Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright was found deceased at his home Thursday afternoon. According to Hickory City Manager Warren Wood, "While the Hickory Police Department is conducting an investigating an investigation, at this time there are no indications of suspicious circumstances. 10th District Congressman Patrick McHenry released a statement stating that "Mayor Wright was synonymous with Hickory. His tenure was marked by significant transformation in our area, throughout which Mayor Wright always remained the city's advocate and booster." Rudy Wright had served as Hickory's Mayor since 2001.

An estimated 900 cyclists will make their way through McDowell County Monday on their annual trek to the highest peak east of the Mississippi. It's called the 42nd "Assault on Mount Mitchell" and the 24th 'Assault on Marion' as cyclists converge on WNC. The event begins Monday around 9:30am, and McDowell law enforcement is urging drivers to use caution and exercise patience - stating there will be back-ups and stalled traffic at times. Officials say those riding in the Assault on Marion should be finished by 2:30; while those traveling onto Mt.Mitchell are usually out of the county by 5. Traffic control will be observed at several Marion intersections.

The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office is seeking a wanted man for breaking/entering & larceny. If you know the whereabouts of 33-year-old Joshua Cody Crump call the Sheriff's Office at 828-759-1554 or Caldwell County Crimestoppers at 828-758-8300 24/7.

A Morganton woman is charged with felony common law robbery. The Burke County Sheriff's Office on Thursday charged 24-year-old Crystal Nicole Connell. She was placed in the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility under a $20,000 secured bond with a District Court appearance scheduled for today.

The TGIF concert scheduled for tonight in Downtown Morganton, has been rescheduled for Friday August 4th, due to the weather forecast.