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.