Preliminary autopsy results could be released today in the case of a woman found dead Wednesday afternoon at the old Burke County Courthouse. According to the Morganton News Herald, the woman appeared to be in her mid-30's. Morganton Department of Public Safety told the News Herald that it appeared the woman laid down to take a nap and never woke up. She is believed to be from the area. Burke County EMS assisted at the scene and confirmed the death.
Two Caldwell County residents are charged with trafficking methamphetamine. The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office ICE Unit on Tuesday, charged 43-year-old Shea David Byrd and 39-year-old Jackie Eugenia Byrd. The pair had been under investigation with trafficking large amounts of meth. A search of their Lenoir home reportedly led to crystal meth found with a street value of over $120,000.
Bond was set at $100,000 secured each with court appearances scheduled for today.
A 23-year-old man from Lenoir pleads guilty to trafficking heroin in Caldwell County Superior Court. Stephen William Hubner was sentenced to serve nearly six years in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of trafficking heroin by possession. Information was provided to Caldwell Sheriff's officers from a confidential source that Hubner would sell heroin to them. A meeting was arranged between Hubner and officers for a heroin purchase on two occasions. An additional quanity of heroin was seized from Hubner upon his arrest. Additional charges against other people are pending. Hubner was also given a $50,000 fine.
25th District Attorney David Learner issued the following press release on Wednesday:
"On Monday, March 6, The Associated Press released a story containing allegations against two Assistant District Attorneys employed by me in the 25th Judicial District.
"On Tuesday, March 7, I requested that the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation(SBI) conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the Associated Press allegations."
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
A woman is dead and a man injured from a shooting in Catawba County. According to WSOC-TV, the Catawba County sheriff believes this was a domestic shooting involving a girlfriend and boyfriend. The man shot was taken to a hospital. More information is expected this morning about the incident, which occured near Maiden.
Hickory City Council met Tuesday night. One public hearing was heard in which there was a Consideration to close a portion of 1st Street NE, near Belle Hollow Shopping Center, no one in attendance spoke against the closure. A Bond Commission Update was heard in which a local Gateway Update involving Highway321/70, and a City Walk Update was also heard and discussed. An 18-item Consent Agenda was also passed.
A Maiden man was sentenced Monday, to more than 6 years of firearms offenses. U.S.Attorney for the Western District, Jill Westmoreland Rose, made the announcement of the sentence on 21-year-old James Holland Helms. According to filed court documents and Monday's sentencing hearing, on October 12th, 2015, Maiden Police officers responded to a residential address in reference to a report of shots being fired at the residence. Court records indicate that Helms fired multiple shots at the residence as he drove past the house in his vehicle. In October 2016 Helms pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The FBI and Maiden Police handled the investigation.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is closed from Craggy Gardens Picnic Area, MM 367.5, to Mt Mitchell State Park, MM 355.5, due to a rock slide. That also includes cyclists and hikers.
Hickory City Council met Tuesday night. One public hearing was heard in which there was a Consideration to close a portion of 1st Street NE, near Belle Hollow Shopping Center, no one in attendance spoke against the closure. A Bond Commission Update was heard in which a local Gateway Update involving Highway321/70, and a City Walk Update was also heard and discussed. An 18-item Consent Agenda was also passed.
A Maiden man was sentenced Monday, to more than 6 years of firearms offenses. U.S.Attorney for the Western District, Jill Westmoreland Rose, made the announcement of the sentence on 21-year-old James Holland Helms. According to filed court documents and Monday's sentencing hearing, on October 12th, 2015, Maiden Police officers responded to a residential address in reference to a report of shots being fired at the residence. Court records indicate that Helms fired multiple shots at the residence as he drove past the house in his vehicle. In October 2016 Helms pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The FBI and Maiden Police handled the investigation.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is closed from Craggy Gardens Picnic Area, MM 367.5, to Mt Mitchell State Park, MM 355.5, due to a rock slide. That also includes cyclists and hikers.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
A new independently owned bike shop plans to open in downtown Morganton and the City approved a contract for the design and construction of the skate park in Monday night's regular Morganton City Council meeting. Overmountain Cycles is planning to open in downtown Morganton beside the Fonta Flora Brewery. Owner Michael Lowther requested a CBDG small business loan in the amount of $15,000 to assist in purchasing inventory for the new store. Besides selling bicycles, apparel and accessories, the shop will offer bicycle mechanic service. Council approved the small business loan unanimously. Council also approved a contract for the design and construction of the much anticipated skate park. Adira Construction was awarded the contract and the park will be located in the lower field at Gene Turner Park, behind the Collett Street Rec and outdoor pool. The City of Morganton, Morganton Parks and Recreation Foundation, the Optimist Club and the Morganton Service League are funding the project. The contract amount is $192,000. Council also approved a budget amendment in the amount of $12,000 to appropriate funds from the Morganton Service League for the skate park.
