McDowell authorities nab a Marion man on drug charges. James Boyd Woodard, Jr., 22 was charged with numerous drug possession offenses and resisting a public officer by McDowell deputies. Officers were reportedly searching for a different subject when Woodard spotted officials and fled on foot, leading lawmen on a short chase before being apprehended.Upon being searched, 53.4 grams of marijuana, 2.1 grams of meth and drug paraphernalia was discovered in Woodard's possession.

September unemployment figures have been released and the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton metro rate was 3.8%., with Asheville having the lowest metro rate in the state at 3.3%. Area county rates include Alexander at 3.3%, Avery 3.7, Burke 3.8, Caldwell 4%, Catawba 3.7, Lincoln 3.5, McDowell 3.6 and Watauga 3.4%. Scotland County had the highest September unemployment rate in the state at 6.9% while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.1%, according to figures released Wednesday, by the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

The Linville Gorge Information Cabin is closing out the 2017 season with a celebration Saturday. From Noon until 3pm, recreation specialists from the Forest Service and partner organizations, will be on hand to talk about the proposal to improve the sustainability of the trail system in Linville Gorge. The Information Cabin, located at the north end of Old Hwy 105 (Kistler Memorial Highway), provides visitors with area information as well as maps and camping gear for sale.

Both of the Beanstalk Adventure playgrounds at Catawba Meadows Park in Morganton will be closed for maintenance starting Sunday. The City is staining all the wood at both playgrounds. The playgrounds will be closed for at least a week to allow the stain to dry thoroughly.