A new director has been named for the City Of Morganton Municipal Auditorium. Dr.W.Jim Smith will begin his role February 15th, replacing longtime director Bill Wilson, who recently announced his retirement. For the past ten years, Smith has served as worship leader at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, where he intends to remain part time. Smith has produced and directed the church's singing Christmas Tree show at COMMA for the past eight years; with the production growing from a three night event filling the lower level, to a four show standing-room-only musical display. A news release states that Smith grew up in Brevard; serving in churches, community organizations and public schools throughout his career.

Authorities are seeking a man who stole several high value rings from a Morganton jewelry store. The theft occurred Wednesday morning at Gregory Jewelers. The white male is described as being in his mid-20's, between 6 ' to 6'4". Employees were assisting the suspect who was looking at several rings, when the man grabbed them and ran out the store. He was last seen getting in a red, four door passenger vehicle. Investigators were informed that the suspect had been in the business a week ago looking at rings. Photos of the suspect can be located on the Burke County Crimestoppers website and Morganton Public Safety Facebook page and City of Morganton website. Anyone with information should contact Morganton Public Safety at 437-1211 or Crimestoppers at 437-3333.

A McDowell County Sheriff's Deputy has received a Region C commendation. On May 5, 2015 Deputy Derrick McGinnis responded to a house fire call on Cimarron Drive in P.G. He arrived to find the residence in flames and the occupant, George Howard, still inside the residence and refusing to leave. McGinnis entered the smoke-filled home and got Howard out. Region C consists of McDowell, Rutherford, Polk and Cleveland counties.

A Marion man faces assault charges from a reported attack on his mother. Marion Police have charged 32-year-old Kevin Christopher Lail with one count each of assault with a deadly weapon and assault by strangulation. Last Friday Lail's mother, Doris Cochran, also of Marion, told officers her son had choked her until she was unconscious and that he had struck her in the head with a can of food. Reports state Lail told police his mother had taken out a life insurance policy on his, and that he didn't want her to kill him. Police reports indicate Lail has an extensive history with law enforcement. Lail was taken into custody in lieu of a $26,000 bond.

The Claremont man facing a murder charge was back in court Tuesday, after additional charges were filed. 27-year-old Marvin Jacob Lee allegedly shot and killed 26-year-old Jefferson Lee Heavner of Newton during last week;s snowstorm after Lee's vehicle ran off the side of the road in Catawba County. Heavner and some of his friends stopped to assist lee, who opened fire on them. Lee was charged with four counts of attempted first-degree murder as well as one count of discharging a weapon into an occupied vehicle. Lee was given a $1 million bond on the new charges, but has no bond on the murder charge. He was appointed Victoria Jayne as his defense attorney on Monday and Jayne will represent Lee on the new charges as well. The probable cause hearing for Lee in all charges is scheduled for February 15th.

Lonestar River Band reschedules their performance at the Old Rock School. The original January performance cancelled due to the snow storm, has been rescheduled for Friday February 5th at 7:30pm. Tickets purchased for the January show will be honored at the door. You can buy tickets in advance for $18 by calling 879-2129 or go online to townofvaldese.com.

A Claremont man is being held without bond in Catawba County after being charged with murder. 27-year-old Marvin Jacob Lee made his first appearance in Catawba Count District Court Monday in connection with the shooting death of a Newton man. Lee allegedly shot and killed 26-year-old Jefferson Lee Heavner during last Friday's snowstorm. Reports say Lee's vehicle ran off a snow-slickened roadway in southeast Catawba County. The judge did not set a bond for Lee. His probable cause hearing is scheduled for February 15th.

A Marion man who set his wife's residence ablaze last month faces a new charge of arson, as well as child abuse. Detective Bille Brown of the The McDowell County Sheriff's Office Monday, charged 30 year old Jonathan James Stroud with felony breaking and entering a motor vehicle, misdemeanor injury to personal property, misdemeanor larceny and misdemeanor child abuse. Stroud was charged in December for setting a fire to a camper on U.S.70 West after ongoing domestic issues with his estranged wife, who owns the camper. She was not home at the time. That incident led authorities to other crimes they also believe were committed by stroud.

