Along any given street in Burke County, drivers pass a plethora of houses, churches, and businesses, all with signs congratulating graduates and celebrating the successes of students across the county.

Last Monday, Jan. 5, three separate guardians took the stand in district court, facing charges for their children’s truancy. One guardian, a grandmother, left the courtroom in handcuffs and spent the night in jail.

A collection of Wild West-clad Board of Education (BOE) members met for their monthly work session this past week, donning cowboy hats and cowhide vests in the spirit of Halloween.

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) recently rolled out eight “Pillars of Excellence” for public schools in the state to work toward with the intention of being the best in the country by 2030.

The North Carolina Education Lottery (NCEL) surpassed $1 billion for the third consecutive year — a financial phenomenon with ripple effects in Burke County Pre-Ks, college scholarships, and school development debts.