Hickory firefighters responded to a possible structure fire at 935 South Center Wednesday morning just before seven. Upon arrival, fire crews discovered smoke and fire coming from the rear of the business. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze to a wooden fence behind the business; with damage reported as minor. There were no injuries. Fire investigators state that the cause of the fire was intentional. Anyone with information is asked to call Hickory Police at 328-5551.

Being a "secret shopper" might sound like a good job, but the McDowell County Sheriff's Office is warning residents to beware because it's a scam. Some citizens have received information that entices them to get paid to shop at stores and report on their experiences. They often receive a hefty check and are told to deposit it in a personal bank account, withdraw a certain amount of it and wire the money to a third party. The check is fake, and victims are out the money they wired. For further information call the Sheriff's Office at 652-2235.

Lenoir/Caldwell County Crime stoppers need your assistance in solving a crime. A report was filed with Lenoir Police on March 20th, for the larceny of 119 bronze flower vases from Blue Ridge Memorial Park cemetery. While the investigation continues, Lenoir Police would like to ask for anyone with information related to this crime to call 757-2171 or report anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 758-8300.

Lake James State has cancelled the prescribed burn that was scheduled for today.                          Lake James State Park is planning on having a controlled today from 10-4. Less than 100 acres will be affected for the burn, which is scheduled for the Northern Unit of the Paddy's Creek Area. There may be trail closures at that time. The burn will depend on the weather and available staff and equipment.

A cash reward is available to anyone who can offer pertinent information on
44 year old Brian Keith Greene, whose address is unknown. Greene is wanted by the McDowell County Sheriff's Office for felony breaking and entering and felony larceny. He is believed to be driving a 1993 Ford pickup truck, with North Carolina tag DKV-8987. He is described as a white male, 6 feet tall, about 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Greene is asked to call the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 652-2235, or Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME (652-7563).

Catawba County Health Partners has been awarded $450,000 from The Duke Endowment to help improve health in Catawba County. Catawba County Health Partners is one of five initial coalitions to take part in The Duke Endowment's new initiative, Healthy People, Healthy Carolinas. Health Partners will use the new funds over three years to address chronic health issues and associated risk factors, including physical inactivity and poor nutrition.

Multiple charges are filed on a Hickory man. The Catawba County Sheriff's Office Tuesday, charged 24 year old Eric Shannon West with two counts each of Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, First Degree Burglary and Second Degree Kidnapping. He was charged with one count each of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Possession of Stolen Goods/Property. Bond was set at $195,000.

A Marion man is charged in connection with a fatal shooting Monday. Marion police responded just before 8, to apartments on South Main Street. Officers found Phillip Ray with a gunshot wound. he was taken by MAMA to Mission Hospital where he died from injuries in the shooting. Arrested was Howard Ferguson, who told officers that he had shot Ray and called police. The reason for the shooting is under investigation by Marion Police and the SBI.

A traffic stop leads to the driver fleeing the scene and later arrested. Last Tuesday, a Public Safety Officer stopped a vehicle on East Union Street after being clocked at 41mph in a 25 mph school zone.
The officer made contact with the driver, who was later identified as Brandon Connelly. He gave the name of Thomas Lee Cash. After the officer went to check the validity of the name, Connelly exited the vehicle and towards woods across the street. With assistance of K9Handler Palmer and other officers, Connelly was tracked and found in a building next to a residence on Curtis Street. He was charged with Resist, Delay of Obstruct, Driving while License revoked, Speeding in a school zone along with three outstanding child support warrants. Bond was set at $5000 secured. A passenger in the vehicle, James Patrick Hoyle, was charged with permitting an unlicensed driver to drive and Resist, Delay or Obstruct.

Several arrests were made last week by the Burke County Sheriff's Office. including a man wanted for parole violation. On Friday March 18, Burke Probation Officers went to an address off Salem Road in an attempt to locate Dalton Smith for parole violation. According to a news release from the Burke County Sheriff's Office, Smith ran out the back door to avoid arrest. Deputies with the Sheriff's Office assisted in the search for Smith, but were unable to find him. Later that night, someone reported that a four-wheeler had been stolen near where the search for Smith had ended. Last Wednesday, Burke Sheriff's Officers were searching for Smith at numerous addresses within Burke County. Officers encountered several individuals who were known associates of Smith, with several arrests made for various offenses. Many of the individuals had valid warrants for not related to the stolen four-wheeler. About 4pm, Officers arrested three individuals, including Dalton Smith, at a residence in Eastern Burke County. Around 5pm, Officers recovered the stolen four-wheeler at a residence off Highway 64 West and returned it to the owner. The investigation is ongoing and further charges are pending. The U.S.Marshals and Burke County Probation assisted in the case.

