The North Carolina State Highway Patrol will be stepping up its' enforcement against impaired during the New Year's holiday. Troopers will be conducting DWI checkpoints and enforcing state laws while increasing the number of officers on the interstates and heavily traveled corridors. The Highway Patrol will also be participating in the state's anti-drunk driving campaign "Booze It and Lose It". The motoring public can assist officials by reporting impaired drivers - on a mobile phone, dial *HP or *47.

McDowell DSS is seeking for a 14 year old girl. Ciera Waldrop is described as 5'2" and 110 pounds, with long dark hair and wears glasses. She has family and friends in McDowell County. Anyone with information is asked to call DSS during the day at 652-3355 or after hours, the McDowell County Sheriff's at 652-4000.

The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office is asking the public's help in locating 15 year old Jessica Crawford of Black Mountain. She is described as a white female, with brown hair, blue eyes, 5' and weighing 130 pounds. She may be in Burke County or Madison County. Anyone with information is asked to call the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office at 255-5050.

Preliminary autopsies have been performed on the remains of three bodies located in the debris of a house fire in the Glenwood Community of McDowell County. The victims are believed to be occupants of the home - 38 year old David Michael Staggs, 34 year old Heather Renee Staggs and their 5 year old son Samuel Michael Staggs. Because of the condition of the remains, pathologists were unable to verify their idenitities during the autopsies, which were performed late last week in Winston-Salem. Doctors were unable to determine the causes of death of the three victimes, Further testing of the remains is ongoing.The fire, which occurred on the morning of the 23rd, is still under investigation, according to the McDowell County Sheriff's Office.

The Alexander County Sheriff's Office is seeking leads in a breaking and entering case. Alexander 911 received a call about 1:30PM December 21st. Officers responded to the Lee Matheson Road area of Central Alexander County. An investigation revealed that the suspect vehicle was a newer model Hyundai Veloster. Items taken from an outbuilding include a 5mm Remington rifle, welding machine, and fishing gear. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Alexander County Sheriff's Office at 632-8555. A reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s) in this case.

A father and son have been charged in McDowell County, after an altercation. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office Monday, charged 64 year old Thomas Howard Stafford with felony aggravated assault. Also charged was 30 year old Daniel Thomas Stafford  with one misdemeanor count each of violating a domestic violence protection order, aggravated assault and communicating threats. On Monday the 21st, Thomas and his son, Daniel, wjo live at the same Old Tom's Creek Road address, got into an argument. Daniel struck his father with a hatchet, so Thomas grabbed a handgun and fired a shot at Daniel. The bullet struck Thomas' other son, Taylor, in the left arm. He was taken to McDowell Hospital, then transferred to Mission in Asheville for treatment,

An Eastern Burke County resident faces charges of Breaking and or Entering, Larceny After, Possession of Stolen Goods and Habitual Felon. The Catawba County Sheriff's Office reports the Friday arrest of 27 year old James Daniel Johnson of Connelly Springs. Bond was set at $30,000 with a court appearance scheduled for February 1st.

The sixth annual Christmas for Children Charity Gold Tournament raised the largest amount ever. The proceeds, $20,000, will be divided between the Kids in Need Fund, which serves children in the Newton-Conover City Schools by helping pay for dental care, eye care, and other medical expenses; and the Catawba County Backpack Program , which provides more than 1,300 students with bags of food every weekend of the school year. The tournament hosted 216 golfers at Rock Barn on November 14th. Each golfer contributed an unwrapped toy in addition to their entry fee.

Three McDowell County residents are presumed dead after a house fire early Wednesday morning. Multiple McDowell County fire departments responded to the fore on White Pine Drive in the Glenwood area. Fire officials state the home was fully involved upon arrival. McDowell County Sheriff Dudley Greene stated that "The bodies were burned beyond recognition". An autoposy will be performed. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Assisting the Sheriff's Office were members of the State Bureau of Investigation, McDowell County Emergency Management, EMS, the medical examiner's office, McDowell County Rescue Squad, along with Glenwood and other fire departments.

