A Connelly Springs man is arrested early this morning in connection with a 1st Degree Kidnapping in Lenoir. Just after 5:15pm Wednesday, Lenoir Police was contacted by the victim's mother in reference to a potential kidnapping of her daughter and granddaughter, who had been allegedly taken against their will with the use of a firearm in the roadway of Jason Place Lenoir. Officers learned that the suspects vehicle was located at a gas station near Mocksville. The suspect, Zachary Scott Watson 31, fled the location on foot. Officers found Tiffany Leigh Primm 31 and her 1 year old daughter safe inside the vehicle. About 12:30 this morning, Lenoir Police was notified by Mocksville Police that they had taken Watson into custody. He was transported to the Lenoir Police Department and the investigation is continuing. Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 758-8300 or Lenoir Police at 757-2100.

A Conover man is sentenced to prison on multiple offenses committed in Catawba County. 50-year-old Jonathan leslie Blackburn will spend up to seven years after pleading guilty to numerous offenses earlier this week. Reports say Blackburn pleaded to assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, kidnapping, assault by strangulation and communicting threats. The offenses occurred in April 2015 when the Catawba County Sheriff's Office responded to a stabbing incident. When officers arrived they discovered a female lying outside the residence covered in blood. She told deputies Blackburn, who was her boyfiend at the time, attacked her with a knife, cut chunks of hair from her head, beat her and strangled her. The victim was reportedly able to escape her assailant to contact 911 from a neighbor's house.

Governor Cooper announced appointments to the Community College Boards last week.
* Dr. Dan DeHart of Morganton - WPCC Board of Trustees
* Gary Stroud of Marion - MTCC Board of Trustees
* Ronald Beane of Lenoir - CCC & TI Board of Trustees
* Linda Greenwell of Terrell - CVCC Board of Trustees
* Fred Stout of Newland - Mayland CC Board of Trustees

The ribbon cutting ceremony and open house for the new Burke County Public Library & Senior Center in Hildebran will be held this morning at 9:30. The new facility is located at 101 Main Avenue West. Citizens are invited to attend.

Officers with Morganton Public Safety began investigating multiple cases of counterfeit bills in the City and in the Burke County area in early August. Investigators identified suspects from store surveillance video and additional leads. Two of the suspects, Joseph Michael Emerson 29 and Jason Eugene Smith 36, have been arrested on charges unrelated to the counterfeit money. Authorities are still looking for the other two suspects, Shawn Kevin Fitzgerald 27, and Sara Pritchard Laws 22, with active warrants for Forgery of Instrument. Anyone having information regarding the whereabouts of Fitzgerald or Laws should contact the Burke County Emergency Communication Center at 437-1911 or Morganton/Burke Crime Stoppers at 437-3333.

One of Burke County's Most Wanted has been apprehended. Skyler Allen Jones 24 of Connelly Springs was taken into custody Tuesday, by the Burke County Sheriff's Office. Jones, who had had been on the Most Wanted list for 2 weeks, was charged with F - Breaking or Entering, F - Larceny After Breaking and Entering and F - Possession of Stolen Goods or Property. He was placed in the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility under a $10,000 secured bond with a court appearance scheduled for today.

The State Highway Patrol is promoting back-to-school safety. With school starting today in some WNC school systems, the Highway Patrol is focusing on safety in and around school zones. Motorists should be aware of the increase in school traffic and become familiar with local school bus stop locations. Drivers should also look for an increase in pedestrian traffic near school zones. Troopers statewide will monitor school bus routes to ensure motorists comply with stopping for school buses as they pick up and drop off students. According to state law, motorists are required to stop when a school bus is displaying its mechanical stop signal or flashing red lights, and the bus is stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers. Officials also encourage students to ensure traffic has stopped before entering the roadway when boarding or exiting a school bus.

Five people face charges after authorities conduct a search at a Connelly Springs residence. On Wednesday,  Burke County Adult Probation and Parole Officers requested assistance from the Burke County Sheriff's Office at 2966 Reep Road in Connelly Springs. Officers were conducting a search for parole violations in the residence. Five people in the residence were arrested on various charges: 27-year-old Jesse Joe Potter of Connelly Springs
35-year-old Paul William Kennell of Morganton
34-year-old Thomas Craig Harden of Connelly Springs
36-year-old George Wesley Brittain of Morganton
25-year-old Sarah Marie Worth of Connelly Springs
Since January, the Sheriff's office has responded to calls at 2966 Reep Road at least 22 times regarding suspicious individuals, stolen vehicles, stolen property, narcotics, and warrant services. One of those calls ended in an arrest of a Catawba County man wanted for a homicide in Catawba County.

