A Hickory man pleads guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy and possession with intent to

distribute narcotics on the Dark Web. U.S.Attorney Andrew Murray announced Monday,

that law enforcement began investigating 35-year-old Travis Justin Stout in 2016 for

trafficking narcotics in the greater Hickory area. The drug trafficking conspiracy charge

carries a maximum prison term of 20 years, while the possession with intent to distribute

charge also carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison. A sentencing for Stout has not

been set.

Caldwell County has received a $320,000 grant to support the renovation of two buildings

in Lenoir that are occupied by Fairchild Chair Company, Inc. The company, which

manufactures a wide range of furniture for residential homes, contract-hospitality markets

and senior living facilities, plans to add 40 jobs while investing more than $815,000 in this

project. The grant was among those approved by the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure

Authority.