Hickory Police need assistance in locating a missing Hickory man. Deward Charles Gray, also known as "DC", was last seen wearing blue jeans and a khaki button-up shirt in the 100 block of 39th Avenu Court NW, and he possibly walked to the 3900 block of 127 North and North Center Street. Gray is suffering from dementia. Please contact the Hickory Police Department with any information at 828-328-5551.

The McDowell County Sheriff's Office has charged a McDowell school employee with two counts of larceny by employee. On Monday, Nicholas Christopher Shosho, 41, of Nebo, was charged after school officials found money missing from McDowell High on two occasions.

A Lenoir man charged in connection with a stabbing. Lenoir Police responded just 10am Saturday, to a residence on Hoff Court. Officers found the victim, Patricia Brannan, with what appeared to be a stab wound to the right side of her chest and a second stab wound to her abdomen. She also had several bruises on her face and arm. Brannan was taken by Caldwell EMS to Caldwell UNC Health Care. Her boyfriend, Dwayne Adam Hollar was charged with Felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury and Felony Assault by Strangulation. Additional charges may be forthcoming.

Hickory Police are investigating a double-shooting at an area dance and nightclub that occurred over the weekend. Around 2am Saturday, Eddie Linder, 37, and Terrall Mitchell, 28, both of Hickory, each sought treatment at Frye Regional Medical Center for gunshot wounds. Police reports state each was suffering from non-life threatening injuries; but were both admitted for treatment. Officers determined the incident occurred possibly after an altercation at La Rumba on Highway 70 SW. Anyone having information about the incident should contact Hickory Police at 828-328-5551.

A suspect, wanted in two armed robberies in Catawba County, is detained by authorities. Anthony Scott Jordan, 45, was arrested after allegedly Little Ceasars restaurant on 12th Avenue NE Thursday afternoon. Officers reportedly located the suspect's vehicle shortly after the theft; with Jordan inside. he has also been identified as the same person responsible for the armed robbery that occurred at Boost Mobile the day before his arrest. Jordan has been charged with two counts of armed robbery and is being held under a $50,000 bond at the Catawba County Detention Facility.

Assessment Teams surveyed the damage from last week's tornado. According to Caldwell County Public Information, total homes affected in Granite Falls include, 31 homes damaged, with 15 homes sustaining major damage and 1 home destroyed. Homes affected in the unincorporated areas of Grace Chapel Road are, 658 homes damaged with 49 home having major damage and 5 homes destroyed.

Contractors working for the City  will start replacing the decking on both bridges on the Morganton Greenway this week. Brushy Mountain Builders plans to begin work on the Silver Greek greenway bridge on Wednesday. The bridge will be closed during the day, while contractors are working, but should be reopened in the evening, barring any unforseen issues. City staff estimates it will take three to four weeks to replace all the decking on both bridges. Several boards on the Silver Creek greenway and Catawba River greenway bridges have deteriorated and need to be replaced.

A Lenoir man is charged in connection with a shooting. Caldwell deputies responded just before 8pm Wednesday to a parking lot at 1219 Hwy 268 on the report of a shooting. One victim was found with a single, non-life threatening gun shot wound. Reportedly, the victim was treated and released at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. According to a press release from the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office, no further information about the victim is going to be released. Officers arrested Steven Wayne Smith, 29, and charged him with one count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious. Smith was also served with an outstanding warrant for Domestic Criminal Trespass, with bond set st $250,000.

A Hickory business was robbed at gunpoint Wednesday. Hickory Police responded to the reported armed robbery at Boost Mobile on Springs Road NE. The store's clerk stated the suspect entered the store, displayed a handgun, and demanded money - later leaving the business on foot. A press release describes the suspect as a black male, 20 to 30 years old, 5'8' tall with facial hair. Reports also state the suspect has an apparent disability to his right leg causing his right foot to turn out at an angle as he walks. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to call Hickory Police at 828-328-5551.

