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.