Morganton utility customers are urged to be cautious as residents are reporting that scammers are again targeting homes and businesses.

The scammers are threatening to disconnect electric service while demanding immediate payment over the phone as they claim to be representing a utility service provider.

A press release states the City of Morganton does not call any utility customer by phone demanding immediate payment.

City customers who are late with payments will be notified on their regular utility bill, and staff will work with customers to establish payment plans if possible.

Morganton officials warn customers to avoid listening to a scammer’s instructions, hang up immediately and contact the City’s electric department at 438-5277.

Do not share any personal information with a scammer and do not return any phone calls.

Public Safety Chief Ronnie Rector says residents can report scam calls by calling 437-1211.

Election officials are looking for a big turnout today, as early voting in Burke County saw more than 16-thousand – 800 voters cast their ballots.

The last day of early voting was Saturday with a total of 854 voters according to Board of Election results.

364 Republican

277 Democrat

212 Unaffiliated and

1 Libertarian

A Marion man is jailed for stealing a gun and a motorcycle.

23-year-old Nicolas Cage Cordell of 292 Memorial Park Road is being charged with possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm by a felon.

He was also served with an outstanding warrant for possession of a stolen vehicle.

McDowell officers were able to stop a car that was attempting to flee, in which Cordell was a passenger.

A search of the vehicle turned up a handgun reported stolen from Buncombe County.

Cordell was also charged in the theft of a 2001 motorcycle from a Mudcut Road resident.

The motorcycle was located after Cordell was in a pursuit with Burke County Sheriff’s deputies.

McDowell County authorities are searching for a woman accused of stealing from her mother.

28-year-old Chanda Marie McFalls whose last known address was 65 Styles Drive Marion is wanted on charges of breaking and entering, and larceny.

McFall’s mother, Rhonda Heath of Melody Haven Drive in Marion reported that her daughter had stolen hand and power tools, four leather coats, six motorcycle helmets and leather motorcycle chaps valued at more than 22-hundred dollars.

Reports say the items were taken from a storage building.

Anyone having knowledge of McFall’s whereabouts is urged to contact the McDowell Sheriff’s Office at 652-2237 or Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME.