Burke Middle College's Lisa Wall has been named the Burke County Public Schools Teacher of the Year. Walls is in her 7th year at Burke Middle with 22 years of teaching experience. Burke Middle is a special program for high school juniors and seniors on the WPCC campus. The students have to apply for the program and once accepted, work to complete their high school diploma as well as a two-year associate's degree. Wall, a Burke County native, went to Icard Elementary, Drexel Junior High and East Burke High. The Board of Education will recognize Wall and all school-level teachers of the year at the May 22nd Board of Education meeting. Wall is now eligible for the regional teacher of the year.

Two juvenile suspects were arrested following a recent break-in at a Burke County church. Last Sunday morning, members of Hopewell Baptist discovered the break-in. A press release states a safe had been pried open, money was missing, and there was damage to the church's interior. Burke Sheriff's detectives responded to the crime scene. Their investigation led them to develop cause in the case; further arresting two 16-year-old suspects Wednesday. reports say the offenders were released from custody to their respective parents. Both have pending court dates.

The McDowell County Sheriff's Office is seeking 36-year-old Gabriel Seth Kaylor of Nebo. He is believed to driving a 1997 Neon Green Low-Rider Nissan Pickup with NC tag YH-7256. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at 652-2235 or the 911 Center at 652-4000.

The City of Morganton Parks and Recreation Department hosted a public meeting last week, to talk about the skate park project and get more input on the design. Brad Siedlecki, Pillar Design Studios, led the meeting and talked with skaters about their favorite elements for the park. Siedlecki presented two options for the group. Parks and Rec Director Rob Winkler said the meeting went very well in his opinion, and the builders, Artisan Skate Parks, said they should have the skate park completed by the end of the year.

A Marion man on federal probation is wanted by U.S.Marshals. Federal authorities are looking for 51-year-old Gregory Lee Holtzclaw for probation violation. Reports say Holtzclaw lives with his mother on Sparks Street in Marion, but has not been seen in at least three days. Holtzclaw is described as a white male, 5'9" weighing about 195 pounds with brown hair and eyes. Officials believe he is driving a green 2009 Mini Cooper with NC plate EBH-2518. Anyone with information about Holtzclaw's whereabouts should call McDowell Emergency Communications at 652-4000, or Deputy U.S.Marshal Bob Spangler at 704-651-2252.

The man who broke the jaw of a decorated Vietnam War veteran pleaded guilty on Tuesday during Catawba County Superior Court to the felony of Assault Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury. 33-year-old Clarence Martin Hayes III of Hickory was given a suspended "spilt" sentence of 16 to 29 months with 30 months of probation. Hayes will spend 30 days of his sentence on the Catawba County Jail. The victim, 78-year-old James Stonemetz, suffered a broken jaw when Hayes assaulted the victim in Stonemetz's own yard at his Hickory residence on June 19, 2016.

A Nebo man is charged with scamming his employer out of more than $3,500. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office reported Wednesday, that 36-year-old Gabriel Seth Kaylor faces 5 counts of obtaining property by false pretense. In the past year Kaylor was caught on several occasions from surveillance video with clocking in at work for the day, then leaving for the day, before coming back to work and clocking out. Kaylor is accused of swindling $3,582 from Bennick Grading in Nebo.

Cigarette thieves hit a McDowell convenience store. McDowell County authorities are looking for two men who smashed their way into a Nebo convenience store over the weekend - making off with dozens of cartons of cigarettes. The thieves were caught on surveillance inside West Court Number 4 on NC 226 South. Reports say the pair broke the front glass door, stealing nearly 40 cartons of various brands of cigarettes valued at $1,800. Property damage was estimated at $3,000. The suspects were reportedly in a dark-colored vehicle with chrome wheels. Anyone having information in this case is urged to call McDowell Crime Stoppers at 65-CRIME(652-7463).

Caldwell County Sheriff Alan Jones announced on Monday that two people were arrested and charged on suspicion of distributing crack cocaine after a search warrant was executed at a residence on Warrior Road in Lenoir. 25-year-old Samuel Antonio Patterson of Lenoir and 18-year-old Alize Nicole Caldwell of Morganton were taken into custody at the residence without incident. The search warrant was based on undercover buys that occurred at the residence during the last month. Bond on Patterson on the drug charges was set at $50,000 secured with Caldwell's bond set at $10,000 secured. Both Patterson and Caldwell were also served with outstanding warrants which increased the bond on each by $8,000 secured.

A Lincolnton man has been arrested from an October Breakin and Larceny. About $2,300 worth of items were taken from a home in the 4800 block of Maiden Highway. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday reported that 29-year-old Shane Rashon Faw was charged with 1 Felony Count each of Breaking & Entering a Building, Larceny after Breaking & Entering and Possession of Stolen Goods. Faw was arrested last week by Bessemer City Police.

City of Lenoir Police Department K9s Axel, Mato, & Cerik will receive bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization "Vested Interest in K9s, Inc." The vests are sponsored by an anonymous donor and will be embroidered with the sentiment "Born to Love - Trained to Serve - Loyal Always".

The City of Hickory received 2nd place awards for the city website and for the "Crafting Hickory" magazine at last week's NC City & County Communicators' Excellence in Communications Awards in Charlotte. Hickory's Communications and Marketing Manager , Dana Kaminske, was selected as the President-Elect of the NC3C board for 2017.

A Granite Falls man faces charges after a high speed chase in Burke County where speeds reached 100 MPH. According to the Morganton News Herald, Valdese Police learned that a car had been stolen by 43-year-old Jerry Dean Coffey. The chase began Monday morning after Coffey left a Valdese residence, continuing into Morganton before State Highway Patrol troopers deployed stop sticks to end the chase. Coffey reportedly had two warrants for FTA in Caldwell County and had served 9 years in prison before being released last year. Morganton Department of Public Safety and the Burke County Sheriff's Office assisted Valdese Police and the Highway Patrol.

The Town of Drexel had a discharge of untreated wastewater from its collection system holding tank located at the 524 Bryant Road pump station of an estimated 13,500 gallons. the discharge occurred Monday at 6am. The untreated wastewater entered Propst Creek of the Catawba River basin.

A Burnsville man is charged with possession of methamphetamine in McDowell County. The Sheriff's Office reported the charge Monday on 31-year-old Scott Edward Sasek. Just before 4am April 3rd, a McDowell County Sheriff's deputy responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle. The deputy found Sasek in a vehicle at Riverside Food Mart, where the meth was found after a search of the vehicle.

Four people were arrested on various charges at a Burke County residence following separate incidents. Burke County SWAT executed a search warrant at the Mount Home Church Road residence of 47-year-old David Allen Pearson. Detectives had reportedly received information that Pearson - a convited felon and confirmed gang member - had firearms and illegal controlled substances at the residence. Officers seized a 9-mm Ruger and a 9-mm Smith and Wesson in the search. Pearson and 35-year-old Michael Allen Wright of Conover were arrested and each charged with possession of a firearm by a felon. Bond on each was set at $25,000. Just days before the search, deputies had responded the the same residence for a disturbance call with shots fired. 31-year-old Michael Paul Denton Jr. of Valdese was arrested then on drug possession charges; while 28-year-old Brandy Carter of Morganton was charged with failure to comply. Reports say sheriff's deputies have responded to more than ten disturbance calls at the residence since February.

A Morganton man was shot during a dispute. MDPS reported Sunday that PSO's were dispatched to 211 Summitt Street, where 44-year-old Jonathan B. Dula was found with gushot wounds to his lower extremities. Dula was taken to CHS-Morganton, then transferred to Frye Regional Medical Center in serious condition, but is expected to survive. 68-year-old Robert Lee Hall was charged with Felonious Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Inflicting Serious, Bodily Injury (Class E Felony). He remains in custody at Burke Catawba CDF with bond set at $50,000. A first appearance in Burke County District Court is scheduled for today.

Morganton Public Safety firefighters responded Friday night to a residence at 207 Willowbrook Drive. Occupants of the burning house, including two dogs, were able to escape. However, three cats did not survive. Estimated damage to the house is $100,000. The Burke County Chapter of the American Red Cross was on scene to help the homeowner. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but appears to have started from a vehicle parked in the garage.

