Duke Energy Carolinas is asking state regulators to approve its request to raise rates for NC customers that would significantly increase users’ bills beginning July 2020.

The state’s public utilities commission is holding the second of a series of public hearings regarding Duke’s application to raise electric rates.

The hearing will be held at the Burke County Courthouse 201 South Green Street Morganton Thursday January 16^th at 7 pm.

For residential customers; if approved, the increase will amount to no less than 6-point-7 percent.

Officials say Thursday’s hearing will be the best opportunity for the public to weigh in on the company’s request.

A Caldwell County firefighter was injured while battling a house fire Sunday morning.

Reports say the fire occurred on Sheriffs Road just before 8 am.

The firefighter was hurt as a set of steps gave way as he was working to put out the flames.

He was reportedly transported to an area hospital, treated and released.

Investigators say no one was at home when the fire took place.

 McDowell Sheriff's investigators need the public's help in solving three break-ins and

thefts. On November 18th, someone took about $4,600 worth of tools and wiring from

a construction site on Lackeytown Road in Old Fort. Cameron Proctor of Ridge Road

in Marion, reported on November 28th, that coins, a rifle, various knives and two

cameras worth $925, were taken from his residence and on December 1st, Michael

Ray of Beaver Creek Road, Marion, reported that someone stole two handguns,

valued at over $1,100. Anyone with information concerning the crimes or suspects

is asked to call Detective Robert Watson at 652-2237.

Lieutenant Greg Stevenson has been named the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office

Employee of the Year for 2019. He was promoted last year to lieutenant of support services

which oversees, courts, transports, schools, K-9’s, animal control, lake patrol, and

environmental services. Stevenson started with the Sheriff’s Office in 1999.