The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton unemployment rate for January was 5.2%. Area county rates include Alexander at 4.5%, Avery 5.9, Burke 5.2, Caldwell 5.6, Catawba 5.1 and McDowell 5.2%. Hyde County had the state's highest unemployment rate in January at 13.3%, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 4.3%, according to the N.C.Department of Commerce.

Firefighters conducted burnout operations Monday afternoon on the White Creek Fire near Shortoff Mountain in the Linville Gorge. The fire is now 1,365 acres and 20% contained. Travelers along Highways 181 and 126 should use caution, as smoke may settle in low-lying areas this morning. 160 firefighters are on the scene.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office is continuing the investigation into the death of a 3-year-old found on the front porch of his Hopewell Road residence. Some additional interviews need to be conducted and the Sheriff's Office is awaiting toxicology reports. They hope to have those reports within the next two weeks. Subsequent to receiving those reports, the findings will be presented to the District Attorney's Office so the DA can determine if any charges should be issued. No determination of cause of death has been provided as of Monday, according to a press release from the Burke County Sheriff's Office.

A Marion father is arrested for abusing his 3-year-old son. 26-year-old Jacob James Laycock was charged by the McDowell County Sheriff's Office with child abuse and assault on a child under 12. An investigation showed the suspect had hit the child with a belt, leaving numerous bruises on his legs. McDowell DSS had reported to law enforcement earlier this month the possibility of child abuse in the Laycock home.