An EF2 tornado was confimed in Burke, Catawba, Caldwell and Alexander. The National Weather Weather at Greenville-Spartanburg reported Thursday that Monday's tornado had an estimated maximum wind speed of 125 mph. The tornado, which occurred from about 4:35-5pm, touched down near Hickory Regional Airport, then staddled the Catawba/Caldwell County line, While weakening to EF1, the tornado widened to almost 3/4 mile, then straddled the Alexander/Caldwell County Line, before finally weakening and lifting just south of the Alexander/Wilkes County line.

Caldwell County Public Information reports that as of Thursday night, 658 homes are currently identified as damaged, with 49 homes sustaining major damage and 5 homes destroyed. These numbers will rise as Assessment Teams will be back out surveying damage today.

Rick Beasley has been hired as the Interim Hickory City Manager. Beasley has years of city mnagement experience, including Conover and Lenoir. He also served as Deputy Athletics at ASU and for the past two years Beasely was the Senior Associared Athletics for Development at Georgia State. Former Assistant City Manager Andrea Surratt resigned for a City Manager's job in Montana.

At the request of emergency management officials, the American Red Cross Blue Ridge Piedmont Chapter opened a Burke County shelter Wednesday afternoon. The shelter, for residents who may be displaced due to a power outage, is at the Valdese Recreation Center, 312 Massel Avenue SE.

Caldwell County Public Information reports that 517 homes were damaged in the Grace Chapel Road area, with 42 homes sustaining major damage with 1 home destroyed. The numbers do not include town of Granite Falls, Rhodhiss or Bethlehem numbers.
The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office is warning residents that scammers are in the Grace Chapel Road area and are approaching residents. A scam artist approached an elderly couple in the North Lakes Community late Tuesday and told them if they did not move "the debris out of their driveway in two days, they would be fined by the County." This is a scam. There are also scam artists approaching residents and offering to cut debris and then disappearing with the money. Residents should never pay up front for any work hired out and make sure the workers have proof of insurance and are bonded. Groups that are legitimate and are working in the area are the North Carolina Baptist Men, the Methodist Disaster Relief, the American Red Cross, Caldwell County CERT and REACT.

A 31-year-old tree service contractor for a utility company was killed early Wednesday morning while working to clear a tree from a power line in Alexander County. The worker, Brian Keith Wilmoth of Wilkes County, was crushed when the tree snapped back and fell on him.

National Weather Service meterologists and survey teams have confirmed an EF2 tornado (111-135mph) in Cleveland County and a tornado with a preliminary rating of EF1 (86-110mph) in southeastern Rutherford County that traveled into western Cleveland County.

Damage assessment continues from Monday's storms. Burke County Emergency Services personnel are still working to clear debris and assess damage left from the storms that affected primarily Eastern Burke County. Citizens are encouraged to stay off the roads if possible in areas where debris is being removed or where utility workers are attempting to restore service. Eastern Burke County citizens having storm damage should call emergency officials at 397-6400; however, remember that municipal, county, state and federal agencies are not authorized to remove debris from private property - unless the debris is deemed to pose an extraordinary threat to human health and safety. Officials encourage those residents to take storm debris to the Burke County landfill and identify it as 'Hildebran Storm damage' for FEMA tracking purposes. Neighboring Caldwell and Catawba Counties were hit hard by Monday's storms as well.

A Forest City man is charged with attacking a Morganton Public Safety officer. According to a Public Safety news release, the incident occurred about 11pm Saturday, during a license check at the intersection of Jamestown Road and Carbon Drive. The officer, Sargent Edwards, noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from a car operated by Nelson Cornwell Montgomery. During a probable cause search, Montgomery ran off towards Carbon City Road and in an ensuing struggle, Montgomey struck Edwards on the side of the face. Edwards was able to strike Montgomery, who fell to the ground. Three other Public Safety officers assisted and were able to handcuff Montgomery. He faces five charges and bond was set at $14,000.

Some schools were delayed or closed today due to storms Monday that roared through WNC. Burke County Schools were on a two hour delay, with Hildebran and Ray Childers Elementary schools closed due to storm damage. Caldwell County had five schools closed from severe storm damage, South Caldwell High, Dudley Shoals Elementary, Granite Falls Elementary, Granite Falls Middle and Gateway School. All other Caldwell County Schools were on a two hour delay. Other schools on a two hour delay included, Mitchell County, Newton-Conover, Rutherford County, Watauga County and Yancey County. Alexander County Schools were closed for students with an optional teacher workday.