10th District Congressman Patrick McHenry announced last week that his Hickory district office is moving to a new location. The new office is located at 1990 Main Avenue, SE.. It is in the same building as the NC Center for Emgineering Technologies and the NC Small Business and Technology Development Center. The new office will open Wednesday and maintain the same hours as the previous location, 8:30AM to 5PM. The same phone number will apply, 327-6100, and mailing address P.O.Box 1830, Hickory 28603. Because of the move, the Hickory office will be closed today and tomorrow. Constituents needing assistance should contact Congressman McHenry's Gastonia office at 704-833-0096.

The National Weather Service at Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a winter storm warning from midnight tonight till 7PM Saturday. Snow accumulation forecasts for the Foothills 10-15 inches and for the Mountains 8-18 inches.

Burke County Public School officials are keeping am eye on the weather as forecasters call for the first winter storm of the season. School officials are concentrating on keeping "student safety" as top priority. Aside from constantly monitoring various weather models, school leaders closely communicate with law enforcement, emergency services, and DOT in making the best decisions for the 13,000 Burke students. The state requires 185 days of educational time; meaning students can miss a few days of school without making up days in their current 180 day school calendar. School delays or cancellations because of adverse weather are made as soon as possible and by no later than 5:30am; however, leaders encourage parents to have a plan in place should school be closed.

Many community members spoke in support of Bella the 4-year-old mixed breed pit-bull that is being held at animal control, in Tuesday night's regular Burke County Board of Commissioners meeting. At least eight people spoke in support of Bella, who is being held ay animal control, pending further investigation. According to reports, Bella was surrended to animal control January 10th, after a woman, who was in the process of adopting Bella, claims she bit her adult son. She has requested that Bella be euthanized next week. Candy Bowman who owns a rescue organization out of Alexander County that owns Bella, has filed a lawsuit and been granted a restraining order against the Sheriff's Department and Animal Control, meaning Bella cannot be euthanized until the hearing on Friday. Concerns have been brought to light as to who is the rightful owner of Bella and that will be decided in the trial on Friday.

Public Safety and multiple fire crews responded to a residential structure Monday night. Just after 7:30, firefighters responded to to 109 Keller Street. Heavy smoke from the residence and shed was visible. Assisting agencies included West End, Salem, Glen Alpine, Triple Community and Oak Hill Fire Departments, along with the Burke County Rescue Squad, and Burke County EMS. The cause of the fire is under investigation and no one was injured. The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the family.

A Morganton man on probation, has been charged for assaulting a victim with a deadly weapon after attempting to stab the victim at 102 West Union Street. Morganton Department of Public Safety Officers received a call Saturday night that a robbery was in progress at the West Union address. The victim told officers that the suspect had left the area on foot and the victim was familiar with the suspect. Officers later arrested 27 year old Izaak Benton Watkins. The victim stated that Watkins had entered the business and asked to use the bathroom(which is located on the second floor). After a prolonged period, the victim went to check on Watkins. When the victim encountered Watkins, he was grabbed by Watkins, who made stabbing motions with a screwdriver. During the attack, the victim received some cuts to his hands, and was able to separate from Watkins. The charges against Watkins include carrying a concealed weapon, occurring in the presence of officers, assault with a deadly weapon, second degree trespass, 2 counts of damage to property, communicating threats and attempted breaking and entering. A records check indicated Watkins has pending felony charges related to possession of a firearm by felon and possession of a stolen firearm. Preliminary information indicates Watkins is on Intermediate Probation in Burke County for felony drug offenses. The motive is under investigation and additional charges are being considered against Watkins. His bond was set at $25,000 secured.

A Marion man is charged for repeatedly violating a violence protection order. 50-year-old Kevin Ernest dalton has been charged with felony violation of a domestic violence order that was reportedly issued by his parents. The McDowell County Sheriff's office reports Dalton broke into his parents home earlier this month prompting the order. Dalton reportedly had violated several similar orders dating back to October. This charge marks Dalton's fifth offense.

The combination of a change in the primary election date in North Carolina, the demographics of many precinct workers and new technologies has created a serious shortage in precinct workers in Catawba County as the primary election approaches. The Catawba County Elections Office is currently searching for registered voters living in the county who would be willing to work in precincts and provide a vital service to the election process. The primary is scheduled for March 15. Precinct workers must be registered voters in Catawba County. Precinct workers earn at least $150 for the day. Poll workers must also attend one training session and assist with setup on the day before the election. Polls open at 6:30am and close at 7:30pm on Election Day. Precinct workers must arrive by 6am are are required to stay at the polls all day without leaving. Anyone interested in becoming a precinct worker may call the Elections Office at 464-2424.