The Burke County Board of Education was awarded a Golden Leaf Grant in Monday night's regular Burke County Board of Education meeting. The Senior Vice President of Golden Leaf, Mark Sorrells, presented the Board of Education with a $200,000 check for the Golden Leaf Grant to be used to fund the implementation of a one-to-one digital learning initiative for middle school students and teachers. It will have a strong focus on building teacher leaders and will assist the district in purchasing devices for 6th grade students and teachers. The grant will also assist in professional development through a partnership with the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation to strengthen the district's evaluation plan. Superintendent Larry Putnam announced the opening of a position on the Western Piedmont Community College's Board of Trustees for June. Trustees are appointed by the Burke County Board of Education and the board voted to post the vacancy soon.
A McDowell County mother of four is charged with abuse. 56-year-old Pamela Corpening of Marion faces charges of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, attempted assault by strangulation, and communicating threats. A release states McDowell County Social Services received a report of alleged abuse in the home. Further investigation revealed there was some physical abuse, but mainly mental abuse toward the children. McDowell officers report Corpening has four children; ranging from ages ten to eighteen.
The Burke County Board of Education was awarded a Golden Leaf Grant in Monday night's regular Burke County Board of Education meeting. The Senior Vice President of Golden Leaf, Mark Sorrells, presented the Board of Education with a $200,000 check for the Golden Leaf Grant to be used to fund the implementation of a one-to-one digital learning initiative for middle school students and teachers. It will have a strong focus on building teacher leaders and will assist the district in purchasing devices for 6th grade students and teachers. The grant will also assist in professional development through a partnership with the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation to strengthen the district's evaluation plan. Superintendent Larry Putnam announced the opening of a position on the Western Piedmont Community College's Board of Trustees for June. Trustees are appointed by the Burke County Board of Education and the board voted to post the vacancy soon.
A McDowell County mother of four is charged with abuse. 56-year-old Pamela Corpening of Marion faces charges of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, attempted assault by strangulation, and communicating threats. A release states McDowell County Social Services received a report of alleged abuse in the home. Further investigation revealed there was some physical abuse, but mainly mental abuse toward the children. McDowell officers report Corpening has four children; ranging from ages ten to eighteen.
Monday, March 6, 2017
An early morning armed robbery at a Chesterfield convenience store Friday has law enforcement on the lookout for a suspect. The Stop and Shop on NC 18-US 64 at Pax Hill Road was robbed around 6:30. The suspect is described as being a white male, about 5-feet 10 inches tall, wearing a mask, and a hooded brown or tan jacket. The press release states he was carrying a long gun during the robbery. Anyone having information should call the Burke County Sheriff's Office at 438-5500.
A Sunday morning blaze awakens residents. According to a news release from Morganton Department of Public Safety, firefighters responded to 315 Center Street. Blanca Carderas stated that she was awakened by two loud noises that sounded like explosions. The noises were later determined to be exploding aerosol cans that were on the porch and exposed to the fire. The fire has been deemed accidental, though no definite cause was found. All occupants made it safely out of the house. Four companies of firefighters brought the fire under control. The house sustained over $36,000 damage.
1st Degree Statutory Sex Offense charges are filed on a Conover resident. The Catawba County Sheriff's Office Friday, reported a Bill of Indictment, on 17 year old Luis Manuel Rivera-Montes. Bond was set at $425,000 with a court appearance scheduled for today.
A Maiden resident is charged with 4 counts of Identity Theft and two other offenses. 26-year-old Brittany Danielle Triplette was charged Sunday by the Catawba County Sheriff's Office with the Identity Theft counts and Felony Obtain Property by False Pretense and Financial Card Fraud. Bond was set at $113,000 with a court appearance set for today.