A Taylorsville man is charged with 1st Degree kidnapping, 1st Degree Sexual Offense and Assault Inflicting Serious Injury. The Alexander County Sheriff's Office Tuesday, reported the arrest of Ricky Scott Holloway. He was also wanted in Kansas for felony probation violation. Holloway is being held in the Alexander County Jail on a $1,000,000 secured bond. A court appearance is scheduled for Monday.

The Western Piedmont Symphony in Hickory has again won first prize in The American Prize professional orchestra division. The Symphony won for its' performance of Mahler's Symphony #2 "Resurrection" with the Hickory Choral Society and Louise Toppin, Soprano and Diane Thornton, Contralto. Under the direction of Maestro John Gordon Ross, the orchestra also took first place in 2013 and third in 2011.

Two Morganton suspects have been charged in a multi-county vehicle theft spree. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office, Tuesday, charged 37 year old Jason Alan Laws and 32 year old Crystal Lea Perkins with felon larceny felony larceny of a motor vehicle. The Sheriff's Office report states that the two went on a multi-county, mult-state motor vehicle theft spree that spanned Burke, McDowell, Avery, Caldwell, Cleveland and Yancey counties and Tennessee.

A man on the Burke County Most Wanted List has been arrested. The Burke County Sheriff's Office developed information regarding the location of 25 year old Cody Truett Randolph. He was arrested in Morganton Tuesday, with the help of a Burke County K9. Charges include 10 Orders for Arrests for Failure to Appear and Probation Violations in Burke and McDowell Counties. Bond was set at $74,500.

Burke County Sheriff Steve Whisenant participated in a group of sheriff's and sheriff's personnel from across the state to develop training materials that will help places of worship create security plans to keep citizens safe during their worship services. The group's goal was to prepare materials to be used by sheriff's and their personnel to train places of worship to develop security plans designed to minimize harm done in the event of an active shooter. This week, the training materials were distributed to all 100 NC sheriff's for their use locally in their counties. Leaders of churches and places of worship in Burke County who wish to learn more about the training should contact Sheriff Whisenant at 764-7504.

Beginning today, McDowell along with11 other counties, now have the ability to bill directly to the state and state-run mental health facilities to get reimbursed for their transport services. For the past several years, some NC counties have experimented with allowing EMS personnel to transport patients with mental issues directly to an psychiatric facility-thereby bypassing hospital emergency rooms, where they end up sitting for days. Reports say the state budget allocated $225,000 for a yearlong pilot program to gather data on the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of direct transport.

Two people filed for office Friday at the Burke County Board of Elections. Kyle Barrier filed for Register of Deeds on the Republican ticket, while Emily Church filed for County Commissioner on the Democratic ticket.

Morganton Public Safety Sunday, made a second felony arrest for a suspected drug dealer in less than a month. After a traffic stop on Burkemont Avenue, a passenger in the vehicle, 34 year old Alan Ray Mitchell was charged with Felony Trafficking Heroin and Felony Trafficking Opiates. Mitchell had pending charges of selling drugs near a school November 25th and probation violation. A second arrest was made of 34 year old April Marie Boyd, who listed the same address as Mitchell. She was charged with Felony Trafficking Heroin and Felony Trafficking Drugs. Her bond was set $25,000 with Mitchell's bond listed at $100,000. Both are scheduled to appear in Burke County District Court today in Morganton.

As filing draws to a close, Board of Election officials are seeing a significant number of Republican candidates coming to the table. Election officials from Caldwell, Catawba and McDowell Counties report all filings have been Republican. Catawba and McDowell are both looking to fill two seats; while Caldwell has three. The Burke County Board of Commissioners has three seats to fill - to date, 7 Republicans have filed; 3 of which are incumbents Johnny Carswell, Jeff Brittain, and Jack Carroll. Four others have filed for the commission seats - those being Democratic filings. Filing officially ends Monday at Noon.

A Burke County registered sex offender, missing since October 30th, has been located in Vermont. The Burke County Sheriff's Office reported Thursday, that 48 year old Robert Kenneth LaValley Jr. of Morganton, was found at the Canadian Border by the U.S.Border Patrol. LaValley is currently being held without bond in Vermont pending extradition.

