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Police investigating homicide on Yanceyville St.
Greensboro, N.C. — Detectives are investigating a body found in the 3200 block of Yanceyville St. as homicide, according to a press release from the Greensboro Police Department. The victim has not yet been identified by police. Police say the victim appeared to have a gunshot wound. Officers initially received a report of a dead body around 5:38 a.m. The southbound lanes of Yanceyville St. between Guest St. and Salisbury Pl. are shut down at this time.
Human remains found in North Carolina home during search
Copyright 2019 CNN Javier Gonzalez Garcia, 47, is charged with one felony count of murder. ( Surry County Sheriff's Office) Copyright 2019 CNN Javier Gonzalez Garcia, 47, is charged with one felony count of murder. ( Surry County Sheriff's Office) Related Stories LOWGAP, North Carolina (WGHP ) - The Surry County Sheriff's Office discovered human remains Saturday while executing a search warrant at a home on 321 Bowie Lane, according to a press release from the agency.
Human remains found in Surry home, one person charged
Javier Gonzalez Garcia, 47, is charged with one felony count of murder. Javier Gonzalez Garcia, 47, is charged with one felony count of murder. LOWGAP, N.C. – The Surry County Sheriff’s Office discovered human remains while executing a search warrant at a home on Bowtie Ln, according to a press release from the agency. Detectives sent the remains to Wake Forest Baptist Hospital for autopsy and identification. The release states that police believe the remains are of a Michael Dean Martin.
Human remains found in North Carolina home during search
Copyright 2019 CNN Javier Gonzalez Garcia, 47, is charged with one felony count of murder. ( Surry County Sheriff's Office) Copyright 2019 CNN Javier Gonzalez Garcia, 47, is charged with one felony count of murder. ( Surry County Sheriff's Office) Related Stories LOWGAP, North Carolina (WGHP ) - The Surry County Sheriff's Office discovered human remains Saturday while executing a search warrant at a home on 321 Bowie Lane, according to a press release from the agency.
Human remains found in North Carolina home during search
Copyright 2019 CNN Javier Gonzalez Garcia, 47, is charged with one felony count of murder. ( Surry County Sheriff's Office) Copyright 2019 CNN Javier Gonzalez Garcia, 47, is charged with one felony count of murder. ( Surry County Sheriff's Office) Related Stories LOWGAP, North Carolina (WGHP ) - The Surry County Sheriff's Office discovered human remains Saturday while executing a search warrant at a home on 321 Bowie Lane, according to a press release from the agency.
Man airlifted after wreck on I-40 in Long View
LONG VIEW – Emergency responders airlifted a man to a Charlotte hospital after a wreck before noon on Interstate 40 westbound, half a mile before Exit 121.The man appeared to have been driving a motor scooter, but an official determination of the vehicle is pending.Long View Fire Captain Mike Cates said that the man was the only one injured when another vehicle hit the motor scooter.The helicopter transported the man to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, where he is in treatment for...
Man airlifted after accident on I-40
LONG VIEW – Emergency responders evacuated a man by air after an accident before noon on Interstate 40 westbound, half a mile before Exit 121.The man appeared to have been driving a motor scooter prior to the accident.
Hickory retiree, former programmer still tech savvy at 93
HICKORY – In modern times, computers seem a constant fact of our lives. However, in the 1950s, computers were much larger and harder to operate compared to today’s consumer electronics.This new age often leaves those who did not grow up with computers confused by smart phones and Wi-Fi. For Lib McDonald, 93, today’s smart phones and computers seem easier than the computers she programmed in 1950s, 60s and 70s.“It is all done for you now.
Catawba Valley activists, law enforcement work to address opioid crisis
CATAWBA COUNTY – Opioids are a class of drugs used to relieve pain, and when abused, it can be deadly, according to the National Institute of Health.The drugs, classified as schedule II controlled substances by the NC General Assembly, are highly addictive, which led to the current crisis.The face of this crisis is the death of 90 Americans a day.
358 animals seized at opium poppy farm in Claremont
CLAREMONT – Catawba County Animal Services removed 358 animals Wednesday from a Claremont residence where the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office had seized more than a half a billion dollars worth of opium poppies the day before, according to a press release.Law enforcement discovered the animals during Tuesday’s search. These animals include chickens, dogs and a cat.An investigation is underway to determine if the chickens were used for cockfights.
358 animals seized from opium poppy farm; state values plants at $559.5M
CLAREMONT – Catawba County Animal Services removed 358 animals Wednesday from a Claremont residence where the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office had seized more than a half a billion dollars worth of opium poppies the day before, according to a press release.Law enforcement discovered the animals during Tuesday’s search. These animals include chickens, dogs and a cat.An investigation is underway to determine if the chickens were used for cockfights.
