Burke County Public Schools' Teacher of the Year has been announced. Tracy Heape with Oak Hill Elementary is this year's ' Teacher of the Year.' Heape has been a teacher for 11 years; having spent the last 9 years as a 5th grade teacher at Oak Hill. Each of the county's 26 schools selected a teacher of the year; with each recipient completing a written portfolio and appearing for an interview before a selection committee. Heape has a bachelor's degree in elementary education, and a master's in curriculum and instruction. A press release states Heape will now be eligible for the regional teacher of the year.

A 9 month process resulted in a celebration for the re-naming and dedication of the women and children's shelter on Sunday. The newly named Suzy Fitzgerald Shelter for Women and Children was dedicated in honor of Suzy Fitzgerald who has been involved with the homeless community in Burke County for years. Members of the community who spoke in her honor included Jesse Carswell of the Meeting Place Mission, the Reverend Father Kenneth Whittington, Wendy Cato, and Fitzgerald's mother, Paula Fitzgerald. Others who spoke included board board members who have worked alongside Fitzgerald such as Ken Clark and Tim Turner.

Dr.Todd Roberts, Chancellor of the N.C.School of Science and Math will give a presentation to the City of Morganton's Human Relations Commission tonight at 6 o'clock at City Hall. Roberts will talk about NCSSM and the future western campus of the school, which was funded in the Connect NC Public Improvement Bond passed by NC voters during the March 15th primary. The talk tonight will be held in the Council Chanbers and is open to the public.