One of Burke County's Most Wanted has been apprehended. According to a press release from the Burke County Sheriff's Office, 36-year-old Dennis James Danner, Jr. was taken into custody August 21st by Morganton Public Safety and confined under a $30,000 secured bond. He had been on the Burke County Most Wanted list for 1 week.

The District Attorney's Office rules in Monday's officer-involved shooting. DA David Learner concludes in a news release issued Thursday that the Burke County Sheriff's deputy acted lawfully in shooting 42-year-old Jeffrey Andrew Jacobs. That conclusion based upon applicable law and the facts as reported by eyewitness accounts-corroborated by the photographs and other physical evidence. The SBI conducted witness interviews, photographed the scene, collected evidence while also reviewing dash-cam video from the deputy's patrol car. The DA's press release states the deputy repeatedly attempted to de-escalate the situation and demanded more than thirty times that Jacobs drop the weapon. The release further remarks that the law of NC recognizes the principle of self-defense, which is the inherent right to use deadly force to protect one's self or others from death or great bodily harm - which was exactly what the deputy reasonably believed under circumstances that were tense, uncertain and rapidly evolving.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office has continued to receive and investigate reports of breaking and entering to vehicles, and an attempted first degree burglary associated with the initial arrests of Kevin Blaine Jenkins and Cody Dean Limbo. These additional reported crimes took place in the Rhodhiss Road and Icard Rhodhiss Road areas of Burke County. Jenkins faces additional charges that brings his total bond to $405,000. A new third suspect, Dylan Thomas Deaton faces multiple charges, including felonious attempted first degree burglary. His bond was set at $95,000. These cases are still open and the investigations are continuing with additional charges expected.

A Wilkesboro man will spend at least six years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple criminal acts and admitting his status as a habitual felon during Catawba County Superior Court on Wednesday. 35-year-old Joshua Allen Bentley's prison sentence was enhanced by prior felony convictions for larceny of a firearm in Caldwell County (July 2006), larceny after breakin/entering in Graham County (March 2008) and obtaining property by false pretense in Wilkes County (July 2011).

Burke County will be affected by the State Senate redistricting plan if it is adopted by the State Legislature. Instead of Cleveland County, Burke County will be coupled with Caldwell and Avery to form the 46th State Senate District now represented by Senator Warren Daniel of Morganton. Caldwell and Alexander will make up the 42nd NC Senate District, and McDowell, Rutherford, Mitchell, Yancey, Madison and Polk Counties will make up the 47th NC Senate District, now represented by Ralph Hise of Spruce Pine. In the State House, parts of Burke County will remain in the proposed 86th State House District represented by Hugh Blackwell of Valdese. The rest of Burke remains with Rutherford to make up the 112th State House District. McDowell, Mitchell and Avery Counties will form the 85th State House District and Caldwell will remain in the 87th State House. The last redistricting plan, drawn up in 2011, was deemed unconstitutional by the courts, a decision that was upheld this summer. Legislators have since been redrawing the state plan. The proposed plan has not been adopted yet.

The driver wanted in a fatal Hickory hit and run still has not been located. Hickory Police continue to ask for public assistance in locating the drive reponsible for the hit and run death of Ricky James Yelton that occurred early Monday morning. Police reports state Yelton was struck by the suspect vehicle after wrecking his moped near the intersection of Startown Road and 23rd Street Drive SE. Yelton died at the scene. Authorities are looking for a red 2007 vehicle - either a Daewoo Lacetti, a Suzuki Forenza, or a Chevy Optra with damage to the front driver's side. Investigators say all of these vehicles were made as station wagons, hatchbacks, or sedans. Anyone with information about Monday's incident should call Hickory Police at 328-5551.

A Caldwell County faces cocaine charges. On Wednesday, officers from the Lenoir Police Department's Narcotics Unit served a search warrant on the residence of 506 Arlington Circle, Lenoir. According to a news release from Lenoir Police, detectives located 11.9 grams of cocaine. Due to the close proximity of Ferguson's residence to Horizons Elementary School, one of the charges is for possession with intent to manufacture sell or deliver cocaine within 1000 feet of a schools. Bond was seat at $50,000 secured with a court appearance scheduled for today. Additional charges may be forthcoming.

The man who died Monday night after a domestic dispute has been identified. Burke 911 dispatched a Sheriff's deputy to 2353 US Highway 70 Morganton after a caller advised that a male was beating a female in the road and had a revolver and a knife. When the deputy arrived he ordered the man to drop the weapon and after multiple warnings to drop the weapon, the man pointed the gun at the deputy who fired one shot striking the man. 42-year-old Jeffrey Andrews Jacobs was transported to CHS-Morganton, but died prior to arrival at the hospital. The SBI was call to investigate the incident. The gun that Jacobs had, turned out to be a Co2 pistol, which according to the Sheriff's Office, is a perfect replica of a real revolver. The deputy, is on administrative leave until the investigation is concluded and the District Attorney makes a decision regarding the shooting.

