Three people have been charged with attempted murder after beating an Old Fort man with a sledgehammer. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office Thursday reported charges of Attempted Murder, Burglary and Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon against 33-year-old Samantha Jean Moore and 43-year-old Stacy Heatley, both of Morganton and 57-year-old Patricia Wellborn Hunley of Hickory. Henery Parker reported to the Sheriff's Office on December 8th that a male and 2 females came to his Old Fort home, where they beat him with a sledgehammer and robbed him of his money. Parker was taken to McDowell Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Heatley and Hunley are currently in Burke County on charges of beating a Marion man at a Salem area residence.

Less than a week remaining to pay Morganton city taxes. Payments should be received by next Thursday January 5th. After the deadline, any unpaid taxes will be assessed 2 percent interest. An additional three-quarters percent interest will be assessed each month thereafter. Property owners can pay in person at Morganton City Hall - 305 East Union Street, or payments can be mailed to the City of Morganton tax office at P.O.Box 3448 Morganton 28680. Residents can also make online payments at morgantonnc.gov. There is no fee if you pay with e-check; however, there is a 2.6 % fee for credit card payments. Call the Morganton tax office with questions at 438-5242.