The City of Morganton partnered with Burke Arts Council to have a life-like size sculpture of Etta Baker located at COMMA and Gary Leonhardt was recognized for his service to Burke County in Monday night's regular City Council meeting. Council Members passed a motion to enter into a contract with the Burke Arts Council, because they are contracting with an artist from Oregon to have the life-like Etta Baker sculpture created. The estimated cost is $90,000 with $77,000 coming from a cooperative agreement with Morganton Savings Bank. The remainder will be raised through private donations from the Arts Council. Director of Recreation Gary Leonhardt was honored with a retiree resolution for serving the City of Morganton for over 48 years. Councilman Forest Flemming said Leonhardt has put into action many of his brainstorming ideas, indluding the Red White and Bluegrass Festival and coordinating trips. N.C.Supreme Court Justice Jimmy Ervin spoke on the upcoming Supreme Court visit to Burke County in May. For the first time in over 154 years, the Supreme Court will in the old Court House in Morganton. Five cases will be heard over a two-day period; three cases will be heard May 17th and two cases on May 18th.

The City of Morganton Human Relations Commission announced Monday, that Diann Tate has been named the 2016 Adult Citizen of the Year and Darius Burgess was chosen the Senior High School Citizen of the Year. Tate and Burgess will be honored during the annual Citizens of the Year Banquet Thursday April 28, 6pm, at the Morganton Community House. Tickets ate $15 (includes a Meal) and can be purchased from Human Relations Commission members or the Human Resources Department at City Hall.

Granite Falls Police requests the public's help in solving a larceny that occurred Sunday afternoon at 53 Grandview Street. Stolen was a  5' x 8' white enclosed utility trailer, motorcycle, and other personal items. Anyone with information should contact Sargeant Morrison at 396-3358 or call Lenoir/Caldwell Crimestoppers at 758-8300.