Liberty Middle School has received a $4000 grant from bestselling author James Patterson to support its' media center. In addition, the Scholastic Reading Club will match each dollar of Patterson's donation to allow teachers to obtain books and other classroom materials. Liberty was selected from nearly 28,000 applicants. Along with the Scholastic Reading Club, Patterson has made a commitment to help save school libraries as part of an ongoing effort to keep books and reading a priority. Reports state that Patterson has donated $1.75 million dollars to school libraries this year.

Two Burke County residents, who face animal cruelty charges, made a court appearance Wednesday. Burke County Animal Control deputies Friday, executed a search warrant at a residence on Gouge Avenue in Morganton, referencing conditions of animal cruelty. Andrew Julian Moore and Stephanie Michelle McElhany were charged with 9 misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals. At their first court appearance Wednesday, Moore and McElhany plead guilty to the charges and relinquished all rights to the animals and reptiles, according to the Burke County Sheriff's Office. Placement of the animals will be handled by the Humane Society.

One person filed Wednesday at the Burke County Board of Elections Office. Cristy Gupton filed for County Commissioner on the Republican ticket.

Local law enforcement officials are looking for information into several Burke County break-ins. In the early morning hours on Wednesday December 9th, a male subject broke into multiple vehicles at a business in the Icard area. Personal items and currency were removed from several vehicles and the suspect fled the business. A short time later, the same person reappeared at a residence and entered the home by throwing a brick through a back window. Items were removed from inside. Security video from both locations has linked the crimes. The Burke County Sheriff's Office is seeking your help. Anyone with information should call 438-5500, 764-9505 or 439-4076.

Wayne Abele was elected as Chairman for 2016 and the county donated a building tp the History Museum of Burke County in Tuesday night's Board of Commissioners regular meeting. The board began the meeting by organizing positions for 2016. Jeff Brittain was elected Vice-Chairman with J.R.Simpson appointed as County Attorney and Tax Attorney. The county decided to unanimously donate the old county garage building at the corner of West Meeting Street and South Collette Street to the History Museum of Burke County. The board passed the decision unanimously under the stipulation that the building be taken care of and restored.

Hickory City Council met Tuesday night, and recognized Paul Thompson as the 2015 award winner for Transportation Insights, listed on the Ink 500 list of fastest growing industries. Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright read a proclamation recognizing December 15 as Paul Thompson Day. Thompson is the founder of the company.

The Board County Board of Elections Office reports three filings for County Commissioner since late last week. On Friday, Jeff Brittain filed, with Jack Carroll and Rodney Eckard filing Monday. All three filed on the Republican ticket. There will now be a primary for both parties.

Freedom 's Gayle Walden was named Assistant Principal of the Year and students were recognized in Monday night's Burke County Board of Education regular meeting. Walden began teaching in 1988 and has taught at Oak Hill Elementary and Walter Johnson Middle along with assistant principal duties at Salem Elementary and Freedom. Cathy Williams of Oak Hill was named Principal of the Year and is retiring later this month. Jacob Lowman of Draughn, Darius Burgess of Freedom, Avery Bumgarner of East Burke and Leslee Kanupp of Burke Middle College were recognized as Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Winners.
Winners of the Middle School Science Fair
Biology A   Dorian Gregory - Liberty
Biology B   Meredith Kearson & Madison Clay - Liberty
Chemistry   Jackson Crump & Easton McCoy - Liberty
Earth/Environmental  Ransom Vance - Liberty
Engineering  James Buck - Table Rock
Physics  Joey Seevers - Liberty
Technology  Renee Fisher & Olivia Gainsborg - Liberty

Caldwell County Emergency Management responded to a small plane crash, just before 5:30PM Sunday, om Blue Sky Lane in Lenoir. Early reports indicate that a small experimental aircraft crashed in the woods just short of the airstrip at Lower Creek Airport. According to Dino Dibernardi, Caldwell County Emergency Services Director, one person was extracted from the wreckage by the Valmead Fire Department and transported to the helipad at Caldwell Memorial/UNC Healthcare for medical airlift to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. The aircraft was registered with the Federal Aviation Administration and the FAA will be conducting the investigation.

