another man is wanted in connection with a crime on Lenoir-Rhyne property from September 9th. Robert Spender Keppel, 29, was arrested Thursday and additionally was served with outstanding warrants from Alexander County for various offenses. Casey Everett Pruitt, 27, of Hickory is also wanted on numerous outstanding warrants from Alexander County for Breaking and Entering Motor Vehicle. It is believed Pruitt and Keppel are known associates working together. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Casey Pruitt is urged to contact the Alexander County Sheriff's Office at 828-632-2911 or the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551.

Burke County EMS is among the more than 30 state agencies recognized for the Higgins and Langley Award for Outstanding Achievement in Swift Water Rescue for the coordinated local, state and federal response in October 2016 for Hurricane Matthew. The teams rescued over 2,300 people and brought them to safety as Matthew's floodwaters rose. Other WNC agencies recognized, in addition to Burke EMS, include Buncombe County Emergency Services, East Lincoln Fire Department, Gaston County EMS and Henderson County Rescue Squad. The state was awarded the same Higgins and Langley Award in 2005 after swift water rescue teams saved more than 1,110 people following Tropical Storms Frances and Ivan.