Hildebran News

Tornado Victims Clean-Up Continues

2012-02-24T06:00:00.001-05:00

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Valdese, Burke Police Arrest Bank Robbery Suspect

2012-02-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

Valdese Police and Burke County Sheriff's deputies arrested a suspected bank robber from Forest City. Police arrested Christopher Michael Calhoun, 35, Wednesday evening in a truck at the Valdese Family Dollar store. Police believe Calhoun robbed the Fifth Third Bank in Forest City Friday and a RBC Centura bank in Forest City in 2010. Calhoun is charged with two counts of armed robbery, three counts of kidnapping, communicating threats, obtaining property by false pretenses and seven counts of failure to appear.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: The News Herald
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NWS Issues Full Report on Tornado Outbreak

2012-02-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

Picture of Supercell that produced tornado moving through Burke County. This picture is from the National Weather Service's report. You can find this picture and others at the link below.

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg issued their full report on the tornadoes that touched down in Rutherford, Burke and Caldwell Counties. The report was issued on Monday. The report includes where damage was found, images of the damage, the tornado's track, and more details on the tornado. To view the report, you can CLICK HERE to go to the National Weather Service's website. Please note if you click on the link, you agree to the Web Link policy listed in the About Us section on this website.

Jeremy Mayfield Indicted in Catawba County

2012-02-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Former NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield was indicted on four charges Monday Morning in Catawba County. Mayfield was indicted on three separate counts of possession of stolen goods and one count of obtaining property by false pretenses. Mayfield was indefinitely suspended from racing in 2009.

For more information on this story, you can click on this link: WCNC News 36
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Winter Weather Update

2012-02-19T19:42:00.003-05:00

As of 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, February 19, 2012, Burke County Public Schools are scheduled to operate on a two hour delay for Monday, February 20, 2012. Also, Caldwell County Public Schools are scheduled to operate on a two hour delay fro Monday, February 20, 2012.

Jimmy Huffman, Rutherford College Mayor, Dies

2012-02-14T08:44:00.003-05:00

Rutherford College Mayor Jimmy Huffman died Monday afternoon. Mayor Huffman was first elected in 1977 as a member of the town council. In 1989, Mayor Huffman was elected to the mayor position. His current term last until 2013. The Town Manager could not confirm to The News Herald the cause of death.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: The News Herald
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Registered Sex Offender Returns To Jail

2012-02-14T08:41:00.001-05:00

A registered sex offender arrested last week was in court for the first Monday. Anthony Maurice Robinson, 39, is charged with statutory rape involving a girl under 15 years old. Robinson was found guilty of taking indecent liberties with a child about ten years ago and served time in prison for that conviction. Robinson is in jail under an $80,000 bond.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: WBTV News 3, WSOC-TV News 9
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Weather May Have Played Role in Fire

2012-02-14T08:38:00.000-05:00

Weather may have played a role in a barn fire Sunday Morning in Burke County. Fire Officials say the fire occurred at a barn on Jenkins Road. The wind helped to push the fire into bales of hay that was approximately 100 feet away. The barn was destroyed. Fire Officials have not determined a cause of the fire.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: WBTV News 3
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Man Charges at Deputy With Axe, Fatally Shot

2012-02-14T08:35:00.000-05:00

A man charged at an Alexander County Deputy with an axe and was fatally shot by the deputy. WBTV reports the incident occurred Sunday Night at a home located on Sulphur Springs Road. Police say William Frederick Ippolito ran at the deputy with an axe. The police report says the deputy "was forced to discharge his weapon in the course of defending himself and other officers." The State Bureau of Investigation has been called in to investigate, and the deputy is on administrative leave pending the investigation.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: WBTV News 3
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Burke Tornadoes one month later

2012-02-14T08:25:00.002-05:00

HILDEBRAN, NC (WBTV) – Cleanup is still underway in Burke County one month after a tornado ripped through the Hildebran area destroying dozens of homes and damaging scores more.

Very Little Winter Weather Expected

2012-02-13T06:00:00.003-05:00

A week system is expected to move to the south of us, and keep most of the moisture with it. Right now, models are showing very little if any precipitation over the area on Tuesday morning. Early last week, indications were we could have some winter weather troubles on our hands; however, those chances appear to be evaporating. Right now, it appears most of the rain/snow will stay well to our south. Even if the moisture is able to creep into the area, there are questions whether it will be cold enough for snow. If anything changes, Hildebran News will keep you updated.

3-DAY FORECAST
Monday: Sunny, with increasing clouds late in the day. High: 48, Low: 31
Tuesday: Slight chance of a rain snow mix early in the day. Chance of precipitation 30%. Mostly Cloudy. High: 52, Low: 35
Wednesday: Mostly Sunny with increasing clouds late in the day. High: 60, Low: 40

Rutherford College New Traffic Lights

2012-02-13T06:00:00.002-05:00

New traffic lights are up on the eastbound and westbound Exit 113 (Malcom Blvd.) off Interstate 40. The News Herald reports that the Department of Transportation hopes to have the traffic lights up and running in the coming weeks. The project cost $245,000.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: The News Herald
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Thief Held at Gunpoint

2012-02-13T06:00:00.001-05:00

A Connelly Springs man held a would be thief at gunpoint. The News Herald reports the home owner came home to find three men attempting to use his truck to steal his motorcycle. Ashton Clough, 17, Cody Hampton, 20, and Jordan Shearouse, 19, were charged in the incident. The owner is Clough's stepfather. The owner held Hampton was held at gunpoint until officers arrived. Clough and Hampton's bond was set at $15,000 secured, and Shearouse's bond was set at $5,000 secured.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: The News Herald
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Apparent Suicide at Burke Magistrate Office

2012-02-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

Police believe that a man took his own life inside the Burke County Magistrate Office Friday. Police found Andy Hedrick, 31, dead inside a restroom from what is believed to be a self inflicted gunshot wound. Prior to shooting himself, Hedrick was meeting with his probation officer. Hedrick was being served an order on three counts of failing to appear for probation violation hearings. Hedrick was on probation for driving while impaired and driving while revoked.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: The News Herald
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Singer Whitney Houston Dies

2012-02-12T14:15:00.000-05:00

Singer Whitney Houston died Saturday at age 48.

Furniture Plant Fire

2012-02-10T06:00:00.003-05:00

Dust sparked a fire this morning at the Crown Heritage plant in Caldwell County. The fire began in a dust handling system, according to fire officials. Twenty people were inside the plant at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: WBTV News 3
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Hickory Football Forfeits Nine Games

2012-02-10T06:00:00.002-05:00

The Hickory High School football team forfeited nine games this year after an ineligible player was discovered. The NCHSAA contacted Hickory Public Schools prior to the winter break about the possibility of an ineligible player. The school turned over results of an internal investigation to NCHSAA and learned they were in violation of a residency rule. The student in question was in Hickory's district; however, the student was not living with a biological parent or court ordered custodian. Hickory had eight wins, four losses, and a tie in 2011.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: WBTV News 3
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Dropout Rate Falls For Most Districts

2012-02-10T06:00:00.001-05:00

The dropout rate of high school students fell in most of the districts in the unifour the 2010-2011 school year, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The overall state drop out rate is 3.4%. Below are the rates for area districts:
Burke County: 2.22% (down from 2.65% in 2008-2009)
Caldwell County: 4.02% (up from 3.93% in 2008-2009)
Catawba County: 2.34% (down from 2.34% in 2008-2009)
Hickory City Schools: 4.10% (down from 5.23% in 2008-2009)
Newton-Conover Schools: 4.54% (up from 2.1% in 2008-2009)

Man Charged With DWI Again

2012-02-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

A Hickory man was charged with DWI for the eleventh time. Frazier Junior Goins, 51, was traveling on Warlicks Church Road when his moped ran off the right side of the road and flipped last week. Goins was transported to the hospital. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash, and police are awaiting the results of a drug test. Goins was charged with driving while impaired and reckless and careless driving. This is the eleventh time Goins has been charged with DWI. Goins is scheduled to be in court in September.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: The News Herald
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February 9 Daily Weather Briefing

2012-02-09T06:00:00.002-05:00

The sun will be out all day following the passage of a cold front. Temperatures will respond, rising into the low to mid 50s. The bigger questions are surrounding the possibility of some light winter weather moving through the area this weekend. A front is expected to pass through, and could tap into some gulf moisture Friday Night and Saturday. This could help to develop some light snow, or light rain Friday Night. Right now, this appears not to be a big deal; however, changes in the track of the storm could change the forecast. We will keep you updated.

THURSDAY: Sunny. High: 53, Low: 29

FRIDAY: Mostly Sunny, Clouds Increase Late, 30% rain snow showers overnight. High: 55, Low: 35

SATURDAY: Mostly Sunny and Cooler. High: 45, Low: 20

Local leaders weigh grab for Rep. Sue Myrick's seat

2012-02-09T06:00:00.001-05:00

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - The past couple of weeks have been full of political twists. First, Governor Bev Perdue shocked everyone when said she wouldn't run again, then U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick revealed a surprise of her own. After 18 years of service, she also wants out.

For more information on this story, you can click on this link: WBTV News 3
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Area farmers worried about crops amid mild winter

2012-02-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

FORT MILL, S.C. –- It's unusual to see the beginnings of a strawberry in bloom in February at the Springs Farm in Fort Mill, but Ron Edwards says there's been nothing usual about this winter for farming.

For more information on this story, you can click on this link: WCNC News 36
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February 8 Daily Weather Briefing

2012-02-08T06:00:00.004-05:00

A small system will pass over the area today, giving us a slight chance of a passing shower. Nearly all areas are expected to remain dry. After this system, it appears to get dry and progressively cooler. Models today continue to show a system staying well to the south, and with that, the necessary moisture needed for a winter storm this weekend. So, the best forecast right now is for overall dry weather for the weekend with cool temperatures. Next week looks to be active with a large scale system impacting the area; however, there is no indications of any winter weather.

THREE DAY FORECAST
Wednesday: 20% chance of showers, Mostly Cloudy. High: 53, Low: 30
Thursday: Mostly Sunny. High: 50, Low: 30
Friday: Partly Cloudy. High: 54, Low: 35

First Degree Arson Arrest Made

2012-02-08T06:00:00.003-05:00

(The following is a press release from the Burke County Sheriff's Office)
Daniel Raymond Smart, 43, of 1039 Blue Ridge Ventures, Morganton, NC has been arrested and charged with felony first degree arson.
On Tuesday, December 27, 2011, at approximately 10:40 pm, Ruben Nunez contacted the Burke County Sheriff's Office in reference to someone shooting into his residence while he and his family were present.
Deputies responded to the residence located at 1012 Blue Ridge Ventures and spoke to Nunez and took a report.
According to the report, Nunez told deputies he was in his bed when he heard a gunshot that sounded like in was in his residence.
Nunez noticed a hole in the hallway wall. After further inspection, he found where a bullet had entered the back side of his residence, through a bathroom wall, through a bedroom wall, and exited the front side of the residence. There were no suspects listed in the report.
At approximately 2:27 am on December 28, 2011, deputies responded again to 1012 Blue Ridge Ventures in reference to a structure fire.
The Burke County Fire Marshal's Office responded in reference to an investigation. Detectives with the Burke County Sheriff's Office were then contacted to assist in the investigation.
Detectives learned that the fire began outside the residence and it appeared that something had been thrown against the residence, which started the fire.
There was minimal fire damage to the residence and no one was injured during the incident.
On Thursday, December 29, 2011, detectives developed a suspect, Daniel Raymond Smart, who lived at 1039 Blue Ridge Ventures.
On Friday, December 30, 2011, detectives arrested Smart for his involvement in the shooting.
On Monday, February 6, 2012, Daniel Smart was arrested for the arson.
Smart's bond was set at $75,000.00 secured and his first court appearance is scheduled for March 12, 2012.

