Filing began Monday in Burke County, as voters will go to the polls to choose a Sheriff, two County Commissioners, a Clerk of Court and representatives for the 86th State House and 46th State Senate. Incumbent Democrat Steve Whisnant filed Monday to retain his position as Sheriff of Burke County. Democrat Incumbent Mabel Lowman also filed to remain as Clerk of Court. Republican Incumbent Wayne Abele,Sr., filed for Burke County Commission, as well as newcomer Republican Jennie Cook. Republican Incumbent Hugh Blackwell filed to retain his seat in the State House, and Warren Daniel filed to retain his seat in the State Senate. Filing will continue in Burke County until noon on February 28th.

Catawba County resident Scott Reilly has filed for 25th District Attorney. Reilly, a former assistant district attorney, filed Monday at the State Board of Elections Office in Raleigh. Reilly is currently in private practice in Newton, where he has concentrated his law practice almost exclusively on criminal cases. the 25th judicial encompasses all of Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties.

A card skimmer has been found on an ATM in Newton. A resident found the card reader and remote camera system Sunday night on an ATM at First Citizens Bank on College Avenue and A Streets. The skimmers can get your card numbers and the cameras can capture your PIN numbers as you enter them. Everyone who uses ATM's are reminded to inspect the card slots, before you enter a card, and be suspicious if it is crooked or loose.

The National Park Service has announced the closure of the Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway for surface repaving and bridge maintenance from March 1st through May 24th. These projects require a full closure of the Parkway, including closure of the trail below the bridge; with the reopening coinciding with Memorial Day weekend. The Viaduct is located at Milepost 304. A traffic detour will be put in place from Milepost 298.6 (Holloway Mountain Rd) to Milepost 305.1 (US 221). Gates will be located at MP 303.6, Wilson Creek Overlook on the north and MP 305.1, US 221 on the south end of the work zone.