Students were recognized and members were added to the Western Piedmont Community College Board of Trustees in Monday night's regular Burke County Board of Education meeting. Four students were recognized as 2016 Duke TIP Talent Search at the state level. These honerees scored approximately at or above the national average of recent high school graduates on at least one part of the SAT or ACT. Ella Gragg and Joseph Seevers were recognized from Liberty Middle and of Heritage Middle, Gillian Abee-Freeze and Austin Rogers were acknowledged. The Board appointed two individuals to serve on the WPCC Board of Trustees. Bruce Hawkins was installed for a 4-year term and Ronnie Thompson was appointed to fill the remaining term for Bill Allman, who resigned. In consent items, the Board approved to change meal prices for the 2016-2017 school year. Breakfast would increase $.05 for all students, lunch would increase $.05 for elementary students and lunch would increase $.10 for middle and high school students.

56-year-old Richard Dale Triplett of Edwards Circle Connelly Springs was reported missing last week by a family member. Reports with the Burke County Sheriff's Office say the family member contacted Triplett's work supervisor; learning that Triplett had called into work sick last Monday. No further contact with Triplett has been made since. He is described as a white male, 5 feet 11, weighing 180 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. Anyone with information regarding Triplett's whereabouts should contact the Burke County Sheriff's Office at 438-5500.

Firefighters are stating that the 45-acre woods fire west of Old Fort is 100 percent contained; however, officials remain on the scene to monitor hot spots. The fire is in the Pisgah National Forest, near the Point Lookout Trail. The trail has reopened, however visitors are cautioned of fire traffic in the area. The fire was ignited by sparks from the nearby railroad. Firefighters with the US and NC Forest Service and Old Fort Fire Department are providing support at the fire scene.