The owner of the former Specialized Technological Services in Chesterfield has received a citation. The Burke County Fire Marshal's Office issued a compliance citation for code violations involving hazardous material storage and facility maintenance. The compliance citation states the owner has 30 days to rectify the noted violations to avoid penalty. On Monday, the Fire Marshal's Office, in conjunction with the NC Department of Environmental Quality - Hazardous Waste Section conducted a site visit. and while compliance violations exist, there is no reason to believe that a major environmental hazard exists at the facility.

Wednesday afternoon update:Mr. Grover was found safe, no suspicious activity is suspected.
The Hickory Police Department is attempting to locate 52-year-old Patrick Grover, last seen August 18th, around 7pm at Iron Thunder Saloon and Grill located at 2022 13th Ave Drive SE. He is described as a white male with brown hair and green eyes, 6'1", weighing about 200 pounds. Grover drives a 2009 burgandy Nissan Maxima displaying NC registration plate BFM-3420. The Hickory Police Department is continuing this investigation and asks anyone who may have seen Grover or has any information about Grover's whereabouts to contact Inv. K.Craig at 828-261-2616 or kcraig@hickorync.gov.

A domestic dispute leads to a man being killed Monday night. According to the Morganton News Herald, a Burke County Sheriff's deputy responded to a mobile home park near Dysartsville Road and Highway 70 around 7pm. A man involved in the domestic dispute pointed a gun at the deputy, when the deputy responded with one shot, striking the man in the chest. He was later pronounced dead. The News Herald reports that the deputy gave numerous warnings to the man to drop the gun. The SBI was called in to investigate.

A Hickory man was killed by a hit and run driver on Monday. Hickory Police continue to investigate a hit and run incident that occurred at 5:41am near the intersection of Startown Road and 23rd Street Drive SE. 54-year-old Ricky James Yelton was struck by a vehicle after he had wrecked his moped. The suspect's vehicle is believed to be a red 2007 daewoo Optra with damage to the front driver's side. Yelton was pronounced deceased at the scene. Hickory Police urges anyone who may have witnessed the incident to call investigators at 328-5551 or email dfrye@hickorync.gov.

A Hickory man made his first appearance Monday in Catawba County District Court for a murder charge. 29-year-old Manuel Villarreal,Jr. was given a September 11th probable cause hearing date and Mitch Walker was appointed as provisional counsel. Villarreal was arrested Sunday in Morganton by Hickory Police, with aid from Morganton Public Safety, the Burke County Sheriff's Office and State Highway Patrol. Hickory Police officers responded early Saturday morning to a northeast Hickory residence and found 37-year-old Roberto Beltran dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Hickory Police continues to investigate the fatal shooting.

A new Public Health Director has been named in Caldwell County. Joshua Swift of New Hanover will begin his duties September 5th, Swift, with over nine years of experience in Public Health leadership, comes to Caldwell County after serving as Deputy Public Health Director in New Hanover.

Filing began Monday for 2017 City School Board Elections in Catawba County. Four seats are available in Hickory City Schools with three seats up for election in Newton-Conover City Schools. Filing continues through Noon September 8th. The election is set for November 7th.

Totality percentages for today's solar eclipse:
Brevard - 100%
Spartanburg - 100%
Asheville - 99.4%
Rutherfordton - 99.1%
Marion - 98.2%
Morganton - 97.6%
Hickory - 97.2%
Lenoir - 96.9%
Starting at 1:09pm the moon will be in the sun's path for about 3 hours. Peak viewing time is around 2:39pm.

The body of a Marion man reported missing early last week, was located Friday by McDowell County officials. 50-year-old Gary Neal Boatwright had reportedly left the Men's Shelter a week ago on the way to his workplace at Baxter Healthcare. He failed to arrive at his job and had been missing since. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office received information of a suspicious vehicle around noon Friday on Huskins Branch Road. Officers discovered the vehicle belonging to Boatwright. A search of a wooded area near the abandoned car resulted in the recovery of his body. Authorities are treating the incident as a suicide.

A motor vehicle accident claimed the lives of two Lenoir residents Wednesday. Lenoir police reports 39-yer-old Darrell Dean Profitt was driving NW on Valway Road when his pickup truck ran off the right side of the roadway shortly after 8pm. the truck then re-entered the roadway, crossed the center line before over-correcting and left the roadway a second time striking a tree. Profitt and a passenger 28-year-old Elizabeth Dawn Collins were pronounced dead at the scen by emergency medical personnel. Both occupants were reportedly wearing seatbelts. Investigators are still working to determine if vehicle speed and weather contributors to the accident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Lenoir Police at 757-2100.

