Three local suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with a pair of early morning home invasions Wednesday. Morganton Public Safety Officers first responded to Erwin Street where the advised two black males broke into the residence, then left the scene in a black four-door vehicle driven by a white female. Officers then responded to a home invasion on Chestnut Street where the suspect's description matched that of the Erwin Street break-in. After later finding the suspect's vehicle in the area of Vine Arden Road and Center Street, officers conducted a traffic stop and search of the vehicle - locating evidence from the break-in. 26-year-old Dante Lowrance and 22-year-old Terrel Avery, both of Morganton, were charged with armed robbery and burglary and 20-year-old Taylor Penley was charged with aiding and abetting robbery and abetting burglary. The case remains under investigation. Anyone who may have been a victim of these type crimes or who has information may call Investigator Dellinger at 432-2394.

The Town of Rutherford College Facebook Page states that Castle Bridge will close this summer for 15-18 months. Christopher Medlin, Division 13 Manager for NCDOT, will be present at the Council meeting Monday at 7pm. Medlin will answer questions at the meeting and the public is encouraged to attend.

The Board of Commissioners is holding a news conference this morning at 10:30 in regards to the newly filed ligitation by the Board of Commissioners against opioid manufacturers and distributors. The case was filed in US District Court Western District in Asheville. The commissioners and staff will discuss their complaint against the manufacturers and distributors and how the opioid crisis has severely affected the lives of everyone in the County, the State of North Carolina and the entire country.