Morganton City Hall will be closed today in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's birthday. City recreation facilities will also be closed. Garbage pickup will be on a one day delay this week. The City of Hickory offices are closed today, but garbage and recycling pickup will continue. All Caldwell County government offices are closed today and City of Marion offices are closed today. Residential garbage, recycling and street trash collection will be on a regular schedule this week.

A 45-year-old Morganton man was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to common law robbery and his admission of habitual felon status in Burke County Superior Court on Monday. Stokley Jeroid Osborne was sentenced to serve 10 to 13 years and his status was enhanced due to his habitual felon status. According to the investigation, in July 2015, Osborne went to the passenger side of a car that had just made an ATM stop, reached inside and took $400 from the victim. Officers matched the description of the robber after coming contacting the victim. When confronted, Osborne gave a full verbal and written confession to the robbery. He had three previous convictions for felony larceny in Cleveland County.

Deputy Chief of Police named in Hickory. On Thursday, Captain Thurman Whisnant, a 21-year veteran of the Hickory Police Department was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police. Whisnant has served in the capacity of Division Commander since 2006, spending time as the head of each: Criminal Investigations, Support Services and the Patrol Division. Whisnant was also one of the lead investigators during the Zahra Baker Case in 2010.

Governor McCrory announced Monday, that 129 acres have been added to Lake James State Park. The property acquisition results in state ownership of the entire Long Arm Peninsula on the lake's northern shore. Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina aided in negotiations for the $1.74 million acquisition funded through the N.C.Parks and Recreation Trust Fund and the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. Lake James State Park encompasses 3,644 acres on both the north and south shore of the lake. The park recorded 471,566 visitors in 2014.

Lake James State Park is planning on conducting a prescribed burn today. Park officials report the 60-acre burn is scheduled for the Paddy's Creek and Homestead areas from 10AM until 4PM. The Paddy's Creek and Homestead trails will be closed to the public during the burn.

A Catawba County businessman has been appointed to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The Office of Governor Pat McCrory announced Wednesday, that Mike Johnson will serve on the commission. Johnson is a lifeling N.C.sportsman and is very active in hunting education. In 2003, he was presented the Hunter's Education Instructor of the Year Award by the NCWRC. The commission manages, conserves and protects the wildlife resources of North Carolina.

A Morganton man was sentenced to 58-82 months in prison following his guilty plea to possession of stolen goods and his status as an habitual felon. 36 year old Christopher Earl Spencer entered the plea Tuesday, during Burke County Superior Court. In this case, the victim reported a break-in at his home in August 2013. TV's, jewelry and a weed eater had been stolen. Some of the property was located at a local pawn shop with a pawn ticket that had Spencer's name on it. Spencer was extradited from Virginia in October 2015 to faces the charges, but also had felony convictions from Buncombe County for breaking and entering and larceny, forgery, and possession of stolen goods that enhanced his sentence as an habitual felon.

A Marion man faces various charges stemming from a December house fire in McDowell County. 25 year old Jesse Lee Wilson has been charged with felony second-degree arson and misdemeanor carrying a concealed weapon, in connection with a fire that destroyed a two-story home. Reports state fire investigators were alerted to the suspicious fire on Crisp Drive in Marion December 27th. Officials report Wilson was acquainted with the home's occupant and the two had recent disagreements. Wilson, reportedly, was in possession of brass knuckles when arrested.

Earlier this month, Derek Brittain began working as a fire inspector with the Hickory Fire Department. Brittain comes to the department certified as a Level II firefighter through the North Carolina Fire & Rescue Commission and an EMT-B through Office of Emergency Medical Services. For the past 18 years, Brittain has served as a member of the George Hildebrand Fire Department, where he serves as Assistant Chief.

One of Burke County's Most Wanted was apprehended early Monday morning. Samuel Zane Billings of Morganton was located by the Burke County Sheriff's Office, after receiving a tip that he was at a house in the Salem area. Billings had been on the Burke County Most Wanted list for 10 weeks. When officers arrived on the scene, Billings was attempting to escape through a rear window of the house. Officers gave Billings commands at which he stopped attempting to flee, but refused to exit the home. After officers explained to the homeowner that there was an outstanding felony warrant on Billings, the homeowner was able to convince him to surrender. Billings was taken into custody and placed in the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility.

