Moving, emotional and reminiscent describe the Burke County Memorial Service at the Foothills Higher Education Conference Center in Morganton on Monday. More than 200 veterans and guests turned out for the annual event which memorialized military members who fought, bled and died throughout our Country's history to protect our freedoms and to assuse that no force on earth will those freedoms from us....Keynote speaker was retired 1st Sgt.Wayne Rodgers, who called upon those present to look to the past and the future and revere our freedom and pay homage to those who sacrificed their all to protect our freedom. He pointed to those who valued life, but were willing to give their own life in defense of their country. The video and song titled "Angel Flight"was shown as a moving reminder of those who have fallen in battle. Angel Flight is the plane that transports the bodies of fallen heroes back home for burial. The service also featured a POW-MIA Recognition, explaining the empty chair, the tablecloth, a rose, red ribbon, candle, and Sam Tate. There was a Quilt of Valor Presentation, the laying of the memorial wreath, the playing of taps and the retiring of colors. Coordinating the event were Burke County Senior Services, Table Rock Detachment 1197 of the Marines Corps League and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Boy Scout Troop 197 and Pack 219 of Glen Alpine.
The 2016 Caldwell County Excellence in Education Award Winners were announced Thursday at a program and reception sponsored in part by the Education Foundation Inc. of Caldwell County. This year's winners include:
Teacher of the Year - Jennifer Jurney, Granite Falls Elementary
Rookie Teacher of the Year - Matthew Ross, Gamewell Middle
Principal of the Year - Chad Smith, Happy Valley School
Assistant Principal of the Tear - Julie Hall, South Caldwell High
Associate of the Year - Laura Starnes, Dudley Shoals Elementary
Instructional Assistant of the Year - George Wilson, William Lenoir Middle
Instructional/Student Support Employee - Yvonne Smith, West Lenoir Elementary/Gamewell Middle
Bus Driver of the Year - Jerry Henthorne, Hibriten High
Teacher of the Year Jennifer Jurney and Chad Smith, Principal of the Year, will represent the Caldwell County Schools in the statewide programs recognizing outstanding educators and administrators.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Monday, May 30, 2016
Memorial Day activities begin this morning at 11 in the Foothills Higher Education Center, 2128 South Sterling Street in Morganton. Coffee and cookies will be provided before the service. VFW Table Rock Post will serve a complimentary meal immediately following the program.
The City of Morganton announced that NC native Brian Benton will serve as its new Parks and Recreation Director. Benton, who grew up north of Wilmington, comes to Morganton from working with the Town of Jupiter, a community of 50,000 adjacent to West Palm Beach. Benton filled various positions in Jupiter including Recreation Supervisor for the past 3 years. Benton feels that Morganton has a great recreation program and is excited about going through a master plan process to get input from the community. Benton will begin June 27th. His family includes his wife Christin, along with his 4 year old son Conner, and 4 month old daughter Payson.
Due to a water break at the Caldwell County Detention Center, the inmate population has been relocated to surrounding facilities until the problem can be fixed. Law Enforcement Agencies within Caldwell County are under normal operation and this does not effect the safety of the public. Normal operations should resume in a few days. If you have a question regarding an inmate, contact the Caldwell County Detention Center. Assisting the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office, are Sheriff Departments from Alexander, Ashe, Burke, Catawba, Mecklenburg and Watauga Counties along with Caldwell County Emergency Management, Gamewell Fire Department and The NC Division of Prisons.
The City of Morganton announced that NC native Brian Benton will serve as its new Parks and Recreation Director. Benton, who grew up north of Wilmington, comes to Morganton from working with the Town of Jupiter, a community of 50,000 adjacent to West Palm Beach. Benton filled various positions in Jupiter including Recreation Supervisor for the past 3 years. Benton feels that Morganton has a great recreation program and is excited about going through a master plan process to get input from the community. Benton will begin June 27th. His family includes his wife Christin, along with his 4 year old son Conner, and 4 month old daughter Payson.
