Authorities are investigating a theft that occurred at a McDowell County campground. Ralph Godbee of Girard, Georgia told deputies he took his gold dredge to the Lucky Strike Campground and Goldmine to look for gold in the campground's creek. Godbee told officers he took the dredge to the bridge near Rhom Town Road; where he placed it in the water and secured it to a tree. Whenever he returned several days later, the dredge was missing. The dredge is described as a silver 4-inch Keene mini; with a Honda engine valued at $5,000. Anyone with information about the theft or possible suspects is urged to call McDowell Crime Stoppers at 652-7463.

A Morganton man is charged with felony breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering and possession of stolen goods. The Burke County Sheriff's Office Thursday reported the charges on 71-year-old Joseph Oswald Civitello, in reference to a larceny at a residence on Narrow Way in Morganton. Civitello's next court date is June 14th and the investigation is ongoing with additional charges pending.

Hickory Fire Battalion Chief Todd Frizsell has retired. He began his employment with the City in 1989 and has served in various positions, including sinci 2013, as Captain and Battalion Chief over the training division. In his retirement Frizsell plans to continue serving as a volunteer firefighter with the Grace Chapel Fire Department.

Shelby Yang of Claremont has won Congressman Patrick McHenry's 10th District Art Competition. Yang's work, "Luminous Soul" was selected by a panel of judges from across the 10th District. Yang is a junior at Bunker High where she studies art under teacher Jana Farris. Congressman McHenry hosted a reception for her Tuesday at his Hickory office, where Yang's parents, Lee and Charlie Yang joined her. Yang's work will be displayed in the U.S.Capitol in Washington D.C. along with pieces from each of the Congressional Districts from across the country.