A Morganton man is charged with stealing from a McDowell County construction site. 29-year-old Randall Kyle Ballard of Roy MacGalliard Avenue was charged with larceny and buying or receiving stolen goods. A 14-foot trailer and an assortment of hand and power tools - all valued at more than $16,000 were reported stolen from a Nebo construction site in January. Reports say the investigation led to Ballard, who has just recently been located. The trailer and some of the tools have been recovered.

Three Catawba County residents face methamphetamine charges. The Catawba County Sheriff's Office, Monday, charged 24-year-old Marcus Allen Helms of Claremont, 21-year-old Grady Franklin Williams of Maiden and 48-year-old Homer Lee Honaker of Newton with Posession/Distribute Meth Precursor, Manufacture Meth, Conspire to Manufacture Meth and Trafficking in Meth. Bond on Helms and Williams was set at $100,000 with all three men scheduled to appear today in court.

The Board of Trustees at Lenoir-Rhyne has announced that Dr.Fred Whitt, has been named the 12th president at LRU. Whitt was introduced Monday morning as faculty, staff, students, board members, constituents and other friends filled Grace Chapel for the announcement. He is currently the Founding Dean of the Beaver College of Health Sciences at Appalachian State, and has served in this capacity since 2010 when was named to lead the first new college developed at ASU in over 40 years. Whitt will assume the position as LRU President on February 1st.

During the 31st Oktoberfest celebration in Hickory, judges selected three outstanding artists among the Juried Craft vendors participating in the festival. The winners were selected for the appearance of their vendor space and the quality of their handcrafted product.
* First Place:      Clearly Unique Glass Studio,  Nancy Hyman - Charlotte
*Second Place :  Peaceful Path Pottery, Richard Paul - Rutherford College
*Third Place :     Jen Callahan Artwork, North Point, Florida