Body of Missing Man Found

2012-02-08T06:00:00.002-05:00

The body of a missing Rhodhiss man was found Tuesday. Search Crews found the body of Ralph Edward "Red" Poarch, 57, in a drainage pipe near his residence on Powerhouse Court in Rhodhiss. An investigation is currently being completed to determine the cause of death.

WSVM to Remain in Same Spot

2012-02-08T06:00:00.001-05:00

Valdese based radio station 1490 WSVM will remain at its current location. The Valdese Town Council revised the purchase of the property that WSVM sits on. The town will continue to lease the property to the current owners over the next ten years. The town will own the equipment and property while the company will maintain the license agreement.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: The News Herald
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Final Part of Widening 321 Begins

2012-02-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

A three year project to widen a four mile stretch of Highway 321 in Blowing Rock has started.

Former Burke Sheriff To Run For NC Senate

2012-02-07T09:28:00.000-05:00

Former Burke County Sheriff John T. McDevitt, Democrat, has announced his plans to run for the North Carolina Senate. McDevitt served as Burke County Sheriff from 1998 until 2011 when he retired. McDevitt's announcement comes one week after he formed an exploratory committee. The official filling period begins next week. Burke County is now is District 46 after the state legislature redrew maps. District 46 is represented by Wes Westmoreland, Republican, who was appointed to the position following a resignation. Burke was in District 44, which is currently represented by Warren Daniel, Republican.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: The News Herald
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Teens and Students At Center of Counterfeiting Investigation

2012-02-07T06:00:00.003-05:00

Conover Police arrested a 20 year old person Friday and more arrest are expected in a counterfeiting case. Devin Yancey, 20, was arrested and charged with counterfeiting. More arrest are expected, and police are investigating a group of young people who are in high school or just graduated high school. Conover has seen 21 counterfeit bills this year. Hickory has seen over three dozen counterfeit bills this year. Police do not know if the cases are connected. Police say that most cases result in someone passing the bill who did not know it was counterfeited. The Secret Service is investigating.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: WBTV News 3
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Two men busted in drug operation

2012-02-07T06:00:00.002-05:00

Following is a press release from the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Alan C. Jones announced that on February 3, 2012, a Dudley Shoals man busted in October of 2011 by the Ice Unit for trafficking cocaine has been caught again. Jerry Lee Lail, age 62, of 6067 Brandy Place in Granite Falls has been arrested and charged by the Sheriff’s Office Ice Unit with possession with the intent to sell/deliver cocaine and maintain a dwelling to keep/store controlled substances. Another suspect in the operation, Jimmy Dean Woods, age 54, of 6178 North Knoll Place in Hickory has also been arrested in connection with Lail. Woods faces a possession of cocaine and maintaining a vehicle to keep/store a controlled substance charges.
On the evening of February 3rd, Ice Unit agents were conducting surveillance on Lail’s residence as a follow-up to their previous October investigation, when they noticed Woods at his residence in his work truck. The agents knew that most likely Woods was there to pick up cocaine from Lail and stopped him when he left the residence. The agents conducted a search of Woods and his vehicle and found cocaine on both. Woods was interviewed and admitted he purchased the cocaine from Lail. Based on this information, the agents applied for and received a search warrant for Lail’s residence.
A search of Lail’s residence was conducted and the agents found an additional amount of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and cash in Lail’s home. The drugs seized have a street value of over $500.00 according to North Carolina State Guidelines.
“Some people never learn. Just because you got busted doesn’t mean we are done looking at you or others involved. This guy is already looking at possible prison time from his previous drug charge and gets caught selling again”. – Sheriff Alan C. Jones
The following persons were arrested and charged with the listed crimes:

Jerry Lee Lail, W/M, age 62
6067 Brandy Place
Granite Falls, NC 28630
One (1) Count – Felonious Possession with Intent to Sell/Deliver Cocaine.
One (1) Count – Felonious Maintain a Dwelling to Keep/Store a Controlled Substance.

Jimmy Dean Woods, W/M, age 54
6178 North Knoll Place
Hickory, NC 28601
One (1) Count – Felonious Possession of Cocaine.
One (1) Count – Felonious Maintain a Dwelling to Keep/Store a Controlled Substance.

Lail was incarcerated under a $25,000 secured bond in the Caldwell County Detention Center and has since made bond. He has a District Court date in Lenoir on February 6, 2012.
Woods was incarcerated under a $10,000 secured bond in the Caldwell County Detention Center and has since made bond. He has a District Court date in Lenoir on February 6, 2012.
The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office is always in search of any information involving the use and distribution of illegal controlled substances. A concerned citizen’s information and assistance will be kept confidential. If you have any information concerning illegal drug activity in Caldwell County, please contact the:
Caldwell County Sheriff's Office I.C.E. Unit at 828-757-1178.
Lenoir Police Department’s Narcotics Division at 828-757-2145.
Caldwell County Crimestoppers at 828-758-8300.

Quiet Week Expected

2012-02-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

A quiet week is expected this week with a couple of dry cold fronts coming through, helping to knock back temperatures. The biggest question is what happens this weekend. A system will pass by to our south with marginally cool air available. If the storm decides to move up the coast, we could see a snow storm here in the foothills of North Carolina. Right now, the models continue to show the storm off the coast. We will keep you updated daily on the latest trends.

Will we see $4 gas? Why prices are soaring at the pump

2012-02-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

I-40 West in North Carolina Mountains Now Open to Traffic after Rockslides

2012-02-06T12:14:00.001-05:00

(The following is a press release from the NC Department of Transportation)
RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Transportation reopened I-40 West from Exit 20 to the Tennessee state line to traffic on Sunday, Feb. 5, at 2:30 a.m. The road had been closed since Jan. 31 when a rockslide occurred at mile marker 451 in Cocke County, Tenn.
Traffic is now flowing normally on I-40 West through North Carolina. However, motorists crossing into Tennessee will see the road narrow down to one lane at the site of the rockslide. They are urged to drive slowly and use caution while traveling through the area.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation will keep one lane of traffic open until beginning the second phase of rockslide cleanup in late March. During the second phase, which will involve further stabilization of the remaining slope, TDOT will make all efforts to maintain one lane of traffic.
NCDOT worked closely with TDOT to coordinate reopening the road. This team approach was especially important after a second rockslide occurred on Friday, Feb. 3, at noon on I-40 West near mile marker 7 in North Carolina. The slide left 600 tons of rock in the roadway, with some boulders the size of small cars.
NCDOT crews, with help from Ameritech Slope Constructors Inc. of Asheville, removed an additional 150 tons of loose rock from the mountainside and hauled off the debris from the road by 3 p.m. today. The site is now clear and safe for travel.
Motorists can access real-time travel information for I-40 West in North Carolina at any time by calling 511, visiting www.ncdot.gov/travel , accessing NCDOT’s mobile website by typing “m.ncdot.gov” into the browser of their smartphones or following NCDOT on Twitter at www.ncdot.gov/travel/twitter.
For updated information on I-40 West in Tennessee, visit the TDOT website and the TDOT SmartWay travel information map.

Giants Top Patriots 21-17

2012-02-06T12:10:00.001-05:00

The New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots Sunday Night in Super Bowl 46. The final score in the game was Giants: 21, Patriots 17.

Breaking sports news video. MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL highlights and more.

Silver Alert Issued For Missing Caldwell County Man

2012-02-06T12:06:00.003-05:00

Ralph Edward Poarch (Courtesy NC Department of Crime Control and Public Safety

(Press Release from NC Department of Crime Control and Public Safety)
RALEIGH 2/4/12 1:57 PM -- The N.C. Center for Missing Persons has issued a Silver Alert for a missing endangered man, Ralph Edward Poarch.
Citizens are asked to be on the lookout for Ralph Edward Poarch, who is believed to be suffering from dementia or some other cognitive impairment.
Anyone with information about Ralph Edward Poarch should call Detective Martley at the Caldwell County Sheriffs Office at 828-758-2324.
Name: Poarch (Last), Ralph (First), Edward (Middle), RED (Nickname)
Gender: Male DOB: 06/05/1954 Age: 57 Race: White Height: 5' 10" Weight: 170 pounds
Hair Color: Gray Hair Length: Short Eye Color: Green
Other Distinguishing Physical Characteristics: Unknown
Clothing Description: Unknown
Reporting Law Enforcement Agency: Caldwell County Sheriffs Office
Contact Information: Detective Martley at 828-758-2324
Location of Incident: 102 Powerhouse Court,Rhodiss, NC 28667
Location Last Seen: 102 Powerhouse Court, Rhodiss, NC 28667
Direction of Travel: Unknown
Possible Destination: Unknown

Wedge Day Tomorrow, Sunny Skies, Then WINTER?

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow will feature a wedge that will help to keep skies mostly cloudy, a few patchy spots of drizzle, and will keep temperatures mainly in the 40s. Overnight, the flow will turn helping to break the clouds up, bring sunny skies for the rest of the week. Temperatures Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will be in the upper 50s or lower 60s. Friday and Saturday will feature temperatures in the lower 50s ahead of our next possible system.

For the possibly exciting part of the forecast. Saturday, high latitude blocking is expected to occur in the western United States, sending a ridge towards the eastern United States. Temperatures are expected to remain fairly cool over the weekend, so the question is will there be any moisture available for snow. Well, the answer is maybe. Some of the operational computer models and a few ensembles are hinting at the possibility of winter weather on Sunday. The problems are in the phasing of the upper level trough and the surface system. The models typically do not handle phasing very well a few days out much in less seven days out. So, we will continue to watch the possibility for winter weather this upcoming weekend.

Below are pictures from the 18z run of the GFS computer model with explanation.

Above is the Precipitation amount on the GFS Sunday Morning. As you can see, there is light precipitation over western North Carolina. Most if not all of the precipitation would fall as snow, if the GFS was right.

Above is the 500 mb map showing vorticity. As you can see, the northern and southern streams are separate. If the two streams phase together, a major system could develop on the east coast; however, it would be unclear where the system would track. If the two systems do not phase, there is a better chance of snow.

