The Burke County Sheriff's Office releases additional details relating to a holiday weekend accidental shooting. Witnesses have identified two men involved in a New Year's Eve incident in the Salem area. Burke Sheriff's reports state 21-year-old Devan Nathaniel Mojica and 22-year-old Nathan Alan Brewer were firing a handgun in the direction of a bonfire when a juvenile was struck on Havenwood Drive. The female victim was taken to CHS Blue Ridge in Morganton by a friend and later transferred to Charlotte where she is listed in stable condition. Investigators will be conferring with the District Attorney's Office in regard to charges. The case is still under investigation.

An Old Fort couple face charges of stealing a truck, trailer and tools. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office Tuesday, reported the charges against 39-year-old James William Effler and 43-year-old Jennifer Deanne McMahan. The property was reported stolen from J & T Auto Parts in Marion and Ameritech Slope Constructors in Glenwood. The truck and trailer were recovered as well as some tools.

Prosecutors for State announced Tuesday during Catawba County Superior Court, that they will not pursue capital punishment in the murder case against Rodney Allen Ball. He still faces the possibility of life in prison without parole. The State announced last month that it will not seek the death penalty against Ball's co-defendant and brother, Thomas Gregory Ball. They are accused of killing 78-year-old Benny Daniels of Long View. Investigation of the case continues by the Catawba County Sheriff's Office and the SBI.

Hickory City Council announced during their Tuesday meeting that Warren Wood has been hired as the new city manager. Wood begins work April 10th, after completing his role as Waxhaw Town Manager, a postion he began in March of 2015. Wood was previously with the City of Hickory for 22 years, working in a variety of positions and management positions. His final position in Hickory, before moving to Waxhaw, was Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer.