A Foothills Corectional Officer was assaulted Saturday night, by an inmate with a homemade weapon. The correctional officer suffered multiple wounds and was transported to an outside medical facility for treatment.The North Carolina Department of Public Safety

reported late Sunday morning that the officers condition was stable.

Local law enforcement is investigating. The inmate will be charged with the assault.

In another case involving an inmate, 41-year-old Thomas Walker, who was reported missing Thursday night from Gaston Correctional facility, turned himself to prison authorities Friday night.

Walker, who was scheduled for release in June, was moved to a higher custody facility and will charges for his escape.

The January Unemployment rate for the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area was 4.2%, Asheville's rate was 3.7.

Area county rates include:

Alexander 3.7

Avery 4.7

Burke 4.3

Caldwell 4.5

Catawba 4.1

Lincoln 4.1

McDowell 4.1

Buncombe County had the lowest umemployment rate in January at 3.6%, while Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 14.6%, according to figures released Friday by the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

McDowell authorities are warning citizens about an online scam. A McDowell man reported to the Sheriff's Office that he ws contacted by Advance America to file an online personal loan.

The scammers told told him his credit was too low and advised him to get a money gram from Walmart and send it to them to cover the insurance on his loan. Advance America is a legitimate loan company, but says they aren't making the calls.

For questions or concerns call the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 652-2235.