Thousands were left without power after the Monday storms. Just about one half of the Duke Power customers in Catawba County were affected, with 30,00 of the county's 68,000 Duke customers were without power. City of Hickory residents were advised to stay off the streets overnight as crews worked to remove debris and restore power to those affected by a particularly violent storm. Falling trees and limbs caused damage to power lines, roofs, and streets as numerous problems were reported. Two hangers at Hickory Regional Airport sustained damage, but no one was injured and the airport remained open.

Caldwell County Emergency Services is asking all residents with damage to their homes or property to call 828-426-8605 or 426-8606 to report their damage. Three Assessment Taskforce teams will begin surveying the area for the extent of damage this morning. There have been no reports of injuries. Residents in the Grace Chapel area were asked to stay in their homes overnight due to risk of serious injury from fallen trees and power lines.

A local high school was suspended last week for making threats against the school. A school resource officer was advised a made a threat of committing violence at Patton High last Wednesday. A release from the Burke County Sheriff's Office states the student was suspended and the officer began an investigation. The school was placed under an increase in law enforcement's presence and awareness. Investigation results have been turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice and to the District Attorney's office to determine if charges will be pursued. Reports show the investigation did not produce any evidence that the student had a weapon on school property.

The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office is looking for a Wanted Person. Marvin Clarence Chester,45, is wanted for Interfering with his Electronic Probation Ankle Monitor and has charges pending for Failing to Notify the Sheriff of his Change of Address as a sex offender. Chester is described as a white male, 5' 11", and 170 pounds. Anyone with information is asked to call the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office at 828-758-2324 or Crime Stoppers at 758-8300.

A Caldwell County woman was killed Saturday morning, as the result of a single-vehicle accident near Black Mountain. Amanda Brigman, 29, died when her vehicle went down an embankment and hot a tree in the westbound lanes near Mile Marker 61. The State Highway Patrol told WLOS-TV that a child in the vehicle was taken to the hospital.

Two Burke County residents face charges in connection with several reported breaking, entering and larcenies on the Chesterfield community. Burke County's Sheriff's Office detectives investigation resulted in a search warrant served Tuesday at 2786 Pax Hill Road, Morganton. The search led to over 190 stolen items being located in and around the searched home. Felony charges of Breaking and Entering, Larceny, Possession of Stolen Property were filed on Robert Ford Dale,Jr, 51, and Rebecca Lynn Icard, 46. Dale faces an additional felony charge of Obtaining Property by False Pretense. Bond on Dale was set at $115,000 with Icard's bond set at $15,000. The investigation is continuing with additional charges expected, according to the Burke County Sheriff's Office.

Early voting in Burke County begins today. Early voting sites include Board of Elections office at 2128 South Sterling Street in Morganton, Burke Senior Center, 501 North Green Street in Morganton, the Glen Alpine Town Hall at 103 Pitts Street, Rutherford College Town Hall, 980 Malcolm Boulevard, and the Hildebran Library/Senior Center at 101 Main Avenue West. The schedule during the week is 8am-5pm.

A Nebo woman faces felony charges after breaking into her father's house. the suspect's father Kenneth Crain told McDowell County Sheriff's officers that his daughter had stoloen four guns and currency totaling almost $3,000 in value. Sylvia Crain, 35, was on the run from authorities for more than a month before being apprehended by officials. She has now been charged with breaking and entering, and larceny after breaking and entering. Crain was also served with outstanding warrants for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and multiple probation violations.

Upon review of contracts, that Caldwell County holds with volunteer fire & rescue agencies to house Caldwell EMS crews, there will be one location change. According to Caldwell County Public Information, EMS Crew 5 will be re-located from North Catawba Fire & Rescue on the Connelly Springs Road to the crews' former location at the Caldwell County Hudson EMS Base at 467 Redwood Street. This re-location will be temporary until a suitable site is identified within the Cajah's Mountain/Baton area of Caldwell County.