The North Peak Fire in McDowell County was 70 percent contained Saturday afternoon. According to a news release from the U.S.Forest Service, the fire was estimated at 570 acres. The North Peak Fire was reported Wednesday, on N.C.Wildlife Resource Commission Gamelands, and is also burning on private and Pisgah National Forest Lands, just north of Lake James and 5 miles northeast of Marion. The Forest Service is being assisted by the Wildlife Resources Commission, McDowell EMS, Hankins-North Fork Volunteer Fire Department and N.C.DOT. The Over Mountain Victory Trail in the Bear Creek area is closed to provide for public and firefighter safety.

With a record 48 companies scheduled to attend and over 2,000 immediate or future available job openings, the 12th Caldwell is Hiring event is set for Thursday April 14th from 8:30am till noon at the J.E.Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir. Organizers have had to close employer registrations citing maximum capacity at the civic center. Sponsored by the Caldwell County Economic Development Commission - in partnership with NC Works and CCC & TI - Caldwell is Hiring began in December 2010 and has continued twice annually. More than 8,000 job-seekers have attended. The upcoming Caldwell is Hiring features an array of career opportunities, including, traditional and advanced manufacturing, logistics, transportation, warehouse and material handling, retail and service, meat processing, pharmaceuticals, industrial maintenance, health care, quality control, sales and management.

Hickory Police responded Wednesday to a report of vandalism at the Oakwood Cemetery. Officers discovered the mausoleum of James William Floyd disrupted with the casket removed and open. The skull was confirmed removed from the scene, with no other items of value taken, according to Hickory Police. The investigation is continuing by the Hickory Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact Hickory Police at 328-5551 or 261-2624.

A Wednesday afternoon wreck in McDowell County kills three. The accident about 3:30, occurred in a curvy area of 221 North near Baxter. News 13 reports that a pickup truck went left of center and hit an oncoming cargo van causing both vehicles to burst into flames. State Troopers say the truck carried a man and woman, with a man in the van. The victims have not been identified. Traffic was shut down for about four hours in a half mile stretch of 221.

The State Department of Public Instruction Transportation Services has accepted Burke into a pilot program to equip buses with seat belts. Burke will have seven new yellow buses outfitted with lap/shoulder belts by the start of the new school year. Officals said the goal of the voluntary pilot project, which includes 14 other school districts, is to help policy-makers evaluate future, widespread use of seat belts in NC public school buses. The seat belts will offer flexible seating and accommodate three small students or two large students. The Burke CountyPublic Schools Transportation Department is in the process of determining which routes the new seat-belt-equipped buses will run for the upcoming school year.

Hickory Downtown Development Association named Anthony and Margaret Jackson as Hickory's 2015 Main Street Champions. The Jacksons are founders and current chairs of The Jackson Group, Inc.,a Hickory based group of four companies providing survey services, multimedia productions, and leadership development/consulting services. The Jackson Group has 45 employees serving 289 clients in 40 states and Great Britain.

The Blue Ridge Parkway has announced opening dates for facility and visitor services along the scenic, 469-mile route. Information is available to plan a safe Parkway experience on the park's website at www.nps.gov/blri. The National Park Service is also celebrating its' 100th anniversary.

Fonta Flora Brewery and Foothills Conservancy have partnered in order to protect the historic Whippoorwill Dairy Farm in Western Burke County. With funding from the N.C.Clean Water Management Trust Fund and private donors, Foothills Conservancy purchased about 40 acres, the majority of Whippoorwill Farm, to donate to the adjoining Lake James State Park later this year. Fonta Flora Brewery, a Morganton craft brewery, has purchased eight acrea of the former dairy farm fronting Highway 126. Included in the eight acres are most of the old stacked-stones barn and structures. the brewery plans to restore the buildings in order to expand and create a farmhouse brewery, but will keep the old stonewalls intact. The expansion will allow Fonta Flora to brew around 2,500 barrels during the first year, roughly quadrupling their current production capacity. Fonta Flora plans to convey a permanent conservation easement on the property to Foothills Conservancy. The brewery also plans for gardens and orchards on the property to cultivate harder-to-find ingredients.

