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Top Stories

Burke County Schools provide support and incentives to retain educators

Beginning Teacher of the Year Cassidy Upton, who teaches art at Mountain View Elementary School, engages with her students.
Look up the word “attrition” in a dictionary and you will find the following definition: “a reduction or decrease in numbers, size, or strength.”  But read a little further, and you’ll …
The annual Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association (EMGVA) Plant Sale kicked off on Saturday, April 27, from 8 a.m. to noon. The sale hosted a variety of plants from succulents, fruits & veggies, and various flowers.
The annual Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association (EMGVA) Plant Sale kicked off on Saturday, April 27, from 8 a.m. to noon. The sale hosted a variety of plants from succulents, fruits & …
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Residents at Grace Ridge Retirement Community donated needed household and toiletry items to the domestic abuse shelter operated by Options.
Residents of Morganton’s Grace Ridge Retirement Community celebrated National Volunteer Week in a very meaningful way — gathering supplies for use by Options Inc., a local domestic violence and …
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Charlie Watts

Valdese Quote Book: Council Budget Review

Tensions among the council members were high during the Council Budget Review on Monday night as they addressed how to tackle the half-million-dollar deficit.  The council previously voted …
Focus on Local News

BUCM finds new home in former Food Lion on East Fleming

For more than a year, Burke United Christian Ministries steadfastly prayed for a new home. That prayer was finally answered earlier this week. The mission, which has offered food, support, and …

Providing safety and ensuring fun, thanks to Morganton Public Safety

Throughout the 12-concert TGIF series, more than 10,000 people are expected to descend upon the Historic Burke County Courthouse Square this summer.  Soul Watt kicks off the season Friday, May …

5% employee raise intact, cuts made to reduce deficit

Valdese Town Council found itself at odds over the best ways to lower the property tax rate to 41.5 cents while at the same time maintaining “essential services,” and health insurance coverage …

BCSO has made 425 arrests so far in 2024

Burke County residents know that they can depend on the Burke County Sheriff’s Office to handle the job, but what, exactly, do our sheriff deputies do?  To a room of senior citizens during a …
Yard sale items of all description will be sold at Wags to Riches, which is set to open May 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Friends for Animals opens thrift shop to support its mission

Burke County folks are generous when it comes to charities like Friends for Animals, so much so, in fact, that it can be a little overwhelming sometimes for those who volunteer. In addition to …
Voters listen to gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein last week at Burke County Democratic Headquarters in Morganton.

Teacher pay, voter rights priorities for Stein

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein’s visit to Morganton last week included a significant amount of rallying the troops for this fall’s general election, but Stein touched on a number …
Police & Fire
The court-appointed attorney for a former Burke teacher accused of numerous child sex offenses said he needs help with the complicated case. Attorney Wayne Clontz told presiding Judge Daniel Kuehnert …
Morganton man arrested, banned from all city parks after attempted knife assault  After a Morganton man threatened three juveniles with a knife, his arrest and issued charges were followed by a …
Education
Around 200 athletes will soon gather for Burke County Special Olympics' Spring Games. This year's competition, however, isn’t the only exciting thing happening with Special Olympics - two new …
Many people are lucky if they have one meaningful, satisfying career. Bill Poteat, retired educator and editor of The Paper, said he’s been fortunate to have had two. "Many people go through life …
Each week, New Dimensions Charter School names students who exemplify the school's Warrior spirit: We Are Responsible, Respectful, Insightful, Organized, Relentless Students.  Students honored …
Pets
Nash: This handsome orange boy is ridiculously cute and excited to meet you. He is good with other cats. Nash is very sweet, enjoys being petted and of course treats and toys. Nash is about 1 year old.

Nash: This handsome boy is ridiculously cute and excited to meet you

Nash is good with other cats, very sweet, enjoys being petted and of course treats and toys. Nash is about 1 year old and waiting for you at Burke Animal Services in Morganton.