 A Burke County man was sentenced to 240-300 months in prison in McDowell County Superior Court. Stacey Heatley was found guilty in a case from December 8th where an Old Fort man reported that he was beaten with a sledgehammer and robbed. Heatley had previously pleaded guilty in a case where a Marion man sustained head injuries, according to WLOS-TV.

Burke County Narcotics Task Force received a tip regarding a working liquor still on Old Highway 18. According to a press release Tuesday from the Burke County Sheriff's office, N.C.Alcohol Law Enforcement agents and a Burke County deputy went to Douglas Fox Road and a found a 30 gallon still in operation. The still, and 15 quarts of non-tax paid brandy were seized and 140 gallons of mash was destroyed. Timmy King was cited for Manufacturing Non-Tax Paid Liquor and Possession of Non-Tax Paid Liquor. He is scheduled to appear in District Court on December 15th.

Continental celebrated 25 years of production and its 82,000 square foot expansion on Wednesday, at the company's Morganton facility. According to a company press release, the more than $40 million expansion project is slated to generate 150 new full-time jobs and will enable the facility to increase production of the state-of-the-art MK C1 braking system. Once the expansion is complete, the facility will be able to produce up to 3.2 million brake system units a year, which includes Continental's next generation MK C1.

CTE Presidential Scholar nominees were recognized and board members were given the Gold Bell award in Monday night's regular Burke County Board of Education meeting. Each high school is asked to nominate for US Presidential Scholar programs. Some requirements are for students to have completed four CTE classes in field of study, have classes of academic rigor and show problem solving skills. There were four nominees for the program, one from each county high school. These students are Gaomong Lo of Draughn, Malachi Curtis of East Burke, Hailey Ward of Freedom, and Megan Elizabeth Martin of Patton with the overall county winner, Gaomong Lo. Each year, students in elementary and middle school participate in the school bus poster safety contest. Burke County had a state winner in the bus safety poster contest, Blake Branch of Heritage Middle. The Gold Bell Award recognizes boards where every member earned 12 hours of training between July 1 and June 30 of the school year. The whole Burke County board was recognized with Bell Awards for their achievement.

Catawba County has confirmed the fourth case of rabies in the county this year. According to a news release from Catawba County, Animal Services received a call October 9th from a citizen in Claremont whose dog was found chewing a deceased raccoon in his backyard. The raccoon was sent to the State Public Health Lab in Raleight, which notified Catawba County on October 11th that the raccoon tested positive for rabies. The best way to protect your pets from rabies is to have them properly vaccinated for rabies.

The McDowell County Sheriff's Office reports a Nebo man was sheltering a woman by authorities. Deputies have charged Patrick Ryan Kelley, 41, with harboring a fugitive. Investigators received that Michelle Frady - wanted on federal probation warrants - was at Kelley's residence. When officers went to the home, they were unable to get anyone to answer the door. Minutes later, detectives reportedly spotted Kelley and Frady exit the home.

The NC Center for Missing Persons issued a Silver Alert Saturday night, for a missing endangered man. James Nelson Abernathy, 52, is described as a white male, 6', 215 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes and is believed to have some dementia or other cognitive impairment. He was last seen on Reed Street in Morganton. Anyone with information should Contact Chief Treadway at the Drexel Police Department by calling 828-437-1911.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office issued an update Friday on a stabbing early last week in Hildebran. About 9:45pm on October 10th, Burke deputies responded to a Wilson Road apartment and found Tad Brian Reed, 41, on the floor of his residence bleeding from a stab wound. First Responders treated Reed, but he was pronounced dead at the scene at the scene. SBI agents assisted the Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation at the scene. In the Friday update, the press release states that, subsequent to the Burke County Sheriff's Office completing the investigation, the District Attorney ruled the incident as a justifiable homicide.

