Changes coming to Compas TV—

Officials report the system is moving to an all digital network that will give customers the capacity for a better television picture, faster internet, and an improved voice experience.

The announced upgrade is expected to begin January 7^th and will continue throughout 2019.

Officials say it will affect different customers at different times.

Compas customers will be notified of their specific upgrade date by letter, and when they will need to acquire a digital receiver for each of their televisions.

Customers can contact Compas at 438-5353 to schedule a time to pick up a new digital cable box.

There will also be a cable commission meeting December 11^th at Morganton City Hall to discus the upgrade.

The SBI has been called in to investigate an officer-involved shooting in Rutherford County.

Reports say two deputies shot a man who was armed, displayed another weapon, and was not complying with their commands.

Officers responded to a domestic situation where a caller stated she needed assistance because her son was breaking out doors and windows.

Deputies arrived to find 37-year-old Mark Reid Parker outside near the intersection of Pebble Stone Lane and Maple Creek Road.

A press release states Parker was holding a gun in one hand and a 2-by-4 piece of lumber in the other.

Parker was given repeated commands to put the weapons down; however, he failed to comply totally with officers.

Reports say he did drop the piece of lumber, but then charged toward officers brandishing the gun.

Two deputies reportedly fired upon Parker until he fell to the ground.

Parker again grabbed his gun and pointed it at deputies, when officers fired upon him again.

Parker was airlifted to Mission Hospital where he is reported to be stable.

Assisting the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office were Rutherfordton Police, Spindale Police, and the NC Highway Patrol.

A Lincoln County registered sex offender has been charged with child sexual assault.

47-year-old Kevin Dale Gray of Lincolnton is charged with felony indecent liberties with a child and misdemeanor probation violation.

Gray allegedly picked up a 13-year-old female in his vehicle under the pretense of taking her and two other adults and another juvenile out to eat.

Reports say Gray picked up the young girl before he was supposedly to pick up the others.

Gray proceeded reports say to travel back to his residence to pick up his wallet and charge his cell phone.

Inside the residence, Gray reportedly touched the young female inappropriately, and she then demanded he take her home.

He dropped her off at the end of her driveway according to reports.

Deputies then learned Gray was wearing an electronic monitor as they could not locate him at his home.

However, he was located by probation and parole officers traveling NC Highway 16 and stopped without incident.

He was issued a 50-thousand dollar secured bond and also served a probation violation warrant without bond.

Gray was convicted of second degree rape in January 2003 and served 14 years before being released in February of this year.