The Burke County Board of Commissioners have once again postponed making a decision on schematic jail plans, but have planned a workshop on the matter for next week. Approving schematic jail plans was a decision item on the agenda for the Burke County Board of Commissioners Tuesday night regular meeting, but some commissioners questioned if they were jumping into things too quickly, due to the emtimated cost increase. Chairman Wayne Abele was one of them. "I'm personally not ready to build a new jail until we get some of this resolved. There are alot of questions and people are asking a lot of questions and I think need to do what's best for the taxpayers of Burke County and think this thing out. I think we rushed into this thing." Commissioner Johnnie Carswell made it clear that the Board had already voted to build the jail on Government Drive, but that decision has the ability to be overturned. The item was removed from the agenda in a 3-2 vote and the Board agreed to have a workshop to discuss the matter further next Tuesday.

In honor of its' 20th anniversary, Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina is hosting a public celebration Saturday. Camp Golden Valley in the South Mountains of Northern Rutherford County is the setting for this year's anniversary event; to be held Saturday, 11am till 3pm. Attendees are urged to bring a blanket or chair for the free event. Activities include musical entertainment from Bear Wallow - the winner of last year's MerleFest Band competition. Lake paddling, nature hikes, food and beverages will also be available. Since 1995, the Morganton-based conservation organization has permanently protected 50,000 acres, including special area landmarks like Linville Gorge, Wilson Creek, the South Mountains, Chimney Rock, and Catawba Falls. RSVPs are required by 5pm by calling 437-9950 or email info@foothillsconservancy.org.

A traffic safety enforcement operation leads to an arrest in Morganton. On Wednesday, Public Safety Officer Gilstrap stopped a car on East Union near Tennessee Street for speeding 41 mph in the 25 mph school zone. During the traffic stop, the driver, Randy Poteet of Morganton, admitted to driving while his license is revoked. A check for warrants on Poteet, showed an order for arrest for failure to appear on a previous court date. Poteet was taken into custody, and a foil gum wrap found in his pocket tested positive for methamphetamine. Bond was set at $5000, with multiple court dates set.

Hickory City Council met Tuesday night, and heard a Presentation and Proclamation for building safety month from Members of Hickory Police Department's Code Enforcement Division. An 18-item consent agenda passed, and in new business, a Quarterly Financial Report was presented to city council, followed by a request from city staff authorizing the application of TIGER grant funding from the US Department if Transportation. That item passed by a 7-0 vote allowing for passage of the grant request.