A reported marijuana dealer has been arrested in Caldwell County. Sheriff Alan C. Jones announced on Wednesday that 29-year-old Anthony Clay Hatton of Granite Falls was taken into custody at his residence without incident. He was charged on a Warrant for Arrest for Felony Possession with Intent to Sell/Deliver Marijuana and Felony Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling to Keep or Store Marijuana.

The District Attorney's office releases its results of a review into an officer-involved shooting in Hickory February 3rd. District Attorney David Learner concludes in his review that officers with Hickory Police acted lawfully when shooting 33-year-old William David Whetstone. the shooting occurred as officers were serving a high-risk search warrant at Whetstone's residence pertaining to a drug investigation. Previous reports state Whetstone failed to comply with officers commands not to move; but instead pulled a gun from a sofa and pointed it directly at police. In a news release, Learner states his conclusion is based upon applicable law, facts as reported by eyewitness accounts corroborated by body camera videos, and physical evidence gathered at the scene.

Governor Cooper on Thursday announced that the State is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of 30-year-old James Barnard Brewer. Statesville Police responded on September 12, 2011 to reports of shots fired in the Jonathan Lane area. Brewer was found in the passenger seat of his pick-up truck where he had been shot in the chest multiple times. Anyone with information concerning this case should contact Statesville Police at 704-878-3406, Iredell Crimestoppers at 704-662-1340 or the SBI at 919-662-4500.

A Morganton man faces drug charges after his motorcycle was stopped on Enola Road. A MDPS officer conducted the stop just before 6:30pm Wednesday, where the motorcycle was clocked at 57 in a 35MPH zone. 33-year-old Thomas Wayne Carlson had two unserved indictments out of Catawba County for selling meth, PWIMSD meth and selling meth within 1000 feet from a school. He was placed in custody under $10,000 bond.

The City of Hickory had a discharge of untreated wastewater on Tuesday of an estimated 6,600 gallons near 11th Avenue Circle NW. The untreated wastewater was discharged into Cripple Creek. The Division of Water Resources was notified of the event on Wednesday and is reviewing the matter. For more information contact Hickory Public Utilities at 828-323-7427.

Catawba County authorities are investigating its' 5th homicide for the month of April. A Newton man has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of Eric Goode from Claremont. 46-year-old Daniel Eric Campbell is charged with one felony count of murder. An investigation revealed an argument between the two men had occurred prior to the shooting; leading officers to Campbell's apartment after discovering Goode deceased. Reports say Campbell would not answer door to officers; prompting them to use Catawba's Special Tactics and Response team to provide entry. Campbell was then located in a rear bedroom reports say. Two grams of meth, two long guns and three handguns were found in Campbell's residence. Campbell's next court appearance is scheduled for May 9th.

A Marion woman is charged with embezzling over $15,000 from a Lake James business. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office reported Tuesday that 47-year-old Anna Christine Anderson, who was the manager at Bear Creek Marina and Restaurant, was charged with embezzlement. The owners reported over 2 years ago that money was missing from their business. A lengthy investigation led to Anderson who was charged on Monday.

Authorities continue to look for three suspects who are wanted in a drug conspiracy. The drug roundup Tuesday resulted in the arrest of 7 suspects from McDowell, Burke and Catawba counties. The three people still on the loose are:
66-year-old William Jackie Pearson of Morganton
37-year-old "Pepe" Pearson of Morganton
35-year-old Dwayne Bullock of Newton
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the trio is asked to call the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 828-652-2235 or CrimeStoppers at 65-CRIME (652-7463).

The Catawba County Social Services Board has named Karen Harrington Director of Catawba County Social Services. Harrington, who joined Social Services as Assistant Director in 2013, has been serving as Interim Director of the agency since January 10th.

More jobs are are coming to the Continental facility in Morganton. The company will add a new product line; resulting in 160 new jobs and a 40-million-dollar investment in equipment and building upgrades. The state supported the project with a job development investment grant; Burke County's part of the incentive grant would cover just over $200,000 for improvements to the facility, starting with the 2017-2018 budget. The new product line and reason for the expansion is Continental's next generation integrated brake system. Continental began operations in Burke County in 1992, where it has two facilities. The expansion will take place at its' main plant which manufactures ant-lock braking systems. Burke Development, Inc, Burke County, City of Morganton, the Economic Development Partnership of NC, the NC Dept of Commerce, WPCOG, WPCC, and VanNoppen Marketing assisted with the project.