The Alexander County Sheriff's Office is requesting the public's help on an incident that occurred just after 4pm Thursday. 911 received a call stating that a white male with long gray hair and a mustache driving an older model van, had stopped in the 200 block of Rocky Face Church Road in Taylorsville and yelled at a 12 year old juvenile and asked him to get into the van. The juvenile ran away and dialed 911. The vehicle sped away and is described as an older model white van with no windows on the sides, but did have windows in the back doors, with possibly some red curtains in the back windows. The vehicle had some rust and paint peeling on the sides of the van. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at 828-632-2911 or Crime Stoppers at 632-8555.

A man wanted in connection with a shooting earlier this week, has been located. Burke County deputies, Burke County Narcotics Task Force and an officer from Morganton Department of Public Safety, investigated a tip on Hawkins Drive, Morganton early Thursday afternoon. Officers located David Arrex Burleson, and noticed a powdery substance in Burleson's mouth and requested Burke County EMS, who transported Burleson to Blue Ridge Healthcare Morganton, where he is being evaluated for possibly ingesting controlled substances. The victim of the shooting, Scotty Everette Vess, 51, is reportedly doing okay and may be released soon, according to the Burke County Sheriff's Office.

Friday update: Mr. Love was located safely.
McDowell emergency crews are searching for an overdue hunter off West Payne Road in the Zion Hill area. Frank Love, Jr, is currently missing. If you have any information call 652-4000.

On Wednesday the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office and Fire Marshal's Office along with North Catawba Fire & Rescue responded to a structure fire at 5504 Liberty Road, Granite Falls. The fire appears intentionally set. If you have any information call the Fire Marshal's Office at 757-1277 or Caldwell Crime Stoppers at 758-8300.

A suspect in a gas drive-off flees in a stolen vehicle and is later found in a clothes dryer. Morganton Department of Public Safety Officers were dispatched to a gas drive-off from Quality Plus on Carbon City. Road. The suspect vehicle was reported stolen and was spotted by a PSO on Independence Road. The vehicle was later found parked at 109 Douglas Drive. Officers conducted a safety sweep of the residence and K9 Jaros indicated to human presence in a clothes dryer in the basement. Inside the dryer was Preston Green, 23, of Lenoir, who had three warrants from Lenoir pending service. During the safety sweep, Schedule 1 and 2 narcotics were located along with drug paraphernalia, according to a news release from Public Safety. Also arrested was Alexis Graybeal 23, of Morganton, who was charged with harboring a fugitive, and other charges. Bond on Green was set at $147,000 with Graybeal's bond set at $27,500.

A Burke County Public School employee has been charged with assault. Crawford Lionel Ellis, 49, of Hickory, was charged by a school resource officer for striking a non-year-old in the face with his fist. Ellis was working as an after-school daycare worker at Icard Elementary when the incident occurred. A Burke County Public Schools news release states Ellis, who had been employed since 2005, was terminated immediately. Upon being charged with assault on a child under 12 , Ellis was transported to the magistrate's office where he was released on a written promise to appear in court November 1.

Burke Deputies responded to a shooting about 6pm Wednesday on Denton's Chapel Church Road in Morganton. The victim was airlifted to Charlotte. A warrant for Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury with Intent to Kill has been issued on David Arrex Burleson, 38. Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts is asked to call 911. Burleson should be considered armed and dangerous.

Former McDowell Sheriff Jackie Turner,Sr. died at his residence on Wednesday. A native and lifelong resident of McDowell County, Turner began his law enforcement with the Marion Police Department. In 1994 he was elected Sheriff and served until his retirement in 2008. According to Beam Funeral Service & Crematory in Marion, a celebration of Sheriff Turner's life will be held on Saturday at 3pm at Redeemed Free Will Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 1:30 till 3, prior to the service. Honors along with pallbearers will be provided by law enforcement agencies.

Continental has given three local high school students full-time positions as part of the company's student apprenticeship program. The three students from McDowell and East Burke, were chosen from an interview screening and testing process called an Apprenticeship Orientation. The selected students were William Ward of McDowell as well as Bryson Lockee and James Helton of East Burke. These students will receive a full-time job, on-the-job training, a debt-free Associate's Degree and a North Carolina Department of Commerce Journeyman's Certificate.

