The small town of the year award 2018 goes to Marion for its growth and vitality…an award presented this morning in Raleigh by the state Rural Center.

The award recognizes a town or small city that embraces citizen engagement, values diversity, and fosters strong partnerships.

Each nominee must demonstrate how they have overcome economic barriers and challenges as well as being creative, diligent, and resourceful in building an economic future for all of its residents.

A formal presentation of the award will be made at Tuesday’s Marion City Council meeting.

Authorities in two western NC counties are searching for thieves that made off with tools and equipment.

McDowell deputies are looking for 27-year-old Jacob Daniel Robinson of Nebo.

An employee at Sutttles Trucking and Grading in Nebo told officers someone stole a 500-dollar pole saw from a worksite.

An investigation into the theft led to Robinson, but authorities haven’t been able to locate him.

Anyone having information about Robinson’s whereabouts should call the McDowell Sheriff’s Office at 652-2237.

Meanwhile, Lincoln County detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a suspect believed to be responsible for stealing a pressure washer from the garage of a Denver resident.

The suspect was caught on home surveillance and is described as a white male wearing a black ball cap, black jacket and tan shorts.

He made away with a Troy Bilt pressure washer.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Lincoln Sheriff’s Office at 704-732-9050

An armed robbery and assault Thursday at a Hickory restaurant.

Just before 10:30 yesterday morning, reports with Hickory Police say the incident occurred at Zaxby’s on Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard Southeast.

A suspect approached an employee of the store who was leaving with a bank deposit.

Reports say the employee was assaulted by the suspect who then obtained an undisclosed amount of money and fled the scene in a Toyota passenger car.

The suspect is described as being 5 feet 7 inches tall, approximately weighing 180 to 200 pounds, and was wearing a mask and brown hoodie.

Anyone having information about the robbery should call Hickory Police at 328-5551.

An Iredell County school teacher who went missing two weeks ago while on a trip to Mexico was killed there – that according to a Facebook posting by family members.

The message stated officials continue to search for the body of 34-year-old Patrick Braxton-Andrew.

Mexican officers say Braxton-Andrew died on October 28^th at the hands of a criminal organization that operates in the area.

He went missing October 24^th and was supposed to meet his brother in Mexico City on October 30^th.