From
To
Breaking
Burke commissioners unanimously appointed Spruce Pine native Morgan Buchanan as the new Clerk to the Board at Monday's pre-agenda meeting.
Drug overdoses in Burke County dropped to their lowest level in five years in 2025, while the sheriff’s staffing shortages have nearly disappeared — two of the key public safety improvements county officials highlighted during a recent budget planning session.
Burke County Board of Elections Director Kenny Rhyne said voter participation in the primary was slightly higher than typical for an election year without major local offices such as sheriff or clerk of court on the ballot. Tuesday’s turnout exceeded his projections by several percentage points, he said.
Burke County leaders from the local to federal levels met Thursday, Feb. 19 for a networking and recognition event.
Tiny homes will now have a formal definition in Burke County’s zoning ordinance that describes what constitutes a tiny house by state standards and the stipulations to live in one.
Internal Burke County school records show planned staffing reductions through attrition, position eliminations and vacancy management as leaders deny layoffs, amid a projected $5.2 million budget shortfall and public dispute over media coverage and school board access policy.
Internal Burke County school records show planned staffing reductions through attrition, position eliminations and vacancy management as leaders deny layoffs, amid a projected $5.2 million budget shortfall and public dispute over media coverage and school board access policy.
Burke County begins 2026 with a clear challenge: civic engagement. Vote, attend meetings, stay informed, and hold leaders accountable. Infrastructure, economic development, and transparent government depend on participation. A clean slate is earned, not given.
In mid-December, commissioners will decide whether to put 12 surplus properties up for sale, and whether to amend Chapter 6 of the county’s code of ordinances regarding treatment of animals.