A Sunday morning blaze awakens residents. According to a news release from Morganton Department of Public Safety, firefighters responded to 315 Center Street. Blanca Carderas stated that she was awakened by two loud noises that sounded like explosions. The noises were later determined to be exploding aerosol cans that were on the porch and exposed to the fire. The fire has been deemed accidental, though no definite cause was found. All occupants made it safely out of the house. Four companies of firefighters brought the fire under control. The house sustained over $36,000 damage.
1st Degree Statutory Sex Offense charges are filed on a Conover resident. The Catawba County Sheriff's Office Friday, reported a Bill of Indictment, on 17 year old Luis Manuel Rivera-Montes. Bond was set at $425,000 with a court appearance scheduled for today.
A Maiden resident is charged with 4 counts of Identity Theft and two other offenses. 26-year-old Brittany Danielle Triplette was charged Sunday by the Catawba County Sheriff's Office with the Identity Theft counts and Felony Obtain Property by False Pretense and Financial Card Fraud. Bond was set at $113,000 with a court appearance set for today.
Friday, March 3, 2017
The Burke County Sheriff's Office conducted a one day roundup on Wednesday. 21 warrants were served on 16 individuals. 14 people were Morganton residents, 3 each from Connelly Springs and Hickory, with 1 person from Catawba County. Bond amounts ranged from $500 to $27,000.
A McDowell County checkpoint turns up 27 grams of pot and one suspect. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office reported Thursday, that 28-year-old Quatravis Martel Martin of Marion was charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and maintaining a vehicle to keep a controlled substance. State Troopers conducted a license checkpoint February 21st at Ashworth Road and I-40, where 27.4 grams of pot was found in his car.
Foothills Conservancy protects 81 acres along the Broad River in Rutherford County. Siblings Nancy Koone Montgomery and Max Koone donated a conservation easement on the family land to Foothills Conservancy. The Koone family property falls within Foothills Conservancy's protection focus area for the Broad River corridor in Rutherford and Cleveland counties. In addition, its river bottomlands - about 22 acres of the property - have prime and statewide significant farmland soils. The conservation easement allows agricultural, forestry, and family residential uses to occur. The property is about 5 miles downstream from 306 acres protected by Foothills Conservancy, including its 234-acre conservancy-owned River Bend Preserve.
Flu on the rise in NC, 16 additional deaths reported during the week ending February 25th. The total number of influenza-associated deaths this season, which started October 2nd, is now 63. That's four more than died during all of last year's flu season. Although vaccination early in the season is recommended, it is never too late to get vaccinated. For more information on flu and to find out where you can get a flu vaccination, visit www.flu.nc.gov.
A McDowell County checkpoint turns up 27 grams of pot and one suspect. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office reported Thursday, that 28-year-old Quatravis Martel Martin of Marion was charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and maintaining a vehicle to keep a controlled substance. State Troopers conducted a license checkpoint February 21st at Ashworth Road and I-40, where 27.4 grams of pot was found in his car.
Foothills Conservancy protects 81 acres along the Broad River in Rutherford County. Siblings Nancy Koone Montgomery and Max Koone donated a conservation easement on the family land to Foothills Conservancy. The Koone family property falls within Foothills Conservancy's protection focus area for the Broad River corridor in Rutherford and Cleveland counties. In addition, its river bottomlands - about 22 acres of the property - have prime and statewide significant farmland soils. The conservation easement allows agricultural, forestry, and family residential uses to occur. The property is about 5 miles downstream from 306 acres protected by Foothills Conservancy, including its 234-acre conservancy-owned River Bend Preserve.
Flu on the rise in NC, 16 additional deaths reported during the week ending February 25th. The total number of influenza-associated deaths this season, which started October 2nd, is now 63. That's four more than died during all of last year's flu season. Although vaccination early in the season is recommended, it is never too late to get vaccinated. For more information on flu and to find out where you can get a flu vaccination, visit www.flu.nc.gov.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Two Marion residents are charged after breaking into a house and stealing property. 41-year-old Sandra Evans and 24-year-old William Moore have been charged with breaking and entering, possession of stolen goods, and obtaining property by false pretense. A resident of Veteran's Drive in Marion reported someone broke into her home, stealing more than $10,000 worth of items including stereo equipment, firearms, a computer, jewelry, and power tools. Witnesses observed Evans and Moore taking the property. McDowell officers report the pair attempted to sell some of the stolen goods.
