A Burke County citizen was recognized with the Long Leaf Pine Award and commissioners voted in support of a firing range in Burke County in Tuesday night's regular Burke County Board of Commissioners meeting. Elsie Childers was recognized with the Long Leaf Pine Award, the most prestigious award for those who volunteer their service. Commissioner Wayne Abele presented the award to Childers also on behalf of Governor Cooper. Abele described Childers as a citizen who has dedicated life long service to the county and to others. Commissioners also voted in support of a firing range in Burke County. The resolution passed 4-1 despite community members public comments on not supporting the range. Commissioners made it clear that their support of the firing range would let the state know the county is in favor of the range but ultimately it will be the state's responsibility to decide when and where to place the range. The state has not finalized any plans for the range as of last night's meeting.

In their Tuesday night meeting, City Council voted unanimously to appoint Jeff Cline as Mayor of Hickory. With Mayor Wright's unexpected passing, City Council had to appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of the unexpired mayoral term. Mayor Pro-Tem Vernon Tarlton will continue all roles and responsibilities of the Office of Mayor until Cline is sworn in at the June 6th City Council meeting. An active community member, Cline served on the Hickory City Council from 1995-1999.

Drug charges lead to imprisonment for a Burke County woman. 45-year-old Kerri Elaine Giles will spend up to six years in prison from a 2015 drug-related charge. Giles pleaded guilty to trafficking and selling methamphetamine. Reports say undercover officers with the Catawba County Sheriff's Office arranged and made a purchase of meth from Giles. The next day, officers again made contact with Giles to purchase another controlled substance. Giles reportedly took payment, went to her drug store, picked up the meth, and has a third person deliver it to officers. Catawba County Narcotics Task Force handled the investigation.