Unemployment Rate Ticks Upward in Unifour

2012-02-02T10:16:00.004-05:00

The unemployment rate in the Hickory-Morganton-Lenoir Metropolitan Area rose to 11.9% in December. The unemployment rate rose in 93 of North Carolina's 100 counties in December. Only four counties saw their unemployment rate decrease. Caldwell County's rate remained the same at 13.1%, but Burke and Catawba Counties rate increased a third of a percentage point. Burke's rate is now 12.0%, and Catawba's rate is now 11.6%. Alexander County has an unemployment rate of 10.6%, up three quarters of a percentage point.

For more information on this story, you can click on this link: The News Herald, The Foothills Radio Group
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Car Crashes Into Home

2012-02-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

A woman was charged after she allegedly drove her vehicle into a home Wednesday Morning. Primadonna Maria Jones, 53, was charged with driving while impaired and reckless driving at the scene of the incident at the intersection of Drexel and Trinity Road. Police believe Jones was under the influence of prescription medication and was sending a blood sample to the blood lab. Jones is scheduled to be in court April 4. No one was seriously injured. The News Herald reports that it is unknown whether the structure is safe.

For more information on this story, you can click on this link: The News Herald
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Local Football Players Signs Letters of Intent

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

Some local high school football players have signed letters of intent to play college football. Freedom's Michael Helms signed with Western Carolina. Fred T. Foard's Tyler Fleming signed with Air Force. Bandys' Travis McCorkle signed with North Carolina Central. Alexander Central's Lucas Hayes signed with Lenoir-Rhyne. Hickory's Kyle Johnson signed with Wingate. Maiden's Will Jenkins signed with Fayetteville State, and Maiden's Matt Johnson signed with Charlotte. Congratulations to our local athletes on their achievement, and Good Luck at the college level.

Rain Possible Tonight

2012-02-01T06:00:00.005-05:00

A relatively weak system is expected to bring light showers to the foothills of North Carolina this afternoon into tonight. The band of showers is expected to be the strongest between 11 p.m. Wednesday to 1 a.m. Thursday. Chance of rain will be 60% with totals under a quarter of an inch.

WEATHER REPORT
Wednesday: Showers in evening. High: 65, Low: 48
Thursday: Mostly Sunny. High: 67, Low: 40
Friday: Sunny. High: 59, Low: 40

Rockslide Shuts Down I-40

2012-02-01T06:00:00.004-05:00

A rock slide has shut down Interstate 40 westbound in Tennessee and North Carolina. The rock slide occurred near mile 451 in Tennessee on Interstate 40. Westbound traffic is closed through the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina. Eastbound traffic is not affected by the slide. I-40 closes at exit 20 in Haywood County. If you are heading to Tennessee, you should follow I-40 West to I-240 West (Exit 53b) in Asheville, to I-26 West (Exit 4a). Follow I-26 West from Asheville to I-81 South (Exit 8a) in Tennessee, back to I-40. The road is expected to be closed until February 14.

For more information on this story, you can click on this link: WBTV News 3
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Man Who Plead Guilty to Several Burglaries on the Street

2012-02-01T06:00:00.003-05:00

A plea deal has been reached that keeps Justin Turner, who plead guilty to four robberies, one safe cracking, and an attempted robbery, out of jail. A judge gave Turner 36 months of intensive probation and credit for 157 days he has already served in jail. Turner must also return $8,000 from the businesses he stole from and perform community service. The District Attorney learned about the case Monday Night and announced Tuesday Morning the prosecutor who made the deal was fired.

For more information on this story, you can click on this link: WSOC-TV News 9
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Man Arrested For Allegedly Selling Stolen Goods

2012-02-01T06:00:00.002-05:00

A Hickory man was arrested after allegedly selling stolen goods from four states. Police received a tip from someone saying they saw their stolen goods on Craigslist. Frederick Washburn was taken into custody and charged with a dozen felonies. His bond was set at $500,000. Police are currently trying to return the stolen property to owners and are searching records to see if there are any more stolen items around. If you have purchased something from Washburn, Hickory Police would like you to contact them.

For more information on this story, you can click on this link: WSOC-TV News 9
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Glen Alpine Car Breaking and Enterings

2012-02-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

Glen Alpine Police Department needs your assistance in identifying the following individuals. These persons are listed as persons of interest in recent car break-ins at Glen Alpine Elementary School. The car break-ins occurred between 12 pm and 2pm on Saturday, January 28, 2012. If you have any information of the identity of these people are please contact the Glen Alpine Police Department at 828-584-7279 or Morganton/ Burke Crime Stoppers at 828-437-3333.

The images above and the story is from the Burke County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page. To view the article there, Click Here. If you click on the link, you agree to the Web Link policy listed in the About Us section on this website.

Norovirus Infections Spreading Widely Across North Carolina

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

For release: Immediate January 31, 2012
Contact: Mark Van Sciver, 919-707-5059

RALEIGH—Throughout January, several local health departments across North Carolina have reported multiple outbreaks of norovirus, prompting state public health officials to issue advice on steps everyone can take to avoid this common and unpleasant gastrointestinal illness.

“The most important message we have right now is that people who are ill with vomiting or diarrhea should not work, go to school or attend daycare while they are having symptoms, “said State Epidemiologist Dr. Megan Davies. “Everyone needs to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water. This is the most effective way to protect yourself and others against norovirus since hand sanitizers alone are not as effective against this hardy virus.”

Noroviruses are easily transmitted by touching a contaminated surface as well as by direct contact or by eating food or drinking liquids that have been contaminated with the virus. Noroviruses are notoriously difficult to kill with normal cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Surfaces that have been contaminated with stool or vomit should be cleaned immediately and disinfected with a freshly prepared diluted bleach solution or a bleach-based household cleaner.

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Some may have fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and a general sense of tiredness. The symptoms can begin suddenly and an infected person may go from feeling well to very sick in a very short period of time. In most people, the illness lasts for about one or two days. People with norovirus illness are contagious from the moment they begin feeling sick until at least three days after they recover. Some people may be contagious for even longer, she added. Infection can be more severe in young children and elderly people. Dehydration can occur rapidly and may require medical treatment or hospitalization.

“Unfortunately, there is no specific medications to treat norovirus, but infected people should drink plenty of liquids to replace fluid lost through vomiting and diarrhea,” Davies said. “The best course of action is prevention.”

Davies offered several simple steps to take if you suspect the presence of a norovirus:

Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after toilet visits and before preparing, serving or eating food or drink. Hand sanitizers are not as effective against norovirus.
Clean and disinfect surfaces contaminated with vomit or diarrhea immediately using a bleach-based household cleaner, or dilute household bleach 1:10 in water (must be mixed fresh daily; never use undiluted bleach).
Stay home when sick.
Do not prepare food for other people when sick and for at least three days afterward.

For more information about norovirus, see the Division of Public Health Web site at www.ncpublichealth.com. More detailed information about cleanup in private homes and in other settings can be found at http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/cd/norovirus/NORO_personal_health.pdf .

Two Robberies in Caldwell County

2012-01-30T06:00:00.002-05:00

Police believe that two separate robberies in Caldwell County Saturday Morning may be related.
The first robbery occurred at the Dari Freeze Restaurant on Main Street in Hudson at 5:00 a.m. An employee's purse and cash box was stolen by two males with handguns. No one was injured.
The second robbery occurred at the Fast Stop on South Main Street in Granite Falls at 6:30 p.m. Two males with handguns robbed the building, and kicked and pistol whipped a 59 year old customer. The clerk was not hurt.
In each case, both males were described similarly, wearing dark hoodies and camouflaged pants. The get away vehicle was described as a white four door sedan.
Anyone with information should contact the Caldwell County Crime Stoppers.

For more information on this story, you can click on this link: WBTV News 3
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Meth House Busted Up, Mystery Baby Found

2012-01-30T06:00:00.001-05:00

Drug Bust in Burke County

2012-01-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Two people were arrested after a drug bust on Crestview Street in Burke County. The arrest came after a tip led police to the residence.
Casey McBrayer and Crystal Crews were arrested and charged with manufacturing schedule one and schedule 6 drugs, hallucinogenic mushrooms and pot, and possession with intent to sell.
A school aged child was living at the residence, and the child was taken by the Department of Social Service and is living with a relative.
Both were placed in jail under $20,000 bond.

For more information on this story, you can click on this link: WBTV News 3
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Possible Strong to Severe Storms This Evening, Tonight

2012-01-26T12:15:00.001-05:00

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman Oklahoma has the foothills of North Carolina in a slight risk for severe storms today. According to the SPC, the slight risk runs right through eastern Burke County through western Lincoln County. The other areas west of Hickory are in the threat for mainly non-severe storms; however, no guarantees can be made. Severe storms can occur outside of the threat area, and with the threat area so close, everyone needs to be sure to be ready for severe weather tonight. Catawba County and Lincoln County are in the threat zone tonight. The strongest storms look to penetrate through the area between 9:00 p.m. Thursday and 1:00 a.m. Friday. These storms have a chance to produce very strong winds, small hail, heavy rain, lightning, and a slight chance of a tornado. Be sure to have your NOAA Weather Alert radio on tonight and keep in touch with the latest information from the NWS via television, radio, and/or the internet.

For more information, visit the Storm Prediction Page: http://spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html

Chase Ends With Arrest

2012-01-26T06:00:00.003-05:00

A simple speeding ticket turned into a four mile police chase involving a motorcycle Wednesday afternoon in eastern Burke County.
The Burke County Sheriff's Office tells The News Herald a deputy clocked a motorcycle traveling 65 mph in a 45 mph zone on Rhodhiss Road. The deputy caught up to the suspect around US 70, and it appeared that the suspect was going to stop for the deputy. The man sped away on US 70 and speeds reportedly reached 100 mph. The chase ended on Locas Street at a dead end in Rutherford College.
Travis Jeffery Long, 21, was charged with felony fleeing to elude in a motor vehicle, resisting a public officer, injury to real property, failure to head lights and sirens, failure to stop at a stop sign and improper passing. Police are also planning to issue numerous citations to Long, including speeding, driving left of center, inspection violation, and failure to use turn signals.

For more information on this story, you can click on this link: The News Herald
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Guilty Plea in Roommate Killing

2012-01-26T06:00:00.002-05:00

Burke County- Jonathan Brown, 30, plead guilty to shooting his roommate in the head during an argument and burying him in the South Mountains in 2009. The body of Lee Bryson was found on March 19, 2009 in a shallow grave, and Brown turned himself into police in May 2009. Brown plead guilty to second degree murder and was sentenced to 13 years ten months to 18 years in prison.

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Mysterious Illness in Catawba County

2012-01-26T06:00:00.001-05:00

Catawba County Inspectors are continuing to check the Harbor Inn Restaurant in Conover after 40 people complained of an illness after eating at the restaurant. January 13 is the day in question, and 1,500 meals were served on that day. About 40 people complained of stomach pains and diarrhea. The illness passed in a day or so. The restaurant received a grade of 99.5 at the last inspection, and health officials say they have found nothing that would suggest that the restaurant should be shut down. Everyone who complained of illness was given a stool sample test to use and send off for testing.