A traffic stop yields Methamphetamine. The stop occurred about 3AM Sunday on West Concord Street. According to Morganton Department of Public Safety, Sargent Edwards, along with Officer Huffman and her K-9 Partner Shrek, found Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia. An investigator from the Burke County Narcotics Task Force was contacted for further investigation. Charged were 31 year old Joseph Michael Hallyburton of Drexel and 33 year old Steven Wayne Strickland of Morganton. They were placed in the Burke Catawba Detention Center under a $10,000 secured bond each.

McDowell County investigators need your help in tracking the suspects who stole seven firearms and 700 rounds of ammunition from a Marion home last month. The Sheriff's Office report indicates that sometime between 6:15am and 7:30pm on December 22nd, someone broke into the residence of Michael Wyatt on U.S.221 North. Anyone with information concerning the crime or suspects is asked to call Detective Paul Alkire of the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 652-2237 or Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME (652-7463). With Crimestoppers, your identity remains anonymous and in this case a cash reward is offered.

Caldwell Commissioners Monday celebrated the 175th anniversary of the County's founding with a proclamation presented by special guest, Congressman George Robinson, who read the proclamation on behalf of Governor McCrory, who was unable to attend the meeting. Also Monday, Caldwell County Commissioners approved a $110,000 local jobs incentive for Bakers Waste Equipment of Lenoir. The incentive should help Bakers Waste Equipment create 55 new full-time jobs over the next two years and may also give the company a competitive edge on obtaining a building renovation grant through the N.C.Department of Commerce.

Monday's News

Two men face charges in connection with a business breakin last week at Grasstrimmer Lawn & Maintenance on Old Highway 18 Morganton. Burke County Sheriff's office deputies responded early Thursday to the business. The stolen items were valued at $11,500. The Criminal Investigations Division developed suspects and arrested 20 year old Dalton Randolph Rhom and an accomplice
34 year old John "Victor" Freeman. Rhom's bond was set at $35,000 with Freeman's bond seat at $30,000. Detectives recovered the victim's stolen trailer and several power tools. A 1996 Suburban was recovered, but had been burned (arson). The investigation is ongoing and detectives with the Burke County Criminal Investigation Division will be seeking additional charges against other suspects.

A Vale man entered a guilty plea to a charge of robbery with a dangerous weapon last week during Burke County Superior Court. 24 year old Skyler Blayne Faust was given a prison term of 49 to 71 months by the Honorable Daniel A. Kuehnert, Superior Court Judge from Burke County. Faust went into Hardees in Hildebran on May 30, 2015 and robbed the restaurant at gunpoint. Detective Robert Clifford was lead investigator, and Chris Back was the prosecutor for the 25th District Attorney's Office.

A Granite Falls man pleaded guilty to statutory rape of a 13 year old by a defendant more than 6 years older than the victim, during Caldwell County Superior Court last week. 27 year old Jonathan David Reid was issued a sentence of 15 to 24 years by the Honorable Yvonne M.Evans, Superior Court Judge from Mecklenburg County. Kim Britt investigated the case for the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office with assistance from the Robin's Nest Child Advocacy Center, and Assistant District Attorney Nancy Lee handled prosecution for the state.

(1/10/2016) MDPS- FHS BUILDINGS BROKEN INTO / VANDALIZED

Morganton Public Safety Officer's responded to Freedom High School to investigate a reported breaking and entering to several buildings near the stadium area over the weekend.

On Saturday, Coach Rogers and Coach Allen reported to Public Safety they discovered the Jug Wilson Field House broken into and vandalized. Further investigation discovered several other buildings vandalized and broken into including the W. Flemon McIntosh Press Box. Saturday marks the second time this week the field house has been broken into.

Damage is estimated around $5,000.00 and extends to the track, bleachers and field equipment. Public Safety, along with the Burke County Sheriff's Office are investigating the crimes which are felonious in nature due to the extent of damage. If you have information about these crimes, you are encourage to contact CrimeStoppers by calling 437-3333..you do not have to leave your name and may be eligible for a $ reward. More details will be available as the investigation continues.

The Caldwell County Fire Marshal's office has determined that a warehouse fire at Cajah's Machine and Flexible Products, LLC, Thursday morning was accidental. Kevin Brown, Caldwell County Fire Marshal, says the fire started in a grinding machine in which static electricity created a flash fire which ignited materials nearby. The business on Carlton MHP Drive in Lenoir sustained estimated damages at about $150,000 to the building and machinery. No one was injured.

