Additional information has been released by Morganton Public Safety in connection with last Thursday's fatal traffic accident. The crash that claimed the life of a 4-year-old child, involved an SUV and passenger sedan at the intersection of Collett and North College Streets. Public Safety reports say the SUV was being driven by Bryant Dennis, 26, of Rutherford College, with passengers Alessia Dennis, 26, and 4 juveniles ranging in ages from 2 months to 14. The driver of the sedan was identified as Peggy Belcher,40, of Granite Falls. Belcher's vehicle carried a 17-year-old passenger of the same address. Initial reports say one child in the SUV died in the crash while a second child was transported to CHS Morganton with injuries. The case remains under investigation - once all facts are gathered and the accident reconstruction is complete, the investigating officer will present the case to the Attorney's Office.

The City of Morganton and the Town of Valdese have separately given notice to Burke County that each municipality will withdraw from the 2011 Interlocal Agreement concerning the establishment and operation of the Consolidated 911 Service. Valdese and Morganton are withdrawing from the Agreement effective June 30th,2018. The consolidated countywide 911 service is the responsibility of Burke County on behalf of Burke County residents. Valdese and Morganton are withdrawing from the Agreement which imposes on them a burden not shared by any other towns, according to a press release from the City of Morganton. Valdese and Morganton officials agree that this withdrawal will not result in any reduction or limitation of 911 services as Burke County currently oversees the operations and services provided by the consolidated 911 center.