Marion Police are searching for a missing person, Gary Boatwright, last seen Monday at the Men's Shelter. He was on his way to work at Baxter Healthcare. Boatwright left driving a black 2003 Saturn with NC License Tag EMY-6610. He is described as a white male, 6', 170-180 pounds. Anyone with information is asked to call Marion Police at 652-5205 or the McDowell 911 Communications Center at 652-4000.

Lenoir-Rhyne is taking part in Monday's solar eclipse in a unique. A team of nine students from the College of Arts and Sciences will participate in NASA's Eclipse Ballooning Project. During the eclipse, Lenoir-Rhyne is one of about 50 college and university teams from across the nation taking part in the project. During the eclipse, teams will conduct high altitude balloon flights at various times, capturing video and images of an eclipse from space as it moves across the U.S. These images will be live-streamed on NASA's website for public viewing. The team will travel to Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute near Rosman on Sunday and begin setting up for the launch. Pre-med and Biology major, Sean Bryant is responsible for tracking the balloon, which will travel 80,000 to 100,000 feet at max altitude.

A law enforcement call turned into a chemical exposure incident for the Burke County Sheriff's office Tuesday. A Burke County deputy responded to a report of a breaking and entering at a facility that had been closed for a number of years - STS Technologies on Piney Road in Morganton. A news release states that within minutes of clearing the scen, and while at the next service call; the deputy, Bryant Baker experienced some medical issues and was taken to a local hospital, where he was released Tuesday evening. Deputy Baker plans to return to work on his normal shift rotation tomorrow. His illness was believed to be related to chemical exposure he received at the site of the breaking and entering. Burke County Emergency Operations is working with the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources regarding the closed facility.

A Lincoln County man is charged with attempted first degree murder after he allegedly shot a woman in the face Tuesday night. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office reported on Wednesday that 48-year-old David Wayne Conn of Denver was taken into custody without incident. He is accused of shooting his ex-girlfriend, 44-year-old Josephine Ann Brown of Denver. She was transported to CHS-Main in Charlotte was she was listed in serious but stable condition. He was placed in the Harven A.Crouse Detention Center without the privilege of bond, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office.

A Lincolnton man faces sex charges in Alexander County. On June 29th, Investigators from the Alexander County Sheriff's Office received a report from Alexander DSS regarding possible sex abuse to a 14-year-old. Through an ongoing investigation with multiple agencies, it was learned that the suspect was 21-year-old Austin Ryan Marlow. In a joint effort with Lincolnton Police, he was charged with Statutory Rape and Indecent Liberties with a Child. Marlow's secured bond was set at $245,480.

Lincoln County Sheriff's detectives arrested a Catawba County man Tuesday in connection with a strong armed robbery at a Lincolnton convenience store. 46-year-old Tyrone Matthew Rozzell was taken into custody with incident and charged with one felony count of common law robbery. He had been identified by the license plate on the getaway vehicle and security camera footage from an ATM machine at Jerry's One Stop, 3778 East Highway 27. Detectives are working to identify the second suspect in the robbery, who was described as a black male with a dark colored hoodie drawn tight around his neck. Anyone with information on the identification of the second suspect is asked to call the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office at 704-732-9050 or the Communications Center at 704-735-8202.

Albemarle Corporation, a global specialty chemicals company, will add 170 new jobs in Cleveland County and 30 jobs at its Charlotte corporate headquarters. The announcement was made Monday by Governor Cooper. The company will invest $10.5 million over five years increasing its investment in Cleveland County to $20 million. Albemarle Corporation currently has around 150 employees at its Kings Mountain operations center amd about 130 employees at its Charlotte corporate headquarters.

Blue Ridge Parkway staff and volunteers and actively preparing for the solar eclipse on Monday. From 1-4pm, the eclipse will cross much of the southern section of the Parkway. Weather permitting, visitors to this section of the Parkway, from Milepost 417-469, will have the opportunity to experience 100% totality in about 17 overlooks. You are asked to plan ahead and expect heavy traffic, plan several options for viewing locations and be prepared. In addition to special viewing glasses, you should bring food, plenty of water, a first-aid kit, flashlight, and provisions for changing weather. additional information is available on the Parkway's website www.nps.gov. On Monday, the Parkway will use its Twitter channel for any updates or announcements.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help to locate 16-year-old Larry "William" Powell. William is not believed to be in any danger at this time, but the your help is needed to locate him. Anyone with information regarding his location, please contact the Burke County Sheriff's Office at 438-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 437-3333.