Morganton Department of Public Safety as been selected as a partner for the Watch For Me NC partnership. The program is for education and training in bicycle/pedestrian safety. Watch For Me NC partnership will provide traffic unit officers Gillstrap and Davis with Morganton Public Safety training, printed materials, billboards, and banners that will encourage education and enforcement. Officers will then take this into the school system. Morganton Housing will work with Burke County law enforcement agencies to educate, train and promote bicycle/pedestrian safety. Three other area partners from previous years will continue to work with Watch For Me NC, Asheville, Boone and Marion.

A Connelly Springs man is facing a murder charge in the death of one of his 3-month-old twin sons. The Burke County Grand Jury returned a true bill of indictment for murder last week, against 21-year-old Nicholas Brandon Clark, He was originally charged with and indicted for felony child abuse for a January 31st incident that led to hospitalization for one of his twins. The mother of the twins, 24-year-old Brittany Nichole Hefner, also of Connelly Springs, was indicted on a felony child abuse charge from a similar incident January 29th that involved the other twin. The case remains under investigation by Daniel Strauss and Scott Carico of the Burke County Sheriff's Office.

The Freedom Girls State Championship basketball team was recognized, along with other students Monday night at the Burke County Board of Education regular meeting. Winners were noted for their participation in the Burke Soil & Water Conservation Essay and Speech Contest. In the 6th grade, Maxwell Thomas of Table Rock Middle took first place in the essay. Julia Uren of Table Rock Middle placed 1st in the 7th grade speech category and Anna Pederson of Heritage Middle took 1st place in the 8th grade speech category. The Mathcounts competition was held March 2nd. Valdese Elementary placed first, Glen Alpine took 2nd and Rutherford College 3rd. The first place overall mathlete was Morgan Cargill of Glen Alpine. Ray Childers was recognized for being chosen as a Title 1 Reward School for the 2015-2016 school year. Title 1 is the largest federal education-funding program for schools. School funding is based on the number of low-income children, generally those eligible for the free and reduced price lunch program. The Freedom Girls basketball team was also recognized for their 3A state championship win.

The Sheehan Creek fire in McDowell County is now contained. According to a Monday news release from the US Forest Service, wet weather and cooler temperatures aided firefighters. The fire is now 98% contained. The fire began Thursday afternoon in a remote area along Little Buck Creek, north of Lake Tahoma, about 7 miles northwest of Marion. The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation. All roads and trails in the area are now open. Forest Service officials are asking the public to continue to avoid the fire area for their own safety and the safety of fire personnel who remain on the scene.

An Avery County man faces multple charges in connection with a fatal shooting early Thursday in Marion. On Friday, Marion Police, the SBI and Avery County Sheriff's Office were preparing to serve warrants on a Newland man when officers were notified that the suspect had left the residence in a vehicle. An Avery Deputy located the vehicle near Banner Elk and conducted a traffic stop. The driver, William Isaac Erwin was taken into custody without incident and taken to McDowell County. Charges include 1st Degree Burglary, Murder, and Attempted Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon. Just after 4am Thursday, Marion responded to a Kathy Street residence and found Shannon Leon Roy Mosteller of Pine Street dead at the scene.

Felony Weapon charges are filed on a Morganton man. Public Safety Officers Friday, were dispatched to the area of South King Street in reference to the sound of shots fired. Found in the area was the suspect, Jeremy Shaun Ollis of South King Street. He was placed in the Burke Catawba Detention Facility and charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Simple Possession of Schedule VI Controlled Substance. Bond was set at $20,000 with a court appearance scheduled for today.

A Morganton traffic stop yields a Felony Amount of Marijuana. On Friday a Public Safety Officer conducted a vehicle stop for speeding. The Officer smelled marijuana from inside the car and a brown paper bag on the backseat passenger contained marijuana. Anthony Steveson Jr. was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Schedule VI. He was confined at the Burke Catawba Dentention Center with bond set at $7000 . A court appearance is set for today.

