A Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office news release states two Hickory men are charged with larceny from a pair of Denver businesses; while one of the men faces drug charges.

42-year-old Larry Van Clark and 42-year-old Bill Casey Hinson were spotted by an off-duty officer loading a generator into the back of a pickup at Lowes Hardware before driving across the street to WalMart Tuesday evening.

Reports say Clark was the driver of the vehicle and deputies observed him making suspicious movements.

Officers located drug paraphernalia in the pickup and a loaded 22-caliber handgun.

Clark was charged with numerous charges including larceny, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession with intent to manufacture, sell, and deliver a controlled substance.

He was jailed under a 43-thousand dollar secured bond.

In the meantime, Hinson and a female companion had went inside WalMart and were greeted by security and officers upon exiting the store.

A search of his person turned up two knives taken from the store.

He was charged with misdemeanor larceny, possession of stolen goods, and conspiracy.

Hinson was reportedly issued a 10-thousand dollar secured bond.

The female was not charged.

A second suspect wanted in a robbery at a Morganton convenience store early Thursday has been arrested.

20-year-old Derik Montre Williams of Shelby has been charged with felonious breaking, entering, and larceny.

A news release states a Burke County deputy responded to a possible break in at a residence on Mineral Springs Mountain Avenue where Williams was arrested without incident.

He was then turned over to Morganton Public Safety in regard to their robbery investigation.

Burke County authorities remind citizens in the Mineral Springs Mountain area to remain vigilant in keeping their homes, buildings, and vehicles locked as a third suspect remains at large.

One of the suspects was taken into custody late yesterday afternoon.

Contact the Burke Sheriff’s Department with any sighting of the third suspect at 438-5500.

A 19-year-old man is dead after a shooting Thursday in Shelby.

Police discovered Torrence Artist at a residence on Melrose Drive suffering from a gunshot wound.

Reports say he was transported to Atrium Health Cleveland where he was pronounced deceased.

Neighbors told officers they had heard the gunshots from a distance; however, no arrests have been made.

Anyone having information about the shooting should call the Shelby Police at 704-484-6845.

A tragic accident in Lincoln County due to weather conditions Saturday night left three men dead.

The Highway Patrol reports their vehicle was traveling along Highway 27 near Rock Dam Road when the car slid off the road, hit a tree, and overturned into the rising waters of Rockdam Creek following heavy rain in the area.

Troopers say all three were entrapped in the vehicle that was submerged in six feet of water.

Reports say those killed were 46-year-old Andrew Jacob Abernathy, 22-year-old Sebastian Lee Fredell, and the car’s driver 52-year-old Lloyd Neal.

The state highway patrol continues to investigate.

A Marion outdoor lawn equipment business was recently hit by thieves, as McDowell County investigators need the public’s help in locating the stolen item and information on the suspect who took it.

A yellow Hustler Raptor 60-inch deck mower was reported taken from Outdoor Speciality Equipment on Montgford Cove Road sometime on May 31^st or June 1^st.

Anyone having information about the theft, suspect, or whereabouts of the mower should call the McDowell Sheriff’s Office at 652-2237.

Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report America’s measles outbreak continues to grow.

One thousand-22 cases have been reported through June 6^th; up 41 from the center’s last update.

Experts say the outbreak appears to be linked to travelers bringing measles back from other countries such as Israel, the Ukraine, and the Philippines where large measles outbreaks are occurring.

The latest numbers indicate the greatest number of cases in the country since 1992 when there were 22-hundred cases reported.

Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000.

Cases have been reported in 28 states; none reported yet in NC but some in bordering states of Tennessee and Virginia.

Preliminary autopsy reports show that a missing Marion woman found deceased Wednesday did not sustain any traumatic injuries.

The body of 24-year-old Brooke Mashay Tollie of Riverview Acres Drive was found at a construction site in the Golden Valley community of Bostic in Rutherford County Wednesday morning.

A news release states information received during the investigation led authorities to that site.

Tollie was last seen May 13^th and her family reported her missing May 23^rd.

The exact cause of death is still unknown and is pending the outcome of toxicology testing.

The McDowell Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by Rutherford County officials and by the SBI.

A Conover man was killed Thursday morning in a two-vehicle crash in Hickory.

Hickory Police reports say 89-year-old Roy Lee Icenhour was traveling east on 12^th Avenue Northeast in the right lane.

Reports say Icenhour turned into the path of a vehicle driving in the left lane of 12^th Avenue when he was struck by 32-year-old Leonora Kaitlin Mahoney of Hickory.

Icenhour was transported to Catawba Valley Medical Center where he died from his injuries.

A news release did not indicate Mahoney suffered injury.

Speed was reportedly not a factor in the accident, and no charges have been filed.

