The City of Hickory reportedly could soon follow other cities and counties across the state by pursuing legal action against opiod manufacturers and distributors. Hickory City Council meets today at which time the Hickory City Attorney has told reporters that he will recommend the council adopt a resolution declaring the opiod problem a public nuisance and to approve an attorney agreement for possible litigation. The agreement will empower a law firm to pursue all civil remedies against those in the chain of distribution of prescription opiates responsible for the opiod epidemic plaguing Hickory. Council members reportedly met with several attorneys from the McHugh Fuller Law Group during their last closed session meeting. The agreement and potential lawsuit will not cost taxpayers; while any compensation would come from the settlement, with the law firm receiving 25-per cent of the amount.

A Marion is charged with firing a weapon during an argument. John Henry McMurray, 70, was charged by McDowell County Sheriff's officers with assault with a deadly weapon. Reports sy Mcmurray had become involved in an altercation between his daughter and son-in-law on Greasy Creek Road when he pulled out a 9-milimeter handgun and fired it. The bullet went into a wall. There were no injuries.

A mobile home blaze prompted response by St.Stephens firefighters in Catawba County Monday morning. Fire officials report the blaze began underneath the home when insulation caught fire. The home suffered some smoke and heat damage. Fire reports say a neighbor went inside the home to assist the homeowner in escaping the fire. The neighbor reportedly sustained minor burns on his arms and was treated on scene by Catawba EMS. The fire remains under investigation.

More than 69,000 people have signed a petition requesting a national holiday in honor of the late Reverend Billy Graham. The petition was created about a week ago and signatures are still being sought. The petition will be sent to President Trump who attended Graham's funeral in Charlotte on Friday. The petition will also be sent to Senators Jerry Tillman, Thom Tillis, and Richard Burr.