Authorities seize 20 pounds of meth and $500,000 and arrest 7 people from 3 counties. 3 people were not located when the raids occurred Tuesday in locations believed to be used for storing and distributing narcotics. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office reports the following arrests:
Jamie Leonard Tate and Leah Patience Davis, both of Nebo
Gregory Adonis Rutherford and Aretha Gilly Fullwood, both of Morganton
Randy "Big Country" Scott of Marion
Karita Shanece "China" Bullock of Conover
Aretha Faye Giles of Newton
Three people were not located Tuesday:
66-year-old William Jackie Pearson and 37-year-old "Pepe" Pearson, both of Morganton along with 35-year-old Dwayne Bullock of Newton.
Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of the trio is asked to call the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 828-652-2235.

Hickory City Council give Special Recognition Tuesday night for a Founders Award to United Beverage as the #1 Miller-Coors beer distributor in the U.S. out of 600 distributors. In other business a request was made to determine if Hickory Community Theatre could be registered as a historic local theatre. Council will speak with the HCT board and Historic Preservation Commission to decide if HCT is named a historic property. A presentation of the Quarterly Financial Report for Hickory was presented which shows growth and increases in revenues.

Hickory Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred Monday afternoon at Members Credit Robbery 2142 12th Avenue NE. The suspect is described as a white male, early 20's with stocky build, weighing abour 250 pounds. Anyone with information in reference to this case is asked to contact Investigator K. Craig with the Hickory Police Department at (828) 261-2616 or kcraig@hickorync.gov.

Two men face charges in connection with stolen items from a church. About 6:30am Sunday, members of Shady Grove UMC on Sugar Loaf Morganton discovered sound equipment and other items missing along with damage to the interior of the church. A Burke County Sheriff's Office deputy located two male subjects walking along Kayla's Ridge Road who were carrying backpacks containing stolen property from the church. Arrested were 34-year-old Brian Lee Tate of Connelly Springs and 18-year-old Ryan Kaine Whisnant of Hickory. They were placed in the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility with bond on Tate set at $46,000 secured and $35,500 secured on Whisnant.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office has received reports of people getting phone calls from someone claiming to be from the Sheriff's Office. The caller states the Burke County Sheriff's office is contacting them because they missed jury duty. The caller is requesting money for missing jury duty. This is a scam. The Burke County Sheriff's Office does not contact people requesting money.

The Dodson Knob Fire in McDowell County as of Sunday, was still at 1,760 acres but 85% contained. There were 200 people assisgned to the fire as of Sunday morning's briefing, but many are going through the demobilization process, finalizing paperwork and packing up to travel home or be reassigned to other fires ongoing in WNC, Florida and Georgia. Smoke from the Dobson knob Fire has greatly diminished and the air quality has improved for most of the WNC mountain region except for counties near the fire. Due to the fire, trail closures remain in place on the Grandfather District of the Pisgah National Forest. The April 11th closure order includes a portion of the Mountains to Sea Trail along the edge of the fire.

Two people have been arrested following a March robbery at a Morganton business. 37-year-old David Ray Carswell of Granite Falls and 50-year-old Tommy Ray Buchanan of Morganton each face two counts of larceny of motor fuel. The owner of North 40 tree nursery on John's River Road reported the theft. Following detective interviews conducted by the Burke County Sheriff's Office, probable cause was developed to arrest Carswell and Buchanan. Each received a $1000 secured bond; however Carswell's total bond was set at $76,000 because of additional outstanding warrants for FTA and a Grand Jury indictment.

The Dobson Knob Fire in McDowell County on Thursday night was reported at 1,467 acres with 40% containment. 213 personnel are at the scene in North Cove, west of Dobson Knob. Due to the fire, there is an Code Orange Air Quality Alert till Midnight for McDowell and Burke counties.