The investigation continues into a fatal Thursday morning shooting in McDowell County. Just after 4am, Marion Police responded to 242 Kathy Street. Officers located two victims. 33 year old Shannon Leon Roy Mosteller of Pine Street, who died at the scene. The second, 23 year old Kelly Louise Barr of Kathy Street was taken to McDowell Hospital with non life threatening injuries. Marion Police and the SBI are working to determine the cause of the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call Police at 652-5205 or CrimeStoppers at 65-CRIME.

Two Morganton residents face charges after a vehicle stop Monday. Morganton Public Safety Officers were conducting a checking station on Sanford Drive when an SUV approaches at a high rate of speed and then came to an abrupt stop. Officers observed an object thrown from the vehicle that was later found to be a .380 caliber handgun found near the roadside where the SUV stopped. The two men inside the vehicle, Travon Berry and Laqun Johnson were reportedly convicted felons. Berry faces four charges including Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and was jailed under a $21,500 secured bond. Johnson was also charged with four offenses including Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and jailed with a $22,500 secured bond.

Filing began Wednesday for candidates seeking nomination to the U.S.House of Representatives under new district lines still awaiting approval by a federal court in Winston Salem. Filing is also open for the N.C.Supreme Court. Filing will close at noon on Friday, March 25. The voter rolls are currently open across the state, allowing new voters to register and current voters to change party or other registration information. Unaffiliated voters who selected a partisan ballot in the March primary are permitted to select a different party in June. For more information visit online ncsbe.gov.

A Burke County man is charged with two felony sex counts. The Burke County Sheriff's Office Wednesday, charged 28 year old Joshua Michael Abernathy of Morganton was placed in the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility under a $100,000 secured bond with a Superior Court appearance scheduled for April 18.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump spoke to an estimated crowd of 1500 Monday at PE Monroe Auditorium on the Lenoir-Rhyne campus in Hickory. New Jersey Governor and former presidential candidate Chris Christie introduced Trump and moderated yesterday's forum. Topics discussed included, trade, education, Obamacare, Veteran's affairs, the military, the Iran deal, ISIS, and wall construction to prevent illegal immigration. Trump stated that the country's infrastructure needs rebuilding-under budget and on time. The rally was interrupted three times by individual protesters who were escorted from the building by authorities.

Prosecutors for the State will seek the death penalty in the murder case against a Burke County man. 19 year old Justin Sullivan is charged with murder in connection with the December 2014 death of 74 year old John Bailey Clark. Prosecutors announced in Burke County Superior Court Monday, that they intend to treat Sullivan's as a capital matter. Sullivan also faces federal charges that allege that he attempted to provide material aid to the terrorist group ISIL. The Burke County Sheriff's Office and the SBI continue to investigate the murder case with assistance from the FBI. Sullivan is being held at the Buncombe County Detention Center on the federal charges without bond.

McDowell County authorities continue to investigate the cause of a Sunday morning house fire that killed two in the Glenwood Community. Firefighters responded about 8am to a house on Glenwood Drive, to find the back portion of the residence engulfed in flames. After the fire was extinguished, authorities found the remains of two people inside. The bodies are scheduled for an autopsy today in Winston-Salem. The cause of the fire is under investigation with the McDowell County Sheriff's Office, SBI, and McDowell Emergency Management examining the case.

An arrest has been made from a shooting early Sunday morning in Catawba County. Last night Hickory Police arrested 24 year old Madison Edward Merola of Newton and charged him with Attempted 1st Degree Murder and Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury. Just before 2am Sunday, Police responded to the area of 3rd Street NW and 1st Avenue NW. Officers found 24 year old Helen Baumer of Hickory with a gunshot wound. She was taken to the hospital and is listed in critical critical. Merola is being held at the Catawba County Detention Center under no bond. The investigation is continuing.

Almost 6900 people voted in Burke County during early voting. No voting today. Polls open at 6:30am Tuesday, with the polls closing at 7:30pm. With the primary tomorrow, Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump was scheduled to appear at Lenoir-Rhyne in Hickory this morning. According to Lenoir-Rhyne President Wayne Powell, "Lenoir-Rhyne does not endorse any political candidates, but does encourage open discourse and the free exchange of ideas."