Search warrant identifies 2nd victim as 17-year-old student; Foard teacher confesses to illicit relationship
HICKORY – Authorities released information Tuesday indicating the existence of a second student involved with a Fred T.
Reid: Investigator knocked on door, resident said ‘I guess you’re here about the opium’
CLAREMONT – The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office seized numerous opium poppy plants Tuesday from a field behind a home on Poultry Road, and Sheriff Coy Reid estimated the total value at around $500 million.The plants were growing in two patches set into rows. Narcotics agents chose Tuesday because of the rain, which CCSO Capt. Jason Reid said made the process of pulling the plants easier.The discovery of the field seems a happy accident for the sheriff’s office.
$500 million acre of opium seized in Catawba County
CLAREMONT – The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office seized a field of poppy plants Tuesday, and Sheriff Coy Reid estimates the total value is around $500 million.“This is the second one in the nation,” Coy Reid said. “One of our narcotics investigators came to the house looking for something else.
Grand Jury indicts Foard teacher on student rape charges
HICKORY – A Catawba County Grand Jury indicted a Fred T. Foard teacher Monday, who was accused of the statutory rape of a 15-year-old student.Jeb Stuart Bass, 28, of Newton, faces charges of one felony count of statutory rape and one felony count of sexual offense with a student.Bass previously appeared May 16 in Catawba County District Court on the charges. Presiding Judge Robert A.
Hickory Aviation Museum prepares for Memorial Day event
HICKORY – On May 28, the day before Memorial Day, the Hickory Aviation Museum will commemorate the holiday in an event open to the public.Don Baldwin, one of the museum’s all-volunteer staff, said more than 5,000 people have visited the museum since they switched to six days a week. The museum opened 10 years ago.Volunteer Boats Millholen said the Sunday event would feature a flag ceremony performed by U.S. Marines.
Traffic stop in Hickory leads to police standoff, 3 arrests
HICKORY — A driver ran from his car during a Thursday traffic stop conducted by Hickory Police, leading to a standoff at a residence in the 1400 block of 11th Street NW.The incident began around 11:15 a.m., when officers responded to a report of drug activity in the area. Officers stopped a vehicle leaving the area in the 1300 block of 12th Street Drive NW.The driver fled during the stop, and into a residence nearby.A standoff ensued as officers requested for the suspect to exit the home.
Hickory Police Department helps prevent tragedies with registry for people with special needs
HICKORY – For nearly two years, the Hickory Police Department (HPD) has kept a voluntary registry of Hickory residents with special needs in order to improve police interactions and prevent a situation from escalating due to a misunderstanding.HPD Chief Thurman Whisnant said he wants members of the Hickory community to be aware of the registry and for his officers to have more information when responding to calls.“We would like to have more people signed up,” Whisnant said.More than 20...
Foard teacher, coach appears in court on child rape charges
NEWTON – A Fred T. Foard teacher charged with multiple sex crimes involving a 15-year-old student at the school appeared before Judge Robert A. Mullinax in Catawba County District Court on Tuesday.Jeb Stuart Bass, 28, of Newton, faces charges of one felony count of statutory rape and one felony count of sexual offense with a student.Bass also worked as an assistant boys basketball coach and assistant football coach at the high school for four years.
Hickory-area officials meet with AG Stein to discuss opioid crisis
NEWTON – Catawba County officials, along with law enforcement from Catawba, Burke and Lincoln counties, met with N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein to discuss the growing opioid crisis facing North Carolina.The meeting is part of a series of similar meetings held across the state by Stein.“This crisis is affecting the entire state. It is in the coast, it is in the piedmont, it is in the mountains,” Stein said.
Supreme Court will not hear arguments in NC voter ID law
NEWTON – The U.S. Supreme Court announced Monday they would not hear arguments in the case of the N.C. General Assembly’s controversial voter ID law, which means the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal’s ruling striking down the law as unconstitutional will stand, according to a court order.The statement made by Chief Justice Roberts in the order points at a “blizzard of filings” in regards to “who is and who is not authorized to seek review in this court under North Carolina law.”The storm began...
Superintendent addresses student assault at St. Stephens
HICKORY – Catawba County Schools Superintendent Matt Stover said he was disappointed after learning about the recent act of violence filmed at St. Stephens High.A mother sent Channel 9 a video of a girl at the school in Hickory repeatedly punching her daughter.
Claremont blacksmith competes in national program
CLAREMONT — On a cold morning, local blacksmith Brock Martin hammers on a red-hot ax head to straighten out the blade.
