The Governor's Office announces nearly 50 new jobs coming to Catawba County. Dynamic Air Engineering will establish corporate operations in Claremont during the next years - investing over 6.8 million dollars and building a workforce of 46. The company has also set further goals of adding at least 7 more positions in years 4 and 5 following their relocation. New positions will include engineers, machinists, and senior executives among others. Annual salaries will vary by position, but will average over $66,000. Dynamic Air is currently headquartered in Santa Ana, California where the company designs, develops, and manufactures specialty components for the aerospace and defense industries.

A Hickory man is arrested following a marijuana find in Caldwell County. Deputies report finding marijuana plants growing in a Hudson warehouse. 29-year-old Ryan Michael few has been charged with 1 count of manufacturing marijuana in connection with the operation. Officials reportedly discovered 62 plants worth an estimated $155,000 in their search; complete with growing lights, fans, irrigation, and ventilation systems. Agents report fingerprints they found at the scene are a match to Few.

58 children just wrapped up a week of summer camp activities thanks to the Morganton Department of Public Safety's "Operation Safe Haven". Rising 6th graders from Mountain Crest, Forest Hill, New Dimensions and Morganton Day participated in the week-long summer camp as a reward for completing the D.A.R.E. Program. Throughout the week, kids got to have fun while interacting with local Public Safety Officers. Activities included a trip to Fun Depot in Asheville, Marquee Cinemas, Lake James State Park (Canoeing, swimming and a cookout), Gem mining at Emerald Village, a day at Carowinds and a community service "Trashure Hunt" where kids give back to the community by picking up 423 pounds of trash around the downtown area. The week was provided free of charge to students, thanks to the support of Morganton City Council, Morganton Savings Bank and a grant from the Morganton Community Enrichment Foundation as well as several private citizens.

Karen Heffner received the Order of the long Leaf Pine at her recent retirement from Catawba County Social Services following 31 years of service. She was recognized in 1998 as the "Champion of Welfare Reform" in the county. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is awarded to persons for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and their communities that is above and beyond the call of duty and which has made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina.