A Hickory man charged with leaving the scene after reportedly striking and killing a man in Long View last week made his first court appearance in Catawba County Monday.

Judge David Aycock told 25-year-old Michael Ryan Cooke that he faced a Class F felony that carries a maximum sentence of 59 months in prison.

Police reports show Daniel Eric Wilson was walking in an eastbound lane when he was killed on US 70 in Long View May 16^th.

Cooke turned himself into authorities on the following Friday after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

He was issued an 18-thousand-dollar secured bond last week but was not in custody at the time of today’s hearing.

Cooke reportedly spoke only to say he had hired an attorney.

He will be back in court June 11^th for a probable cause hearing.

Caldwell County Emergency officials are working to determine damages and needs after heavy flooding in certain areas over the weekend.

Assessment teams have begun going door-to-door in the Wilson Creek and Edgemont areas,

Each team is made up of a representative from Caldwell County law enforcement, Emergency Services, the Health Department, and the American Red Cross.

Areas being examined include Highway 90 at Edgemont Road, Brown Mountain Beach Road north of the Wilson Creek Visitor Center, and roads surrounding those areas.

Officials will ascertain the amount and kind of damages to homes; as well as damage to wells and septic systems.

They will give residents information about how to handle damage to those type systems.

The Wilson Creek and John’s River areas in Caldwell experienced severe flooding Friday night into Saturday.

Morganton crews plan to flow-test fire hydrants in the Oak Hill area today and Wednesday.

The testing may cause water in the Oak Hill community to become murky.

A release says staff will work to clear the water as quickly as possible.

Crews will be flow testing in the area of NC 181, Frank Whisnant Road, and Spainhour Road.

Officials report water will be safe to drink during the testing.

Residents are urged to turn on several faucets in their homes to flush their water lines to allow and discoloration in their water to dissipate.

Should you live in the Oak Hill area and still experience cloudy or discolored water Thursday morning, call the city’s Water resources Department at 438-5276.

A search is ongoing for a man who went missing along Elk River Falls in Avery County Sunday afternoon.

The Avery County Sheriff’s Office reports the man was wading near the waterfall when he went under and failed to re-surface.

Reports say the man, from Ohio, was in town for a wedding that had taken place earlier in the day.

Multiple rescue crews from Avery and surrounding counties are assisting in the search.

Emergency officials say the water’s current was stronger and water levels were higher due to recent heavy rains.