An Alexander County man has died, while his caregiver has been charged with neglect.

Officers discovered 78-year-old Timothy Harvey of the Wittenburg Community dead in his home’s bathtub after reportedly being there for 4 or 5 hours.

57-year-old Catarina Hosler of California was a relative and was reportedly looking after Harvey.

The investigation began when Hosler called 911 and reported an alleged overdose – that’s when officers located Harvey’s body.

Officials say an investigation led to Hosler being charged with felony neglect of a disabled or elderly person in connection with Harvey’s death.

Reports say he had a lengthy medical history; however, his cause of death has not been released.

Hosler was issued a 100-thousand dollar secured bond.

Rainy conditions and speed on Interstate-40 Friday morning reportedly led to a roll-over accident near the westbound 85 mile marker in McDowell County.

Just before 10 am, the Highway Patrol reports Rachel Bretz of Asheville was traveling at an excessive speed given the rainy conditions, when her vehicle veered off the shoulder, hit the bank, struck an interstate sign and overturned.

Reports say Bretz was transported to Mission Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Troopers charged her with exceeding a safe speed per weather conditions.

A state bill tagged as ‘crucial’ in developing a state park in Catawba County is now law.

Governor Cooper signed the bill into law on Monday, which will add new trails to the state trail system and allow the Division of Parks and Recreation to find ways to connect Catawba County into the trail system.

Reports say NC Senator Andy Wells last year proposed the creation of a state park along the Henry Fork and Jacob Fork Rivers; that won support from Catawba, the cities of Hickory and Newton, along with the Long View township.

Other public and private landowners have expressed interest in contributing to the park project.

The Foothills Conservancy of NC – a non-profit based in Morganton- recently purchased 188 acres of land along the Jacob Fork River for the project according to their executive director.

The project will require state funding as well, which Senate representatives have went on record to say the Senate is committed to the project by placing 2 million dollars for state parks in the region in its’ budget draft.

A Catawba County news release states a Newton man has been arrested on drug charges.

21-year-old Dejuan Nybrece Robinson was charged with felony possession of a schedule-one controlled substance and marijuana possession.

Robinson was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle stopped by officers for having an expired license plate.

The release reports the vehicle was searched along with its occupants turning up 28 grams of marijuana and about eight doses of ecstasy.

A Hickory man has reportedly been arrested on statutory rape charges.

Reports say 39-year-old Roberto Martinez Del Pilar faces town felony counts of statutory rape or sex offense.

Del Pilar received a 200-thousand dollar secured bond.

The investigation continues.

A roll-over accident in McDowell County Tuesday afternoon sent an individual to the hospital.

Highway Patrol reports say Daniel Lawson of Bakersville was traveling south on NC 226 North when his pickup truck lost its brakes, causing him to cross the center line, and roll over into a ditch.

A passenger inside the truck was transported to Mission Hospital McDowell with non-life threatening injuries.

The investigating trooper reports charges are pending in the accident.

A Claremont man was arrested Sunday for cocaine possession – that according to a news release from the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies along with the Special Enforcement Group from the Sheriff’s Office were investigating reported drug activity at the Village East Apartments of Yount Street in Claremont.

Upon their arrival, authorities reportedly met with 29-year-old Tevin Donzell Wilfong.

After obtaining a search warrant, officers found a gram of cocaine, 3-point-09 grams of marijuana, more than 3-thousand dollars in cash, and a semi-automatic firearm.

The release states the items were located inside Wilfong’s residence and his car.

He was charged with felony possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm by a felon, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Wilfong was issued a 5-thousand dollar secured bond.

A reported trespassing call in McDowell County leads to drug and firearm charges.

Deputies were summoned to Mountain Crest Drive in Marion where they discovered 28-year-old Steven Wayne Rausch of Joes Drive Marion.

Reports say authorities were aware there had been reports of drug activity in the area of the trespassing call.

Officers searched Rausch’s vehicle, finding 8-point-6 grams of meth and a handgun.

He was then charged with possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia, an possession of a firearm by a felon.

June marks the official beginning to hurricane season; however, forecasters are not predicting a severe season this year, but a few major storms could still threaten the Atlantic coast.

The nation’s top hurricane forecasters predict a near-normal season, with nine to 15 named storms.

Experts say four to eight hurricanes could form in the Atlantic.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says this year’s season won’t likely be as violent as last year’s above-average season when hurricanes Florence and Michael slammed the US, killing nearly 100 people and causing billions of dollars in damage.

But they are warning that two to four hurricanes could still grow to Category 3 or stronger.

El Nino the periodic weather event characterized by warming ocean temperatures tends to weaken hurricanes, but that could change if the weather is warmer.

Weather officials say El Nino has a 55 to 60-percent chance of continuing through the fall.