Mayor Rudy Wright found dead in residence, police do not suspect foul play
HICKORY – Hickory Police Department officials confirmed at 4:25 p.m. Thursday that Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright is deceased.Police, including the HPD’s crime scene investigators, were at Wright’s residence on Ninth Avenue NW.Ministers of Wright’s church and friends gathered with his widow Donna Wright outside the home.
Long View Police, SBI shut down meth lab
LONG VIEW – The Long View Police Department shut down a “shake and bake” style meth lab Thursday morning at a residence on 26th Street SW, with the assistance of the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation.SBI agent Chip Hughes said LVPD received complaints about the residence, leading to an investigation and culminating in a search of the home.One woman, Elsie Mara Armitage, was arrested during the search on Mecklenburg County warrants.
UPDATE: Police do not suspect foul play in Hickory mayor's death
HICKORY – Hickory Police Department officials confirmed at 4:25 p.m. Thursday that Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright is deceased.Police, including the HPD’s crime scene investigators, were at Wright’s residence on Ninth Avenue NW.Ministers of Wright’s church and friends gathered with Wright’s widow outside the home.
Hickory Police investigates ‘rolling domestic’ resulting in stabbing
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NTSB releases findings in Newton helicopter crash
NEWTON – The National Transportation Safety Board released its preliminary findings Monday into the April 27 helicopter crash near Newton that sent two people to the hospital.NTSB investigators compiled information from other agencies with its own for the report, according to the report.Chesapeake Bay Helicopters operated the flight, and the crew followed proper procedure leading up to the flight.
Maiden Police officer finds, saves man with stab wounds during patrol
MAIDEN – A Maiden Police officer found a man with multiple stab wounds during a routine patrol Monday night, according to a press release issued Tuesday morning from the Maiden Police Department.MPD Officer Brandon Winstead found the man, who is in his mid-60s, with multiple knife wounds near a “secluded cul-de-sac.”EMS was called, and the man was transported to a Lincolnton-area hospital, then to Carolinas Medical center in Charlotte with life-threatening injuries.MPD Capt.
Piedmont Pathology settles False Claims Act allegation for $601,000
HICKORY – Hickory-based Piedmont Pathology agreed Tuesday to settle a case brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office claiming the business submitted false documents to Medicare and Medicaid for unnecessary medical procedures, according to a press release.The settlement was for $601,000.U.S. Attorney Jill Westmoreland Rose spoke about the settlement in the release.“Government health care programs serve a vital role in providing necessary services to the citizens of our district,” Rose said.
Woman hospitalized after collision on Highway 321
HICKORY – Catawba County EMS transported a handicapped woman Thursday afternoon from the scene of a two-car collision on U.S. Highway 321.Hickory Police Officer K. Lo said the accident occurred when a driver traveling north on 321 collided with the woman’s car as she attempted to make a left turn onto Old Lenoir Road.Initially, the woman did not complain about any injuries, but later requested medical attention.
Pickup truck flips on Airport Rhodhiss Road
HICKORY – A man was taken to a local hospital after he ran off the road and his Ford pickup truck flipped on its top Wednesday afternoon.The wreck occurred on Airport Rhodhiss Road in the eastern part of the county and Burke County EMS transported the driver to Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge - Valdese Campus for evaluation.Drowning Creek Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene, and Firefighter Melissa Tucker said the driver had been moving and talking prior to EMS taking the...
Pickup truck flips on Airport Rhodhiss Road
HICKORY – Burke County EMS transported the driver of a Ford pickup truck Wednesday after the vehicle rolled over on Airport Rhodhiss Road.Drowning Creek Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene.
Triple murder suspects Cumberlander, Hansen in court, DA Learner seeks death penalty
NEWTON – District Attorney David Learner announced in court Monday his office will seek the death penalty against the defendants in the April 7 shooting outside of J.
Judge lowers bond of Maiden man charged with sex crimes against his children
NEWTON – A man charged with multiple felony counts of sexual offense appeared in Catawba County Superior Court on Monday before Judge Lisa C.
Volunteers renovate Cooperative Christian Ministries thrift store
HICKORY – Volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and various local churches came together Thursday to construct several sorting tables for the Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry’s thrift store, located on First Avenue SE.Steven Fee, one of the volunteers, said the team would construct eight tables of varying sizes. Future volunteers will use the tables to sort particular categories of donations, such as clothing or books.“Some of us are part-time carpenters.
Hickory Game Shop to host International Tabletop Day event
HICKORY – A recently opened board game store in Hickory will hold a day of gaming Saturday as part of International Tabletop Day, storeowners Adam and Holly McDaniel said Thursday afternoon.Adam McDaniels explained International Tabletop Day began around four years ago, started by actor-turned blogger Wil Wheaton’s Geek and Sundry website.Holly McDaniel said they plan to fit at least seven tables in the store, each with a different game.