Seven teachers and media coordinators from Burke County Public Schools are Girls Excelling in Math and Science club coaches. Elsie Hembree, from WA Young; Karen Breedlove from Forest Hill; Emma Watson from Salem; Karen Goins and Amanda Garrison from Drexel; April Robinson from Oak Hill and Lisa Nichols from Valdese were among the 27 educators from across the region who spent the week of August 7th at the NC Center of Engineering Technologies training to start GEMS clubs at their schools. These school clubs focus on girls in science, technology, engineering and math(STEM) careers through inquiry-based activities.

A McDowell County mother is charged with abusing her 3-year old son. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office reported on Monday that 22-year-old Amber Nicole Prater of Marion was charged with child abuse and contributing to the delinquincy of a minor. The case was received by the Sheriff's Office on a referral by the McDowell County Department of Social Services.

A Hudson man was imprisoned after being found guilty or multiple property crimes by a Caldwell County jury. 46-year-old Thomas Victor Rinehart Jr. was sentenced to a prison term of seven to nine years following a two-day trial. His sentenced was enhanced by his status as a habitual felon for numerous felony convictions between 1989 and 2008 including breaking and entering and drug charges. Reports state Rinehart and co-defendant Jason Setser broke into a rental home on Mount Herman Road owned by a Burke County couple. The men removed several items from the home including antique furniture, electronics, light fixtures, and plumbing pipes - causing extensive damage to the home during the theft. With the aid of witnesses, Caldwell County detectives were able to discover some of the stolen goods hidden in a wooded area. The recovered items were returned to the owners. Setser has pleaded guilty to his involvement in the crimes and currently is in custody.

A Hickory man was sentenced to an active prison term of five to seven years after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter for the May 2016 death of his wife. 62-year-old Ronald Carl Lane was sentenced Monday during Burke County Superior Court. An investigation showed that Lane shot his wife of 42 years with a .22-caliber revolver. Further investigation by Long View Police showed no prior domestic violence between Lane and his wife. Lane appeared to have some mental issues when interviewed by SBI agents several hours after the shooting.

The new Burke County Public Library and Senior Center in Hildebran will officially open in less than three weeks. The public is invited to the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30am Thursday August 31st, followed by an open house with activities for children and adults. The official opening is Friday September 1st at 8:00am at the new facility at 101 Main Avenue West. The current CB Hildebrand Public Library will remain open through August 28th with limited services, programs, and collections. In preparation for the move into the new facility, the East Burke Senior Center will permanently close its current site at the Hildebran United Methodist Church this Friday at 5pm. The East Burke Senior Center will re-open in conjuction with the new library on September 1st. The Meals on Wheels program will continue regular operations during the transition period. A news release states the new library and senior center will be much larger than the current facilities, with more room for library and senior programs, and dedicated areas for children, teens and adults.

Lenior-Rhyne's Business Council honored Eddie Edwards, President and Chief Executive Officer of CommScope, as the 35th Business Leader of the Year. The award was given August 8th at a luncheon at Moretz Mills. Edwards has served in his current role since January 2011. CommScope employs about 1,900 people in the state and more than 20,000 people around the world.

A Lenoir grandfather who loves crosswords has won a $150,000 lottery prize. The NC Education Lottery says that Samuel Swanson's good luck occurred after buying a Silver & Gold Crossword scratch-off ticket at the Scotchman Store on Hickory Boulevard in Hudson. After required state and federal tax withholdings, he took home $104,253. Swanson plans to use some of the money to take his three grandchildren on a cruise to the Caribbean.

A Morganton man was injured after being struck by a vehicle. About 1pm Wednesday, Morganton Public Safety Officers responded to the area of Carbon City near Specialty Stone. They found Jose Francisco Francisco lying on the west bound sidewalk. He was transported by EMS to the helicopter pad at CHS Morganton, then airlifted to CHS Charlotte where his condition was listed as critical. MDPS officers also located a 2001 Toyota Four Runner that was involved in this accident, driven by Jamie M.Pearson of Morganton. This accident is till under investigation.

A Hickory man was sentenced to prison las week as a result of convictions dating back to 1994. 40-year-old Dexter Leon Surratt was found guilty of failing to register as a sex offender and of his status as a habitual felon. Surratt's prison term of up to seven years was enhanced by his habitual felon status that includes prior felony convictions for indecent liberties with a child in Catawba County in 1994. His felony convictions also include possession of a controlled substance while in prison in 1997, and failure to register as a sex offender in 2014. After being released from prison in July 2015, Surratt failed to properly register as a sex offender, and was subsequently arrested for absconding.