Due to a water break at the Caldwell County Detention Center, the inmate population has been relocated to surrounding facilities until the problem can be fixed. Law Enforcement Agencies within Caldwell County are under normal operation and this does not effect the safety of the public. Normal operations should resume in a few days. If you have a question regarding an inmate, contact the Caldwell County Detention Center. Assisting the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office, are Sheriff Departments from Alexander, Ashe, Burke, Catawba, Mecklenburg and Watauga Counties along with Caldwell County Emergency Management, Gamewell Fire Department and The NC Division of Prisons.
Friday, May 27, 2016
Two suspects attempt to rid themselves of drugs at a Catawba County motel. Hickory Police arrested two men after discovering drugs inside a room at the Quality Suites on 13th Avenue Drive SE. Charged were 58 year old Dennis James McElrath of Hickory and 23 year old Ty'Shon Lamonte Chisholm of Conover. Police reports state officers noticed a smell of marijuana coming from the room while on foot patrol. Officers observed a toilet flushing as they entered the room; but were able to retrieve a plastic bag containing 1.9 grams of cocaine.
A McDowell County man, found in his vehicle slumped over the wheel, is charged in connection with four breakins. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office Thursday, charged 33 year old Gary Justin Morganton of Marion with multiple breakin counts. On May 8th, Morgan went a residential break-in spree, entering four houses and stealing property and attempting to enter another. Marion Police Officers and Highway Patrol Troopers on May 9th in reference to a man slumped over a wheel of his vehicle at the Exxon station next to Love's Truck Stop. They found Morgan as well as some stolen property. In the attempted entry to a home, one of the victim's neighbors confronted Morgan and took photos of him and his vehicle. The majority of stolen property has been recovered.
Burke County citizens are reminded that parking is not allowed along the stretch of North Powerhouse Road. Many people violate these no parking zones weekly, if not daily, to partake in suumer heat relief in Lake james, according to the Burke County Sheriff's Office. The stretch of North Powerhouse Road runs about two miles from Benfield's Landing Road to Laurel Ridge Court and is clearly marked with "No Parking Anytime" fixed signs on both sides of the roadway. Vehicles have been found by patrol officers to be impeding the flow of traffic and in fact in the roadway in these blind dangerous curves. These violations can lead to traffic accidents and possible injuries. These no parking zones will be enforced. If the owner/operator of the vehicle is not located for removal of the vehicle in a timely manner, it will be towed at the registered owners's expense.
The Catawba County Public Health Farmers Market is returning for its fourth year, but the market will begin an hour earlier than last year. With weather permitting, the public farmers maket will run on Thursdays from 10am-1pm, from June 2nd to the end of September. The goal of the market is to increase individual and community health by increasing access to healthy, fresh fruits and vegatables. In partnership with the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, WIC clients receive Farmers Market Nutritional Program vouchers when available to supplement their WIC food benefits with fresh, local produce during the summer months. The market is open to the public. Cash and debit cards are accepted as well as EBT, WIC, and senior farmers market vouchers.
A McDowell County man, found in his vehicle slumped over the wheel, is charged in connection with four breakins. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office Thursday, charged 33 year old Gary Justin Morganton of Marion with multiple breakin counts. On May 8th, Morgan went a residential break-in spree, entering four houses and stealing property and attempting to enter another. Marion Police Officers and Highway Patrol Troopers on May 9th in reference to a man slumped over a wheel of his vehicle at the Exxon station next to Love's Truck Stop. They found Morgan as well as some stolen property. In the attempted entry to a home, one of the victim's neighbors confronted Morgan and took photos of him and his vehicle. The majority of stolen property has been recovered.
Burke County citizens are reminded that parking is not allowed along the stretch of North Powerhouse Road. Many people violate these no parking zones weekly, if not daily, to partake in suumer heat relief in Lake james, according to the Burke County Sheriff's Office. The stretch of North Powerhouse Road runs about two miles from Benfield's Landing Road to Laurel Ridge Court and is clearly marked with "No Parking Anytime" fixed signs on both sides of the roadway. Vehicles have been found by patrol officers to be impeding the flow of traffic and in fact in the roadway in these blind dangerous curves. These violations can lead to traffic accidents and possible injuries. These no parking zones will be enforced. If the owner/operator of the vehicle is not located for removal of the vehicle in a timely manner, it will be towed at the registered owners's expense.