The Hickory Fire Department has received the Governor's Award for Volunteer Service. The nomination for this award was submitted by Cheryl Abee, Director of Volunteer Center with Catawba County United Way. Abee stated, "the Hickory Fire Department was chosen to receive the Governor's Award in the Group category for their continued efforts to make sure children served by the Catawba County Christmas Bureau have a chance to win a brand new bike for the holidays. This has become a year-round project for these folks." The Governor's Volunteer Service Award honor the true spirit of volunteerism by recognizing individuals, groups and businesses that make a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service.

Traffic stop in Morganton leads to the discovery of firearms in a Violation of a Domestic Violence Protection Order. 41 year old Rodney Keith Conner was arrested early Monday morning by Morganton Public Safety for operating a vehicle with a reflective-type cover. A records check also indicated that Conner had two warrants for failing to appear in court, owing child support, plus an active, domestic violence protection order, where he was ordered not to possess firearms during the time that the order is active. A search of his vehicle revealed three firearms. Conner was also charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $10,700.

A smoke alarm alerts a Hickory family to a fire at their home. Hickory firefighters responded  to a reported structure fire, Wednesday, on 8th Avenue SE. Fire investigators state the fire was accidental and determined to have started in the home's chimney. Reports indicate a smoke alarm activation prompted the occupants to safely escape the residence. The fire reportedly caused major damage to the home and Red Cross officials are assisting the displaced family. Fire authorities stress the importance of having a working smoke alarm.

A Hickory man was sentenced to serve at least seven years in prison for the attempted second-degree rape of a female victim with diminished mental capacities. The 25th District Attorney's Office reports that 51 year old Ronald lee Gwynn, Jr. pleaded guilty, Wednesday, during Catawba County Superior Court. Gwynn was sentenced to serve 7-9 years by The Honorable Gregory B. Hayes, Superior Court Judge from Catawba County. He will be required to register as a sex offender. Sargent Thad Scronce led the investigation for the Catawba County Sheriff's Office, and Assistant District Attorney Jamie Adams handled prosecution for the State.

A Valdese man has been charged after a multi agency investigation. 53 year old James Edward Stovall has been charged with the solictitation of a child by computer to commit indecent liberties with a child. Reports state Stovall was placing ads on a media website soliciting teenage minors for sexual encounters. The covert surveillance and online investigation of Stovall involved the Burke County Sheriff's Office, Boone Police and Valdese Police. Stovall's bond was set at $50,000 with a court appearance scheduled today.

A Morganton man, who the Burke County Sheriff's Office had been attempting to locate, has been arrested in High Point. Around 5:15PM Friday, a High Point Police Officer conducted a traffic stop off I-74 West. It was discovered that the Ford Escape had been reported stolen in Burke County. One of the occupants was 26 year old Wesley "Clay" Rhom, Jr. He faces numerous charges with a secured bond of $140,000 and a court appearance scheduled February 5th.

City Council agreed to enter a loan agreement with Homer's Soda Shop and considered filling the vacancy for District 4 in Morganton's Monday night regular meeting. At the December meeting, City Council agreed to accept applications for the vacancy on council from the community. Requirements included being a registered voter and living in District 4. Four applications were received. After three ballots, council was divided between John Henry and Wendy Cato for the vacancy and agreed to suspend the selection process until the next meeting . The vacancy must be filled 90 days after December 7th. In new business, council agreed to enter a partnered CDBG small business loan for $30,000 with Homer's Soda Shop located at 113 East Union Street. Homer's is a handcrafted cocktail bar, which will offer classic cocktails and homemade sodas and syrups. Homer's Soda Shop plans to partner with existing downtown restaurants and farms for ingredients to offer small plates, raw oysters, sandwiches and cheese boards. Renovations have begun and two new jobs will be created, Council approved the loan agreement unanimously.

The Rotary Club of Morganton has announced a major change in its' annual "Man of the Year" award. Beginning with the next award in March, the eligibility criteria has been changed to allow for either a man or woman to be honored with the Rotary Club of Morganton Distinguished Person of the Year. The Rotary Club of Morganton has begun soliciting nominations for this award with a deadline for submissions of February 15th.
Letters of Nomination may be sent to:
Joan Rovenstine, Club Secretary
Rotary Club of Morganton
P.O.Box 294
Morganton, NC 28680
Or email jbrovenstine@gmail.com
The banquet honoring the Distinguished Person of the Year will be Friday March 18th at the Morganton Community House.