A Morganton drug conspiracy suspect has been captured. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office reported Thursday, that 40-year-old Evan Saunders Lipford was captured August 7th in Phoenix. He was the 19th person arrested in connection with the conspiracy, which began last summer with a probe of activity at a Stacy Farm Road residence. Only 1 suspect remains at large, 35-year-old Dwayne Bullock of Newton. Anyone with information on Bullock's whereabouts is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 652-2235, the 911 Center at 652-4000 or Crime Stoppers at 652-7463.

Two teenagers face multiple charges after a breaking and entering was stopped in progress. On Wednesday just after 1pm, deputies with the Burke County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to Highway 70 and Rhodhiss Road.  Two 16-year-olds, Kevin Blaine Jenkins of Connelly Springs and Cody Dean Limbo of Hickory were taken into custody. During the course of the investigation, Jenkins and Limbo were also linked to the vehicle break-ins reported in the Knob Mountain Road area on August 4th-6th. Bond on each was set $50,000 secured with court appearances scheduled for today. Anyone with information regarding previous B & E's in the Rhodhiss area is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 438-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 437-3333.

A Newton teenager is charged with the murder of his cousin. Firefighters found the remains of Wesley Bruner Saturday, at a home in Catawba County. 16-year-old Riley Henderson has been charged by the Catawba County Sheriff's Office with murder and is believed to have set the house on fire to cover up the crime. An autopsy revealed that Bruner was shot to death before the fire. Robbery is believed to be the motive, according to News 13.

Hickory Police responded Wednesday morning to an armed robbery at Jewelry Exchange located at 2213 Highway 70 SE. Two subjects, believed to be black males, entered the store carrying handguns and wearing motorcycle helmets. According to a press release from Hickory Police, one suspect broke a jewelry case taking multiple items. Both suspects fled the area on one motorcycle, described as a cruiser type with a black gas tank, chrome on the engine area and black wheels. Anyone with information regarding this on-going investigation is encouraged to call Hickory Police at 328-5551.

The McDowell County Sheriff's Office is looking for a woman on outstanding warrants. 35-year-old Sylvia June Crane is wanted for two probation violations and unauthorized use of motor vehicle and in Wilkes County for multiple breaking and entering charges, along with being a suspect in the theft of four guns and almost $3,000 in currency. Anyone with information concerning Crane's whereabouts is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 652-2237 or McDowell County Crime Stoppers at 652-7463.

State prosecutors will not seek the death penalty in the murder case against a Statesville man. Assistant DA Kyle Smith announced Wednesday, during Catawba County Superior Court that prosecutors will not pursue capital punishment in the case against 41-year-old Bradley Dwayne Davis. He is accused of killing Shamar Rashad Wilson in a shooting that occurred near Alessio's Lounge on June 17th. The case remains under investigation by Hickory Police.

A Catawba County man pleaded guilty to sexual offenses with a child and was given an active prison term of 28 years last week. 29-year-old Derrick Allen Black of Hickory, entered a gulity plea on July 31st, to two counts of statutory sex offense with an 11-year-old child during Burke County Superior Court. Black's prison sentence will run concurrent to another conviction from Catawba County involving the same victim.

A Newton man will spend the next seven years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple criminal offenses and admitting his status as a habitual felon during Burke County Superior Court last week. 33-year-old Christopher Michael Martin of Newton, will spend seven to nine years in custody, after pleading guilty to two counts of felony larceny, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and conspiracy to commit larceny. His prison sentence was enhanced by his habitual felon status, which includes prior felony convictions for obtaining property by false pretense in Catawba County (November 2004), financial card theft in Charleston County (December 2007), and unlawful transport of firearms, a federal offense, in October 2011.

McDowell County sheriff's deputies are asking for the public's help in finding the culprits that broke into the Hankins-North Fork Fire Department over the weekend. It was reported on Saturday, that someone broke out a window, entered the building, at 3220 Hankins Road in Marion, and made off with a TV and chainsaw, and caused damage to a door and lock. The break-in occurred sometime between 10:45 Friday and 9:15am Saturday. Anyone with information concerning the crimes is asked to call Detective Paul Alkrie with the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 652-2237 or McDowell County Crime Stoppers at 652-CRIME (652-7463). You can also text tips to Crime Stoppers. Text MCDOWELLTIPS and your information to 274637 (CRIMES). With Crime Stoppers, you identity remains anonymous, and you could receive a cash reward.

Another name has been added to the list of Burke County's Most Wanted. 19-year-old Nicholas Brian Price is wanted for (F) Break or Enter a Motor Vehicle and (F) Larceny. His last known address was on Airport Rhodhiss Road, Hickory. Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Price is urged to contact the Burke County Sheriff's Office at 438-5500, or you can leave an anonymous tip with Morganton-Burke Crime Stoppers at 437-3333.