An arrest has been made after a Morganton store was robbed. Morganton Public Safety units responded to Holiday to Go on Lenoir Road Friday. A suspect was developed from video footage and a witness description. The cashier was not injured and no weapon was shown. Later Friday night, Public Safety was called to assist WalMart Loss Prevention with a shoplifter. Officers recognized the suspect, as being the robbery suspect from earlier in the day. 52 year old Curtis Wayne Elliot of Morganton was arrested and charged with Common Law Robbery, Misdemeanor Larceny, Resisting Public Officers and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $40,000.

Multiple sex charges are filed against a Connelly Springs man. The Burke County Sheriff's Office Thursday, charged 28 year old David Allen Proctor with Sex Offender Premises Violation, Failure to Inform Online Identifiers and Sex Offender Use of Banned Social Media. Earlier this month, Burke Detectives received an anonymous tip that a registered sex offender was using an alias for his online moniker to avoid detection. Charges were filed after an investigation, with bond set at $50,000.

Two suspects are in custody in Alexander County, after the body of a man was found west of Taylorsville. 51 year old Toni Anthony Hearne of Charlotte and 33 year old Linsey Marie Lentz of Albemarle are charged with Murder and Conceal/Fail to Report a Death, according to the Alexander County Sheriff's Office. Just after Noon Wednesday, a Sheriff's Lieutenant discovered the body of a male behind an abandoned house in a wooded area in the vicinity of 6045 Highway 64-90 West. The body has been identified as Robert Adam Hearne Jr. The investigation is ongoing with no motive released.

Carolinas HealthCareSystem Blue Ridge is not raising prices on procedures or hospital stays in 2016. President and CEO of Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge Kathy C.Bailey says the hospital understands that healthcare is expensive, so for the first time in 16 years the prices on procedures and hospital stays will not be raised. Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge is part of Carolinas HealthCare System, which supports efforts that provide patients with useful information on quality, access, service and price. Bailey continuously pushes the hospital system to be a community partner and she believes this initiative will help patients be more involved and able to make more informed decisions on healthcare. A written estimate of charges for surgical and imaging services performed at the hospital is being provided, including the patient's out-of-pocket expense. Bailey says the hospital is in the process of expanding their ability to provide estimates for other services so that patients stay well informed.

A Lenoir man pleaded guilty to two separate offenses, last week, in Caldwell County Superior Court. 26 year old Devin Isaiah Boyce entered guilty pleas to assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and trafficking opium or heroin. The Honorable Robert C.Ervin, Superior Court Judge from Burke County, issued an active prison sentence of 5 to 7 years. Sherry Beavers and Patrick Moser investigated the cases for Lenoir Police. Andrew Jennings was the prosecutor for the District Attorney's Office.

Overcrowding has become an issue at Mountain Crest Elementary School and the Burke County Board of Education held a public town hall meeting Tuesday night at Walter Johnson Middle School to discuss possible options. Superintendent Larry Putnam presented ideas that staff at Mountain Crest and Walter Johnson had voiced, but wanted to give the community a chance to voice their opinions. Options for consideration include making WJMS a K-5 elementary school for the 2017 year, move 5th grade MCES to WJMS beginning in the fall(WJMS becomes a 4-8 school), move 4th and 5th grade MCES to WJMS 2017 school year, make WJMS a K-8 the 2017 year or reopen Mountain View Elementary possibly in 2017. The current student population at Mountain Crest is 565 students with a building capacity of 387. WJMS currently holds 454 students and has a building capacity of 800. Putnam said the overcrowding is a direct result of the workforce in the community and can be correlated with economic and population trends in the county.

A true bill of indictment was returned, Tuesday, by the Catawba County Grand Jury for a Caldwell County man accused of a double murder that occured last week in Hickory. 22 year old Eric Terril Yount of Granite Falls, was indicted on two counts of murder for the shooting deaths of 22 year old Richelle Scott Lail of Hudson and 28 year old Cody William Watts of Hickory. Victoria Jayne has been appointed to represent Yount, who had no prior criminal record. He remains incarcerated in the Catawba County Detention Center without bond.