A Newton man was given an active prison term of 5-7 years after pleading guilty to multiple offenses Friday, in Catawba County Superior. 25 year old Tyler Bias Christian pleaded guilty to robbery with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon, two counts of assault by pointing a gun, possession of cocaine, breaking and entering, and larceny. He had a prior felony conviction for breaking and entering in Caldwell County in July 2011. The crimes were investigated by Hickory Police, with Lance Sigmon prosecuting the case for the District Attorney's Office.

Hickory firefighters respond Thursday to a fire at a vacant home. No injuries reported at the home on F Avenue SE. Damages were considered heavy and fire investigators determined the cause of the fire to be intentional. Anyone with information is asked to call Hickory Police at 328-5551 or Hickory Fire Department Division of Fire & Life Safety at 323-7522.

A Newton man will serve 23 to 32 years in prison following his conviction Thursday, in Catawba County Superior Court. 30 year old Travis Christopher was found guilty of first-degree rape and first-degree sexual offense by the 12-member jury to conclude a two-day trial. The Honorable W.Robert Bell, Superior Court Judge from Catawba County sentenced Martin. Detective Tyler Whisenant led the investigation for the Catawba County Sheriff's Office, while Assistant District Attorney Jamie Adams handled the prosecution for the DA's Office. Assistance in the case was provided by the Catawba County Child Advocacy and Protection Center.

The N.C.Division of Parks and Recreation and the N.C.Forest Service plan to conduct multiple prescribed burns at Lake James State Park from mid-December through April. According to Park Superintendent Nora Coffey, the specific dates of the burns will depend on local weather conditions. The prescribed burns will be conducted in sections totaling about 1,000 acres at the park's Catawba River Area and the paddy's Creek Area, including Long Arm Peninsula. Some visitor areas and trails may be temporarily closed during the prescribed burns, and aerial ignition may be used. A public discussion about the use of prescribed fire at Lake James State Park will be held Friday December 18 6:30PM at the Catawba River Area office.

Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina will celebrate its' 20th birthday Friday December 18 and the public is invited to join in the celebration. Stop by the office at 135 1/2 West Union Street in Downtown Morganton between Noon and 5PM for refreshments and birthday cake. Since 1995 Foothills Conservancy has protected more than 49,500 acres. Conservation projects include private farm and forest lands protected with conservation agreements as well as lands for public enjoyment at South Mountains, Lake James and Chimney Rock State Parks; Pisgah, Johns and South Mountains Game Lands; Pisgah National Forest; and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Two candidates filed for County Commissioner Wednesday, at the Burke County Board of Elections office. Jeffrey V.Morse and James Gerald King, both filed on the Democratic ticket. There will now be a Primary for the Democratic Commissioners.

Three area residents face drug charges after an arrest at a Lenoir motel. Tuesday morning, Lenoir Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Caldwell County Sheriff's office Ice Unit made the arrests at the Red Carpet Inn on Wilkesboro Boulevard. Charged were 42 year old Landon Arthur Haynes of Morganton, 20 year old Morgan Teylor Cobb of Lenoir,and 29 year old Rafael Septime Soto of Newton. Felony charges include 2 counts of PWIMSD Methamphetamine, along with 1 count each of Trafficking in Meth by possession and Maintaining a Dwelling for Controlled Substance. Bond on Haynes was set at $40,000 and $10,000 each for Cobb and Soto. Anyone with information relating to this or any other crime is asked to contact Crimestoppers at 758-8300 or Lenoir Police at 757-2100.

A 10 hour standoff with police ends with the arrest of a 27 year old man. Early Tuesday morning, Morganton Public Safety Officers responded to Woodbridge Apartments on Golf Course Road. Upon arrival Officers spoke with Tiera Bristol who said her ex-husband, Bradley Jerrell Dorsey verbally threatened to kill her and he pulled out a handgun from his waistband. Bristol stated that Dorsey was still in her apartment and had the handgun. Officers attempted to make contact with Dorsey, but he would not communicate with them, according to a news release from Public Safety. Officers evacuated the area and made contact with Dorsey, who eventually surrended without incident around 12:45PM. Dorsey,who faces multiple charges, was given a secured bond of $1000. The investigation is ongoing and further charges are pending.

