A well-known Hickory clothing store was targeted by an armed robber Wednesday evening who remains at large.

A news release states Hickory Police were called to Hamrick’s on Highway 70 Southeast around 6:30.

Officers were told a suspect entered the store, displayed a handgun, and obtained an undisclosed amount of money.

Reports say the suspect then fled from the store on foot.

The suspect is described as a black male, 6 feet tall, and wearing all black clothing including a black ski mask.

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

A Cleveland County school teacher has been charged with sex crimes involving a student.

Reports indicate 28-year-old Whitney Fite Baker is charged with three counts of taking indecent liberties with a student, one of the counts involving an incident that occurred at the school where she taught – The Turning Point Academy in Shelby.

According to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, the other charges stem from using social media to send inappropriate content to the student.

The incidents reportedly occurred over a period of 18 months while Baker was a school employee.

Baker was issued a 25-thousand dollar secured bond at the time of her arrest.

The case remains under investigation.

DOT officials happily report that westbound drivers are once again ‘good to go’ through the Pigeon River Gorge on Interstate 40.

Barricades have been removed and I-40 west between mile makers 20 to 15 were re-opened early Thursday morning as crews completed emergency repairs to a bridge over Jonathan Creek and White Oak Road.

Officials had estimated the repair work would take up to five days to complete, as they began their work Monday; having to reroute westbound traffic off I-40.

Drivers may now travel in both lanes, east and west through the Pigeon River Gorge in Haywood County in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.