Obituaries
Josephine A. DiSanto
Josephine A. DiSanto
Josephine A. (Savignano) DiSanto, 97, passed away peacefully in her home on April 19, 2024. Born October 13, 1926, in Derby, Connecticut, she was the daughter of the late Ermini J. and Josephine …
Martha J. Lane
Martha Jane Lane, 75, of Morganton, N.C., passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024. She was born on December 20, 1948, in Burke County to the late Jesse Daniel Lane and Margaret Cobb Lane. She was a …
Larry E. Branch
Larry E. Branch
Mr. Larry Eugene Branch, 72, of Morganton, passed away peacefully, with his loving family by his side, on Monday March 18, 2024, at Amorem, Burke Hospice , after a period of declining health. Mr. …
William Ronald Gardner
William Ronald Gardner, M.D., FACS, aged 86, passed away on March 16, 2024, at Frye Regional Medical Center with all of his family at his side. Dr. Gardner was born on December 13, 1937, in …
Yates S. Palmer Jr.
Yates S. Palmer Jr.
Yates Shuford Palmer Jr., 85, beloved husband, brother and friend of many,  passed away peacefully with his wife Diana by his side on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at Carolina Medical Center in …
Sports

Alex Bock enjoying the best stretch of his golfing life

Freedom senior golfer Alex Bock shot rounds of 66 or lower three times at three different courses in a five-day span last week. Bock is now a four-time Northwestern 3A/4A Conference individual champion, having led his Patriots to the team title each season as well.
Freedom High School senior Alex Bock had accomplished more in his first three years than most prep golfers do in four years. But he’s taken his game to a whole new level this spring. Bock on Monday …

Bock, Freedom repeat as county golf champions

Freedom's Alex Bock watches his drive on the par 5 12th hole at Silver Creek Golf Club during Wednesday's Burke County championship event. Bock shot a 2-under par 70 for his second straight county title (and seventh win this season) as the Patriots also repeated as team champions.
Senior Alex Bock enjoyed a sensational week of golf as he repeated as Burke County individual champion and helped Freedom to a second team county crown in as many seasons on Wednesday at Silver Creek …

Draughn’s Dula to continue football career at Lenoir-Rhyne

Draughn senior Nigel Dula on April 19 signed with Lenoir-Rhyne University to play football. Seated with Dula are his brother Mason Lytle, his mother Dawn Branch, and his father Seth Dula. Standing (from left to right) are Draughn assistant football coach Chris Cozort and Draughn athletic director Eric Shehan, Tristan Hines, Michelle Hines, Allena Hines, and Dula's middle school coach Stephen Hines, Draughn athletic trainer Ali Miller, and Draughn head football coach Chris Powell.
Draughn senior Nigel Dula made his college decision on April 19, signing his letter of intent to play football at Lenoir-Rhyne University this fall. One of the most accomplished running backs in …

Bock wins Mimosa Hills junior club championship

Alex Bock won Mimosa Hills Golf Club's 2024 Frank Bowers Junior Club Championship on Sunday, finishing as the only golfer under par in the 11-player boys field (ages 14-18). Bock continued an amazing …

McGinnis ‘excited’ to be part of Valdese Rec Department

Chipper McGinnis grew up in Rutherford County, but is hoping to make Burke County his long-term home after recently becoming the new athletic programs supervisor at the Valdese Parks and Recreation …
More Local Sports
Starting pitchers Blake McElyea (right) and Tate Jensen (left) have teamed with catcher Logan McGee (center) in a dominant season for the battery mates as the Draughn baseball team chases its third consecutive Western Highlands 1A/2A Conference championship.
BATTERY'S FULL: Draughn baseball veteran pitchers, catcher leading the way in WHC three-peat bid
The Draughn baseball team’s battery was expected to be its strength from day one this season. It has been. Maybe even more than anyone could have imagined. Entering this week, Wildcats starting …
Table Rock's Ryder Huffman (right) and Christian Lawhon compete in the 1600 meters during Tuesday's Foothills Athletic Conference championship meet at McDowell High School. The Falcons' boys team finished first to collect the school's first FAC team title since 2017.
Table Rock boys win first FAC track title since 2017
The Foothills Athletic Conference held its annual middle school track and field championship meet on Tuesday at McDowell High School, and when all was said and done, the Table Rock boys team and the …
Valdese native and East Burke alum Tyler Shatley on April 19 re-signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars to start his second decade in the NFL.
Shatley re-signs with Jaguars to start 2nd NFL decade
Valdese native and East Burke High School 2009 graduate Tyler Shatley will be back in the NFL this fall. Shatley on April 19 re-signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the only pro team for which he …
East Burke's KJ Byrd takes flight in the boys long jump event at the Odell Williams Invitational meet in Icard on April 13. Byrd won three events as the Cavalier boys topped the 15-team field.
Byrd, EB boys dominate host track meet
Behind three wins and a second-place finish from senior KJ Byrd, the East Burke boys track and field team topped 14 other squads to win its host Odell Williams Invitational meet on April 13. Byrd won …
Table Rock's Eli Trantham pitches during Tuesday's home baseball game against Liberty.
Table Rock baseball completes season sweep of Liberty
The Table Rock Middle School baseball team had a busy schedule this week, playing three Foothills Athletic Conference games in three days, and despite suffering losses on Wednesday and Thursday, the …
Arts & Entertainment