The new mayor was sworn in and the last remaining Pearl Harbor survivor in Burke County was recognized at Monday night's Morganton City Council meeting. Former councilman Ronnie Thompson was sworn in as the new mayor of the City of Morganton and councilmen Forrest Fleming and Sydney Simmons were sworn in for their re-elected terms. Mayor Thompson said he appreciated those who voted in this election and that contested elections are a vital part of government, so the citizens can decide who they want to lead this community. In new business, council approved a CDBG Small Business Loan Agreement with Root and Vine LLC for the purpose of expanding the current restaurant and adding about 50 seats. Blanch Beam, 99 years-old from Morganton, and believed to be the last Pearl Harbor survivor in Burke County, was recognized for the 74th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl harbor in Monday night's meeting.

Caldwell Commissioners Monday held a "quasi-judicial" public hearing concerning the issuance of a conditional us permit to Horvath Communications Inc. for cell tower construction. Horvath, a national communications company, requested the permit in order to construct a 110 foot tower near the Kings Creek area south of Zack's Fork Road in Lenoir. Several people spoke in favor, claiming that a new cell tower could greatly improve communication reception for some residents. Caldwell Commissioners agreed to grant the conditional use permit to Horvath. Chairman Randy Church and Vice-Chairman Jeff Branch retained their positions.

In a press release released Friday by the Burke County Sheriff's Office, officials have a suspect in the homicide of John Bailey Clark of Rose Carswell Road, who was found deceased at his residence December 18th. The suspect is reportedly in custody on other charges; however, formal charges in the Clark case have not been filed. The SBI has assisted BCSO detectives, deputies, and other law enforcement personnel in the nearly year-long investigation--spending countless hours to solve the case, according to the release. Due to the nature of the ongoing investigation, additional details will not be provided at this time.

Hickory police officer completes the Management Development Program at the NC Justice Academy. Hildebran native Lieutenant Scott Hildebrand graduated from the course, which teaches participants how to become innovative and progressive leaders in the law enforcement community. Hildebrand joined the Hickory Police Department in 1994. Prior to joining Hickory Police, he worked for the Burke County Sheriff's Department for two years.

At a special meeting of Morganton City Council Thursday, Council discussed and voted on two separate motions to amend the employment contracts of City Manager Sally Sandy and City Attorney Louis Vinay. In the first motion City Council voted 4 to 1 to raise the City manager's salary by about $10,000 a year and modify her 401k and family health-care packages. Mayor-elect Ronnie Thompson opposed the arrangement questioning where the funds to pay for the salary increase would come from and when the changes would take effect. In the second motion, Morganton City Council voted and unanimously agreed to increase the City Attorney's salary by $3000 per year. City Council will meet in regular session Monday night, where Mayor-elect Ronnie Thompson will be sworn into office.

A fourth person has been charged in a robbery at an Old Fort home, two suspects are being sought. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office Thursday, charged 47 year old Houston Allen Burnette with multiple offense. A trio of others have been charged in this case, 17 year old Daniel Colton Freeman, 28 year old Nathaniel Allen Penley and 40 year old Matthew Lynn Goldsmith, all of Old Fort. The robbery occurred April 13th at the residence of Robert and Patricia Freeman on Conner Ridge Road. Two suspects, 30 year old Bobby Willam Penley and 40 year old Wendy Spring Lintz are being south. Penley, whose last known address was 114 Edwards Loop Old Fort, is described as a white male, 5 feet 11 inches tall, about 155 pounds, with red hair and brown eyes. Lintz, whose last known address was 65 Frances Avenue Black Mountain, is described as a white female 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs approximately 95 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Billie Brown at 652-2237 or Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME(652-7463). A cash reward is offered for information that leads to the whereabouts of Penley and Lintz.

Filings continued Wednesday for the March primary election. In Burke County, Morganton resident Richard Garrison filed on the Democratic ticket for County Commissioner. In Caldwell County County, Republicans Jeffrey Branch, Randy Church and Robert Wilkie have filed for County Commission. Wayne Rash has filed on the Republican ticket for Caldwell County Register of Deeds. In Catawba County, Republican incumbents Barbara Beatty and Dan Hunsucker  have filed to retain their seats on the County Commission. Troy Sigmon also filed on the Republican ticket for the office of County Commissioner. Donna Spencer has filed on the Republican ticket for Catawba County's Register of deeds. Filing continues until Noon Monday December 21st.