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Brothers Arrested on Kidnapping, Robbery Charges

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

Two Hickory brothers were arrested Wednesday morning on kidnapping and robbery charges.
Justin Edward Maltba, 24, and Scottie Bryan Maltba, 19, were arrested on felony charges of kidnapping and common law robbery, and Justin Maltba was charged with marijuana possession up to half an ounce.
One of the brothers allegedly approached a 48-year-old man while he was leaving the McGuires Pub at around 2:00 a.m. Wednesday and asked for a ride. The man agreed and both brothers got into the vehicle. The brothers allegedly forced the man to drive to an unknown residence, and asked the man for his wallet. This is when the brothers allegedly assaulted the man and stole his wallet and cell phone. The brothers allegedly put the man in the extended cab of the truck and started driving around. Police stopped the truck a short time later and noticed the man signalling to them. The brothers were then arrested.
The stolen items were recovered.

For more information on this story, you can click on this link: WHKY News 14
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High Speed Chase in Burke County

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Alexandra Osteyee-Hoffman, 28, is accused of leading police on an eight mile chase at speeds that topped eighty miles an hour Friday morning. The chase went started at Henredon Road and went down Burkemont Avenue, Hopewell Street, back on Burkemont Avenue, and then ended on Interstate 40. A trooper was able to toss stop sticks in front of the vehicle. The News Herald reports she has been charged with felony fleeing to elude, failing to heed lights and sirens, failure to yield, driving left of center, failure to maintain lane control, injury to personal property, reckless driving to endanger, speeding and three counts of resisting a public officer.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: The News Herald
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Former Penn State Coach Joe Paterno Dies

2012-01-22T21:16:00.001-05:00

Couple caught with methamphetamine precursors

2012-01-20T06:00:00.001-05:00

Sheriff Alan C. Jones announced that following a recent bust of a Sawmills woman for possessing methamphetamine, the Sheriff’s Office Ice Unit and NCSBI busted a couple for having methamphetamine precursors at their home. On January 18, 2012, following up on reliable information from a confidential informant, narcotic agents visited the home of Christopher Wayne Haynes, age 36, and Priscilla Jane Winters, age 33, a camper located on the property of 2690 Alfred Hartley Road in Lenoir. Agents conducted surveillance from the woods and observed enough suspected contraband in plain view to approach the camper and secure it.
Agents applied for and received a search warrant for the premise and upon searching they found items consistent with the manufacture of methamphetamine and a small amount of marijuana. Both Winters and Haynes were arrested and subsequently charged. Haynes was also charged with outstanding warrants for child support and failing to appear in court. Agents believe they were utilizing the “shake and bake” method of producing meth and that this activity has been going on for the last several months.
“This is the most popular way to cook meth and also one of the most dangerous. I’m glad we put a stop to it.” – Sheriff Alan C. Jones

The following persons were arrested and charged with the listed crimes:
Priscilla Jane Winters, W/F, age 33
2690 Alfred Hartley Road
Lenoir, NC 28645
One (1) Count – Felonious Possession of Precursor Materials.
One (1) Count – Felonious Maintain a Dwelling to Keep/Store a Controlled Substance.

Christopher Wayne Haynes, W/M, age 36
2690 Alfred Hartley Road
Lenoir, NC 28645
One (1) Count – Felonious Possession of Precursor Materials.
One (1) Count – Felonious Maintain a Dwelling to Keep/Store a Controlled Substance.
Both individuals were incarcerated under a $20,000 secured bond in the Caldwell County Detention Center and have a District Court date on January 19, 2012.

The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office is always in search of any information involving the use and distribution of illegal controlled substances. A concerned citizen’s information and assistance will be kept confidential. If you have any information concerning illegal drug activity in Caldwell County, please contact the:
Caldwell County Sheriff's Office I.C.E. Unit at 828-757-1178.
Lenoir Police Department’s Narcotics Division at 828-757-2145.
Caldwell County Crimestoppers at 828-758-8300.

NCDOT Awards $2 Million to Resurface Roads in Burke County

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

RALEIGH — N.C. Department of Transportation Secretary Gene Conti has awarded a contract to resurface more than 14 miles of roads in Burke County.
The $2 million contract was awarded to Maymead Inc. of Mountain City, Tenn. Work can begin as early as March 15 and is scheduled for completion by Oct. 15.
The project includes resurfacing and shoulder reconstruction along:
0.6 miles of U.S. 221 from the McDowell County line to the Avery County line near Linville Falls;
0.8 miles of U.S. 64 south of the I-40 intersection in Morganton;
1.7 miles of U.S. 70 from east of Davis Road to Jamestown Road in Morganton;
0.9 miles of N.C. 114/Main Street from U.S. 70 to Oakland Ave. in Drexel;
1.3 miles of U.S. 70 Business/Union Street from U.S. 64 to the fork of U.S. 64 Business West/U.S. 70 Business East;
2.7 miles of Kirksey Road from U.S. 70 to U.S. 64/N.C. 18 in Morganton;
2.5 miles of Ginger Cake Road from Johnson Road to N.C. 181 near Parks Mountain;
1.3 miles of Drexel Road from S.R. 1704 to bridge over I-40 on Motioncraft Drive;
3.2 miles of Gwaltney Road from N.C. 126 to N.C. 181 near Lake James; and
Williams Wood Drive from the intersection of Hopewell Road to end of pavement near Morganton.
Resurfacing these sections of roadway will extend the lifespan of the pavement, improve safety and provide a smoother ride for motorists.
This is one of 30 contracts totaling $82.6 million awarded by Conti for highway and bridge projects across North Carolina. NCDOT awarded the contracts to the lowest bidders, as required by state law. The bids received on the projects awarded came in about 8 percent, or about $7.2 million, below NCDOT estimates.
Since Gov. Bev Perdue took office in January of 2009, NCDOT has awarded 471 highway contracts totaling $3.6 billion to ensure that all North Carolinians have access to jobs and educational opportunities.
For more information about funding for infrastructure improvements in North Carolina, as well as other NCDOT projects and activities, visit www.ncdot.gov.

Report of Gunman Locks Down CVCC Wednesday

2012-01-19T06:00:00.003-05:00

The report of a gunman on the campus of Catawba Valley Community College Wednesday morning locked down the school and forced evening classes to be cancelled. Below is a joint statement issued by CVCC President Dr. Garrett Hinshaw and Hickory Police Chief Tom Adkins that describes the situation and the events that followed...

At approximately 9:20 am an employee of CVCC was outside the East Campus on Hwy. 70 SE in Hickory when she observed a white male between 30 and 40 years of age with long blonde hair walking through the parking lot. It appeared that the white male subject had a handgun in his hand walking toward the building. The employee immediately called campus security which dispatched a Catawba County deputy assigned at CVCC. After conducting an initial interview with the employee, the deputy contacted the Catawba County Sheriff and the City of Hickory to respond. Simultaneously, CVCC's lockdown protocol was implemented immediately. That protocol consists of loud speaker notification and alarms indoors and outside throughout the East Campus at approximately 9:30 am. This announced a lock down was in progress.
At that point we began working with City of Hickory Police Dept. and Sheriff's Dept. to take necessary steps as directed by them. The lockdown was communicated through web notification, text messaging and email blasts.
Our lab school parents were contacted directly as well as the Challenger High School community as the situation progressed.
A methodical search of the East Campus was conducted and all occupants were evacuated. The same type of search and evacuation of the Main Campus was conducted.
"Today we were reminded of the importance of being prepared for crisis situations," said Dr. Garrett Hinshaw, president of CVCC. "I want to commend law enforcement for their quick and effective response to a situation that could have been disasterous on our campus. We were able to secure and evacuate approximately 5,000 people without injury."
"The incident today showed the importance of continuing training in this area, and the cooperation with our law enforcement partners to respond to these types of calls," said Chief Adkins. Members of Hickory Fire Dept., Catawba Co. EMS, and members of Catawba County STAR team also played key roles in the incident today.

Aid Available After Governor Issues Disaster Declaration

2012-01-19T06:00:00.002-05:00

Governor Bev Perdue issued a disaster deceleration on Wednesday for the victims of the tornadoes in Burke and Rutherford Counties. Tornado victims are eligible for $30,400 in grants from the state. This declaration provides individual assistance for the victims of the storms. Perdue has asked the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster declaration, which would provide low interest loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses that were damaged in the storm.

For more information on this story, you can click on this link: The News Herald
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County Commissioners Waive Fees for Victims of Tornado

2012-01-19T06:00:00.001-05:00

The Burke County Board of Commissioners approved a plan that would waive many county fees for the victims of this month's tornado. The Commissioners approved waiving the $80 fee for septic tank re-inspection, landfill tipping fees for storm damage and debris, water and sewer fees for current Burke County Water Sewer customers, and minor inspection fees for buildings. Fees for buildings with major damage will still be in place where a building permit is required.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: The News Herald
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Police Searching For Armed Home Robbery Suspect

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Police are searching for a person who allegedly invaded a home and robbed the inside occupant at gunpoint. The incident occurred late Friday Night just before midnight Saturday at a home on Concord Street. The occupant told police the man stole his wallet with $400, a debit card, and IDs. A description of the suspect was not available.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: The News Herald
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Morganton Man Dies in Single Vehicle Wreck

2012-01-17T09:29:00.003-05:00

A Morganton man was killed following a single vehicle wreck Sunday evening on St. Paul's Church Road. Nathan Edward Bowlin, 27, was driving his pick-up truck when he ran off the side of the road and struck a utility pole. North Carolina Highway Patrol troopers believe Bowlin was driving faster than the posted 45 mph speed limit and alcohol may have been a factor. The passenger in the vehicle, 17 year old Dillon West Frye, was transported to a local hospital without serious injuries. Neither Frye or Bowlin were wearing a seatbelt.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: WHKY News 14, The Foothills Radio Group
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Son Attacks Parents, Mom Kills Son

2012-01-17T09:23:00.004-05:00

Police believe a mother was shot her son out of self defense after he allegedly attacked the parents while they were asleep. According to reports, Justin Barger, 21, was shot and killed by his mother, Karen Barger, 53, at around 1:00 a.m. Friday morning at the family's home on 1st Avenue Place NW in Long View. Justin Barger allegedly attacked his parents while they were asleep, and his mother shot him in the stomach. Police believe the mother shot her son out of self defense; however, the findings in the case will be delivered to the District Attorney when the investigation is complete.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: WHKY News 14, The Foothills Radio Group
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NWS Report About Tornado Released

2012-01-16T08:00:00.002-05:00

The National Weather Service issued its report Friday about the tornadoes that struck Rutherford, Burke, and Caldwell Counties on January 11. The reports can be found below:

-----------BURKE COUNTY TORNADO----------------------------
...TORNADO CONFIRMED NEAR HILDEBRAN IN BURKE COUNTY NORTH
CAROLINA...

LOCATION...5 SSW ICARD IN BURKE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA
DATE...JANUARY 11 2012
ESTIMATED TIME...604 PM EST
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF2
ESTIMATED MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...130 MPH
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...300 YARDS
PATH LENGTH...3.6 MILES
BEGINNING LAT/LON...35.66N / 81.48W
ENDING LAT/LON...35.71N / 81.44W
* FATALITIES...0
* INJURIES...8

* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT(S) AND PUBLICATION IN
NWS STORM DATA.