The Catawba County Public Health Farmers Market is returning for its fourth year, but the market will begin an hour earlier than last year. With weather permitting, the public farmers maket will run on Thursdays from 10am-1pm, from June 2nd to the end of September. The goal of the market is to increase individual and community health by increasing access to healthy, fresh fruits and vegatables. In partnership with the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, WIC clients receive Farmers Market Nutritional Program vouchers when available to supplement their WIC food benefits with fresh, local produce during the summer months. The market is open to the public. Cash and debit cards are accepted as well as EBT, WIC, and senior farmers market vouchers.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
One stop early voting for the June 7th primary begins today and ends Saturday June 4th. Some counties may not be open on the first Saturday, or Monday May 30th (Memorial Day). The regular deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail for the June 7th primary is Tuesday May 31st. Primary Election Day is Tuesday June 7th will polla opening at 6:30am and closing at 7:30pm.
An Alexander County woman has been charged with second degree murder in the death of her 4 day old infant. According to WSOC-TV 22 year old Aishia Marie Pacheco was charged Tuesday. Officials went to the home just before 6:15am. WSOC reports that the Alexander County Sheriff's Office states that Pacheco smothered her infant son. An autopsy is scheduled at the Wake Forest Baptist Hospital.
A 49 year old Hickory man was sentenced to serve 13 to 17 years in prison following his guilty plea Wednesday, in Catawba County Superior. John Wayne Travis entered the guilty pleas for first-degree sex offense and was sentenced by the Honorable Daniel A.Kuehnert, Superior Court Judge from Burke County. Heather Cash investigated the case for Hickory Police with assistance from the Catawba County Children's Advocacy and Protection Center, and Assistant District Attorney Michael Van Buren handled prosecution.
Larceny and drug charges, along with habitual felon status, landed a Hickory man a prison sentence. 40 year old Jerome Lewis Mack, pleaded guilty to larceny from a merchant, habitual larceny, possession and sell of cocaine, and admitted to being an habitual felon Wednesday, during Catawba County Superior Court. The Honorable Daniel A.Kuehnert, Superior Court Judge from Burke County, sentenced Mack to serve 7 to 10 years in prison. Mack has a lengthy criminal record that led to his habitual larceny and habitual felon status, significantly enhancing his prison sentence. Officers with Hickory Police and the Catawba County Sheriff's Office investigated the offenses. Wes Hawn and Michelle Lippert prosecuted the cases for the 25th District Attorney's Office.
An Alexander County woman has been charged with second degree murder in the death of her 4 day old infant. According to WSOC-TV 22 year old Aishia Marie Pacheco was charged Tuesday. Officials went to the home just before 6:15am. WSOC reports that the Alexander County Sheriff's Office states that Pacheco smothered her infant son. An autopsy is scheduled at the Wake Forest Baptist Hospital.
A 49 year old Hickory man was sentenced to serve 13 to 17 years in prison following his guilty plea Wednesday, in Catawba County Superior. John Wayne Travis entered the guilty pleas for first-degree sex offense and was sentenced by the Honorable Daniel A.Kuehnert, Superior Court Judge from Burke County. Heather Cash investigated the case for Hickory Police with assistance from the Catawba County Children's Advocacy and Protection Center, and Assistant District Attorney Michael Van Buren handled prosecution.
