A fire in Eastern Burke County burns three outbuildings Tuesday. More than 50 firefighters responded about 4:30 to 2754 Knob Hill Drive in Connelly Springs. According to the Morganton News Herald, the buildings were used for storage and no injuries were reported. Fire crews from Lovelady, Icard, Valdese, Rhodhiss, Drowning Creek and Triple Community responded along with Burke County EMS and REACT. The Burke County Fire Marshal's Office is investigating. About 15 to 20 acres also reportedly burned.

Hickory City met Tuesday night and heard three Special Presentations, a recognition of Hickory telecommunicators and police officers, along with proclamations for fair housing month and Volunteer week in Catawba County. City Council passed a 13-item consent agenda and a written comment was offered by a City Council member, Jill Patton, concerning the future of the Hickory Housing Authority. Mayor Rudy Wright stated the Housing Authority issue would be discussed at the next council meeting April 19.

A convicted felon from Burke County is charged with a felony firearm offense in McDowell County. On Tuesday, the McDowell County Sheriff's Office reported the arrest of 34 year old Joshua Lane Ellis of Morganton, for felony possession of a firearm by a felon. He was in a vehicle that was stopped March 17 on Cherokee Way. When officers searched the vehicle, they located a handgun belonging to Ellis.