Ryan-AL, Inc., a specialty manufacturer of fiberglass doors will create 53 jobs and invest $1.7 million to open a manufacturing facility in Caldwell County, Governor Roy Cooper announced Thursday. The company will hire administrators, managers, production and operational personnel to support the new facility. While compensation will vary by position, the average salary for the new jobs will be $39,887, above the current average annual wage in Caldwell County of $34,744.

Caldwell County Sheriff Alan Jones is warning the public to be aware of counterfeit money that has been passed in the county, the city of Lenoir and the town of Granite Falls. If you come in contact with a counterfeit bill try to keep the bill without putting yourself in danger. Make note of the time, date and location that you received the bill. Make notes of the description of the person who passed the bill, then call the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office at 828-758-2324.

A vehicle crashes onto the railroad tracks near the Wash House Laundromat on South Sterling Street. About 8:30am Tuesday, MDPS Officers responded with assistance from Burke EMS and Rescue and Norfolk Southern personnel. An investigation concluded that Ann Foster had suffered a medical emergency while driving south on South Sterling Street, causing her to lose control of her Buick. The vehicle side-seiped a 2006 Dodge operated by Timothy Clawson, traveled across the parking lot of the Wash House and struck the center post of a billboard, before continuing up the embankment and coming to rest on the hill on the northern-most rail of the railroad tracks. Clawson was not injured. Both Ann and James Foster were transported to CHS-Morganton with non-life threatening injuries. Norfolk Southern personnel inspected the tracks before trains were allowed to proceed through town. No charges have been filed against the driver as of  Wednesday.

A McDowell assisted-living facility was the scene of a carbon monoxide leak Tuesday night. 45 people were treated at the scene; while eight were transported to McDowell Hospital following carbon monoxide exposure at Lake James Lodge. Nunerous emergency personnel from McDowell and surrounding counties declared the leak as a mass casualty incident, after confirming carbon monoxide was present inside the facility. Fire officials report the incident was caused by a malfunctioning boiler, which was taken out and a repair crew was called in. Residents and staff were then allowed to return to the facility. Emergency Management authorities state the Lake James Lodge event was one of the largest mass casualty incidents to occur in the history of McDowell County.

The NC Forest Service in conjuction with the US Forest Service and McDowell County Emergency Management will conduct a community meeting on the Dobson Knob Fire tonight at 7. The location is Woodlawn Baptist Church 7873 US 221 North. Fire officials will review progress on suppression operations and respond to questions about the fire.

During the next several months, firefighters well implement the annual hydrant inspection and maintenance program throughout the City of Hickory service area. For the safety of all, motorists are encouraged to reduce their speed and exercise extreme caution when recognizing their path of travel will pass nearby hydrants being operated.

Burke County Public Schools now offers a new way to report bullying online. An incident form is available at www.burke.k12.nc.us under the "Parent" tab. The link allows anonymous reporting of bullying. The person filling out the report does not have to share his or her name, but is asked to answer questions that are required in order for school officials to investigate the report. Anyone can fill out the form: the person being bullied, a student, employee, parent, community member or friend.

An Ohio man was arrested for assault on a female Saturday at the GNCC race at Steele Creek Park. During the four-wheeler race, Burke County Sheriff Deputies were approached by a 17-year-old female who said she had been assaulted during the race. According to the GoPro footage from her helmet, deputies were able to determine an assault had occurred. 56-year-old Glenn Daniel McConnell was identified as the man in the GoPro footage ans was compliant with deputies when asked to go the Magistrate's office. He was charged with Assault on a Female and placed in custody under a $1000 secured bond.

The Dobson Knob Fire in McDowell County was estimated 550 acres on Tuesday with 10% contained. The North Cove, Woodlawn and Linville Falls areas all continue to experience smoke. Travelers along 221 North should use caution.

A Hickory man will spend 25-35 years in prison after pleading guilty as charged to multiple sexual offenses with children during Catawba County Superior Court on Tuesday. 37-year-old Bradley Scott Adams pleaded guilty to 15 counts of sexual offense with a child and eight counts of indecent liberties with a child for sexually assaulting two child victims during a six-month period in 2013.

