Burke County Public Schools has been recognized for having the highest graduation rate in the state for medium size school districts. Patton High, Draughn High and Burke Middle College were some of the individual schools recognized for their outstanding graduation rates at a special luncheon in Durham on October 25th. The graduation rate for Burke County Public Schools for the 2015-2016 school year was 91.3 percent. Medium size school districts are those with between 1,000 and 1,999 students in a graduation class. Burke Middle College had a 100-percent graduation rate, an annual occurrence for the school all but once since it opened 11 years ago. Patton had a 96.3 percent graduation rate and Draughn achieved a 96.9 percent graduation rate. North Carolina's overall graduation rate is 85.9 percent.

One of Burke County's Most Wanted is in custody. On Tuesday, 33-year-old James Nelson Fields of Morganton, who was wanted for felony possession of cocaine and driving while impaired, turned himself in to the Burke County Sheriff's Office. Fields is scheduled to appear in court December 12th.

As dry conditions continue to plague WNC, a burning ban spreads to a favorite vacation spot. The Blue Ridge Parkway announces fire restrictions in both NC and Virginia sections due to extremely dry conditions and with little chance of rain in the immediate forecast. According to a news release, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire is not allowed. However, the use of portable lanterns, stoves, or heating equipment that utilize gas or pressurized liquid fuel is allowed. Charcoal fires are not allowed, as the restriction applies to all picnic areas that remain open and accessible. The burning ban remains in effect until further notice in accordance with state and local agencies.