A Morganton man faces weapon and drug charges after a traffic stop. Morganton Department of Public Safety reported the arrest of 40-year-old Andra Devon Smith, after the vehicle stop last night on West Union Street. Felony charges include Weapon Possession by Felon and Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Possession of Schedule II CS. Reportedly found in the car were 2 grams of crack cocaine and 5 grams of marijuana. Smith was placed in the Burke Catawba Detention Confinement Facility under a $24,000 secured bond, with a District Court appearance scheduled for today.
Hickory firefighters responded Wednesday afternoon to an apartment fire on 12th Street NE. Upon arrival, firefighters found a fire in the kitchen. No fire injuries were reported and fire damages were confined to the apartment and did not spread to additional units. The Red Cross responded to the scene and will be helping the occupants. The cause of the fire was cooking related.
Caldwell students win at the State Beta Convention in Greensboro last month. Winners included:
Lexi Bell - South Caldwell: 1st Biology
Meredith Ingram - SC
Aubrey Miller - SC
Amanda Winebarder - SC
Cameron Connor - SC: These 4 students won 2nd in Advertising Design
Danila Berry - SC: 2nd Spotlight on Service 'Soles on Hope Project'
Caitlin Finley - Caldwell Early College High: 1st Junior Agriculture
Deanna Kilby - CECH: 2nd Poetry
Mason Smith - Hibriten: 3rd Division I Social Studies
A Morganton man faces weapon and drug charges after a traffic stop. Morganton Department of Public Safety reported the arrest of 40-year-old Andra Devon Smith, after the vehicle stop last night on West Union Street. Felony charges include Weapon Possession by Felon and Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Possession of Schedule II CS. Reportedly found in the car were 2 grams of crack cocaine and 5 grams of marijuana. Smith was placed in the Burke Catawba Detention Confinement Facility under a $24,000 secured bond, with a District Court appearance scheduled for today.
Hickory firefighters responded Wednesday afternoon to an apartment fire on 12th Street NE. Upon arrival, firefighters found a fire in the kitchen. No fire injuries were reported and fire damages were confined to the apartment and did not spread to additional units. The Red Cross responded to the scene and will be helping the occupants. The cause of the fire was cooking related.
Caldwell students win at the State Beta Convention in Greensboro last month. Winners included:
Lexi Bell - South Caldwell: 1st Biology
Meredith Ingram - SC
Aubrey Miller - SC
Amanda Winebarder - SC
Cameron Connor - SC: These 4 students won 2nd in Advertising Design
Danila Berry - SC: 2nd Spotlight on Service 'Soles on Hope Project'
Caitlin Finley - Caldwell Early College High: 1st Junior Agriculture
Deanna Kilby - CECH: 2nd Poetry
Mason Smith - Hibriten: 3rd Division I Social Studies
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
A Morganton man has been arrested for drugs, again. According to a report from Morganton Department of Public Safety, on Monday night, Officers responded to a reported impaired driver in the area of North Green Street near Highway 126. The vehicle was located in a convenience store parking lot and the driver was found to be 31-year-old Raydene Little,Jr. K9Shrek alerted to the possibility of controlled substance in the car. An investigation revealed methamphetamine, powder cocaine, and marijuana. After a brief Little was taken into custody and placed in the Burke Catawba Confinement Center under a secured bond of $127,000. The Burke County Narcotics Task Force assisted in the investigation.
An anonymous tip leads McDowell deputies to a fugitive. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday arrested 44-year-old Vandon Ray Heath, at a residence on Lewis Drive off Fairview Road. Heath was wanted on numerous drug and other charges.
A McDowell County officer stops a suspicious vehicle, and discovers a 'wanted' man and drugs. 37-year-old Sheldon Scott Wagner of Marion was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, once detained by a McDowell deputy. Wagner was found to be driving without a license and officials learned there was an outstanding out-of-county warrant for his arrest. Drug paraphernalia and a syringe containing meth were observed inside Wagner's vehicle. He was taken into custody on the warrant charges.
An anonymous tip leads McDowell deputies to a fugitive. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday arrested 44-year-old Vandon Ray Heath, at a residence on Lewis Drive off Fairview Road. Heath was wanted on numerous drug and other charges.
A McDowell County officer stops a suspicious vehicle, and discovers a 'wanted' man and drugs. 37-year-old Sheldon Scott Wagner of Marion was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, once detained by a McDowell deputy. Wagner was found to be driving without a license and officials learned there was an outstanding out-of-county warrant for his arrest. Drug paraphernalia and a syringe containing meth were observed inside Wagner's vehicle. He was taken into custody on the warrant charges.
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