Independence Day is just around the corner and local and state authorities are doing their parts in encouraging residents to take extra precaution when setting off fireworks.

Burns Whitaker of Denver has been hired as the new public works director for Lincoln County.

A grant aimed at raising gang awareness and prevention was recently awarded to Lincoln County by the Governor’s Crime Prevention Council.

Area agencies recently teamed up with CSX Railroad Police in an operation to stop all-terrain vehicles from trespassing on CSX property.

A Mount Holly man was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly led deputies on a brief foot chase following a traffic stop.

Authorities are asking for the public’s help in providing information regarding two all-terrain vehicle thefts from a Lincolnton residence.

Sheriff’s Detective Sally Dellinger said the thefts occurred June 25 from a home on N.C. 150 East.

Larry Seagle has quit as public information officer for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

The Times-News has confirmed this with a growing number of sources who have asked not to be named, despite the lack of any official word on the subject from Sheriff Tim Daugherty or his staff.

Despite budget cuts across the board, Lincoln County will have plenty of fireworks and fun this holiday weekend.

While students are off enjoying summer vacation, construction workers are toiling away at Lincoln County’s schools.

Jimmy Perkins felt like he was losing his family.

For the past nine years, Perkins spent days, nights and weekends at the East Lincoln Rescue Squad. He was the squad’s chief for the last five years.

The volunteers became a family that enjoyed hosting cook-outs, swapping rescue stories and playing pool when they were not responding to emergencies. But on Tuesday, the rescue squad, the family Perkins loved so much, split up.