A 183-acre property along Tim's Creek in the Icard Township is now permanently protected. According to Morganton based Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, Diane and Jacques Geitner donated a conservation easement on their property to Foothills Conservancy, ensuring that the land will never be developed or divided. The Tim's Creek property includes 153 acres of mature forest and 30 acres of open pasture land. It connects two State Significant Natural Heritage Areas: Smith Mountain to the north, and Hildebran Mountain to the south. Funding for the project came from a grant from the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund's min-grant program, and a generous contribution from the Geitners, according to a news release from Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina.

Update: Kelcy has been located safely.
The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office is seeking a missing person, Kelcy Madeline Church, 20, described as 5' 4", 115 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Church is asked to call Detective Raby at 828-759-1554 or Caldwell Crime Stoppers at 828-758-8300.

A Marion woman faces multiple drug charges. McDowell County Sheriff's deputies along with Marion Police officers conducted a search Thursday afternoon at 2234 Sugar Hill Road. Amber Micheel Reel, 30, was in a vehicle in the driveway in the residence. She faces charges of methamphetamine possession, marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Stonebridge Drive is closed today through Friday from 7am to 4pm in preparation of improvements planned for the road. Stonebridge Drive will be closed from Bethel Road to the entrance of the Stonebridge Apartments, according to the City of Morganton.

Leaders of the North Carolina General Assembly invite North Carolina high school students to apply for the 48th Annual Youth Leglislative Assembly April 6th through 8th, in Raleigh. Applications will be accepted through December 11th. The YLA teaches high school students about the laws governing North Carolina's citizens as well as the lawmaking process. For more information please email YLA Coordinator erica.gallion@ncleg.net or call 919-301-1372.