VanNoppen speaks at Author's Luncheon

The Paper's Publisher, Allen VanNoppen, was the speaker at the annual Author's Luncheon sponsored by the Burke County Friends for the Library. The sold-out event was held at the First Baptist Church …

Old Colony Players transport audiences to 'Margaritaville'

Rachel Wyatt and Dylon Vogler play the lead roles, Rachel and Tully, in
If you use your imagination, you can feel the tropical breeze, smell the sunscreen in the air and hear the chatter of “all of those tourists, covered with oil.”  If you’re a fan of the …

Explore the healing power of hobbies

During the month of May, Brandi Silver, FCS Agent with the Burke County Cooperative Extension office, is rolling out something exciting: Discover May: Explore New Hobbies for Mental Wellness. It's …

Artists have opportunities in Valdese to create, display their works

The popularity of Open Studio offered on Thursdays at the Rock School Arts Foundation has grown to the point that a second studio time has been added to the weekly schedule. RSAF has provided....
Cinco de Mayo

Olé! Las Salsas prepares for festive fiesta

A Cinco de Mayo feast awaits customers at Las Salsas Mexican Restaurant in Morganton. Guacamole, chicken fajitas, and specialty margaritas are just some of the treats guests will enjoy.
David Valdez and his staff are gearing up for a big day. Morganton’s Las Salsas restaurant will have extra wait staff, bartenders, dishwashers and line cooks in place for one of the eatery’s most popular days of the year, Cinco de Mayo…

Q&A with resident wine expert John Zimmerman

This month, we’re diving into YOUR questions about wine. I selected four questions that were sent to me to answer this month. I welcome your future questions for future FAQ articles. You can reach …

Make your own Sizzling Chicken Fajitas, Guacamole and Jalapeno Margaritas!

Sizzling chicken fajitas are a customer favorite, not only on Cinco de Mayo, but every day, at Las Salsas.

Chicken Fajitas INGREDIENTS (per serving) 12 oz. chicken, cut in strips 7 oz. assorted vegetables, including zucchini, onion, and bell peppers Oil Tortillas INSTRUCTIONS Cook Chicken: In a large …

Burke Business

Morganton Streetscape Project: State comes through with $850K grant for Morganton

Sweeping changes to the streetscape of North Green Street in Morganton are likely over the next several years.
The City of Morganton’s North Green Street Streetscape Project continues to ease on down the road and may be ready to enter the bidding phase by the end of the year. The city learned last week it …
The pedestrian alley that runs between Elm Salon and Toasted and Rolled will be closed for a time due to construction in the area.

Downtown construction closes parking lot and adjacent alleys

A parking lot closure will affect motorists and pedestrians in downtown Morganton, the city said this week. Renovations and utility upgrades at the 100 Block of West Union Street began earlier in the …
If you're headed for outdoor adventure in Nature's Playground, Foothills Gear Garage can help.

Foothills Gear Garage provides options for local shoppers

Burke County calls itself “Nature’s Playground” and Foothills Gear Garage offers everything the outdoor enthusiast needs to make the most of the gifts Mother Nature offers in the foothills of …
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Opinion
Editorials
The Paper recently learned that Sen. Warren Daniel, who represents Burke County in the N.C. General Assembly, is poised to introduce a bill that would shift municipal elections in Morganton from …
Columns
<center>Allen VanNoppen</center>

Old-timer's tale trumps town tiff and the Rook stays the Rook

It was big news, BIG news. Hot-to-trot news for this young cub reporter who was in a hurry to get back to the newsroom and toss a fuzzy-bunny, feel-good feature story off the front page with my …
<center>Bill Poteat</center>

