Freedom High School has a new head football coach.

Justin Hawn, originally from Maiden, has been named as the new Patriot Coach as announced by Principal Casey Rogers.

Hawn has been a teacher and assistant coach at Shelby High School since 2013; and varsity and junior varsity football defensive coordinator since 2016.

He has been a part of six state championships over the last seven years.

In a news release, Burke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Larry Putnam congratulates Freedom on finding a high caliber head football coach, further wishing Hawn success in carrying on the Freedom tradition in the classroom and on the football field.

McDowell County authorities continue to search for a suspect who stole more than 4-thousand dollars worth of items from a vehicle last month.

Reports say Brian Hughes of Spruce Pine reported on January 29^th that someone broke into his Toyota while parked at a residence on US 221 North.

The break-in occurred on the 29^th sometime between 11 am and 4:25 pm.

Three chainsaws, tools, a cell phone, a climbing saddle, and clothing items were removed from the car.

Anyone with information about the theft should call the McDowell Sheriff’s Department at 652-2237 or Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME.

An Old Fort woman was arrested for meth possession and numerous outstanding warrants for failure to appear.

Reports say 23-year-old Tana Ester Anne Ruane of Silvers Welch Road hid underneath the porch of her residence during the early morning hours of February 7^th as officers attempted to locate her.

A McDowell deputy discovered a bag containing more than a gram of meth on her as she was being taken into custody.

Hickory Police March traffic enforcement – Pay Attention in City Traffic or PACT will be located on Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard from Tate Boulevard to Highway 70 Southeast, and 7^th Avenue Southeast from Lenoir Rhyne Blvd to the entrance of Zarha Baker Park.

Daytime and nighttime enforcement will focus on red light violations, following too closely, distracted driving and speeding.

As always, citizens are encouraged to be vigilant and observe all traffic laws.