A Hickory woman turned herself into authorities Tuesday morning in connection with the July shooting death of a Hickory teenager.

20-year-old Cheyenne Alexia Kenniston is now charged with second-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old Katyln Michelle Wittcop.

The incident occurred this past July 28^th on 13^th Avenue Northeast when officers discovered the victim and numerous persons at the crime scene.

A news release says Kenniston is jailed at the Catawba County Confinement Facility under a 100-thousand-dollar secured bond.

Her first court appearance was held Wednesday.

A Marion woman was transported to an Asheville hospital early Tuesday after being hit by a train.

Just after 7 o’clock, a representative from Norfolk Southern reported a pedestrian had been struck on the railroad tracks near the Clay Street intersection.

An investigation by Marion Police shows 39-year-old Casey Black was hit while lying on the tracks.

She was reportedly taken to Mission Hospital for her injuries.

Marion Police and the Norfolk Southern Railroad Police are working together in the investigation.

Sheriff’s deputies in McDowell County are looking for a man who reportedly chained a woman to a bed for days to prevent her from testifying against him.

48-year-old Spencer O’Connor Elliott of Buck Creek Road in Marion is wanted for first-degree kidnapping, intimidating a state’s witness and assault on a female.

Elliott and the victim- Donna Jean Elliott were scheduled to appear in court September 19^th regarding a domestic violence order Donna had taken out against Spencer.

Reports say Donna had been chained up at Spencer’s house for days, and was able to escape last Saturday to inform officers.

A news release states the male suspect is on the run.

He is described as a white male, 5 feet 7 inches tall, and weighs 217 pounds.

He has long wavy brown hair, blue eyes and tattoos on both arms.

Anyone having information about Elliott’s whereabouts should call the McDowell Sheriff’s Office at 652-2237 or Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME.

A tree from Avery County will adorn the Blue Room at the White House this Christmas Season.

Larry Smith of Newland entered the National Christmas tree contest as he had for several years, but was notified in August he had won this year.

Officials from the White House visited Smith’s tree farm Monday and picked out the tree that will be presented to the President and the First Lady in November.

The 25-year-old 19-foot tall Fraiser Fir was marked with a red ribbon and will make the trip to the White House just before Thanksgiving.