...SUMMARY...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC HAS
CONFIRMED A TORNADO TOUCHING DOWN NEAR 5 SSW ICARD IN
BURKE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA ON JANUARY 11 2012. THE TORNADO
PRODUCED BRIEF AND INTERMITTENT WIND DAMAGE SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF
GEORGE HILDEBRAND SCHOOL ROAD...BEFORE A MORE CONTINUOUS TRACK
DEVELOPED ALONG THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE ROAD AROUND 604 PM EST. DAMAGE
TO TREES AND HOUSES OCCURRED HERE...WITH ROOFING MATERIAL BLOWN
NORTHWARD ACROSS A FIELD. SEVERAL FENCES WERE ALSO BLOWN DOWN IN
THIS AREA.

THE TORNADO TRACK CONTINUED ON THE GROUND TO THE NORTH-NORTHEAST
ACROSS PAIGE STREET PRODUCING ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO
ROOFS...OUTBUILDINGS...AND TREES. THE TORNADO THEN STRUCK THE
SOUTH FORK COMMUNITY OFF JOHNSON BRIDGE ROAD. THE MOST INTENSE
DAMAGE ASSOCIATED WITH THE TORNADO OCCURRED IN THIS AREA AROUND
607 PM EST. SEVERAL MOBILE HOMES WERE TOTALLY DESTROYED. ROOFS
WERE REMOVED FROM SEVERAL SINGLE FAMILY HOMES. EIGHT INJURIES WERE
REPORTED IN THIS COMMUNITY. THE MOST INTENSE DAMAGE OCCURRED ON
ROCK LANE...RIVER ROCK DRIVE...AND SOUTH FORK AVENUE.

THE MOST INTENSE DAMAGE WAS RATED EF2 WITH MAXIMUM WINDS AROUND
130 MPH. THE MAXIMUM DAMAGE WIDTH WAS NEARLY 300 YARDS ALONG BOTH
GEORGE HILDEBRAND SCHOOL ROAD AND ROCK LANE. PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES
FROM BURKE COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT INDICATE APPROXIMATELY 75
HOMES WITH MAJOR DAMAGE IN THIS AREA.

THE TORNADO THEN PRODUCED SPARSE TREE AND STRUCTURE DAMAGE
NORTHWARD ACROSS OLD BRITTAIN ROAD AND OLD HIGHWAY 10 BEFORE
LIFTING NEAR INTERSTATE 40.

THIS INFORMATION CAN ALSO BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE AT
WEATHER.GOV/GSP.

FOR REFERENCE...THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE CLASSIFIES TORNADOES
INTO THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

EF0...WIND SPEEDS 65 TO 85 MPH.
EF1...WIND SPEEDS 86 TO 110 MPH.
EF2...WIND SPEEDS 111 TO 135 MPH.
EF3...WIND SPEEDS 136 TO 165 MPH.
EF4...WIND SPEEDS 166 TO 200 MPH.
EF5...WIND SPEEDS GREATER THAN 200 MPH.

-----------CALDWELL COUNTY TORNADO----------------------------
...TORNADO CONFIRMED ALONG LAKE HICKORY SOUTHEAST OF GRANITE
FALLS IN CALDWELL COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA...

LOCATION...4 SE GRANITE FALLS IN CALDWELL COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA
DATE...JANUARY 11 2012
ESTIMATED TIME...618 PM EST
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF0
ESTIMATED MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...80 MPH
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...100 YARDS
PATH LENGTH...0.2 MILES
BEGINNING LAT/LON...35.76N / 81.38 W
ENDING LAT/LON...35.76N / 81.38 W
* FATALITIES...0
* INJURIES...0

* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT(S) AND PUBLICATION IN
NWS STORM DATA.

...SUMMARY...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC HAS
CONFIRMED A TORNADO NEAR 4 SE GRANITE FALLS IN CALDWELL COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA ON JANUARY 11 2012. THIS TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN
IMMEDIATELY NORTHEAST OF THE HIGHWAY 321 BRIDGE AND IMPACTED THE
NORTH SHORE OF LAKE HICKORY AND THE LAKE HICKORY MARINA. DAMAGE
INCLUDED PEELED ROOFING ON THE LAKE HICKORY MARINA...SNAPPED PINE
TREES...OVERTURNED PONTOON BOATS AND A DOCK...AS WELL AS DAMAGE
OR MOVEMENT TO OTHER OUTDOOR FURNITURE AND STRUCTURES.

THIS INFORMATION CAN ALSO BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE AT
WEATHER.GOV/GSP.

FOR REFERENCE...THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE CLASSIFIES TORNADOES
INTO THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

EF0...WIND SPEEDS 65 TO 85 MPH.
EF1...WIND SPEEDS 86 TO 110 MPH.
EF2...WIND SPEEDS 111 TO 135 MPH.
EF3...WIND SPEEDS 136 TO 165 MPH.
EF4...WIND SPEEDS 166 TO 200 MPH.
EF5...WIND SPEEDS GREATER THAN 200 MPH.

-----------RUTHERFORD COUNTY TORNADO----------------------------
...TORNADO CONFIRMED NEAR 2.5 MILES NORTHWEST OF ELLENBORO NC IN
RUTHERFORD COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA...

LOCATION...2.5 MILES NORTHWEST OF ELLENBORO NC IN RUTHERFORD
COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA
DATE...01/11/2012
ESTIMATED TIME...522 PM EST
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF2
ESTIMATED MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...115 MPH
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...200 YARDS
PATH LENGTH...2.3 MILES
BEGINNING LAT/LON...35.35N /81.79W
ENDING LAT/LON...35.39N / 81.76W
* FATALITIES...0
* INJURIES...10

* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT(S) AND PUBLICATION IN
NWS STORM DATA.

...SUMMARY...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC HAS
CONFIRMED A TORNADO NEAR 2.5 MILES NORTHWEST OF ELLENBORO NC IN
RUTHERFORD COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA ON 01/11/2012.

A TORNADO BRIEFLY TOUCHED DOWN JUST NORTHEAST OF BRIDGE ROAD...AND
PINEHURST ROAD. TREES WERE KNOCKED DOWN IN MULTIPLE DIRECTIONS
DURING THIS BRIEF TORNADO TOUCHDOWN.

SHORTLY THEREAFTER A SECOND BRIEF TORNADO TOUCH DOWN THEN TOOK
PLACE ON TINEY ROAD... EAST OF CORINTH. TREES WERE FELLED...OR
SNAPPED...IN THAT AREA. MEANWHILE A TRACTOR SHED HAD ITS ALUMINUM
SIDING AND ROOFING PEELED AND BLOWN SOME 200 YARDS ACROSS THE
ROAD.

THE THIRD AND FINAL TORNADO TOUCHDOWN...DURING THIS EPISODE...
OCCURRED NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF PINEY MOUNTAIN CHURCH ROAD AND
PINEY MOUNTAIN ROAD. FROM THAT POINT THE TORNADO WAS ON THE GROUND
FOR A CONTINUOUS PATH OF ABOUT 2.3 MILES. THE TORNADO MOVED
RAPIDLY TO THE NORTH AND NORTHEAST AND CROSSED WEST PADGETT ROAD...
WALLS CHURCH ROAD AND DYCUS ROAD...BEFORE LIFTING JUST NORTH OF
SALEM CHURCH ROAD.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT`S PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES WERE 6 TO 10 HOMES
DAMAGED WITH A COUPLE OF MOBILE HOMES COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE
DEBRIS FROM THE DESTROYED MOBILE HOMES WAS THROWN SOME 300 YARDS
PRIMARILY TO THE WEST AND NORTHWEST. OTHER SMALLER BUILDINGS...
SUCH AS SHEDS...WERE DESTROYED. A QUONSET STYLE METAL EQUIPMENT SHED
WAS BLOWN OFF ITS FOUNDATION AND THROWN ABOUT 50 YARDS AND
CRUMPLED. NUMEROUS TREES WERE ALSO FELLED AND SNAPPED...WHILE A
VAN HAD ITS WINDOWS BLOWN OUT.

THE STORM REACHED ITS PEAK INTENSITY WHEN IT WAS LOCATED ON EITHER
SIDE OF PINEY MOUNTAIN ROAD...AND JUST SOUTH OF WALLS CHURCH ROAD.
THE PATH WIDTH INCREASED TO AROUND 200 YARDS...AND THIS ALSO
COINCIDED WITH THE GREATEST CONCENTRATION OF DAMAGE.

THE PATH WIDTH DECREASED TO AROUND 100 YARDS IN THE LATTER STAGES
OF THE TORNADO PATH...BEFORE THE TORNADO LIFTED. CONSIDERABLE
DEBRIS WAS LITTERED IN MULTIPLE DIRECTIONS.

THIS INFORMATION CAN ALSO BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE AT
WEATHER.GOV/GSP.

FOR REFERENCE...THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE CLASSIFIES TORNADOES
INTO THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

EF0...WIND SPEEDS 65 TO 85 MPH.
EF1...WIND SPEEDS 86 TO 110 MPH.
EF2...WIND SPEEDS 111 TO 135 MPH.
EF3...WIND SPEEDS 136 TO 165 MPH.
EF4...WIND SPEEDS 166 TO 200 MPH.
EF5...WIND SPEEDS GREATER THAN 200 MPH.

Fire at Carolina Rehab

2012-01-16T08:00:00.001-05:00

There was a fire in a patient's bed at Carolina Rehab in Icard early Sunday Morning. The Morganton News Herald reports firefighters responded to the building at around 5:00 a.m. Sunday. Nurses moved the room's patients out of the room, and a number of patients had to be moved in the facility because of smoke by emergency personnel. The resident whose bed caught fire was transported by helicopter to Carolinas Medical Center, and two other patients were sent to the hospital for smoke inhalation. The cause is undetermined currently, and the Fire Marshal is investigating.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: The Morganton News Herald
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Showers Possible Tuesday, Warm Up Coming Soon

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Monday will feature increasing clouds with highs in the low 50s. A weak system will push through the area on Tuesday, bring showers and a slight chance of a thunderstorm. Highs Tuesday will be in the upper 50s. Lows Monday and Tuesday will be in the mid 30s. Wednesday and Thursday will be sunny and cool with highs in the mid to upper 40s and lows in the mid to upper 20s. A modest warm up will start next weekend, with temperatures Friday, Saturday, and Sunday increasing from the mid 50s Friday to the mid 60s Sunday.
Information from: http://northcarolinafoothillsweather.blogspot.com/

Confirmed Tornado Blows Through Eastern Burke County

2012-01-12T21:46:00.002-05:00

January 11, 2012 will be a day the residents of eastern Burke County will never forget. A story will be passed from generation to generation about the terrifying January twister that destroyed and damaged numerous homes. The roaring sound of the gusty winds coming out of the vortex will not be forgotten by those who witnessed them. It is a day that will never be forgotten.