A processional was held Tuesday from Winston-Salem to Valdese for fallen Triple Community Firefighter Jason Hensley. He was clearing debris from Hwy 70 in Drexel just after midnight Monday, when he was struck and killed by a vehicle. The receiving of friends for Hensley will take place on Thursday from 4-8pm at Heritage Funeral Home in Valdese. The funeral will be held Friday and will commence at 11am at First Baptist Church of Drexel with the burial following the service at Hillcrest Cemetery on Praley Street SW in Valdese.

The second fatal stabbing in a week has occurred in Burke County. Sheriff's Deputies responded to a residence on Wilson Road in Hildebran Monday, just before 10pm, to the report of a subject who had been stabbed. Officers discovered Tad Brian Reed, 41, on the floor of his residence. Icard First Responders and Burke EMS treated Reed; however, he was pronounced dead at the scene. SBI agents are assisting Burke detectives in the investigation. No suspect was named in the news release. Investigators will be conferring with the District Attorney's Office in regard to charges.

Hickory Police are still seeking a suspect from a convenience store robbery from September 30th. About 8:42pm, the Cubbard Express at 2770 Springs Road NE, was robbed by a suspect, described as a black male, with a skinny build and long dreadlocks. Anyone with information regarding this on-going investigation is encouraged to call Hickory Police at 828-328-5551 or contact Investigator J.Truesdell directly at 828-261-2636.

The Catawba County Firefighter Memorial Service will be held at 3pm Sunday at Joy Baptist Church located at 4015 Herman Sipe Road in Conover. The service will conclude at the Memorial site next door at the Catawba County Firefighter's Museum. This is the 17th Annual Service, and this year's event will have 11 members that firefighters will be paying tribute to on Sunday afternoon.

Two task force teams have completed their walk through and assessment of the Cedar Rock and Mt. Herman Road areas of Caldwell County from the storm damage Sunday. The teams determined that 93 homes were damaged, with 6 homes destroyed and 11 with major damage and on Mt. Herman Road just about every home sustained some level of damage. No injuries were reported. The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office is advising residents in the area to be careful about businesses and/or individuals coming to their homes and offering to do repairs. Per Sheriff Alan Jones,"Always make sure that any of the repairmen has proof of being bonded and insured. And never pay anyone up front. Always get the repairs completed before you pay."

Morganton Public Safety Officers spent hours last night searching a wooded area near Valdese Avenue for a man who reportedly made threats to officers and family members with a firearm. Public Safety notified residents of a possible gunman on the loose in a wooded area and to "shelter in place." Just after 2:30 this morning, 19-year-old Samuel Keller was taken into custody on various charges. Public Safety, in conjunction with their SWAT Team were on the scene for over 5 hours searching the Broad Oaks property and residential areas located on Valdese Avenue. No one was injured.

A third man has been charged in connection with a fatal shooting last week in Nebo. 38-year-old Daniel McCoy Bradley turned himself in at the McDowell County Sheriff's Office on Friday. Bradley and three others reportedly went to a Nebo garage early last week. During an exchange of gunfire, one of the men with Bradley - 33-year-old Joshua Eric Kelley was shot multiple times and later died from his injuries. Investigators say after the shooting, Bradley hid two semi-automatic rifles from authorities. One of them has since been recovered - multiple guns were used during the shootout, according to the Sheriff's Office. Michael Allen Spencer and Greggory Cole Lowery have also been arrested and charged. Bradley was charged with attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon, and altering, stealing, or destroying criminal evidence. His bond was set at $30,000.

A procession of Honor will accompany the body of Firefighter Jason Keith Hensley from Winston-Salem to Heritage Funeral Home in Valdese today. The Procession will depart from Christ United Methodist Church on Starnes Street at 10am to Winston-Salem and depart Winston-Salem at about 1pm returning to Valdese.

City of Morganton Human Relations Commision selected Suzanne Belada as Morganton's Citizen of the Year. Belada has taught for 33 years in Burke County Public Schools at North Liberty & Liberty Middle. She has been a Boy Scout & Girl Scout leader, served on a committee for Special Olympics, and volunteers with many agencies.