Larceny and drug charges, along with habitual felon status, landed a Hickory man a prison sentence. 40 year old Jerome Lewis Mack, pleaded guilty to larceny from a merchant, habitual larceny, possession and sell of cocaine, and admitted to being an habitual felon Wednesday, during Catawba County Superior Court. The Honorable Daniel A.Kuehnert, Superior Court Judge from Burke County, sentenced Mack to serve 7 to 10 years in prison. Mack has a lengthy criminal record that led to his habitual larceny and habitual felon status, significantly enhancing his prison sentence. Officers with Hickory Police and the Catawba County Sheriff's Office investigated the offenses. Wes Hawn and Michelle Lippert prosecuted the cases for the 25th District Attorney's Office.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
The two men killed from a head-on collision Thursday night, have been identified. According to the Morganton News Herald, the driver of the van, 34-year-old Rusty Jenkins and the driver of the pickup, 52-year-old Maurice Rankin died, as the result of the accident. Morganton Public Safety is investigating the accident, which occurred about 7pm near the intersection of Reep Drive and Carbon City Road. Two other people in the van were injured, Jenkins Wife, Kayla Jenkins and one of their children a 10-year-old. Another child, a 3-year-old was not injured.
Hickory firefighters respond Tuesday afternoon to a fire in the Viewmont Square Apartments on 4th Street Drive NW. Fire crews found smoke in the second floor of the building and a fire in the kitchen area of one of the apartments. One person was taken to a hospital for heart related symptons and three others were treated and released while EMS was on the scene. Fire damages were confined to the stove in the apartment and smoke damage in the rest of the building. Fire investigators determined the fire was caused by combustibles too close to a heat source.
The State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to be careful as you travel this Memorial Day weekend. The Memorial Day holiday - honored those now deceased who served in the military - is expected to be a busy one as NC ranks in the top 10 most visited states for domestic travel. More motorists on the highways increase the chance for collisions as troopers are increasing patrols on all interstates and major four-lane highways in hopes of saving lives during the holiday weekend. Citizens can report accidents, impaired drivers, stranded motorists or other roadway situations by dialing star-HP toll-free on a mobile phone. The holiday begins at 6pm Friday and ends Monday at midnight.
The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help in locating 34-year-old Justice William Price of Asheville. Price was seen on the 19th at his residence on Craven Hill Craven. He is described as a white male, 6', 190 lbs, with brown hair. Price may be driving a 2001, white Chevrolet Impala, NC license plate AKR-5893. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Justin Price is asked to contact the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office at 256-6670, or Crimestoppers at 250-6670.
Hickory firefighters respond Tuesday afternoon to a fire in the Viewmont Square Apartments on 4th Street Drive NW. Fire crews found smoke in the second floor of the building and a fire in the kitchen area of one of the apartments. One person was taken to a hospital for heart related symptons and three others were treated and released while EMS was on the scene. Fire damages were confined to the stove in the apartment and smoke damage in the rest of the building. Fire investigators determined the fire was caused by combustibles too close to a heat source.
The State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to be careful as you travel this Memorial Day weekend. The Memorial Day holiday - honored those now deceased who served in the military - is expected to be a busy one as NC ranks in the top 10 most visited states for domestic travel. More motorists on the highways increase the chance for collisions as troopers are increasing patrols on all interstates and major four-lane highways in hopes of saving lives during the holiday weekend. Citizens can report accidents, impaired drivers, stranded motorists or other roadway situations by dialing star-HP toll-free on a mobile phone. The holiday begins at 6pm Friday and ends Monday at midnight.
The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help in locating 34-year-old Justice William Price of Asheville. Price was seen on the 19th at his residence on Craven Hill Craven. He is described as a white male, 6', 190 lbs, with brown hair. Price may be driving a 2001, white Chevrolet Impala, NC license plate AKR-5893. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Justin Price is asked to contact the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office at 256-6670, or Crimestoppers at 250-6670.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Burke County Public Schools' Teacher of the Year has been announced. Tracy Heape with Oak Hill Elementary is this year's ' Teacher of the Year.' Heape has been a teacher for 11 years; having spent the last 9 years as a 5th grade teacher at Oak Hill. Each of the county's 26 schools selected a teacher of the year; with each recipient completing a written portfolio and appearing for an interview before a selection committee. Heape has a bachelor's degree in elementary education, and a master's in curriculum and instruction. A press release states Heape will now be eligible for the regional teacher of the year.
