The City of Morganton has become aware of allegations concerning possible misconduct by one or more City employees. City management has so far received no evidence to substantiate the allegations. Morganton Department of Public Safety has requested the State Bureau of Investigation to conduct an inquiry into the allegations. All City employees and elected officials will fully cooperate with the SBI on this matter. No further comments will be made pending the results of the SBI inquiry, according to a release from Morganton Public Safety.

Less than 24 hours after a Caldwell County murder case was declared a mistrial, the
double homicide case will go to trial a second time. The 25th District Attorney's Office announced Thursday, that William Eugene Murphy rejected a plea offer from the DA's Office during a hearing in Caldwell County Superior Court. Judge Nathaniel J.Poovey was reluctant to set a new date for trial, pointing out that he needed more information from the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts regarding availability of judges, court reporters and courthouse space. Murphy is accused of committing the November 1990 murders of Mark Randall Secreast and wife Jeanie Barlow Secreast inside their Caldwell County home.

A neighbor spots a man stealing from a McDowell County residence. McDowell County deputies have charged 22-year-old Brandon Lee Ost of Marion with felony breaking and entering, and felony larceny-stemming from a November home invasion. He reportedly stole more than $2200 worth of items. Ost had remained on the lam since the theft; however, he was observed walking along a local roadway by a resident who called Crimestoppers. Officers apprehended him shortly thereafter.

North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Patsy Keever will speak in Morganton night. She is scheduled to deliver state party news and reports of the State Executive Committee. The program begins at 6 o'clock at the Burke County party headquarters, 310 South Sterling Street. Keever grew up in Charlotte and now lives in Black Mountain.