A Hickory woman will spend the next seven years in prison for her role in a conspiracy and attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon. 23-year-old Debbi Jo Albright, pleaded guilty to conspiracy robbery with a dangerous weapon and attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon on Wednesday, during Catawba County Superior Court. She also pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine and heroine and was sentenced to serve seven to nine years by the Honorable Lisa C. Bell, Superior Court Judge from Mecklenburg County. The robbery case was investigated by Kerry Penley of the Catawba County Sheriff's Office. The drug case was investigated by Hickory Police Department. Lance Sigmon handled prosecution for the 25th District Attorney's Office.

The Sugar Grove fire in McDowell County has grown to 220 acres with 20% containment. Areas around Marion and Pleasant Gardens could potentially see heavy smoke settling in valleys and low lying areas this morning, especially around NC 80, US 70 and US 221 North. NC 80 remains temporarily closed to all but local traffic from Buck Creek Gap off the Blue Ridge Parkway to Little Buck Road near Lake Tahoma.

City grants in Hickory are available for programs that support community diversity and human relations. The City of Hickory Community Relations Council is currently seeking projects to fund for the current year; and is inviting qualified groups or individuals to submit grant requests. Priority will generally be given to projects that are designed to deliver the greatest impact on positive human relations - one's most effective in bringing sub-committees of Hickory together in providing services and resources to citizens who can most benefit. the deadline for submitting an application for this year's spring cycle if March 31st. Applicants may include any 501-c3 or otherwise tax exempt organizations. Grant funds may not be used to pay salaries or to construct buildings. For more information contact staff liaison Chief Thurman Whisnant with Hickory Police at 828-261-2605.