McDowell deputies need the public's help in locating a 16-year-old Marion runaway. According to the McDowell County Sheriff's Office, Devon Cole Harwood left his residence on Paradise Circle about 2:45pm Sunday.

Harwood is described as a white male, 5'9" tall, weighing about 207 pounds with blond hair and hazel eyes.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Harwood is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at 652-2235 or the McDowell County 911 communications center at 652-4000.

Three Hickory firefighters were recently promoted.

The Hickory Fire Department has promoted Stephen Romano to the rank of Captain. Romano has numerous certifications and is a graduate of the Office of the State Fire Marshal's High Angle Rescue School as well as the North Carolina Breathing Equipment School.

Bradley Hill has been promoted to Fire Apparatus Operator. Hill was hired as a firefighter for the department in 1999, and has completed training in many areas. He is also certified as an EMT through the North Carolina Office of Emergency Services.

Also being promoted to Fire Apparatus Operator is Michael Sherrill. He has completed many certifications and is currently attending Cleveland Community College and working toward a degree in Fire Protection technology.