A pair from Lenoir has been sentenced to prison terms following their involvement in separate drug overdose deaths.

23-year-old Kelvis Blake Dula will serve up to 13 years following a conviction for second-degree murder in the death of 18-year-old Madison Leigh Workman on July 28^th 2017.

An investigation by the Caldwell Sheriff’s Office and Lenoir Police revealed Dula had supplied Workman with an altered form of fentanyl.

A press release from the District Attorney’s office states Dula further disclosed information to authorities linking 24-year-old Erica Sierra Haas as a source of drug distribution.

Haas was reportedly arrested by Lenoir Police July 9^th 2018 in connection with the overdose death of Hannah Marie Kincaid on May 1^st 2018.

Kincaid was also discovered dead after ingesting a lethal amount of the altered fentanyl.

Haas pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and conspiracy to traffick heroin.

She will spend up to eight years in prison.

The latest reports show synthetic opioids including fentanyl are the most common drugs associated with overdose deaths in the US.

A 2016 report showed the opiate abuse rates in Hickory and Wilmington were ranked among the top five cities in the nation.

McDowell County authorities have announced a one-thousand-dollar reward is being offered for information on the whereabouts of a missing woman.

Reports say 24-year-old Brooke Mashay Tollie left a residence on Riverview Acres Drive in Marion on the evening of May 13^th.

Family members reported her missing May 23^rd when the search for her began.

Thus far efforts to locate Tollie have been unsuccessful.

She was last seen wearing a light brown night shirt, denim shorts, and tan wedge shoes.

Anyone having information about Tollie should call the McDowell Sheriff’s Office at 652-2235 or McDowell Communications at 652-4000.

The State Department of Health and Human Services Division of Social Services is holding a town hall meeting Wednesday June 5^th in Hickory to seek public input on improving child welfare in NC.

During the town hall, leaders will share their efforts to improve children, youth, and family services across the state.

Questions and comments will be accepted on any area relevant to child welfare.

Officials are especially interested in hearing ideas for keeping children and youth safe, having safe consistent and nurturing families for children and youth, and improving the well-being for children and youth.

The town hall will be held from 1:30 until 3:30 at the Catawba Valley Community College in the West Wing Commons Area 2550 US Highway 70 Southeast.

A suspect was arrested just before midnight Thursday wanted in connection with the murder of a Newton man.

32-year-old Justin Drew Dalton was apprehended whenever a Catawba County deputy spotted the suspect’s vehicle in a parking lot along Springs Road Northeast in Hickory, according to a news release.

Dalton was taken into custody following a brief foot chase by Catawba County officers and Hickory Police.

He is now charged with the murder of 47-year-old Emden Lee Syres Junior at his home on Sigmon Dairy Road May 29^th.

The sheriff’s office began the homicide investigation after discovered Syres had sustained trauma prior to his death.

Reports say there were no signs of forced entry; and the back door was found ajar.

Dalton also reportedly faces charges from 2017 including misdemeanor child abuse and driving while his license was revoked.

He is jailed at the Catawba County detention center without bond.

An Upstate man faces sex charges in McDowell County.

29-year-old Brandon James Presnell of Blacksburg allegedly supplied alcohol at a party attended by a 14-year-old female in March.

McDowell Sheriff’s reports indicate Presnell had inappropriate sexual contact with the victim on the evening of the party.

He is charged with statutory rape of a child less than 15, statutory sex offense with a child less than 15, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

A Nebo felon charged in 2017 on numerous counts of larceny, drug trafficking, and aiding and abetting armed robbery has been sentenced to a prison term of at least 33 years.

35-year-old John Wesley Harding of JR Circle reportedly entered an occupied home on South Creek Road armed with a gun.

Reports say the occupants were able to flee from the residence, and when officers arrived at the scene, Harding was found to be driving a stolen van.

The van along with a utility trailer and handgun was reported stolen from a Nebo resident earlier in the day.

Reports with the McDowell Sheriff’s office indicate Harding had also broken into a pair of vehicles at the South Creek Road residence, but did not remove anything from them.

Marion Police had also charged Harding for his involvement in an armed motor vehicle theft.

At the time of his arrest, Harding reportedly had 70 grams of meth and 16 grams of marijuana on his person.

Harding has a criminal record dating back to 2002; and is well-known by authorities in Burke, Buncombe, McDowell and Yancey counties.

A detour will take place on North Green Street beginning tomorrow, as crews complete water and sewer line improvements in the area.

North Green will be closed between two intersections – one at Collett Street and the other at College Street.

Traffic in both directions will be diverted away from these areas; traffic lanes and sidewalks are both affected.

People who live in the area though will be allowed access to their homes while the work is conducted.

The detour will be in place for approximately two weeks.