I'd rather pay alimony than eat fried baloney

Let the record show, in the beginning, that I am and always have been a big fan of baloney. No, not the stuff spouted by politicians, TV evangelists, crooked insurance operators, and used car …
<center>Bill Poteat</center>

Life ain't nothing but a deadhead expense

Saturday, April 13, 2024, was a darned-near perfect day in my life — right up until the moment the phone rang at about 7:45 p.m. My bride and I had made a quiet and uneventful drive from our home …
General Columnists
Christina Crim, MS, LCMHC, NCC
What exactly is mental health and why does it matter?
The topic of mental health has been at the forefront of many conversations in recent years. Whether connected with family struggles, veterans’ support, children's development, homelessness, etc., …
<center>Saydie Bean</center>
For this Gen Z graduate, Burke's housing crisis is very real
If you have been keeping up with Burke County news or have recently talked with any frustrated young adult, our beloved Nature’s Playground is squarely in the midst of a housing crisis.  This …
Polly Cooper's help proved invaluable to the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
Polly Cooper proved a savior for Washington's army at Valley Forge
EDITOR’S NOTE: This vignette is an educational moment in American history.  It is about those who made a difference during the Revolutionary War era and how they served our country. During the …
<center>Henry Beall</center>
How are hugely popular AI programs going to be used in our schools?
ChatGPT came out almost exactly a year and a half ago. Created by OPENAI, ChatGPT was the first of its kind and has exploded in popularity, bringing in 1.6 billion visits per month. That is almost …
<center>Christopher Pedro</center>
Creative Minds: Exploring the arts at NCSSM-Morganton
Growing up, my sister was an active participant in gymnastics and ballet. She would perform at the CoMMA and practice her dances at home. I was never much of an “artsy” person growing up. I …
Special sections & reports
The face of the Confederate soldier who has stood watch over downtown Morganton on the Historic Courthouse Square for more than a century.
Series: Morganton Confederate Monument debate
Many aspects of the controversial issue.
The giant sinkhole next to the Morganton Post Office remains a threat to both nearby roads and to the Catawba River.
Sinkhole Watch
The enormous sinkhole in the parking lot of the Morganton Post Office was a ticking time bomb with the potential to spark an ecological and transportation disaster.
This small amount represents a lethal dose of fentanyl.
Lethal doses
Fentanyl deaths skyrocket as use of powerful synthetic opioid increases...
Revered Paul Carlson of Calvary Lutheran Church picks up trash at an abandoned campsite used by unsheltered folks. Community volunteers helped clean up portions of the site, located behind the Morganton Heights Shopping Center, in April. The problem of homelessness was The Paper's top story of 2023.
Burke County's unsheltered
Evicted. Foreclosed. Kicked out. There are many reasons why there are homeless people and families in Burke County without permanent homes.
Left to right, top row: Morganton Mayor Ronnie Thompson, Burke County Manager Brian Epley, Drexel Mayor Dennis Anthony. Bottom row: Rutherford College Mayor Yates Jensen, Valdese Mayor Charlie Watts and  Glen Alpine Mayor Bob Benfield.
Who's in charge in your municipality?
Check out our profiles of local mayors and community leaders and learn about the people who manage your local government in Burke County.
Learn about The Paper
Frequently asked questions

Welcome to The Paper!

We are delighted to introduce The Paper, a full-fledged community newspaper that is dedicated to only local news. Published on Saturdays, The Paper is owned locally, managed locally, written locally, and wholly dedicated to Burke County’s people, places, schools, businesses, sports, activities, entertainment, governments, and celebrations. READ MORE  
Profiles of our team

Meet our experienced team at The Paper

The Paper published its first edition on Feb. 4, 2023. Shown above is the current staff, from left: Marty Queen, Sandra Wilkerson Queen, Allen VanNoppen, Pam Walker, Lisa Price, Paul Schenkel, Saydie Bean, Bill Poteat, Lilly Brown, Angela Copeland, Janina Linens, Josh McKinney, and Devan Berry.
With the goal of providing Burke County with comprehensive, fresh, thorough, and responsible local news, The Paper has staffed its reporting and advertising teams with a fantastic blend of …