Firefighters completed burnout operations on the west side of the White Creek Fire Friday, increasing containment to 90%. The fire was estimated at 5,538 acres with no additional growth expected. The fire began March 16th near Shortoff Mountain in the Linville Gorge.

The South Caldwell High School ProStart Culinary team placed 1st at the NC ProStart Invitational held recently in Morrisville. The ProStart Invitational is a two-day secondary school competition focused on restaurant management and culinary arts. South Caldwell culinary team members included Ben Byerly, Aaron Lambert, Kailee Spake, Landon Powell, and Brandon Milam. Each student was awarded about $20,000 in scholarships and a Mercer chef's knife. As state winners, the team will move to the national level of competition next month in Charleston.

The National Recreation and Park Association is collaborating with The Walt Disney Company to revitalize parks across the U.S. for a third year. From April 1st through April 30th, Hickory residents will have the opportunity to nominate the city to receive $20,000 in grant funding to make improvements at a city park. By visiting NRPA.org/BeInspired, park supporters can nominate Hickory. At the end of April, the city with the most nominations will receive the grant funding. New this year, everyone who nominates a city will be entered into a drawing for a tablet outfitted for the outdoors.

The Asheville Police Department is seeking the public's help in finding 29-year-old Jackie Diana King of Whittier, a person of interest who is linked to several mail/package thefts and subsequent check frauds in the Skyland/Arden area. King is described as a white female 5' 8" and 115 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. King currently has one open warrant in Buncombe County for Forgery and uttering with more charges pending. Anyone who may information is urged to call Crimestoppers at 828-255-5050 or Det.Hogan at 259-5930.