In anticipation of the solar eclipse, the State Highway Patrol is placing an emphasis on safe travel. Due to the expected number of people taking part in the August 21st event, roadways across portions of the state will see a significant increase in motorists. The total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of WNC - drawing numerous visitors from surrounding states. Authorities are encouraging onlookers to arrive early for the event in an attempt to decrease the number of vehicles on the roadways at one time. Officials also suggest motorists be patient, plan alternate routes, monitor traffic reports, and have food and water readily available. During the eclipse, authorities recommend motorists to not stop in the roadway, use designated parking areas, do not wear eclipse glasses while driving, and remember to park before attempting to photograph the event. For updated traffic information, visit drive-nc.com.

A McDowell County resident is charged wth larceny by employee. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office reported the charge Monday, on 41-year-old Melissa Morgan Stackable of Marion. She is accused of taking $280 from a cash box in the office of Foothills Industries in Marion. Witnesses told the Sheriff's Office that they saw Stackable in the area at the time of the alleged crime.

The Navy's premiere country-bluegrass ensemble Country Current will be in Marion later this month. The Country Current performances are scheduled for Saturday August 19th, 2:15pm and 6:45pm at Tom Johnson Camping World on Highway 70 West as part of the North Carolina State Bluegrass Festival. All Navy Band performances are free and open to the public.

Three people are charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine. On Wednesday, The Burke County Narcotics Task Force Investigators, Morganton Department of Public Safety and Burke County Sheriff's Office Deputies and the State Highway Patrol executed the arrests near Highway 18 South. Charged were:
Josh Lee Franklin, 30, of Morganton, (F) Trafficking Methamphetamine and (F) Possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver (17 Opana's)
Confined in the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility, Bond: $50,000 - secured
Haley Sierra Stoles, 24, of Morganton, (F) Trafficking Methamphetamine
Confined in the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility, Bond: $25,000 - secured
Thomas Hayes Frank, 44, of San Diego, (F) Trafficking Methamphetamine
Confined in the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility, Bond: $35,000 - secured

A suspected heroin dealer is arrested in Caldwell County. 30-year-old Dorian Rashad Ferguson of Hudson was picked up Thursday during an undercover operation, conducted by the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office and Lenoir Police. Numerous complaints of high volume traffic at his Legion Road apartment had been received along with calls of suspicious persons in the area. Ferguson was placed in the Caldwell County Detention Center under a $1,000,000 bond, with a court appearance scheduled for today.

Two Marion residents re charged with larceny and obtaining property by false pretense. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office on Friday reported charges on 44-year-old Richard Wayne Buchanan and 39-year-old April Dawn Smith Edwards. An Old Linville Road resident had reported June 28th that a credit card had been taken from her mailbox and used at various businesses in McDowell County.

Tens of millions of cars have passed over a pair of bridges on I-40 in Burke County since the mid 1950's. DOT will begin replacing the two bridges over Berea Church Road by Monday, when NHM Constructors of Asheville will begin a two-year process to replace the eastbound and westbound bridges, built in 1956 and 1958 respectively. A local detour has been established for Berea Church Road to help accelerate construction. NHM will construct an on-site detour to allow I-40 traffic to flow in all four lanes.The Berea Church Road detour directs westbound traffic to Burke Boulevard, then to U.S.70, then to Knobs Landing Road, then back to Berea Church Road. The opposite applies to eastbound vehicles on Berea Church Road.

The June umemployment rate for the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area was 4%, in Asheville 3.4%. Those figures released Wednesday by the N.C.Department of Commerce. Area county rates include Alexander at 3.5%, Avery, Burke, and Catawba at 4%, Caldwell 4.2 %, McDowell 3.8% and Lincoln County at 3.7%. Buncombe County had the states's lowest unemployment rate in June at 3.2% while Scotland County had the highest at 7.6%.

McDowell County investigators are looking for a local man believed to have broken into a church last month. 26-year-old Adam Keith Rumfelt, who is reportedly homeless, has been charged with breaking and entering a place of worship, larceny after breaking and entering, and obtaining property by false pretense. The Sheriff's Office reports someone entered West Marion Baptist on Stroud Street in Marion taking food items, a blanket, and an electric keyboard valued at more than $200. Rumfelt was then observed on surveillance pawning the keyboard. He is described as a white male, 6'3", weighing about 260 pounds, with short brown hair and green eyes. Anyone having information regarding Rumfelt's location should contact the Sheriff's Office at 652-2237.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office released updated information regarding a death investigation. The Sheriff's Office and the SBI are investigating a death of a female found Tuesday morning inside a mobile home at J & R Mobile Home Park on NC 18-Hwy 64. The press release stated that including the autopsy conducted Wednesday morning, the evidence supports that the wound to the deceased was self-inflicted. The investigation is continuing.