The National Weather Service confirmed Thursday evening that an EF2 tornado, with winds of 130 mph blew through Burke County. This is a strong EF2 tornado by the National Weather Service standards. An EF2 tornado has winds between 111 and 135 mph. In Rutherford County, this same storm produced a different EF2 tornado with winds of 115 mph just minutes earlier.

The most significant damage was reported to be in the Hildebran community just south of I-40 by the National Weather Service. A more detailed description is expected from the National Weather Service either late tonight or Friday morning.

Damage was spread across Johnson Bridge Road in Burke County. Other roads that were impacted were Old NC 10, Old Brittain Road, Rock Road, Rock River Drive, George Hildebrand School Road, South Fork Avenue, and others.

According to WCNC, thirty four homes were destroyed in Burke County and 168 total structures were damaged. Damage is estimated at 13.4 million dollars.
Some of those who have been displaced by the tornadoes are staying at First Baptist Icard where the Red Cross has set up a shelter.

Burke County Schools operated on a two hour delay Thursday due to the severe weather.

Governor Bev Perdue toward the damage today in Burke County. She said that the state is working to see what assistance the state could provide.

As of this evening, there has been no fatalities from the storm.

There are multiple different organizations and volunteers assisting with the clean up effort.

For more information on this story, you can click on this link: WCNC News 36
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Update: NWS To Be In Burke County Today

2012-01-12T06:44:00.000-05:00

Meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Greenville Spartanburg will be in Burke County today to determine if a tornado ravaged the eastern side of the county.

Below are the latest details this morning:

Burke County Schools will operate on a two hour delay today.

Around fifty homes were damaged in Burke County near the Icard, Hildebran, and George Hildebrand area. There were multiple frame homes that suffered damage, including a home that lost a roof that has yet to be discovered. There were five injuries and no fatalities, according to a county official.

Three boats were flipped over at the Lake Hickory Marina in Caldwell County from the storm. The pier at the marina was also reported to be damaged along with other docks located on the lake. There was no known injuries at this location.

The National Weather Service told The News Herald that a mobile home park in eastern Burke County was nearly gone.

By around 10:00 p.m., the Red Cross was serving an estimated 20 people.

Hildebran News will have more details today as the sun comes up, and the residents are able to go out and evaluate the damage. We will also have the latest details coming from the National Weather Service.

News Report About Possible Tornado

2012-01-12T06:23:00.001-05:00

Supercell Thunderstorm Possibly Produces Tornado

2012-01-11T22:25:00.000-05:00

A supercell thunderstorm possibly produced a tornado in eastern Burke County Wednesday evening. The storm moved through Burke County after 6:00 p.m., leaving behind a trail of damage.

At 9:00 p.m. Wednesday Night, Burke County Fire Marshal Mike Pitts issued a limited state of emergency for the Hildebran, Icard, and George Hildebrand.

Burke County Schools are scheduled to operate on a two hour delay Thursday as of 10:00 p.m. Wednesday night.

The damage is most severe around the Johnson Bridge Road area, but damage stretched through Burke County into the Lake Hickory area.

Many different media outlets are reporting damage. The National Weather Service is reporting Burke County communications say that 20-25 mobile homes were destroyed and around a dozen homes suffered major damage. The National Weather Service is also reporting damage at the Lake Hickory Marina in Caldwell County. Three boats were reportedly flipped upside down.

Right now, there are injuries reported in Burke County, and there are no known fatalities.

WBTV is reporting that a man in Icard says that is vehicle was picked up and moved beside his home by the storm.

An emergency shelter has been opened at First Baptist Icard on Highway 70. WBTV is reporting fifteen people have checked in at 9:00 p.m. Wednesday.

According to the National Weather Service, there was a 36 knot wind gust coming from the east at the Hickory Airport, which is equal to an approximate 40 mph wind gust.

The National Weather Service will send a team to determine if a tornado touched down. There is no word when the team from the NWS will be coming to survey the damage.

For more information on this story, you can click on this link: WBTV News 3
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Parents Say Teen Threatened With A Noose

2012-01-11T07:00:00.004-05:00

The parents of a 14-year-old girl say their daughter was threatened with a noose while at Fred T. Foard High School this week. The girl's father told WSOC-TV News 9 that he knew something was wrong when she did not want to attend Fred T. Foard High School no longer on Monday Night. According to the girl's father, white students approached her and told her the noose was made for her. The students say that this was a joke, and the girl originally told the school that she did not feel threatened. An investigation is currently ongoing between the school district and the sheriff's department. The district is also looking into why the parents were not notified about the incident.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: The Foothills Radio Group
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Rape Suspect Sought

2012-01-11T07:00:00.003-05:00

The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in a rape case. This incident occurred on December 6, 2011 in the Baton area of Caldwell County. The victim heard a noise outside her residence around 11:00 pm and saw an unknown suspect breaking into her vehicle. The victim yelled at the suspect and closed the door to her residence to call 911. Before she could phone the suspect forced his way into the residence and demanded money. The suspect was armed with a knife and the victim complied giving the suspect a small amount of money. The suspect then came at the victim with a knife and raped her.

The suspect is a light skinned black male in his early thirties. He was approximately 5’11” with a regular build. He was wearing dark colored jogging pants, a dark blue Carolina Panthers hoodie, and light tan boots. The suspect had brown eyes and very short brown hair. It was shaved to his head. He had a small amount of hair in the middle of his chin and a scar on his chin that was underneath the hair but you could still see it. The suspect had a deep voice. The victim has given a description and a sketch of the suspect has been developed.

If anyone has information on this case please contact Detective Andrea Longo at 828-758-2324 or call Crimestoppers at 828-758-8300.

For more information on this story, you can click on this link: Caldwell County Sheriff's Office

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Hickory Parks and Recreation and the Hickory Foundation YMCA strengthen youth swimming skills over the winter break

2012-01-11T07:00:00.002-05:00

HICKORY - Hickory Parks and Recreation and the Hickory Foundation YMCA spent time strengthening youth swimming skills over winter break.

The Winter Break Swim Program, which is a partnership between Hickory Parks and Recreation and the Hickory Foundation YMCA, worked with about 40 Kindergarten to 6th graders during the December 27 - December 30 program at the YMCA's indoor pool.

YMCA aquatic instructors taught youth basic swim skills and water safety.

"There was a remarkable improvement over four days from children that were very afraid of the water," said Hickory Foundation YMCA Executive Director Angela Chapman. "By the third or fourth day, they were comfortably getting in the water,"

"This was a great opportunity and our instructors had a great time teaching the kids," said Hickory Foundation YMCA Aquatic Director Leighann Stone. "I don't think I saw one child leave without a smile on their face and over the four days they learned a lot of water safety skills as well as swimming skills."

The Easter Break Swim Program that was held in April and along with the Winter Break Swim Program helped more than 100 youth learn basic swim skills and water safety.

"We have had good participation with the swim program and we plan to continue the partnership with the Hickory Foundation YMCA to provide an Easter Swim Program again this year," said Hickory Parks and Recreation Director Mack McLeod. "This is one of the many ways we work together with fellow organizations to provide strong, quality programs to citizens in our community."

For more information on this story, you can click on this link: City of Hickory

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NCDOT Awards $5.3 Million for Resurfacing Projects in Catawba County

2012-01-11T07:00:00.001-05:00

RALEIGH — N.C. Department of Transportation Secretary Gene Conti awarded a contract to resurface 34.6 miles of roads in Catawba County.
A $5.3 million contract was awarded to Maymead Inc. of Mountain City, Tenn. Work can begin as early as March 15 and be completed by Nov. 15.
The following roads will be resurfaced:
6.1 miles of St. James/Mays Chapel Road in Catawba County from U.S. 321 Business to N.C. 10;
4.5 miles of U.S. 321 in Catawba County from N.C. 127 to the bridge over the Henry Fork River;
3 miles of U.S. 321 Business in Maiden from the Lincoln County line to Providence Mill Road;
2.4 miles of Lee Cline Road in St. Stephens from County Home Road to Houston Mill Road;
2.4 miles of Spencer Road in Hickory from Old U.S. 70 to 25th Street NE;
2.4 miles of Kiesler Dairy Road in Claremont from Travis Road to Old Catawba Road;
1.9 miles of Smyre Farm Road in Catawba County from St. James Church Road to N.C. 16;
1.8 miles of C&B Farm Road in St. Stephens from Lee Cline Road to N.C. 16;
1.6 miles of Jack Whitener Road in Dulan from Prison Camp Road to Mays Chapel Church Road;
1.6 miles of Highland Avenue in Hickory from Startown Road to 8th Avenue NE;
1.4 miles of 4th Street in Conover from N.C. 16 to Industrial Drive;
1.2 miles of 16th Street NE in Hickory from 12th Avenue/Street NE to 8th Street Drive;
1.1 miles of 4th Avenue SW in Hickory from U.S. 70 to 3rd Avenue;
1 mile of 4th Avenue in Maiden from U.S. 321 Business to Providence Mill Road;
0.8 miles of 39th Avenue Drive in Hickory from 36th Avenue NW to 4th Street Court NW;
0.6 miles of 11th Avenue SE in Hickory from Lenoir-Rhyne Boulevard to the end of the state maintained road.
0.5 miles of 1st Street in Conover from U.S. 70 to N.C. 16;
0.2 miles of 10th Avenue SW in Long View from 33rd Street SW to U.S. 70 East; and
0.2 miles of 8th Avenue SW in Long View from 33rd Street SW to U.S. 70 West.
Resurfacing these sections of roadway will extend the lifespan of the pavement, improve safety and provide a smoother ride for motorists.
This is one of 30 contracts totaling $82.6 million awarded by Conti for highway and bridge projects across North Carolina. NCDOT awarded the contracts to the lowest bidders, as required by state law. The bids received on the projects awarded came in about 8 percent, or about $7.2 million, below NCDOT estimates.
Since Gov. Bev Perdue took office in January of 2009, NCDOT has awarded 471 highway contracts totaling $3.6 billion to ensure that all North Carolinians have access to jobs and educational opportunities.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, every $1 million spent on transportation creates 30 jobs, and according to the construction industry, every dollar invested in transportation generates $6 in economic impact.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: NC DOT
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NCDOT Awards $4.6 Million for Resurfacing Project near Granite Falls

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

RALEIGH — N.C. Department of Transportation Secretary Gene Conti awarded a contract to resurface 1.2 miles of New Farm Road near Granite Falls from River Bend Drive to Grace Chapel Road.
A $4.6 million contract was awarded to J.T. Russell and Sons Inc. of Albemarle. Work can begin as early as Jan. 30 and be completed by Sept. 15, 2013.
The project will consist of constructing a two-lane road that will connect U.S. 321 and Grace Chapel Road. The project will include replacing two bridges on New Farm Road, as well as installing guardrails and building retaining walls. Traffic will be maintained on New Farm Road while the bridge construction takes place.
This project will extend the lifespan of the pavement, improve safety and provide a smoother ride for motorists.
This is one of 30 contracts totaling $82.6 million awarded by Conti for highway and bridge projects across North Carolina. NCDOT awarded the contracts to the lowest bidders, as required by state law. The bids received on the projects awarded came in about 8 percent, or about $7.2 million, below NCDOT estimates.
Since Gov. Bev Perdue took office in January of 2009, NCDOT has awarded 471 highway contracts totaling $3.6 billion to ensure that all North Carolinians have access to jobs and educational opportunities.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, every $1 million spent on transportation creates 30 jobs, and according to the construction industry, every dollar invested in transportation generates $6 in economic impact.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: NC DOT
If you click on the link, you agree to the Web Link policy listed in the About Us section on this website.