The Burke County Board of Education meeting Monday, saw students recognized for MathCounts, All-State Honor Band, State Science Fair, AJROTC Leadership Bowl Championship, State 3A Wrestling Champion and Governor's School. Glen Alpine won 1st in the elementary MathCounts while Forest Hill was 2nd and Valdese 3rd. Eight top Mathletes were recognized: Karson Ingram, Douglas Fissinger, Logan Masencup, Ethan Winebarger, Ashton Mears, Sammy Ramirez, runnerup Avery Fraley and 1st place Morgan Cargill. Three Liberty Middle students were name to the All-State Honor Band, Ranson, Owen Streppa and Daniel Chandler. Cora Hunt of Heritage Middle was recognized for the State Science Fair in the Junior Engineering category. She was an honorable mention, given the NASA Award and US Air Force Award. Jack Swanson of Freedom earned a perfect score on the ACT. He and fellow Freedom student Randy Whitehead, were chosen for Governor's School in the social science program. Clay Beach of Freedom was the State 3A wrestling champion in the 106-pound category, the first Patriot wrestling champion in 32 years.

The Dobson Knob Fire in McDowell County has grown to hundreds of acres with 0% containment. An closures now include all U.S.Forest Lands north of Mountains to Sea Trail amd Dobson knob Road, east of North Fork of Catawba River, south Old Linville Road, and west of Overmountain Victory Trail. Closures are also in place for the Mountains to Sea Trail from the North Fork of the Catawba River to Old NC 105 and Dobson Knob Road. North Cove, Woodlawn and Linville Falls Communities as well as areas to the north of the fire may experience smoke. Travelers along 221N should expect to smoke along the roadway.

A Morganton woman is charged with felony child abuse and felony invluntary manslaughter. The Burke County Sheriff's Office reported the charges Monday, on 23-year-old Jamie Lyn Basinger. The charges were in connection with a investigation of a 3-year-old child found dead on the front porch of a Hopewell Road residence on March 15th. A Burke County Grand Jury returned a True Bill of Indictment on Basinger on those charges. Bond was set at $100,000 with a court appearance scheduled for May 15th.

A third victim died Saturday night as a result of the shooting that occurred in the parking lot of J.McCroskey's Irish Pub and Grill in Hickory Friday. 21-year-old Quajuae Alexus Kennedy of Newton succumbed to her injuries at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. An additional murder charge is forthcoming for two Hickory men, 23-year-old Dontray Cumberlander and 23-year-old Greydon Hansen. They were previously charged with killing 21-year-old Justin Aiken of Newton, and 21-year-old Cody Boo-Fa-Vong of Conover. Hickory Police reports say the dispute began in the restaurant's parking lot; however there is no known connection between the victims and suspects. Hickory Police are continuing this investigation and asks anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact Inv. J. Pruett at 828-261-2617 or jpruett@hickorync.gov.

A concerned citizen alerted Morganton PSO's after discovering a toddler in the middle of Summit Street. The caller's girlfriend picked up a strong odor of Marijuana in his hair. A search warrant was obtained for the residence. PSO's and Narcotics Investigators located about 3 pounds of Marijuana along with several weapons. According to a Sunday news release from Public Safety, the conditions of the residence were deplorable. Burke DSS responded to the scene and took custody of the child. An agent with NC IRS, unauthorized substance tax division also responded and seized two vehicles as well as over $800 in cash. Arrested were Dylan Ray Hildebran, Bobbi Jean Colon and Nathan Michael Santiago. Bond on each was set at $25,000 secured with court appearances set for today.

The Woodlawn wildfire burning near the Dobson Knob Development off Old Linville Road is estimated at 100 acres plus. No evacuations have currently been ordered.

McDowell County sheriff's deputies are urging local residents to be aware of a scam once again circulating in the area involving sending cash to a relative in trouble. The caller tells citizens a family member has been arrested and needs money to get out of jail. If you have questions or concerns call the Sheriff's Office at 652-2235.

Two Burke County men are charged with trailer theft in Lincoln County. The trailer was stolen January 16th from a residence in Denver and recovered the next day at an apartment complex in Morganton. one of the suspects, 29-year-old Devin Nelson Shade was arrested March 28th by Burke County deputies and turned over to Lincoln County. Warrants for 33-year-old Christopher Michael Martin of Connelly Springs remain outstanding. Anyone with information on the location of Martin is asked to call the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office at 704-732-9050 or Lincolnton/Lincoln County Crimestoppers at 704-736-8909.

