Three people died, including an off-duty Wilkes Sheriff’s Office deputy, as a result of a two-vehicle collision on Red White and Blue Road in Roaring River about 7 p.m. Friday.

Clay County Sheriff’s Office says both directions of Interstate 35 is back open in Liberty Friday afternoon following an armed standoff.

The cause of death of one of the hikers who died on Katahdin was confirmed by officials Thursday.

Abby Eden and her family are celebrating the arrival of baby Augustine, joining two big brothers and a big sister who helped announce his “breaking news” over the winter.