Witness says pilot kept saying 'I tried to miss the house’ after helicopter crash clips roof, foundation of Newton home
NEWTON – A helicopter carrying two people crashed Thursday afternoon near the corner of Sigmon Dairy Road and McKay Farm Road in Newton after experiencing engine trouble, Catawba County emergency coordinator Karyn Yaussy said.The pilot avoided the roads, overhead power lines and directly hitting the house to crash on the lawn.
First Citizens bank heist nets $1.5K, Newton Police continues search for suspect
NEWTON – Newton Police are investigating a bank robbery that occurred Wednesday morning at First Citizens Bank on South College Avenue.NPD Chief Donald Brown said the suspect presented a bag to a teller and asked them to fill the bag.No weapon was shown and no one was injured in the robbery, Brown said.“All we know right now is that we had a black male with a thin build, wearing a yellow coat, come in and demand money,” Brown said.
Viral video of Bunker Hill High School attack under investigation
CATAWBA COUNTY – A viral video displaying a Bunker Hill High School student repeatedly striking another student is under investigation by school officials and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, according to a release from Catawba County Schools.“Catawba County Schools prohibits all forms of bullying, harassment and physical assault and takes these matters seriously,” the release states. “Please be assured that this matter was addressed immediately.
Nearly $350K stolen in Hickory during first 3 months of 2017
HICKORY – During the first three months of 2017, nearly $350,000 in property was stolen from local businesses and residents, according to Hickory Police incident reports.The numbers are estimates of the stolen property’s value by police officers included in the incident reports.
Police searching for suspect after Newton's First Citizens Bank robbery
NEWTON – Newton Police are investigating a bank robbery that occurred Wednesday morning at First Citizens Bank on South College Avenue.NPD Chief Donald Brown said the suspect presented a bag to a teller and asked them to fill the bag.No weapon was shown and no one was injured in the robbery, Brown said.“All we know right now is that we had a black male with a thin build, wearing a yellow coat, come in and demand money,” Brown said.
Foothills Veterans Stand Down offers veterans services, fellowship
HICKORY – Foothills Veterans gathered at Catawba Valley Community College’s Tarlton Complex on Friday for their sixth “Stand Down” event – an opportunity to provide goods and services to veterans in need.These services included medical care, dental care, food, tax assistance and even haircuts.
DA Learner rules February shooting by Hickory Police justified
NEWTON – District Attorney David Learner ruled the Feb. 3 shooting of a suspect by the Hickory Police as justified, according to a press release issued Thursday.The shooting occurred while HPD attempted to serve a no-knock search warrant at the residence of William David Whetstone, 33.
DA Learner rules February shooting by Hickory Police justified
NEWTON – District Attorney David Learner ruled the Feb. 3 shooting of a suspect by the Hickory Police as justified, according to a press release issued Thursday.The shooting occurred while HPD attempted to serve a no-knock search warrant at the residence of William David Whetstone, 33.
Former District Attorney Gaither settles workplace harassment lawsuit
STATESVILLE – A civil case alleging workplace harassment by former District Attorney Jay Gaither against former Assistant District Attorney Whitney Shaffer reached a settlement Tuesday, according to information from the U.S. District Court’s electronic case filing system.The settlement conference occurred before Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. in Statesville. The court sealed the monetary value of the settlement.Gaither declined to comment on the settlement.
HOMICIDE NO. 5: Newton man appears in court on murder charge
NEWTON – The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Newton man Tuesday morning in connection to the Monday afternoon shooting death of Eric D. Goode, of Claremont, according to a press release.Daniel Eric Campbell, 46, of Newton, is charged with one felony count of murder.Deputies responded to a Hamlett Drive residence in Claremont around 4:20 p.m. on Monday.
Taylorsville firefighter dies at station from medical condition
TAYLORSVILLE – A firefighter with the Central Alexander Fire Department died Monday while at the CAFD station in Taylorsville, according to a press release from Alexander County Emergency Management.Alexander County Emergency Management spokesperson Karyn Yaussy said Eric ‘Bubba’ Pennell's death was due to a medical condition.Pennell, 49, served with the CAFD for 31 years and worked as a 911 telecommunicator with the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office for 12 years.Pennell’s family issued a...
Retired student resource officer from Claremont plans to return to the schools
CLAREMONT – After 21 years as a Catawba County deputy, Butch Cloninger, 65, of Claremont, retired Feb.
Newton man charged in Claremont shooting appears in court
NEWTON – The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Newton man Tuesday morning in connection to the Monday afternoon shooting death of Eric D. Goode, of Claremont, according to a press release.Daniel Eric Campbell, 46, of Newton, is charged with one felony count of murder.Deputies responded to a Hamlett Drive residence in Claremont around 4:20 p.m. on Monday.
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