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.