Romney Wins New Hampshire

2012-01-11T06:53:00.002-05:00

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney easily won the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday. With 95% of the precincts reporting, the former governor had secured 39% of the vote. Ron Paul secured second with 23% of the vote and Jon Huntsman third. The next primary will be in South Carolina.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: FOX News
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Flood Watch Issued, Heavy Rain Expected

2012-01-10T21:18:00.003-05:00

Heavy rain is expected to develop over the region tonight and continue through the day Wednesday. The rain is expected to be the heaviest in the late morning, early afternoon hours. The National Weather Service is currently predicting around 2-3 inches of rain across the foothills and mountains of NC, with higher amounts along the southern mountains. Due to this heavy rain, the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch from midnight through Wednesday evening.
I expect that the foothills will receive between 1.5-2.5 inches of rain, with isolated higher amounts. A few convective cells could develop, causing locally higher rainfall totals. If a line of storms are able to develop, rainfall could approach three inches in some areas. The only good news about this much rain is that the system will be moving very quickly. The system should be pushing out of the area by Wednesday evening.
After this storm, nice conditions are expected throughout the weekend. Temperatures Thursday will be in the upper 50s; however, that will be the end of the warm temperatures. Temperatures Friday through the weekend will struggle to reach the mid 40s and lows are expected to be in the low 20s.

Flood Watch

FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
244 PM EST TUE JAN 10 2012

...HEAVY RAINFALL TO AFFECT THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS AND ADJACENT
FOOTHILLS TONIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY...

.A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM OVER THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALLEY
LATE TODAY WILL TRACK NORTHEAST TOWARD THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS
THROUGH WEDNESDAY. HEAVY RAIN WILL DEVELOP AHEAD OF THIS SYSTEM
ACROSS THE WESTERN CAROLINAS AND NORTHEAST GEORGIA TONIGHT
THROUGH WEDNESDAY. SOUTHEAST FLOW AHEAD OF THE LOW WILL ENHANCE
RAINFALL TOTALS ALONG THE EASTERN ESCARPMENT OF THE SOUTHERN
APPALACHIANS...POSSIBLY PRODUCING FLOODING.

GAZ010-NCZ033-035-049-050-053-059-062>065-501>510-SCZ001>003-
111000-
/O.NEW.KGSP.FA.A.0001.120111T0500Z-120112T0500Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
RABUN-AVERY-ALEXANDER-YANCEY-MITCHELL-BUNCOMBE-NORTHERN JACKSON-
MACON-SOUTHERN JACKSON-TRANSYLVANIA-HENDERSON-CALDWELL MOUNTAINS-
GREATER CALDWELL-BURKE MOUNTAINS-GREATER BURKE-MCDOWELL MOUNTAINS-
EASTERN MCDOWELL-RUTHERFORD MOUNTAINS-GREATER RUTHERFORD-
POLK MOUNTAINS-EASTERN POLK-OCONEE MOUNTAINS-PICKENS MOUNTAINS-
GREENVILLE MOUNTAINS-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...CLAYTON...NEWLAND...SPRUCE PINE...
ASHEVILLE...SYLVA...FRANKLIN...BREVARD...HENDERSONVILLE...
LENOIR...MORGANTON...MARION...LAKE LURE...RUTHERFORD...COLUMBUS
244 PM EST TUE JAN 10 2012

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT THROUGH
WEDNESDAY EVENING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG HAS ISSUED
A

* FLOOD WATCH FOR PORTIONS OF NORTHEAST GEORGIA...WESTERN NORTH
  CAROLINA AND UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA...INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING
  AREAS...IN NORTHEAST GEORGIA...RABUN. IN WESTERN NORTH
  CAROLINA...ALEXANDER...AVERY...BURKE MOUNTAINS...BUNCOMBE...
  CALDWELL MOUNTAINS...EASTERN MCDOWELL...EASTERN POLK...
  GREATER BURKE...GREATER CALDWELL...GREATER RUTHERFORD...
  HENDERSON...MCDOWELL MOUNTAINS...MACON...MITCHELL...NORTHERN
  JACKSON...POLK MOUNTAINS...RUTHERFORD MOUNTAINS...SOUTHERN
  JACKSON...TRANSYLVANIA AND YANCEY. IN UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA...
  GREENVILLE MOUNTAINS...OCONEE MOUNTAINS AND PICKENS MOUNTAINS.

* FROM MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING

* HEAVY RAINFALL WILL DEVELOP AHEAD OF A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM
  MOVING NORTHEAST FROM THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALLEY TO WEST
  OF THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS. SOUTHEASTERLY UPSLOPE WINDS AHEAD
  OF THIS SYSTEM WILL ENHANCE PRECIPITATION ALONG THE EASTERN
  SLOPES OF THE MOUNTAINS AND THE IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT FOOTHILLS.
  RAINFALL TOTALS OF 2 TO 3 INCHES ARE LIKELY IN THE WATCH
  AREA...WITH ISOLATED AMOUNTS BETWEEN 3 AND 4 INCHES IN THE
  SOUTHERN MOUNTAINS.

* THE HEAVY RAINFALL WILL CREATE SIGNIFICANT RISES ON AREA RIVERS
  AND STREAMS. SOME OF THESE TRIBUTARIES COULD EXCEED BANKFULL AND
  FLOOD NEARBY ROADWAYS ON WEDNESDAY. FLOODING WILL ALSO BE
  POSSIBLE ALONG MAIN STEM RIVERS...ESPECIALLY THE UPPER REACHES
  OF THE FRENCH BROAD RIVER WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON OR EVENING.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ON
CURRENT FORECASTS. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE
ALERT FOR POSSIBLE FLOOD WARNINGS. THOSE LIVING IN AREAS PRONE TO
FLOODING SHOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLOODING
DEVELOP.

&&

$$

GERAPETRITIS

Burke School Board Sets Four Public Meetings

2012-01-10T08:23:00.005-05:00

The Burke County Board of Education has set four public meetings regarding the search for a new superintendent. The public may sign up to give input about the search for a new superintendent. The meetings are as follows:
January 17: Patton High School
January 24: East Burke Middle School
February 7: Freedom High School
February 21: Heritage Middle School
All the meetings are scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: WHKY News 14
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Crimson Tide Shut Out Tigers

2012-01-10T08:19:00.002-05:00

The Alabama Crimson Tide shut out the Louisiana State Tigers Monday Night in the BCS college football championship. The final score was 21 to 0. Alabama put up five field goals in the game before scoring a touchdown late in the fourth quarter. The Crimson Tide was able to hold LSU to five first downs and only 92 yards total offense in the game.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: ESPN
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Missing Teen Returns Home

2012-01-09T12:11:00.002-05:00

A missing Caldwell County teenager returned home Saturday, according to the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office Monday stated Marlena Church, 15, returned home on Saturday. The Sheriff's Office issued a missing persons report on Friday. No other details were given in the report.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: The Charlotte Observer
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Burke Board of Education Meeting Tonight

2012-01-09T06:51:00.004-05:00

The Burke County Board of Education is scheduled to meet tonight, January 9, at 6:00 p.m. in the Olive Hill Room at the West Concord Resource Center in Morganton. The main topic at the meeting tonight will be whether students should be out of school on election day November 6. Three elementary schools in Burke County are used as voting sites. Debbie Mace from the Burke County Board of Elections is expected to ask the Board of Education tonight to have students off November 6. According to North Carolina law, students must now attend school 185 days.
For more information on this story, you can click on this link: The Foothills Radio Group
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No Charges in Shooting of 80-Year-Old Man

2012-01-09T06:46:00.002-05:00

The man who shot an 80-year-old Valdese man with a reserve Valdese Police Officer's gun will not be charged in the case. Police originally charged Christopher Hedrick with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Paperwork from the clerk's office states that Hedrick was defending himself and the charges were dropped. Paperwork states the man fired two shots, including one that went over Hedrick's head. The reserve Valdese Police Officer has since resigned. The reserve officer will not be charged in the case.

For more information on this story, you can click on this link: WSOC-TV News 9
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Unsettled Weather To Continue

2012-01-09T06:46:00.001-05:00

The first part of this week will be characterized by the unsettled weather that is expected. A system Monday will bring a 50% chance of showers throughout the day; however, light precipitation is expected. Most areas will receive under a tenth of an inch of rain Monday. Highs will be in the low to mid 50s, and the low Monday night will be in the mid 30s.

Tuesday will be a sunny day with clouds building late in the day. High: 60, Low: 45

Wednesday is expected to be the wetter of the two days. Wednesday will feature an area of low pressure tracking near the region bringing good lift and a period of moderate to heavy rain. Right now, it appears we will not have to worry about severe weather. The chance of rain Wednesday is 85%. It appears most areas will receive over a half of an inch of rain. The high is expected to be in the low 50s, and the low Wednesday night will be in the low 40s.

Thursday may feature a few left over showers; however, the rest of the week and weekend will feature cooler temperatures. Temperatures Friday-Sunday are expected to drop into the 40s for highs and 20s for lows.

(Information from North Carolina Foothills Weather)

Truck Hits Gas Pump

2012-01-09T06:46:00.000-05:00

A truck rolled into a gas pump at the Colonel's Pantry on Jamestown Road in Morganton. Erin Brittain told police on the scene she forgot to set her parking break in her Toyota truck. The truck rolled into the gas pump, causing a leak. Damage to the gas pump was estimated at $200.

For more information on this story, you can click on this link: The News Herald

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Hickory Fire Department has a new fire truck in service

2012-01-07T08:00:00.001-05:00

The City of Hickory has received a new fire truck. The Rosenbauer fire /rescue pumper replaces a 1993 Emergency One pumper, which will be placed in reserve status for the next several years. The cost for the new apparatus was $485,575.

Safety during response and at the scene is essential. The truck features intake and discharge lines at the front, right side, and rear, leaving the entire left side typically facing traffic fully accessible and free of hose connections. This provides more efficient and safe operations for the crew and apparatus operator.

The apparatus has the latest in Light Emitting Diode (LED) emergency lighting and reflective stripping that is critical during night operations. As the apparatus approaches the scene, exterior cowl mounted scene lighting can be turned on from inside the cab illuminating the front, left side and right side of the apparatus. This feature provides initial high intensity lighting at the scene of an auto accident, to aid in locating a numerical address or lighting the surrounding area at a structure fire. For additional scene lighting, a Night Scan Light Tower System is mounted on the cab roof. The light tower can be extended six feet above the cab roof, rotated and directed to a specific area or flood the area with light.