A Triple Community Firefighter was struck by a vehicle about midnight. About 11:53pm Sunday, Triple Community Fire Department was dispatched to a call for service for a tree blocking the East bound and part of the West bound side of  Hwy 70 East near the Drexel intersection. Firedfighters were in the process of clearing debris from the roadway when a vehicle traveling East bound on Hwy 70, struck one of the Firefighters. About 12:01 this morning, Jason Keith Hensley, 40, was killed instantly upon impact. An investigation into the accident is being conducted by the State Highway Patrol, according to a press release from Triple Community Fire Department.

A Morganton man is charged with murder. On Friday, the Burke County Sheriff's Office, along with Burke County EMS and First Responders from Brendletown and West End Fire Departments,  responded to 4459 Bill Epley Avenue. They found the victim, Jimmy Ray Causby, deceased at the residence. Arrested and charged with murder was Gerald Dean Buff, 61, of 4441 Bill Epley Avenue. Buff is being held without bond and has a court appearance scheduled for today.

A tornado that starter just after 5pm Sunday, roared north into Burke and Caldwell Counties, with Caldwell reporting the most damage. Caldwell County Public Information reports that 30 homes were damaged on Mt.Herman Road in the Hudson area, with homes also damaged on Hillhaven Drive and Hefner Place. Numerous homes were damaged in the Cedar Rock Community off Hwy 18. The Caldwell County Sheriff's office requests that unless they are a resident, all members of the public should stay out of the storm damaged areas due to the danger of power lines down and other hazards. In Burke County, there were reports of downed trees on Cub Creek Drive in Connelly Springs.

Hickory Police are looking for a bank robbery suspect. Carter Band and Trust at 821 4th Street Drive SW was robbed about 1:30pm Friday. Warrants have been obtained for the suspect, Ronald Maurice Jones, 46, a black male, about 5'10'' with a thin build. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jones is asked to contact Hickory Police at 828-328-5551.

A Nebo man sought for questioning in a fatal McDowell County shooting earlier this week has turned himself into authorities. Reports say charges Greggory Cole Lowery, 29, of Nebo, are forthcoming in connection with the shooting death of 33-year-old Joshua Eric Kelley. Kelley, along with Lowery and Michael Spencer, 43, of Nebo, and another man wanted for questioning, reportedly went to a garage on Rolling Meadow Drive when the shooting occurred. During the exchange of gunfire, Kelley was shot multiple times and died Tuesday night at Mission Hospital from his injuries. Spencer has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and with robbery with a dangerous weapon and is held under a $100,000 bond. Investigators are still looking for 38-year-old Daniel McCoy Bradley to question him. Anyone with information about Bradley's whereabouts should call the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 652-2235.

A Nebo man has died from an early Monday morning shooting. Joshua Eric Kelley, 33, passed away Tuesday night at Mission Hospital from injuries sustained during a shootout on Rolling Way Drive in Nebo. A man that was with Kelley Monday moring has now been charged, Michael Allen Spencer, 43, was arrested Wednesday and charged with four counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and one count of robbery with a dangerous weapon. Investigators are still looking for Greggory Cole Lowery, 29, and Daniel McCoy Bradley, 38, both of Nebo, for questioning. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Lowery of Bradley is asked to call the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 828-652-2235, the McDowell 911 Communications Center at 652-4000 or McDowell Crime Stoppers at 652-7463.

A second man is arrested in last week's fatal shooting of a Newton man. Dustin Allen Shook, 23, has been charged with accessory after the fact, in the death of Justin Tyler Smith, 19. Catawba County investigators report Smith was found dead in his home last Friday while sitting in a recliner - a bullet hole discovered in the window. Published reports say a subject went to the home to mow the grass and noticed something was wrong. Jeffrey Douglas Brittain, 23, was reportedly arrested in Maiden two days later in connection with the murder that possibly stemmed from a dispute over a female. Reports further state Shook gave Brittain a ride from the crime scene in attempts to elude authorities. Shook is jailed under a $500,000 bond.

