A Morganton man has been charged with Obstruction of Justice. Detectives with the Burke County Criminal Investigations Division intercepted an active attempt by 45-year-old Marty Baird Peters to influence material witnesses in an ongoing 1st Degree Sexual Offense investigation being conducted by the Burke County Sheriff's Office. According to a new release from the Sheriff's Office, investigators discovered that Peters was attempting to make contact with state witnesses in order to influence their testimony in regards to the allegations made against him. An additional $25,000 bond was added to his existing $100,000. A court appearance is scheduled for tomorrow.

A Lake Lure woman has been arrested for drug possession and avoiding warrants by identity theft. Marion Police have charged 33-year-old Jessica Boone with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of meth, and identity theft, following a traffic stop. Boone reportedly gave the officer a false ID, then dropped a bag from the car containing a glass pipe and a container holding a gram of methamphetamine. Officers also discovered two needles and two spoons. Reports say upon arrest, police learned Boone has been using her sister's identity to avoid an outstanding warrant for arrest in Mitchell County. Boone is being held under an $11,000 bond.

The 41st Annual Waldensian Festival begins tomorrow night in Downtown Valdese. The Main Stage tomorrow night will feature Americas Got Talent Season 10 Finalist and Valdese native Benton Blount. Amusement rides will be available for the children, just off the main street area across from the Valdese Fire Department. Saturday morning events begin at 9:00 with over 170 craft and food vendors lining Main Street. The Main Stage will feature a variety of acts, with other activities during the day including a Church Service at 11:00 and traditional Waldensian Meal at the Waldensian Presbyterian Church. The outdoor drama :From This Day Forward" will present the final performance of the season and the evening will conclude with the band Too Much Sylvia.