Representatives of the NC School of Science and Mathematics have scheduled a forum to gather input regarding a new Morganton campus. The community forum will be held Thursday August 10th from 10:30am till Noon at WCU in Cullowhee. School officials hope to gather feedback on the draft educational program's vision plans for the new campus. In March 2016, voters approved the Connect NC bond package that included $58 million to develop a second campus of the state's school of science and mathematics. Reports say the new campus is expected to open in 2021 with initial enrollment of 300 students. The NC School of Science and Mathematics is a two-year public residential high school that focuses on science, technology, engineering and math disciplines.

A Burke County man faces three felony drug charges. On Wednesday, the Burke County Sheriff's Office Swat Team, Narcotics Task Force Investigators and deputies executed a search warrant at 1448 Oak Hill Drive, Morganton. 38-year-old Chali Demon Young was charged with Possession of Crack Cocaine, Maintain a Dwelling for Controlled Substances and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Young was placed in the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility under a $70,000 secured bond with a court appearance scheduled for today.

Dr. Mark Picton has been appointed as Interim Health Director by the Caldwell County Board of Health. Brittany Dobbins, Assistant Health Director will be responsible for Public Health Administrative tasks and/or issues during the interim period. The Board of Health is currently wrapping up the process of interviewing candidates for the Public Health Director position and they expect to make a decision soon.

JBS USA,Inc., a Lenoir establishment, is recalling about 4,922 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, the U.S.Department of Agriculture's Food Safety amd Inspection Service announced Tuesday. The ground chuck beef items were produced on July 15th. The following products are subject to recall:
 * 2-lb.black Styrofoam plastic wrapped trays containing ground beef labeled "CERTIFIED ANGUS
    BEEF CHUCK 80%LEAN 20% FAT" with a production date 7/15/17 and case code 541640.
The products subject to call bear establishment number "EST.34176" inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to a distribution center in North Carolina for further distribution.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office responded to call Tuesday morning regarding a death in the J & R Mobile Home Park, 2509 NC 18-US 64. Sheriff's Deputies located a deceased 61-year-old female, in her mobile home. Sheriff's Investigators arrived on the scene to begin a death investigation and contacted the SBI for assistance. The investigation is continuing.

Two Caldwell County residents are charged with trafficking methamphetamine. Sheriff Alan Jones announced Tuesday that an undercover drug investigation resulted in the arrests of 22-year-old Tony Aaron Ferguson and 22-year-old Kirsten Leigh Ann Short, both of Hudson. Ferguson and Short were suspected by investigators to be major suppliers of methamphetamine in Caldwell and Burke Counties. The investigation included the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office Ice Unit, Lenoir Police, the Burke County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division and Morganton Department of Public Safety.

The District Attorney plans to seek the death penalty against Phillip Stroup II after he is charged with the murder of Thomas Bryson. According to News 13, DA Greg Newman stated on Monday that he believes the death penalty is appropriate. Bryson's body was found Sunday night in Arden. Three people who were arrested Saturday and charged with harboring Stroupe, Frederick Badgero,Jr. of Nebo along with Jennifer Hawkins and Larry Hawkins III, both of Barnardsville, had charges upgraded Monday to felony accessory after the fact of murder. Stroupe's father, Phillip Stroupe,Sr was charged with felony accessory after the fact of first degree kidnapping, according to News 13.

An Asheville man is charged with firing a weapon into an occupied property in Burke County. The incident occurred Friday night, according to the Burke County Sheriff's Office, when two Morganton residents got into an argument with 59-year-old Russell Alan Bryson near Jamestown Road and I-40. Bryson allegedly pulled out a handgun in the presence of Tamara Fleming and Terrel Avery. Bryson left in a vehicle headed west on I-40 while Fleming and Avery followed him in another vehicle while they were calling 911. Near the Kathy Road exit, Bryson reportedly pulled a handgun and shot into the vehicle occupied by Fleming and Avery, who were not struck. Bryson was stopped near MM 77 by a McDowell County Deputy. A Burke County Deputy arrived at that location and arrested Bryson who was released on an unsecured $10,000 bond. The investigation is continuing.

McDowell deputies continue their search for a runaway teen. 15-year-old Ciera Waldrop of Marion was last seen July 24th. Her grandparents, who have guardianship of Waldrop, reported her missing July 26th after she failed to return to their Hidden Forest Drive residence. Waldrop is described as a white female, 5'1" tall, weighing about 100 pounds with long dark hair and glasses. Anyone having information about Waldrop's whereabouts should call the McDowell Sheriff's Office at 652-2235.