A 9 month process resulted in a celebration for the re-naming and dedication of the women and children's shelter on Sunday. The newly named Suzy Fitzgerald Shelter for Women and Children was dedicated in honor of Suzy Fitzgerald who has been involved with the homeless community in Burke County for years. Members of the community who spoke in her honor included Jesse Carswell of the Meeting Place Mission, the Reverend Father Kenneth Whittington, Wendy Cato, and Fitzgerald's mother, Paula Fitzgerald. Others who spoke included board board members who have worked alongside Fitzgerald such as Ken Clark and Tim Turner.
Dr.Todd Roberts, Chancellor of the N.C.School of Science and Math will give a presentation to the City of Morganton's Human Relations Commission tonight at 6 o'clock at City Hall. Roberts will talk about NCSSM and the future western campus of the school, which was funded in the Connect NC Public Improvement Bond passed by NC voters during the March 15th primary. The talk tonight will be held in the Council Chanbers and is open to the public.
A 9 month process resulted in a celebration for the re-naming and dedication of the women and children's shelter on Sunday. The newly named Suzy Fitzgerald Shelter for Women and Children was dedicated in honor of Suzy Fitzgerald who has been involved with the homeless community in Burke County for years. Members of the community who spoke in her honor included Jesse Carswell of the Meeting Place Mission, the Reverend Father Kenneth Whittington, Wendy Cato, and Fitzgerald's mother, Paula Fitzgerald. Others who spoke included board board members who have worked alongside Fitzgerald such as Ken Clark and Tim Turner.
Dr.Todd Roberts, Chancellor of the N.C.School of Science and Math will give a presentation to the City of Morganton's Human Relations Commission tonight at 6 o'clock at City Hall. Roberts will talk about NCSSM and the future western campus of the school, which was funded in the Connect NC Public Improvement Bond passed by NC voters during the March 15th primary. The talk tonight will be held in the Council Chanbers and is open to the public.
Monday, May 23, 2016
A head on collison kills two people and injures two others Thursday night on Carbon City Road. The wreck, near the intersection of Reep Drive , occurred just 7:00. According to Morganton Public Safety, a pickup truck, traveling west on Carbon City Road, crossed the double yellow lines and crashed into a van. The force of the impact entrapped the five people in both vehicles. The Burke County Rescue Squad helped to free the victims. The driver of the van died from injuries sustained in the crash. A 10 year old child suffered severe head injuries and was air lifted to CHS Main in Charlotte. An adult female in the van sustained severe injuries and was taken to CHS Charlotte. A three year old child was unharmed. The driver of the truck was transferred to CHS Charlotte where he died about 11:30pm. A witness told Public Safety that the driver of the truck had been driving carelessly, recklessly-passing vehicles on the double yellow lines, just before crashing into the van. The investigation is ongoing.
Morganton Public Safety responded Friday morning to an armed robbery report on Bethel Road at Shop and Save #1. Officers and investigators were able to collect video evidence from the store. The suspect, described as a white male, appears to be 20-30 years old with no facial hair. Anyone with information can call 911 or Morganton Public Safety.
A Marion man is sentenced for passport fraud. 66 year old James Timothy Wilson will serve 45 months after being sentenced Thursday. According to Jill Westmoreland Rose, Acting U.S.Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, Wilson was sentenced for passport fraud and aggravated identity theft charges. The investigation was handled by the U.S.Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service and IRS-CI. Assistant U.S.Attorney Don Gast, of the U.S.Attorney's Office in Asheville, is prosecuting the case.
Morganton Public Safety responded Friday morning to an armed robbery report on Bethel Road at Shop and Save #1. Officers and investigators were able to collect video evidence from the store. The suspect, described as a white male, appears to be 20-30 years old with no facial hair. Anyone with information can call 911 or Morganton Public Safety.
A Marion man is sentenced for passport fraud. 66 year old James Timothy Wilson will serve 45 months after being sentenced Thursday. According to Jill Westmoreland Rose, Acting U.S.Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, Wilson was sentenced for passport fraud and aggravated identity theft charges. The investigation was handled by the U.S.Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service and IRS-CI. Assistant U.S.Attorney Don Gast, of the U.S.Attorney's Office in Asheville, is prosecuting the case.
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