Vehicles approaching the rear of the apparatus will see quite a change from the normal vehicle marker and tail lighting system mandated by federal highway requirements. The entire rear section of the apparatus has been covered with diagonal highly reflective red and yellow chevron striping that adds substantial warning and safety illumination when vehicle lights shine upon the striping. Firefighters working at the rear of the apparatus will now become more visible.

Typical blind spots on the right side and rear can now be observed due to the placement and installation of two digital color camera systems. In the cab, the operator has the capability to see the entire right side and rear depending upon the need. A second screen has been mounted at the pump panel on the left side of the apparatus, allowing the operator to view the right side and rear hose lines connected for constant surveillance.

The new apparatus, Engine #7 is built on a Spartan chassis, powered by a 445 horsepower Detroit diesel engine and an Allison five-speed automatic transmission. The cab features a fully enclosed four-door cab. The cab was lengthened to accommodate a transverse compartment at the rear portion of the cab for allowing greater storage capacity. Rosenbauer America a Wyoming, Minnesota manufacturer installed the fire rescue body, consisting of equipment storage compartments for ground ladders, hose, rescue equipment, and vehicle extrication equipment.

The apparatus body has 750 gallon water tank and a 1500 gallon per minute single-stage Waterous fire pump with 6 inch master intake valves, providing the capability to draft or relay water. It also has the department's standard Feecon 1400 gallon per minute around-the-pump foam system and an inline foam eductor on the front discharge to provide rapid deployment for foam application at auto accidents or vehicle fires. The pumper also contains a hydraulic powered 8,000-watt generator to power emergency scene lighting equipment.

Engine #7 is stationed at Fire Station #7 located at 465 Catawba Valley Boulevard SE and will service the Southside district.

For more information on this story, you can click on this link: City of Hickory

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Firefighters Promoted to Captain

2012-01-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday, January 4^th, Hickory Fire Department held a promotional ceremony for two Hickory firefighters being promoted to Captain.

Bryan Edwards has been promoted to Captain. Edwards joined the Hickory Fire Department on May 1, 2003 as a firefighter. He has served as a volunteer firefighter with Grace Chapel Fire Department for the past 19 years and currently serves as Lieutenant. For four years, Edwards worked for the City of Lenoir as a firefighter, driver and EMT. On his days off, Edwards works as a full time paramedic with Piedmont Urgent Care. Edwards has certifications as a level II Firefighter, Hazardous Materials Operations level, Fire Inspector level I, a Fire Service Instructor level II, Rescue Technician, and an EMT-Paramedic. Edwards is also a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus Instructor through the Office of the State Fire Marshal. In 1995, he completed his Associate degree in Natural Resource Management through Haywood Community College and in 2009; he graduated with a Fire Science Degree through Coastal Carolina Community College. He and his wife Sherri have a son named Bryson.

John Warren has been promoted to Captain. In 1999, Warren started his career as a volunteer firefighter with Startown/Newton Fire Department, where he served until 2011. On April 1, 2002, he was hired as a firefighter with the Hickory Fire Department. Warren has certifications in many areas including fire apparatus training, hazardous materials certification and first aid. He is certified as a level II firefighter through the North Carolina Fire & Rescue Commission and in 2000, he received his certification as an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) through the North Carolina Office of Emergency Services. In 2007, he completed training as a level II Fire Service Instructor and level I Fire Inspector. Specializing as driver operator, Warren is certified in aerial operations and is a specialty instructor in pumps and aerial operations. In 2008, he graduated from Gaston Community College with an associate degree in Fire Protection Technology. Warren is married to Laura Warren and they have a son a named Luke.

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Police Searching for Runaway Teen

2012-01-06T22:35:00.000-05:00

The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office is searching for a missing 15-year-old girl. Marlena Church was last seen leaving South Caldwell High School on Monday, January 2 at around 1:00 p.m. Police believe Church may be with an 18-year-old male in the Hickory or High Point area. Church is five feet tall and has dark brown hair and hazel eyes. Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers at 828-758-8300

Fire at J. Iverson Riddle Center

2012-01-06T10:22:00.001-05:00

A fire broke out Thursday afternoon at J Iverson Riddle Center in Morganton. The fire started in the woodworking department. Staff and residents were inside the building at the time of the fire. The fire was contained to a section of the building. Broughton Police and the State Bureau of Investigation are investigating the cause of the fire.
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Adam Baker Sentenced To Prison Time

2012-01-06T10:18:00.000-05:00

Adam Baker was in court Thursday on charges unrelated to death of his 10 year old daughter Zahra Baker. Elisa Baker, Zahra's stepmother, plead guilty to the murder of Zahra Baker. In Catawba County, Adam Baker's charges were dismissed, and he had to pay $349 in restitution. In Caldwell County, Baker was sentenced to 30 days in jail on an assault charge after Baker plead not guilty. Baker's attorney is appealing the conviction.
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Colder Weather May Be Coming Soon

2012-01-06T09:40:00.004-05:00

As we move later into the month of January, we are beginning to see indications that cold air could be moving back into western North Carolina.

The Arctic Oscillation, one of the main factors used to help determine if cold air will move out of the Arctic towards lower latitudes, is beginning to turn negative. A negative AO means colder weather is more likely here in the foothills of western NC. Right now, indications are that the AO will go negative.

Now, this does not necessarily mean snow will find its way to western North Carolina. Other factors are very important in forecasting snow here in North Carolina; however, it looks like the atmosphere will remain relatively cool.

The other factors that forecasters and meteorologist look at is the Pacific North America Pattern (PNA), and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). What the PNA and NAO does will affect our pattern here in WNC also. Right now, it appears the NAO and PNA are returning to a neutral state next week. There is very little certainty what will occur in the following weeks; however, a major storm late next week could help to flip the NAO and PNA to favorable phases for WNC.

The pattern is loaded with energy. Anything is possible as we move later into this month and into February. Right now, it appears colder weather will move into the area Thursday or Friday next week with a major storm. Temperatures will be similar to the previous cold weather outbreak. After this system, the models begin to diverge; however, the cooler weather appears to be heading back north for a few days before returning fairly quickly.

Always check here on the North Carolina Foothills Weather blog for the latest information.

(The following post was on the North Carolina Foothills Weather Blog)

150 Jobs Coming to Caldwell County

2012-01-05T08:13:00.003-05:00

Carolina Prime Pets, a manufacture of pet food products, is expected to announce on January 10 that they will bring 150 jobs to Caldwell County. The company is expected to move into the former NACCO Industries building on Morganton Blvd. Carolina Prime Pets is currently renting a building in Murphy, NC. The company hopes to open in mid to late 2012.
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Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest

2012-01-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

Two Lenoir women were arrested for having almost two thousand dollars worth of merchandise from Belks following a traffic stop. Police allegedly found $1,748 in stolen clothes and jewelry and drug paraphernalia. Brenda Lee Horton, 48, and Linda Darlene Mull, 52, each face numerous charges. Horton was also wanted on failure to appear in court charges. Both are scheduled to be in court Friday January 6.
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Division of Aviation Awards $300,000 in Federal Block Grant Funds to Hickory Regional Airport for a New Fuel Farm

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

RALEIGH — As part of the N.C. Department of Transportation’s ongoing commitment to improving aviation in North Carolina, the N.C. Division of Aviation awarded $300,000 in federal block grant funds to Hickory Regional Airport for a capital improvement project.
The funds will be used to construct a fuel farm at the airport for fueling all types of aircraft. The sale of fuel is a major source of revenue for the airport.
“This is an incredibly important project for the airport,” said Division of Aviation Director Richard Walls. “The ability to service aircraft is critical to the airport’s success and viability.”
These funds came from a $22.8 million Federal Aviation Administration block grant that the Division of Aviation received at the end of September and will administer. The Division will be awarding multiple sub grants through the program to general aviation airports across the state for a variety of capital improvement projects.
Hickory Regional Airport has an approximate $50.5 million a year total impact on North Carolina and supports nearly 493 jobs, based on a 2006 statewide economic impact study.
Since Gov. Bev Perdue took office in 2009, the Division of Aviation has awarded more than $125 million in funding to state airports. These funds enable airports across the state to provide improvements that support economic development and job opportunities.
For more information on North Carolina aviation, visit www.ncdot.gov/aviation.

Senate Overrides Perdue's Veto

2012-01-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

The North Carolina State Senate overrode Governor Beverly Perdue's veto of a bill that repeals the Racial Justice Act. The measure passed in the Senate on a party line vote. Now the measure goes to the North Carolina House of Representatives, who have a tougher challenge to override the Governor's veto. Republicans must convince four Democrats to vote with them to obtain a two thirds majority to override the veto. The Racial Justice Act allows death row inmates to use statistical evidence to argue that racial discrimination was a major factor in the sentence.
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Bachmann Suspends Campain

2012-01-04T12:13:00.001-05:00

Republican Michele Bachmann has suspended her 2012 presidential campaign. Bachmann announced her decision a little after 11:00 a.m. this morning. Bachmann cancelled a campaign trip to South Carolina this morning prior to the announcement.
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Mobile Home Destroyed By Fire

2012-01-04T07:40:00.001-05:00

Fire destroyed a mobile home Tuesday afternoon in the Salem area of Morganton. Firefighters arrived at the home on Don Johnson Road at 3:30 p.m. to find the front of the mobile home engulfed in flames. No one was at home at the time of the fire, and no one was injured. The family who was living inside the home was in the process of being evicted, and it is unknown if the family had already moved out.
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Fire Destroys Lenoir Home

2012-01-04T07:36:00.001-05:00

A fire destroyed a home in Lenoir Tuesday morning. Firefighters responded to the home on Broadway Street at 4:00 a.m. The house was reportedly fully engulfed when firefighters arrived. No one was injured, and damage is estimated at $170,000.

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Fire in Gamewell

2012-01-04T07:34:00.001-05:00

A fire destroyed a mobile home in Gamewell. Firefighters arrived on the scene of the fire at around 6:20 p.m. Tuesday Night to find the mobile home fully engulfed in flames. No one was at home when the fire began. The cause of the fire is currently unknown. The American Red Cross is assisting the family.

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Hit-and-Run Suspect Pleads Guilty

2012-01-04T07:30:00.001-05:00

Newton- A man who hit an Appalachian State graduate student in 2009 plead guilty in court Tuesday. Charlene Sybrant, 22, was walking on the side of the road with a friend when she was hit and killed by a vehicle. Daniel Whisnant admitted to drinking before hitting something on Highway 321. Whisnant told police he did not know what he hit until he was arrested. Whisnant was sentenced to 38 months with a maximum of 55 months in jail.

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Romney Wins Iowa By Eight Votes

2012-01-04T07:24:00.001-05:00

Mitt Romney was able to win the Iowa Caucasus by eight votes Tuesday Night. The official vote was Romney 30,015 and Rick Santorum 30,007. Santorum was polling in single digits just last week. Both candidates received 25% of the vote. Ron Paul came in third place with 21% of the vote.

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