A Valdese man is charged with 6 counts of Feloniously Obtaining Property by False Pretenses. The Burke County Sheriff's Office was notified by staff of East Burke High School that a sum of money was missing or stolen. The investigation revealed that Hampton Marshall Boggs, 30, had presented fictitious receipts to the school for which he received payment. Boggs was arrested at his residence Tuesday, without incident. He was placed in custody at the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility under a $40,000 secured bond. The investigation is continuing with additional charges expected, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Asheville Police responded to a motor vehicle crash about 2:44am Monday, on I-40 W at the 50.5 mile marker. A Chevy pickup truck was traveling eastbound in the westbound lane of I-40 when it collided with a Ford Focus carrying a driver and a passenger. The passenger, Madison Ainsley Carswell of Nebo, died at the scene. Both drivers were transported to Mission Hospital with critical injuries. The investigation continues and anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact the Traffic Safety unit at 828-251-4089.

McDowell investigators are searching for a Nebo man who might have information about a Monday morning shooting. Greggory Cole Lowery, 29, is wanted for questioning about the shooting of Joshua Eric Kelley, 33, of Nebo, who was shot multiple times and is in critical condition at Mission Hospital. Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Lowery is asked to call the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 652-2235 or Crime Stoppers at 652-7463.

The Caldwell County Board of Commissioners will host a public forum for citizens to give their feedback on plans to widen Highway 321 from Lenoir to Hickory. The forum will be held at 6pm, Monday, October 16, in the auditorium at the J.E.Broyhill Civic Center at 1913 Hickory Blvd.SE, in Lenoir. The public is invited to give their comments on the proposed plans from NCDOT for the widening of Highway 321 from Highway 321-A in Caldwell County to Highway 70 in Catawba County.

An early Monday morning shooting is being investigated in McDowell County. Sheriff's detectives are looking into the shooting that injured a Nebo man. Deputies arrived at the scene on Rolling Meadows Drive to find Joshua Eric Kelley, 33, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Kelley was transported to Mission Hospital in Asheville. No charges have been filed and the case remains under investigation.

McDowell County deputies are looking for mailbox vandals. In the early morning hours of Tuesday September 26th, at least 11 mailboxes were damaged on Thousand Oaks Drive and Old Greenlee, Toms Creek, Henry McCall and Hankins Roads. Another report occurred Saturday on Wildlife Road in Nebo. The suspect vehicle is described as a light colored single cab truck. Anyone with information is asked to call the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 652-2237 or Crime Stoppers at 652-7463.

AM 1430 will host its' first of 3 candidate forums this morning from 10:06 till 11:00. District 3 candidates for Morganton City Council have been invited to the studio to answer questions. Their will be a taped replay Sunday at 6pm, on The Big Dawg 92.1 FM and streamed on the website at www.bigdawg92fm.com. Other forums will air live on AM 1430, Tuesday October 10th for District 4 Morganton City Council and Tuesday October 17th for Burke County School Board Western District. The next two forums will also be rebroadcast on The Big Dawg 92.1 and on the website.

A teenager is killed in Catawba County and a Maiden man is charged in the case. According to WSOC, Justin Smith,19, was shot sitting in a recliner in his home. The Catawba County Sheriff's Office charged Jeffrey Douglas Brittain, 23, with the murder. Deputies stated that they believe a dispute may have started over a girl. Brittain is scheduled to appear in court today.

A Morganton man is charged with a sex offense. Morganton Department of Public Safety served a warrant Friday on Obed Morales Gabriel, 25. He was charged with felony statutory rape of a 13, 14 or 15 year old. Gabriel was placed in the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility under a $100,000 secured bond with a District Court appearance in Morganton scheduled for today.

The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton August unemployment rate was 4.2%, it was 3.7% in Asheville. Area county rates include Alexander at 3.7%, Avery 4%, Burke 4.3, Caldwell 4.5, Catawba 4.2, Lincoln 3.9 and McDowell at 4%. Buncombe County had the lowest unemployment rate in the state for August at 3.4%, with Scotland County having the highest unemployment rate at 7.7%.