The District 4 seat on council remains vacant and Mountain View Street was given a new name in Monday night's regular Morganton City Council meeting. Once agains, council voted on filling the District 4 vacancy ending with a draw. Mayor Ronnie Thompson and Sydney Simmons voted for John Henry while Forest Flemming and John Cantrell voted for Wendy Cato. The city attorney made it clear to council and members of the audience that a special election cannot be held in Morganton solely for the District 4 vacancy. Council decided to continue the discussion at a later date, In new business, City Manager Sally Sandy proposed the consideration of renaming Mountain View Street. the reasoning behind the name change is due to the same street name in Drexel. Residents who live on Mountain View Street in Morganton regularly have mail delivered to the wrong address as well as 9-1-1 calls that go to the wrong address. Residents on Mountain View Street came up with the new street name, Steeple Heights Lane. The motion passed unanimously. Council also approved to enter into a new audit contract with Elliott Davis Decosimo for $36,500 the first year.

A second person has died as the result of a shooting last week in Catawba County. Hickory Police announced Friday, that 28 year old Cody William Watts of Hickory died as a result of injuries that occurred on Wednesday. 22 year old Richelle Scott Lail of Hudson had died at the scene of the shotting, which occured Wednesday at a parking lot of a fast food restaurant in Hickory. The investigation into the incident continues and investigators will be working with the District Attorney's Office to determine what further charges 22 year old Eric Terril Yount of Granite Falls will face.

A Morganton man faces multiple charges. On Monday February 22, about 11:45pm, Morganton Department of Public Safety Officers were dispatched to the area of 2nd Street. Communications advised that a male wearing a white jacket had assaulted a young female. The first officer at arrive at the scene locayed a man who matched that description. After an investigation and speaking with all parties. Marvin Mendez of South Anderson Street was charged with Resist, Delay or Obstruct, Communicating Threats, Simple Assault, and Sexual Battery. Mendez was placed in the Burke Catawba Detention Facility under a $10,000 secured bond. Additional charges may also be filed against Mendez.

Governor McCrory has declared this week, March 6-12, as Severe Weather Preparedness Week. Schools and government buildings statewide will tornado drills Wednesday morning at 9:30. Emergency officials recommend that you use these safety tips:
  *  Know the terms: WATCH means a tornado is possible. WARNING means a tornado has been
      spotted; take shelter immediately.
  *  Know where the nearest safe room is, such as a basement or interior room and away from
      windows, and go there immediately if you hear or see a tornado.
  *  If driving, you should leave your vehicle immediately to seek safety in an adequate structure. Do
      not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle, and do not stop under an overpass or bridge.
  *  If you are outdoors, and there is no shelter available, take cover in a low-lying area.
More information on tornados and overall emergency prepardness can be found in the ReadyNC mobile app and online at www.ReadyNC.org.

The suspect in Wednesday night's fatal shooting at a Hickory fast-food restaurant appeared in court Thursday morning. 22-uear-old Eric Terril Yount of Granite Falls was arrested in Caldwell County following the shooting at McDonald's on Highway 321. He was charged with one felony county of first-degree murder and one felony count of attempted first-degree murder. Published reports say Yount requested a court-appointed attorney and the judge appointed defense attorney Vicki Jayne. Court reports indicate the judge advised Yount of the severity of the charges - stating that a murder conviction could either bring the death penalty of life in prison without parole. He remains in the Catawbal County Jail without bond, with a court appearance scheduled for March 24th.

A vehicle crash Thursday night on Sanford Drive caused serious injury to a Lenoir woman. The 2015 Kia hit a utility pole which caused a power outage to about 1,600 residents. Monique Burton was traveling east, towards North Green Street, when the Kia left the right side of the road , near the entrance to Catawba Meadows. Burton overcorrected and struck a utility pole-head on, according to Morganton Department of Public Safety. The vehicle continued down an embankment and struck a tree. Burton was taken by Burke EMS to CHS Morganton with serious injuries. Two passengers in the vehicle had no reported injuries. Contributing factors to the crash are likely driving too fast for conditions, as the roadway was wet and it was dark at the time of the crash.

A Morganton Officer interrupts a break-in. On Wednesday, POS Paterno with MDPS was flagged by a resident on North Chestnut Street to investigate a suspicious female in a pink jacket walking around a neighbor's residence carrying a brick. As he approached the house, Paterno heard glass break and found 24 year old Angeleigha Smith, wearing a pink jacket, climbing out of a window that had been smashed. Smith admitted to breaking into the house to take property that she claimed belonged to a family member. The homeowner was contacted and stated that Smith did not belong in the house. She was charged with felony breaking and entering and two misdemeanor drug related charges. Bond was set at $10,000.