At least one structure fire was caused by lightning as strong thunderstorms swept through the Catawba Valley early Thursday morning. About 1:12, Hickory firefighters were dispatched to a residence on 41st Avenue Lane NW where respondents found a fire in the attached garage of a home. The fire was controlled in a half hour, but firefighters remained on the scene until about 5am. No one was injured and damages were reported to the garage, two vehicles and most of the house.

A domestic dispute turned into an altercation with law enforcement at an incident in McDowell County on Monday. Two McDowell County Sheriff's Officers responded to the call on Buck Creek Road in Marion around 9:47pm, where 40-year-old Brandy Tollie told officers she and 48-year-old David Willis of Marion had gotten into a dispute. She said Willis, who was on the scene, had cut her neck with a knife. When officers attempted to apprehend him, he refused to drop the knife, and surrender. Officers were able to subdue him, bur not before Willis sustained wounds from his own knife. Tollie and Willis were both treated for non-life threatening injuries. Willis was charged with two counts of assault on a governmental official, and one count each of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and resisting arrest.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division is seeking the public's help in locating runaway juvenile, Mikayla Saul. She ran away from Patton High in Morganton on March 30th. All evidence suggests that she voluntarily ran away. Saul is described as 5' 1", 114 pounds with blue eyes and sandy hair. Anyone with information is asked to call the Burke County Sheriff's Office at 828-438-5500 or Crimestoppers at 828-437-3333. At Crimestoppers tips are anonymous, and anyone with information leading to the location of Saul may receive a cash reward.

The case against a Hickory man accused of a June 2016 murder will proceed as a capital matter. Prosecutors for the State announced Wednesday, that they will seek the death penalty in the murder case against 55-year-old Glen McQuay. He was arrested by Hickory Police on June 8th 2016, in connection with the death of 50-year-old Stephanie Charlene Harvey. The case remains under investigation by Hickory Police and the SBI.

A body found in Catawba County Saturday morning has been identified as 19-year-old Marco Antonio Pablo Eleocadio of Charlotte, according to the Catawba County Sheriff's Department. Officers were alerted around 9:30 by an area homeowner who saw the body in a wooded area on River Road, off Highway 321. The Catawba County Sheriff's Office and Charlotte Mecklenburg Police are continuing an investigation into the death. Family members told WSOC-TV they last saw Eleocadio on his way to his landscaping job Friday morning.

A Gastonia man was injured after being struck by an SUV Tuesday night in Lenoir. Just after 7:30, George Wilson III of Lenoir was traveling North on Blowing Rock Blvd when he observed a pedestrian, Keith Allen Millhollen, cross the south bound lanes in the 600 block and stop in the center lane. According to Lenoir Police, Wilson reduced his speed and as he approached where Millhollen was standing, Millhollen stepped in front of the SUV causing the crash. He was taken by helicopter to Johnson City Medical Center and was listed in stable condition. No charges are expected.

Cocaine charges are filed on a Catawba man. 52-year-old James S.Lineberger was also charged as a habitual felon. He was placed under a $40,000 bond in the Catawba County Jail where he awaits a first appearance in court today.

Two Hickory residents are charged with trafficking meth, as well as two other drug charges and possession of a stolen firearm. 35-year-old Jeremy Dean Yancey and 27-year-old Brittney Nicole Barfield, both of the same 34th Avenue NE address were arrested by the Catawba County Sheriff's Office. Bond on Yancey was set at $100,000 and $50,000 on Barfield.

A wanted Marion man was apprehended Tuesday night in Glenwood. Authorities were searching for 27-year-old Christopher Dwayne Lawing, who was wanted for questioning in the theft of a utility trailer. He fled from McDowell County deputies Tuesday afternoon after they attempted to iniate a traffic stop. A female that was with Lawing was also apprehended Tuesday.

