A Burke County man will spend at least 18 years in prison after pleading guilty, Wednesday, to trafficking in opiates by possession and trafficking in opiates by transportation during Burke County Superior Court. 35-year-old Franklin Raye Shell of Valdese was issued a sentence of 18 to 23 years by the Honorable W.Todd Pomeroy, Superior Court Judge from Lincoln County, following his guilty plea. The case was investigated by Scott Lanning of the Burke County Sheriff's Office and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank Webster.

A 19-year-old male has been arrested in Burke County for murder. On Wednesday, Burke County Deputies received information from the Hickory Police Department about a possible deceased individual in Burke County from a gunshot wound at 1850 Hilferty Road in Hickory. When Burke County Deputies responded, they located a deceased male in a bedroom. The SBI was contacted to assist with the investigation and a search warrant was secured to process the scene. The victim had been shot in the chest and an investigation revealed a suspect by the name of Caleb Joseph Van Arsdale who was living at the Hilferty Road address. The suspec turned himself in to Hickory Police and during an interview with the Burke detectives, Van Arsdale admitted to shooting the victim and leaving the scene in the victim's vehicle. A warrant for the arrest was issued on Caleb Joseph Van Arsdale for the murder of Jacob Andrew Lucas of Belmont. Arsdale was transported to Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility where is being held without bond. A probable cause hearing is set for October 4th.

A Marion is charged with two sex offenses. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office, Thursday, reported the arrest of 49-year-old Roy Gilbert Davidson, Jr. on 2 counts of 1st degree statutory sex offense. He is accused of improperly touching a 7-year-old girl acquaintance on two occasions earlier this year. The Sheriff's Office received the case on a referral from McDowell Department of Social Services.

The 13th annual Catawba Riverfest takes place tomorrow at Lake James State Park. 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of NC's state parks - this year's centennial celebration includes the annual Catawba Riverfest, along with a triathlon and biathlon. The event takes place from 11 to 4 at the Paddy's Creek area of Lake James State Park on Highway 126. Riverfest includes a variety of water activities, free educational programs, a live bird demonstration, crafts, music, and concessions. Park Rangers will also lead festival-goers on power boat tours; while the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation organizes paddle eco-tours. Lake James State Park features about 7 miles of hiking trails, 14.5 miles of mountain biking trails along with picnic and swimming facilities. For more information about Riverfest, call 584-7728.