A Caldwell County man has been charged with the murder of a Hudson woman and the attempted murder of a Hickory man. Hickory Police, about 6pm Wednesday, responded to McDonalds on Highway 321 NW to a report of a domestic disturbance. Officers discovered 22 year old Richelle Scott Lail with apparent gunshot wounds, who died at the scene. A second victim, 28 year old Cody William Watts of Hickory, was taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds and is listed in critical condition. Hickory Police have charged 22 year old Eric Terril Yount of Granite Falls with 1st Degree Murder and Attempted Murder. He is scheduled to make a first court appearance today. Police say the incident appears to be domestic and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Hickory Police at 328-5551.

A Granite Falls woman will serve at least five years in prison after pleading as charged to larceny by employee and admitting her habitual felon status during Catawba County Superior Court on Tuesday. 42-year-old Stacia Greene Harvey was sentenced to an active prison term of 5 to 7 years. Harvey was also ordered to pay $28,421.36 in restitution to her former employer, Discount Cars, Inc., of Hickory. She took more than $53,000 from the business between January and July 2014. The owners discovered the money had been taken and provided video surveillance to Hickory Police showing Harvey taking the cash. Discount Cars was reimbursed $25,000 from insurance and the judge ordered that Harvey repay the remainder.

Lenoir Police announced Tuesday that its' Officers are now carrying the opiate antagonist, Naloxone, at all times when on-duty. All Officers have been trained in the administration of this opoid-overdose-reversal drug. According to Lenoir Police Chief Scott Brown, "In 2015, forty drug overdoses were reported to Lenoir Police and six of those incidents resulted in death". Naloxone is a very safe drug with an almost immediate, although temporary, reversing effect of opiate-based narcotics. Using the rescue kits, Officers will have the opportunity to stabilize overdoze victims until emergency medical responders arrive.

Burke County Public Schools will host two information sessions with the community concerning student population overcrowding at Mountain Crest Elementary. The first meeting will be held at 6pm Monday, March 7 at Mountain Crest Elementary. The second will take place at 6pm Tuesday March 8 at Walter Johnson Middle.

At the Lenoir City Council meeting Tuesday, two City employees were recognized for heroic actions which helped to save a local man's live. The two City of Lenoir employees, Brandon Goble and Tracy Huffman, received a "Service beyond Measure Award of Valor" for their efforts. Lenoir City Council also agreed to call a public hearing to consider allowing "Urban Archery Deer Hunting" within the City of Lenoir. The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday March 15th and will be held on the 3rd floor of Lenoir's City Hall due to the election primary.

Hickory City Council met Tuesday night, a large portion of the meeting included presentations from 13 different Commissions and volunteer boards and councils. Some of the groups asked for funding, while others provided City Council with annual updates. A six item consent agenda was passed with one public hearing to consider an ordinance to restrict Un-Muffled Engine Noise with the Hickory City Limits. Council voted unanimously to pass the ordinance.

At the request of the City of Morganton, the State Bureau of Investigation conducted an inquiry into allegations of financial improprieties or other criminal wrongdoing by one or more City employees. The SBI has reported to the City and to the District Attorney that it found no credible evidence of any wrongdoing. As a result, the SBI and the District Attorney have closed this investigation, according to a press release issued Monday by the City of Morganton.

Multiple arrests are made after a traffic stop in Morganton. On Thursday, a PSO stopped a Jeep Liberty for driving left of center. During the approach, the officer oberved seven occupants in the vehicle. Drug paraphernalia was observed in plain view, and the officer called for assistance. A K9 search was initiated which indicated the presence of additional narcotics in the vehicle. Arrested were Gregory Shell, charged with simple possession of a schedule VI controlled substance, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia, Vance Hinson, charged with six outstanding warrants, three for failure to appear and three Probation Violations, with a bond of $34,000 and a court date of March 8th. Roderick Caldwell was charged with possession of schedule II controlled substance and given a $5000 bond. The driver of the vehicle, Christina Perkins was issued a citation for driving left of center.