10th District Congressman Patrick McHenry has filed for relection to the U.S.House of Representatives. McHenry, a resident of Cherryville, said in a prepared statement, that these are difficult times for our nation. He said he was committed to advancing common-sense conservative reforms which will reduce the size of government, empower the middle class, and ensure everyone in Western North Carolina has the opportunity to succeed. McHenry filed yesterday.

The North Carolina School Report Cards were released Tuesday and each school in the Burke County Public Schools district received a School Performance Grade of "C" or better. Schools that exceeded growth included Heritage and Table Rock Middle, and Elementary Schools from Drexel, Icard, Mountain Crest, Mull, Oak Hill and W.A.Young.

Burke County Public Schools principals and assistant principals voted on Cathy Williams of Oak Hill Elementary for the principal of the year award. Williams has been principal at Oak Hill for the past three and a half years. She has 29 years experience in education and will retire this month.

Charges have been dropped on a Marion man accused of taking indecent liberties with a child. The District Attorney's office announced yesterday that charges had been dropped on 70 year old Danny Jimison. He was charged in February with taking indecent liberties with an 8 year girl. The incident was reported by the girl's parents. The DA's office says they dropped the charges due to insufficient evidence.

Filings began Tuesday. According to the Burke County Board of Elections Office those that filed are:
Warren Daniel - NC Senate 46th District - R - Incumbent
Hugh Blackwell - NC House 86th District - R - Incumbent
Johnnie Carswell - County Commissioner - R Incumbent
Scott Mulwee - County Commissioner - R
Laura Anderson - Register of Deeds - D - Incumbent - Currently filling the unexpired term of Libby Cooper, who retired.
Mark Meadows - U.S.Congress 11th District - Filed for a 3rd term.

Due to inclement weather, the Downtown Morganton Christmas Parade has been rescheduled for Tuesday December 8th at 6PM, weather permitting.

At the Lenoir City Council meeting Tuesday, Council approved a funding request of $12,000 to help Caldwell County Pathways cover the cost of hiring a consultant to develop a portion of the Overmountain Victory Trail, stretching from Morganton Boulevard south to the Caldwell County line. The funding will be spilt over the next two fiscal years.

Hickory City Council Tuesday recognized Bruce Meisner for his many years of service as a Hickory City Councilman. City Attorney John Crone was reappointed as City Attorney. Council proclaimed December 10 as Human Rights Day and December 15 as Bill of Rights Day. A 5-item consent agenda passed by a unanimous vote followed by two public hearings in which Hickory's Land Development Code was amended, and changes were made to Hickory's parking regulations as it relates to two hour parking in Hickory.

Burke County will feature Christmas parades this week as various cities and towns kick off the holiday season. Tonight at 6, the City of Morganton will hold their annual Christmas Parade titled "A Christmas Story". The parade will be held rain or shine. Just before the parade at 5:30, the combined Burke County Public School High Bands will perform on the grounds of the Old Burke Courthouse to promote their trip to Pearl Harbor about a year from now. On Thursday, the J.Iverson Riddle Developmental Center will hold their 41st annual parade with the theme of Christmas Trees and Memories. Gates on the campus close at 2:30, with the parade beginning at 3. Benton Blount will be the Grand Marshal of this year's Valdese Christmas Parade set for Saturday morning at 10. Then at 1PM Saturday, Glen Alpine will hold their Christmas Parade featuring the Freedom High band and a variety of firetrucks and emergency vehicles.

Filing opens at Noon today at the Burke County Board of Elections Office on South Sterling Street. Local offices open are : Three seats with four year terms each on the Burke County Commission, Register of Deeds, NC State House 86th District and NC State Senate District 46. Filing period runs through Noon Monday December 21st. The NC Primary has been moved up to March 15th. Previous primaries were held in May. Filing also begins at Noon today in Caldwell, Catawba and McDowell Counties.