An area law enforcement agency is committed to updating their special needs registry. In November 2015, the Hickory Police Department implemented the law enforcement special needs registry. The program is designed to assist officers during interactions with members of the community who have various disabilities such as autism, dementia, or other mental or developmental disabilities. The registry is voluntary; in that parents and caregivers, or adults with special needs can provide vital data such as emergency contact information and other essential details prior to handling an emergency involving the registered individual. Participants interested in enrolling in the registry can contact Crystal Dieter at 828-261-2642.

Hickory City Council met Tuesday night and passed resolutions opposing both NC Senate Bill 206 and NC Senate Bill 94, as a means to keep local municipal elections in odd numbered years, and as non partisan. Council also heard a presentation about a pedistrian signal upgrade in which Hickory plans to "upgrade" 44 signals to allow for more accessible use, and to add some additional locations where walking traffic will have a safer means to use walking areas in Hickory. The project is a joint venture of NCDOT and the City with an 80/20 match of funding. Cost of the upgrade is $402,500 with $322,000 from DOT, and $80,500 from the City. Hickory City Council unanimously approved the project.

Council approved a small business loan for a new boutique and a new neighborhood-wide speed limit was put in effect during Monday night's regular Morganton City Council meeting. Unanimously, council approved a CDBG Small business loan for $15,000 with Alexander Brooke Boutique to help with inventory purchases. The boutique will serve as an independently owned women and children's clothing boutique that also offers embroidery services. The shop will be located on North Sterling Street and owned and operated by Seth Garrison and Brittanee Garrison. Other decision items included a neighborhood-wide city speed limit of 25 mph in the residential area that includes Crayton Street, Murphy Court, Poteat Street and Bickett Street. Council approved the decision unanimously. According to City Manager Sally Sandy, the speed limit will go into effect today, when workers change the signs. In other news, Food Matters Market was recognized for their award of best business retention, expansion or recruitment effort.

Burke County Public Schools ranks 21st on the Niche list of 2017 Best School Districts in North Carolina. The rating comes from k12.niche.com website and is based on reviews from students and parents as well as test scores, college readiness factors and teacher quality. The No.21 state ranking is out of 115 school districts. Other area rankings include Watauga County Schools at 3rd, Catawba County Schools 19th, and Avery County Schools 24th. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools ranked 1st with Asheville City Schools 2nd.

A Marion man is charged with assault and kidnapping following a domestic dispute. 32-year-old Jesse James McKinney was charged with assault by strangulation, and assault inflicting serious injury. McKinney's girlfriend 30-year-old Brittany Bumgardner told McDowell officers that she and McKinney had been arguing when he allegedly punched, kicked, and strangled her. Reports say McKinney then locked her into a room thus preventing her from leaving. Bumgardner's mother then reportedly arrived and was able to remove her daughter to take her to the hospital. McKinney was additionally charged with first-degree kidnapping.

A Hickory man will serve at least 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder during Catawba County Superior Court on Monday. 26-year-old Maurice Centel Mayfield was given as active prison term of 17-21 years. Mayfield pleaded guilty to the November 20 2012, death of 35-year-old Billy Chad Dellinger.

Lincolnton Police make arrests last week after a 3 month long undercover operation. Detectives portrayed a child on various social media outlets. A dialogue was developed in which an agreement was made for offenders to meet the child in Lincolnton in order to have an unlawful sexual relationship. Arrests included Paul Robert Icenhour II of Granite Falls, George Alan Kanupp of Maiden, Blane Fitzgerald Gregory of Spruce Pine along with 2 Charlotte residents, and 1 each from Denver, Lincolnton and McConnells SC. Bonds ranged from $25,000 to $250,000.

The Caldwell County Health Department received a 100% immunization compliance rate and the county's compliance rate was 86%. This is based on the percentage of children up-to-date by 24 months of age for the required vaccination series. According to the Caldwell County Health Department, vaccines are the best way to prevent infectious disease. Immunizations or Vaccines are made to stimulate your immune system to produce antibodies to fight off disease. After getting vaccinated, you develop immunity to that disease. if you have questions regarding vaccines please contact the Caldwell County Health Department at 828-426-8400.

Morganton City Council meets tonight in regular session. Public comment begins at 6:00 with the business meeting at 6:15. The meetings are held in the Council Chamber of Morganton City Hall located at 305 East Union Street Suite A100.