A Newton man faces a prison term after pleading guilty to second-degree murder for a motor vehicle accident that killed a Caldwell County pastor. Zachariah Arthur Carl, 32, was sentenced to serve up to 19 years in connection with the fatal accident that occurred in December 2016 near Conover. Pastor of Abundant Life Church in Hudson, Michael Vanderburg, 43, was killed in the crash while his three children were taken to a hospital. According to the State Highway Patrol, Vanderburg was attempting to make a left turn whenever Carl ran through a red light - striking his vehicle. Reports further state Carl consumed alcohol at two restaurants before the accident; while his blood alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit. Carl also pleaded guilty to driving while impaired, possession of an open container and driving with a revoked license.

A Marion man is charged with trafficking of opiods. The Marion Police Department reported Friday that Ricky Lee Jaynes, 54, of Sugar Hill Road was arrested, Thursday, after a search of his residence. Marion Police had received numerous citizen complaints of illegal activity at the residence. Jaynes is accused of selling and distributing prescription "pain pills", which were not prescribed to him. Bond was set at $200,000 secured. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office and SBI assisted Marion Police in the case.

Five new firefighters have been hired for the Hickory Fire Department.
* Kasi Browning has served as a firefighter for Newton and Valdese, and has volunteered at Long View for 2 years.
* Eric Keller has worked as an Engineer for Sherrill's Ford Fire & Rescue for 2 years and has volunteered with Bandy's Fire Department for 10 years, where he currently serves as a Captain.
* Logan Sauceda has been a firefighter for over 6 years - most recently with Boger City Fire Department and as a volunteer with Conover Fire Department.
* Greg Smith comes to the department with over 7 years' experience. Recently he worked with Boone Fire Department as Engineer.
* Stephen Taylor has 6 years' experience as a firefighter and has volunteered with George Hildebran Fire & Rescue, where he serves as a Lieutenant.