Multiple drug charges are issued against a Nebo man following a vehicle stop in McDowell County.

34-year-old Matthew Dwight Branch of 45 Ned McGimsey Road was charged with possession of meth, possession with intent to sell and deliver meth, possession of up to one-half ounce marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving while license revoked.

Officers stopped Branch after receiving reports he had possibly been involved in a break-in.

Reports say a subsequent search of his vehicle turned up 9 grams of methamphetamine and a small amount of marijuana.

Local law enforcement officials urge citizens to follow some common sense practices to keep Halloween events safe and fun.

Officials warn motorists to watch for children darting out from between parked cars, and for those walking along roadways.

Parents are likewise urged to make sure an adult or responsible youth will be supervising the outing for children under 12 and to check the sex offender registry at ncdoj-dot-gov when planning your child’s trick or treat route.

And insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten.

Finally, officials suggest that all children need to know their home phone number and how to call 911 in case of emergency.

Make it a safe and happy Halloween!

As the fall time change approaches on November 4^th, local firefighters remind you to make another change that could save your life – change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Officials say a working smoke alarm provides an early warning and critical extra seconds to escape.

Changing smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries at least once a year is one of the simplest most effective ways to reduce tragic deaths and injuries.

Statistics show a working smoke alarm nearly cuts in half the risk of dying in a home fire.

An alarm with a dead battery is just as bad as not having one because it gives a false sense of security.

Firefighters report the most commonly-cited cause of non-working smoke alarms is worn or missing batteries.

If a resident does not have an alarm and can’t afford one, contact your local fire department for assistance.